[Better than Samsung Dive][App] TheftAware 2.0 - Galaxy S II Themes and Apps

For a professional review, listing ALL of the amazing features of this app, please go here:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/1...ion-weve-seen-to-date-really-hands-on-review/
Lots of people seem to be having problems with Samsung Dive, I for one was one of them. Well I found this app, and it's fantastic, period.
I love, and I mean REALLY love, my Samsung Galaxy S2, it's an incredible phone, and if I was to lose it, I wouldn't know what the hell to do. I believe this app to be 10* better than Samsung Dive, even if it works for you.
---Before you do this---------------------------------------------------------
Root Permissions Is Recommended, why? Because:
This will make GPS location tracking enabled if wifi can't be connected.
This will make the app be installed as a System app, protecting it from Factory Resets.
This will save the data of the app, Protecting it even further from Factory Resets.
And a few other things.
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Also, Before you install this app: TURN "Remote Controls" OFF: The may see this enabled, forcing them to turn the phone off and dispose of it, making it irretrievable.
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Samsung Dive Features:
Call Phone
Wipe Phone
Locate Phone
Track Phone
Turn On Alarm
(Un)Lock Phone
Theft Aware Features:
100% Invisible
99% (Un)Uninstallable
Track Phone
Lock Phone
Wipe Phone
Update: Get: IMEI, area code, carrier, network, owner name, Signal Strength, CellID, New IMSI.
Opened via the Phone Dialer with a user specified code.
Auto-Check for updates.
Custom Lock Text - Give the theif some **** .
More features coming within future updates.
See, the poblems with Samsung Dive is:
1. The remote controls option, the thief will see this, they will then know that the phone can be traced, so they'll dispose of it.
2. It isn't invisible, in fact, it's quite visible; When the phone is getting tracked, the GPS icon is not hidden, and "Connecting to server" notifications pop up, alerting the thief.
3. It doesn't always worlk. Ive seen countless threads complaining about this.
The problems with Theft Aware: None. Nada. Zilch. It's cheap, extremely cheap considering what you get, would you risk your device's safety for just 3 pounds? (Bound to device licence)? I wouldnt, In fact, I didn't - I bought the app just 5 minutes ago .
Oh, by the way, there's a 70% off limited discount for a limited time.
There's also a free 7 day trial, so you can test the app to its maximum ability.
So give it a try, it's an incredible app. Oh, and it's also created by Avast! - The creators of the best antivirus ever created.
Ok, that's enough Bumming the app, I'll shut up now and let you check it out. Thank you.
https://www.theftaware.com/

Avast! - The creators of the best antivirus ever created.
hahaha roflmfao avast hmmmm enuff said says it all about the app then
my granny has no teeth she gives the best BJ every
plz donate me a beer !!!

DJBoxer said:
Avast! - The creators of the best antivirus ever created.
hahaha roflmfao avast hmmmm enuff said says it all about the app then
my granny has no teeth she gives the best BJ every
plz donate me a beer !!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Opinions are opinions. Personally I love Avast! But seriously, weather you like them or hate them, you should really try out the app.

One observation. When you lock it with dive as long as they are using samsung roms you can mess with the thief, on theft aware you just reflash rom and poof, it's gone. Chalk one up for the dive.
And how is custom lockscreen message and alarm not alerting the thief?
Bottom line is if you have professional and smart thief you're fckd anyways and if your phone is stolen by an idiot then dive will do just as well.
Sent from my GT-I9100

Idan73 said:
One observation. When you lock it with dive as long as they are using samsung roms you can mess with the thief, on theft aware you just reflash rom and poof, it's gone. Chalk one up for the dive.
And how is custom lockscreen message and alarm not alerting the thief?
Bottom line is if you have professional and smart thief you're fckd anyways and if your phone is stolen by an idiot then dive will do just as well.
Sent from my GT-I9100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom lock screen is optional, it's useful if you've got the location of the phone.
Whereas a factory reset will render dive useless.
Yeah you're absolutely right, but I doubt a thief from a council estate will be a pro either way.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

Related

Avg/lookout etc.

Would you guys say that mobile security apps are worth the storage space? I have the 2 mentioned in the title and was wondering if I need them or are they pointless?
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
I use kaspersky but only cause it free with barclays bank
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
I wonder if they are pointless though?
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
They are pretty much pointless.
The best use Android virus scanners have had is giving iPhone trolls some content when they try to speak on behalf of a "rampant security threat" that they want to pretend is a flaw of Android when taking advantage of people as oblivious as themselves.
TLRtheory said:
They are pretty much pointless.
The best use Android virus scanners have had is giving iPhone trolls some content when they try to speak on behalf of a "rampant security threat" that they want to pretend is a flaw of Android when taking advantage of people as oblivious as themselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't have agreed more. They say you're a higher security risk if your phone is rooted or if you download apps illegally; but even with my Moto Droid I never encountered viruses, malware, etc... So I found having the 'extra security' was somewhat pointless and a waste of app space.
Will uninstall both now, thanks!
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
I consider Avast! Mobile Security worth the install space for its Antitheft features alone. I've used a few other standalone antitheft apps, but none I've seen does it so well.
It works best with Root, it disguises itself and hides, you can remotely control certain aspects of your phone via SMS including; SIM whitelist and alert on SIM change, lockout certain areas of the system, complete wipe of phone and SD memory, GPS location.. etc.
While there's never any guarantee that you'll ever get your phone back if lost or stolen, it might just pay to be proactive.
I think it's worth a look:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&hl=en
ZetanBloodline said:
I consider Avast! Mobile Security worth the install space for its Antitheft features alone. I've used a few other standalone antitheft apps, but none I've seen does it so well.
It works best with Root, it disguises itself and hides, you can remotely control certain aspects of your phone via SMS including; SIM whitelist and alert on SIM change, lockout certain areas of the system, complete wipe of phone and SD memory, GPS location.. etc.
While there's never any guarantee that you'll ever get your phone back if lost or stolen, it might just pay to be proactive.
I think it's worth a look:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I use kaspersky for those features
-------------------------------------------
Fma965 - ForgottenCoders
http://forgottencoders.co.uk
Thanks
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
ZetanBloodline said:
I consider Avast! Mobile Security worth the install space for its Antitheft features alone. I've used a few other standalone antitheft apps, but none I've seen does it so well.
It works best with Root, it disguises itself and hides, you can remotely control certain aspects of your phone via SMS including; SIM whitelist and alert on SIM change, lockout certain areas of the system, complete wipe of phone and SD memory, GPS location.. etc.
While there's never any guarantee that you'll ever get your phone back if lost or stolen, it might just pay to be proactive.
I think it's worth a look:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I am going to give Avast a shot (mainly for the remote features you mentioned). I have long suspected Lookout does little.
I use LBE Privacy Guard (it's free, needs root). It allows you to disable certain permissions for certain apps, which is awesome.
It doesn't scan for viruses and malware though. I don't have any app for that since I only install apps that I trust...
I have used several security applications. And I would strongly suggest anyone who is concerned about losing their phone and or having it stolen. Cerberus anti theft. It is awesome. The market is a 7 day trial. Then its a one time fee of $2.99. Totally worth it. Lost my phone at a store once. When to the customer service desk, no one had found it. Asked if I could use a computer. Went to the cerbertapp.com website signed in and made my phone take pictures, got the location and made it make a alarm sound. Found it less then a minute later. Fallen out of my pocket while sitting in a recliner and it has fallen in the cushions. Seriously...best app ever.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus
Sent from my R800x using xda premium

Can you lock phone settings

This seems like a pretty obvious question but all the searches I do come up with unrelated stuff about the phone lock screen but.....
Can you set some sort of pin/pattern to access the settings menu of your phone? basically so anytime someone clicks on a settings shortcut they get a prompt asking for a code to access it.
Seems like a nice and simple security measure but I can't seem to find anyway to make it possible.
Maybe this is a more general Android question than one for the GN but a GN and ICS is what I have
Look for "app protector" in the market.
Thanks but the free lite version on the market has so pretty bad reviews for it that look nasty
Honest question, why would you want to do this?
Well to stop people like my kids wiping settings like market to buy in app purchase with no pin is one example
Jezz_X said:
Well to stop people like my kids wiping settings like market to buy in app purchase with no pin is one example
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't you tell them not to do that? Otherwise they don't get to use your phone?
Seems more like a parenting issue all of the sudden..
Well that was just an example another would be to stop people resetting Google wallet if youloose your phone and have no lock screen on wake
i set a PIN password on mine (which requires you to enter a PIN every time the phone is rebooted, and i use the autolock toggle from Widgetsoid 2.x Donate to temporarily disable the PIN lock when i'm in a safe area like at home for instance (no kids here). the PIN is restored by the OS if the phone is rebooted.
i dunno about the GNex, but on my Moto phone, you can bypass apps like App Protector by rebooting the phone into safe mode. that's not a risk with my method, access is controlled by the OS as long as the PIN is not temporarily disabled.
You really should be setting up a phone lock AND minding who's using your phone.
For app purchases, you can setup a pin for the market if you're worried about your kids purchasing apps, but the system-wide restrictions settings are quite limited compared with the setting which iOs offers.
EP2008 said:
You really should be setting up a phone lock AND minding who's using your phone.
For app purchases, you can setup a pin for the market if you're worried about your kids purchasing apps, but the system-wide restrictions settings are quite limited compared with the setting which iOs offers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I kind of agree but some time its a pain to constantly have the screen lock on
As for app purchaces like I said above all you have to do is go into settings\apps
and clear market data and the pin code is gone and you can buy anything again
And your kids would know how to go into settings and clear cache for the market and then go buy a app?
It's simple. Don't let your kids use your phone, I don't understand why you would let them use it anyway. You give it the risk of having it being dropped / damaged / etc.
s2d4 said:
Can't you tell them not to do that? Otherwise they don't get to use your phone?
Seems more like a parenting issue all of the sudden..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You clearly have no idea about parenting. Please explain to my 14 month old how to not do that.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
zephiK said:
And your kids would know how to go into settings and clear cache for the market and then go buy a app?
It's simple. Don't let your kids use your phone, I don't understand why you would let them use it anyway. You give it the risk of having it being dropped / damaged / etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have kids so you don't understand. Why even reply.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
/*
how dare you ask a question like that?
you should not ask for an app that does things like that unless you can provide a legitimate reason with sufficient evidence supporting your claims.
you should be banned from this forum.
// ignorance end
*/
Guys please stop these kinds of useless responses. If you have an answer, a useful one of course, share it with us. If not, leave your personal suggestion to yourselves.
I bet most of you don't have kids, and apparently didn't have an answer to his request. However, instead of trying to find an app that could help the guy, you offer something you are obviously not qualified to be asked about in the first place.
Rem3Dy said:
You clearly have no idea about parenting. Please explain to my 14 month old how to not do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was a simple reply trying to figure out why the kids are doing it. It was just over an example he used.
Now you are clearly OT, however, what is a 14 months doing with your phone?
s2d4 said:
That was a simple reply trying to figure out why the kids are doing it. It was just over an example he used.
Now you are clearly OT, however, what is a 14 months doing with your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's see. My 14 month old knows how to press the power button and slide to unlock. Usually she goes straight for the camera as she says picta picta and repeatedly presses the shutter button.
Again if you were a parent you would understand.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
Rem3Dy said:
Let's see. My 14 month old knows how to press the power button and slide to unlock. Usually she goes straight for the camera as she says picta picta and repeatedly presses the shutter button.
Again if you were a parent you would understand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me ask this again, why does your 14 month old have access to a 600-700 dollar device? It is not a toy for babies.
heh Most of the unlock apps in the market do let you lock the settings so that's that problem solved guess I just think it would be a nice default in a rom

What is the best Android Anti-Theft protection?

Hi,
I am currently using Avast. It is a really powerful and cool app, which BTW I don't understand why it is free. However, Avast has too many functions. In particular Firewall, Antivirus, Shield, Privacy Advisor that I don't really need. May be I am wrong but I think it is overkill for my need. For now I am looking for a lightweight and efficient Anti-Theft protection. I would greatly appreciate any advice.
I use SeekDroid - .99 cents for a one device license. Can be used to track your device if its ever stolen. Have never lost my phone but it is always quick to locate me when I log in to their website.
Has an option to hide it from the device so would take a savvy person to remove it (with password enabled, it would require a factory reset of the device).
I don't and never have used any firewall, anti-virus or the like on my android devices. No need.
For paid-Cerberus
For free-Androidlost
2LoT said:
Hi,
I am currently using Avast. It is a really powerful and cool app, which BTW I don't understand why it is free. However, Avast has too many functions. In particular Firewall, Antivirus, Shield, Privacy Advisor that I don't really need. May be I am wrong but I think it is overkill for my need. For now I am looking for a lightweight and efficient Anti-Theft protection. I would greatly appreciate any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As of right now, Android antivirus, firewall and the like are not very useful or practical. While there is a lot of talk about the potential for Android hacking, there has yet to be any REAL noteworthy attacks. The bottom line is that until attacks actually happen, anyone that says they can protect you from them is lying. There isn't a cure for a virus that has yet to exist.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2
2LoT said:
Hi,
I am currently using Avast. It is a really powerful and cool app, which BTW I don't understand why it is free. However, Avast has too many functions. In particular Firewall, Antivirus, Shield, Privacy Advisor that I don't really need. May be I am wrong but I think it is overkill for my need. For now I am looking for a lightweight and efficient Anti-Theft protection. I would greatly appreciate any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Cerberus on my GNex and it's brilliant but I paid for it before I ever knew about Avast's mobile security app or I would have just gone with Avast instead....Like you said, it's free (I don't know why either, it's awesome!). I have it installed on a colleague's GNex and it presents no battery/memory usage issues, it runs quietly and you can simply turn off the features you don't wish to use like the antivirus/shield/pvcy advisor/firewall/call-sms blocker etc. Just use it for anti theft (that's just what my colleague uses it for). If/when you feel the need to use the anti virus ever or maybe if you ever feel like you wish to block a few pesky callers etc you can turn on/off those individual features as you choose.
Plus, if you're rooted, the anti theft really makes it hard for a crook to uninstall it even with a hard reset - you can force data connections on if the sim is ever replaced and tons of other stuff you can do to locate your phone or wipe your data remotely and make the device unusable for the bad guys. Great stuff for the heavy price of $0.00
Guiding.God said:
I have Cerberus on my GNex and it's brilliant but I paid for it before I ever knew about Avast's mobile security app or I would have just gone with Avast instead....Like you said, it's free (I don't know why either, it's awesome!). I have it installed on a colleague's GNex and it presents no battery/memory usage issues, it runs quietly and you can simply turn off the features you don't wish to use like the antivirus/shield/pvcy advisor/firewall/call-sms blocker etc. Just use it for anti theft (that's just what my colleague uses it for). If/when you feel the need to use the anti virus ever or maybe if you ever feel like you wish to block a few pesky callers etc you can turn on/off those individual features as you choose.
Plus, if you're rooted, the anti theft really makes it hard for a crook to uninstall it even with a hard reset - you can force data connections on if the sim is ever replaced and tons of other stuff you can do to locate your phone or wipe your data remotely and make the device unusable for the bad guys. Great stuff for the heavy price of $0.00
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input. If you know Cerberus and Avast, how do you compare their Anti-Theft features?
I ave used many but cerberus is the best. If the sim is changed you receive a ,message on the phones you choose when installing with the new number.
With that you can command your phone through SMS or network
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
2LoT said:
Thanks for your input. If you know Cerberus and Avast, how do you compare their Anti-Theft features?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried to play with both and to simulate scenarios of theft as best as I could in my environment. Both apps have worked extremely well and have almost similar features - the only things diff that I can see are the camera/snapshot function of Cerberus (can snap a pic or video or record sound of thief and email it to you). Other than that they are similar from what I can tell...both responded extremely quickly on all accounts (web interface to control device as well as sms commands, sim change, location retrieval, data/sd card wipe etc). Both have the ability to survive a hard/factory reset (if your phone is rooted) since they mount themselves as system files.
I haven't formatted the system to install a new rom from recovery (CWM) but I did try wiping the cache etc and they both obviously survived that. I'm not sure any app can survive a system format from recovery though even cerberus and avast. Maybe if the recovery itself was locked or password protected? Not sure.
Other than that, as I said, the only difference I have seen is the camera and microphone engaging capability of Cerberus versus the $0.00 price of Avast. I recommend either wholeheartedly but if you don't want to pay for great protection then Avast is the way to go. If you want a pic/video of a potential thief in your inbox then you should pay for Cerberus lol.
Hope this helps.
---------- Post added at 07:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:14 AM ----------
tntgdh said:
I ave used many but cerberus is the best. If the sim is changed you receive a ,message on the phones you choose when installing with the new number.
With that you can command your phone through SMS or network
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same is true of Avast as well, a sim change will trigger a silent text to your predefined number so you can control the phone via sms.
Hi Guiding.God,
That was quite an extensive benchmark you did there. Thank you for sharing your findings.
2LoT said:
Hi,
I am currently using Avast. It is a really powerful and cool app, which BTW I don't understand why it is free. However, Avast has too many functions. In particular Firewall, Antivirus, Shield, Privacy Advisor that I don't really need. May be I am wrong but I think it is overkill for my need. For now I am looking for a lightweight and efficient Anti-Theft protection. I would greatly appreciate any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While looking for an anti-theft solution I came across this post, just to let you know that you install avast, then install avast anti-theft, configure it, make sure it works by sending SMS and via the my.avast web page, then you can uninstall "avast secutiry", the anti-theft will stay there.
I don't know why they do not relase their anti-theft as a standalone version, but it works fine without avast firewall/antivirus/etc
You can launch the anti-theft config screen via an SMS if you want to modify settings too.
I use GotYa.
Cerberus ftw
Cerberus. Hands down. :laugh: Simple and straight to the point.
A gun.
Magister54 said:
While looking for an anti-theft solution I came across this post, just to let you know that you install avast, then install avast anti-theft, configure it, make sure it works by sending SMS and via the my.avast web page, then you can uninstall "avast secutiry", the anti-theft will stay there.
I don't know why they do not relase their anti-theft as a standalone version, but it works fine without avast firewall/antivirus/etc
You can launch the anti-theft config screen via an SMS if you want to modify settings too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed if u freeze or uninstall avast, the anti theft still works via sms, but the web interface does not connect.
Do you have this issue?
Cerberus! Totally worth buying
100% cerberus!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Canadoc said:
I noticed if u freeze or uninstall avast, the anti theft still works via sms, but the web interface does not connect.
Do you have this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem here, I uninstalled avast and anti-theft still works by SMS or their web interface. Dialing my PIN code works too to bring the menu.
more
Hi guys, I didn't really know where to post this so imma do it here.
Im looking for a theft protection-app that also enables me to remotely control my phone with a lock feature, wipe feature and scream feature.
I tried webkey(sorry can't post link) and it had-except for locking-all features I wanted, but found it very inconvenient to use.
I'm rooted so that's not a problem.
any suggestions?
whytunes said:
Hi guys, I didn't really know where to post this so imma do it here.
Im looking for a theft protection-app that also enables me to remotely control my phone with a lock feature, wipe feature and scream feature.
I tried webkey(sorry can't post link) and it had-except for locking-all features I wanted, but found it very inconvenient to use.
I'm rooted so that's not a problem.
any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about Google's new Android Device Manager?
a manta wrote this.

Help With Security Solution

I want to be able to granularly set the permissions for each app. From what I understand my options are:
Cyanogenmod - except CM10 for SGS2 is missing this at this time
Pdroid for GB
Pdroid 2.0 - running CM10 only
LBE (from China)
I have had Pdroid 2.0 running on CM10 for a few weeks but CM10 isn't stable - just had it auto-reboot in the middle of a call. Does anybody have any other ideas / suggestions?
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?
Mrktmind said:
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because phone security is generally easy to manage. Most apps make a good name for themselves. And many people check the security of an app as soon as it were to hit the Play Store. It doesn't mean we are young it means that we aren't dumb and know how modern technology works.
hrffd said:
Because phone security is generally easy to manage. Most apps make a good name for themselves. And many people check the security of an app as soon as it were to hit the Play Store. It doesn't mean we are young it means that we aren't dumb and know how modern technology works.[/QUOTE
I highly doubt that anyone on XDA, regardless of age, is dumb. I do believe, however, that there are quite a few younger members who could be a bit naive due to a lack of experience. Younger folks tend to take most things at face value. Just because something is free monetarily doesn't mean it isn't costing you something. Just because an app is on Play Store doesn't mean it is "secure" - especially since the Play Store (as well as Android, Google, et.al.) operate on the same business model as the apps!
Just a random example - Why would Angry Birds need my Sim Card Serial number to operate properly? Why would it need to know the phone numbers of all my incoming calls? Answer - it doesn't - in fact it doesn't need ANY of the permissions it asks for to operate properly. So why does it ask for these permissions? Answer - it is data mining your phone.
Ok, so I think most XDA members are aware of WHAT these apps are doing. My original question is WHY don't more people seem to care?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mrktmind said:
I want to be able to granularly set the permissions for each app. From what I understand my options are:
Cyanogenmod - except CM10 for SGS2 is missing this at this time
Pdroid for GB
Pdroid 2.0 - running CM10 only
LMB (from China)
I have had Pdroid 2.0 running on CM10 for a few weeks but CM10 isn't stable - just had it auto-reboot in the middle of a call. Does anybody have any other ideas / suggestions?
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe MIUI is also a viable option for this, no? You can set app permission on a "per-app" basis with MIUI security I believe.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
I tried this app a while back and it basically does what you want but it got annoying https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lbe.security.lite
I don't use these because I am very selective about what goes on my phone.
Thanks Luke!
Not very familiar with MIUI ROM's will have to look into them.
someguyatx said:
I tried this app a while back and it basically does what you want but it got annoying https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lbe.security.lite
I don't use these because I am very selective about what goes on my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this is the app I listed above - just had the initials wrong! :silly: It is a lot like pdroid but, like you, it scares me.
I have my own small business and run most of it from my phone, in the beginning I used the standard flip phone then graduated on to a touch pro 2 with Windows Mobile 6.5 as I began to accumulate massive amounts of data on my Windows Mobile phone, for some reason I still felt secure in the applications like ActiveSync that I was in control of my data.... A year ago last October I upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy s2.. this was my first real experience with Google's Android operating system. in the first few minutes of using the new phone I could see how deeply the hooks were being placed to data mine my information. I resisted at first but then came to realize if I wanted all the bells and whistles Google was offering I had to play the game... I use the security program mentioned above... maybe they should have an app were you sign a consent of exactly which data you would like to keep on your phone and not share with other people. then when you visit the play store apps that request more of your private data than you're willing to share won't show up? I would like to have an open sourced built firewall that monitors traffic, letting me choose the permissions per app as I see fit.
Mrktmind said:
Thanks Luke!
Not very familiar with MIUI ROM's will have to look into them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've ran both Adhvanlt's and Lens's JB MIUI Roms, and they're both amazing! The standard MIUI launcher feels a bit like the iphone, and there is no app drawer, but that's easily fixed by downloading [insert favorite launcher here] if you don't care for it. There's hundreds of options for customization. They are literally the most customizable ROMs you'll ever run; All of this on top of the fact that it has the security features I believe you are after baked right in to it.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Looked at two MIUI ROM's for the E4GT. Both of them have issues with Google Voice. I need Google Voice.
I am also going to try +AF (Droidwall fork) firewall tonight to see if it will work on FK23. It apparently has issues with some ICS/JB ROM's. That will at least give some protection from apps that don't need network access at all. But for apps that need network access to do their intended job it's useless. Just read last night that the developer has added profiles to +AF - that should be really cool.
I guess I'm spoiled a bit with Pdroid - it works so well and is very detailed.
Thanks for all the replies! Other suggestions, ideas, thoughts, opinions welcomed!
Mrktmind said:
I want to be able to granularly set the permissions for each app. From what I understand my options are:
Cyanogenmod - except CM10 for SGS2 is missing this at this time
Pdroid for GB
Pdroid 2.0 - running CM10 only
LBE (from China)
I have had Pdroid 2.0 running on CM10 for a few weeks but CM10 isn't stable - just had it auto-reboot in the middle of a call. Does anybody have any other ideas / suggestions?
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an app developer, I can tell you that there are some shady apps, but if you download from good devs, the permissions are *usually* necessary. Here's some examples that people question the most:
Access to contacts... Assuming it's not a contact or sms app, if any app has a "share" feature needs this permission.
Access to sd card... Any app that saves anything or lets you change a background needs this.
Read phone state... So the app can properly call the "onpause" method when a call comes in.
Access to location... Assuming it's not a location app or game like ingress or zombies!Run!, you'll typically see this on free apps that have ads. Ads allow developers to get paid for their work while keeping the app free. They don't have access to the ad data, though. They just put in the api and the ad company handles the rest.
On top of that, large organizations will seek phone specific permissions like sim card numbers for analytics.
Google makes most of its money from ads, so it reads your usage to better target ads. Google also uses location data to improve location services like maps.
If you're worried about security, don't download a random app that only has 100+ downloads. If an app has 50000+ downloads, you can rest assured that it's already been vetted.
Also if you're downloading pirated apps, you're just a moron who is opening up his world to who knows who. Many (not all) pirated apps have added data mining code.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

I didn't want to , but I went ahead and bought the Note 5

Just wanted to put this out there for some original Note fans that might have been in the same situation I was in.
I looked at the Note 5 rumors and said i would never buy it , with no removeable battery , no sd card slot and no ir blaster. I was mad that Samsung wanted to copy the iphone "elegant" look. I was even more angry at all of the previous reviewers of the Note 3 and Note 4 who constantly complained about the fake leather look.(rat bastards are the reason the note looks like it does now , most note owners I know loved the original note looks) . BUT when I went looking at the other phones out , HTC , Moto X , Sony and the like , none of them satisfied what I wanted in a phone. I am really addicted to the S pen , and use it regularly. ATT has a 14 day return policy , so I said screw it I will buy the Note 5 and give it a chance.
I am glad I did , I have only had it a few days and man , this is a nice piece of tech. I dont really care for the glass look , but what the phone does is crazy!! Fast charge really took care of the removeable battery problem(it charges insanely fast) Battery life has been great , after turning off the bloatware apps (which was simple enough with out using any app). I spoke with both ATT and the Samsung rep , who said if the battery isnt holding charge good after a year , it would be warrantied and replaced.
Next I purchased the 32gb model , but seem not not need gobs of space at this moment. I take lots of pictures for both work and play , I will just have to be more focused on getting the pictures of the phone than I was before with an added 64gb sd card. I have an otg cable that seeems to work just fine with most thumb drives , so I think I will be fine without the SD card slot.
The IR blaster , is a true loss , guess I will have to use my Note 12.2 for remote duties now.
That being said , I was worried about getting this phone , but as of now I completely love it , and most likely will keep it until the Note 6 comes out.
nuclearrage said:
Next I purchased the 32gb model , but seem not not need gobs of space at this moment. I take lots of pictures for both work and play , I will just have to be more focused on getting the pictures of the phone than I was before with an added 64gb sd card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd suggest you consider using google's new "photos" app. It will auto-upload all your photos to a private "cloud", which acts as a wonderful backup. There's an option with it that allows unlimited storage space (for free.) While that might not be as good as a huge sdcard, it also has many advantages (including the ability to access your photos from anything with a web browser without screwing around with sdcards and cables.)
I've changed phones twice in the past week and all my photos are still there and available on my phone - without cables, backups, sdcards, etc.
I think the biggest drawback with the google photo app (when being used on the note5) is that samsung doesn't tie into it with their own gallery app... so anything that's ONLY in the "cloud" won't show in the samsung gallery app.
garyd9 said:
I'd suggest you consider using google's new "photos" app. It will auto-upload all your photos to a private "cloud", which acts as a wonderful backup. There's an option with it that allows unlimited storage space (for free.) While that might not be as good as a huge sdcard, it also has many advantages (including the ability to access your photos from anything with a web browser without screwing around with sdcards and cables.)
I've changed phones twice in the past week and all my photos are still there and available on my phone - without cables, backups, sdcards, etc.
I think the biggest drawback with the google photo app (when being used on the note5) is that samsung doesn't tie into it with their own gallery app... so anything that's ONLY in the "cloud" won't show in the samsung gallery app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks , will have to check it out. I have been a little tinfoil hat on the whole cloud thing , but looks like everything is going that way.
Also , the samsung smart switch mobile app ..... THAT WAS GREAT !!!
garyd9 said:
I'd suggest you consider using google's new "photos" app. It will auto-upload all your photos to a private "cloud", which acts as a wonderful backup. There's an option with it that allows unlimited storage space (for free.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but not at the original resolution. So it's not a way to save photos whose quality you care about.
Flickr, on the other hand, lets you cloud-sync 1 TB of photos in full resolution, for free.
Gary02468 said:
Yes, but not at the original resolution. So it's not a way to save photos whose quality you care about.
Flickr, on the other hand, lets you cloud-sync 1 TB of photos in full resolution, for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are at the original resolution. Google does recompress them, but it's pretty good.. I haven't noticed any artifacts from their recompression.
garyd9 said:
They are at the original resolution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, they're not. If you upload at original resolution, you only get 15GB free at Google (compared to 1TB at Flickr).
Just look it up. Look under "How much does it cost?", and click on "Learn more":
https://support.google.com/photos/answer/6193313?hl=en
Gary02468 said:
No, they're not. If you upload at original resolution, you only get 15GB free at Google (compared to 1TB at Flickr).
Just look it up. Look under "How much does it cost?", and click on "Learn more":
https://support.google.com/photos/answer/6193313?hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go ahead and read it yourself. I'll wait for you. BTW, being this is the "note 5" forum, read it in context of the note 5. Remember that the max resolution of the note 5 camera is 16 megapixel.
Back from reading?
Good. Google photo's does NOT resize photo's that are 16 megapixel or smaller. They DO resize larger pictures to 16 megapixels. They also will probably recompress all images uploaded.
Have a nice day.
garyd9 said:
Google photo's [sic] does NOT resize photo's [sic] that are 16 megapixel or smaller.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that's not what Google says. "If the camera takes photos with 16 megapixels (MP) resolution or lower, most stored photos will essentially look the same using either storage option." (emphasis added).
If you're satisfied with "most" photos looking "essentially" the same, then I'm happy you've found a cloud option that meets your needs. But people who don't want to throw away some of their photos' detail should be warned--especially since there's an alternative free option without that drawback.
Wow.... um... if I really care about the photos, I take them with my dslr and upload to deviantArt. Phone photography is just for quick and fun stuff. After looking into it, both Google and Flickr seem fine.
I'm on the same boat with this phone, I have the Note 1, and Note 3 which I use now and the no root has me on the fence about getting it. I can live without custom roms , and custom recovery, but I don't know if I can live without rooting it, I need ad blocker and root explorer, but hey maybe we'll get lucky and get it soon.
RoloRacer on Lollipop'ed Note 3
Thread cleaned, further flaming will result in additional infractions, and thread closure.
I am on my second Note 5 and am once again experiencing a faulty device. The first device had a faulty WiFi module. This second device has these weird smudges under the screen only visible in sunlight.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
My first device was also faulty. It had a bad BlueTooth madule where the BlueTooth signal was very very week. My current device is now perfect.
roloracer said:
I'm on the same boat with this phone, I have the Note 1, and Note 3 which I use now and the no root has me on the fence about getting it. I can live without custom roms , and custom recovery, but I don't know if I can live without rooting it, I need ad blocker and root explorer, but hey maybe we'll get lucky and get it soon.
RoloRacer on Lollipop'ed Note 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with you, this phone is great except I am really missing ad blocker and root explorer. Hopefully we get this thing rooted soon. Also I was reading the note 5 will be one of the first phones to get Marshmallow.
Bootloader locked. Knox'ed up bigtime. The AT&T Note 3 I traded for the Note 5 NEVER got true root, and they blocked the "sorta" root we had with an update.
Don't want to trash anyone's hopes and dreams, but the reality of the situation is the AT&T variant is 99.9% guaranteed to NOT get rooted. So if that's what you need to make you happy, don't get the AT&T variant. If you get the AT&T variant, don't do it with a false hope it's going to get root at some point.
You can disable some of the bloat with Package Disabler Pro, and there are a couple of ad-blocking apps you can get outside of the Play Store. That's the best you're going to do.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA Free mobile app
skyman63 said:
You can disable some of the bloat with Package Disabler Pro, and there are a couple of ad-blocking apps you can get outside of the Play Store. That's the best you're going to do.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Semi-forced into a non-rooted phone for work, also at the same time my MDL firmware'd S4 started acting up, so went ahead and made the plunge. It's a cool phone, but similar to above, the initial shock is not having ad-away, root call blocker, and tasker/ti-backup, along with a few other minor issues. But, I knew going in the ATT was crazy locked down, but requiring Good Word/Good Access made it a non-issue anyway.
I've bought Package Disabler Pro, and am looking for a decent non-root call blocker solution (other than adding to contacts and assigning silent ringtone), as well as backup needs. TiBack of course is out, but I've been reading about one called Helium that does basic backing up without root. Tasker will run without root of course but you loose Secure Settings root actions ie toggling GPS, Airplane Mode, lock screen settings, etc .
Also, oddly enough this damn Good Work app can trigger non-compliance even if not rooted - still working that out but some apps will trigger a wipe even on a non-rooted phone - Chainfire's 500pics is such an app, a very cool wallpaper changer. Not sure if it's reading the app dev as Chainfire makes a lot of root apps, or if the app itself might have some root strings that aren't used but Good picks up on, or what - but it kinda sucks.
I wish there was an app list of apps known to cause issues with Good and their compliance rules - each time it triggers I have to uninstall and get a new key. Luckily out Good Admin is a good guy, he gave me several keys so I can experiment some this weekend with some apps I haven't installed yet. Tasker, I *think* will be ok as long as I don't install Secure Settings, or at least I hope so. I have a ton of Tasker work and it would really suck to not be able to use it anymore.
Another thing I'm missing is profiles, I've run CM for so long that I guess I though every rom had them, but touchwiz not so much. May have to loo at a non-root profile app if I can get Tasker going... of course without root it may not even be useful...
78Staff said:
Semi-forced into a non-rooted phone for work, also at the same time my MDL firmware'd S4 started acting up, so went ahead and made the plunge. It's a cool phone, but similar to above, the initial shock is not having ad-away, root call blocker, and tasker/ti-backup, along with a few other minor issues. But, I knew going in the ATT was crazy locked down, but requiring Good Word/Good Access made it a non-issue anyway.
I've bought Package Disabler Pro, and am looking for a decent non-root call blocker solution (other than adding to contacts and assigning silent ringtone), as well as backup needs. TiBack of course is out, but I've been reading about one called Helium that does basic backing up without root. Tasker will run without root of course but you loose Secure Settings root actions ie toggling GPS, Airplane Mode, lock screen settings, etc .
Also, oddly enough this damn Good Work app can trigger non-compliance even if not rooted - still working that out but some apps will trigger a wipe even on a non-rooted phone - Chainfire's 500pics is such an app, a very cool wallpaper changer. Not sure if it's reading the app dev as Chainfire makes a lot of root apps, or if the app itself might have some root strings that aren't used but Good picks up on, or what - but it kinda sucks.
I wish there was an app list of apps known to cause issues with Good and their compliance rules - each time it triggers I have to uninstall and get a new key. Luckily out Good Admin is a good guy, he gave me several keys so I can experiment some this weekend with some apps I haven't installed yet. Tasker, I *think* will be ok as long as I don't install Secure Settings, or at least I hope so. I have a ton of Tasker work and it would really suck to not be able to use it anymore.
Another thing I'm missing is profiles, I've run CM for so long that I guess I though every rom had them, but touchwiz not so much. May have to loo at a non-root profile app if I can get Tasker going... of course without root it may not even be useful...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got call blocker baked in the phone settings. What for do you need root call blocker. Power toggles works better for toggles.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A
ambervals6 said:
You got call blocker baked in the phone settings. What for do you need root call blocker. Power toggles works better for toggles.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually yes I just found that soon after i posted, and have added numbers from my RCB backup. That was one nice thing about RCB, you could maintain lists, etc, schedules (not that I used schedules), etc. But baked in version should work fine for my purposes.
I'll look at power toggles - My situation is somewhat odd, in that my workspace is a protected data center with zero, and I mean zero cell service, gps signal, etc -so if you don't turn those off/go into airplane mode, etc it just eats up battery, so I have tasker profiles/task that autos detect when I'm arriving/leaving/etc - it's more complicated that as I'm aslo setting variables for other conditions/tasks that may fire based on location, etc. that but I won't bore anyone. Tasker made it easy, though .
Still on my first note 5 , no trouble at all.
For call blocking if you want an app I have had great luck with call control, huge blacklist that is community driven.
I have had no trouble disabling apps in the phone itself , including the kindle app. Didn't need to download an app to turn stuff off.
TouchWiz is pretty slick this time and really doesn't bother me at all. The themer that is built in works great and I am running a great dark theme. As far as rooting goes , I am 50/50. I gave up on it cause AT&T locks the phones down hard and partly because I really don't need a custom rom anymore. Most of the things I looked for in a rom are now on the phone stock. Even got the gear s2 to go with it and still get a days use out of battery, without any special apps or root.
78Staff said:
Actually yes I just found that soon after i posted, and have added numbers from my RCB backup. That was one nice thing about RCB, you could maintain lists, etc, schedules (not that I used schedules), etc. But baked in version should work fine for my purposes.
I'll look at power toggles - My situation is somewhat odd, in that my workspace is a protected data center with zero, and I mean zero cell service, gps signal, etc -so if you don't turn those off/go into airplane mode, etc it just eats up battery, so I have tasker profiles/task that autos detect when I'm arriving/leaving/etc - it's more complicated that as I'm aslo setting variables for other conditions/tasks that may fire based on location, etc. that but I won't bore anyone. Tasker made it easy, though .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So no issues wit Tasker, which is good, but without secure settings it does limit it's use, ie no GPS, no Input Mode, No AP radios/mode, etc. Looking at AutoInput, but seems like GPS/Airplane Mode control is gone.. .

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