Develop Bugs

[Q] What "Find My Phone" Do You Install On Your Shiny New Galaxy Nexus?

I consider the "find my phone" software a necessary must on any mobile device. The ability to locate, ping, and wipe your Mobile is an extraordinary advantage in the digital age. I've used it once to find an errant iPhone 3GS and again on WP7 with a Samsung Focus along with helping my sister who continually forgets where her iPhone is.
What do you use on your Galaxy Nexus? Have you had an unfortunate circumstance that allowed you to field test it yet?

I've always had Lookout installed with all my phones. Fortunately I have never had to use it.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lookout&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5sb29rb3V0Il0.

I used ' Where's My Droid' on my N One and continue to use it on my GNex, also had loads of added bits with tasker working off the same trigger like lock phone and give warning message with a contact number to return... just in case it was a nice old lady that found it Not sure if Tasker will work fully on ICS yet so i've not set it up.
I also had Lookout installed but whenever i tried to locate it on their site it could never get a lock on. I dont know if they didn't fully support the UK that was the problem or that i was always flashing ROMs and it constantly being installed caused problems.

I have a Google Apps account for my family and a few of us have Android devices, so I installed the Google Apps Device Policy app on all the Android phones (in the Market and it's by Google). That app enables device policies and such for each user/device (encryption, syncing, syncing while roaming... anything a business would want to restrict/allow for their device).The plus about that app is that it gives me access to this (the mydevices link):
http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/answer.py?answer=1235372&topic=1233222
It's free and allows Google Apps users to lock, locate, reset pin, ring device, etc for Android devices. Remote wipe and everything else is part of Google Apps too.
Don't need a separate app and monthly fees, it's all handled by Google and works perfectly.

Interesting. Do you have to setup a server or what? I understand the client side policy app but not the backend.
How do you tie them together?
G2x - 2.3.7 CM7
Transformer - 3.2 Revolver OC/UV

player911 said:
Interesting. Do you have to setup a server or what? I understand the client side policy app but not the backend.
How do you tie them together?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't have to set up anything, no servers or tying any services together. On my android phone, I just setup my account with my Google Apps email/password, install the Device Policy app, and .... done.
All the devices show up for my family in my Google Apps control panel (under settings -> mobile if you're familiar with Google Apps's panel). And that mydevices link "just works". Don't have to set up anything else, it's great. Google does it all for you.
I believe the device policy app periodically pings Google's servers every few days (it's a bare app with no settings, only a couple pages of info on policies and current status), that process lets the Google Apps admin (me in this case) restrict/allow anything via the Apps Control panel.
The mydevices webpage is more of a "push", since "ring device", "reset pin", "locate device", and all those buttons are instantaneous. i.e. I click "ring device" and a few seconds later my phone rings super loud, even when on silent (this is assuming there is a data connection available to the phone).

I got SeekDroid from the Amazon Appstore when it was free. It's pretty good. It gives the GPS location from where the phone was last used, lets you send alarms and messages to the phone, lock the phone, and remote wipe the phone and SD card if necessary.
---------- Post added at 02:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:04 PM ----------
BinaryTB said:
Didn't have to set up anything, no servers or tying any services together. On my android phone, I just setup my account with my Google Apps email/password, install the Device Policy app, and .... done.
All the devices show up for my family in my Google Apps control panel (under settings -> mobile if you're familiar with Google Apps's panel). And that mydevices link "just works". Don't have to set up anything else, it's great. Google does it all for you.
I believe the device policy app periodically pings Google's servers every few days (it's a bare app with no settings, only a couple pages of info on policies and current status), that process lets the Google Apps admin (me in this case) restrict/allow anything via the Apps Control panel.
The mydevices webpage is more of a "push", since "ring device", "reset pin", "locate device", and all those buttons are instantaneous. i.e. I click "ring device" and a few seconds later my phone rings super loud, even when on silent (this is assuming there is a data connection available to the phone).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that sounds cool, i may have to look into it when my GN arrives.

BinaryTB said:
I have a Google Apps account for my family and a few of us have Android devices, so I installed the Google Apps Device Policy app on all the Android phones (in the Market and it's by Google). That app enables device policies and such for each user/device (encryption, syncing, syncing while roaming... anything a business would want to restrict/allow for their device).The plus about that app is that it gives me access to this (the mydevices link):
http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/answer.py?answer=1235372&topic=1233222
It's free and allows Google Apps users to lock, locate, reset pin, ring device, etc for Android devices. Remote wipe and everything else is part of Google Apps too.
Don't need a separate app and monthly fees, it's all handled by Google and works perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately the first line is: This article applies only for Google Apps for Business, Education, and Government customers.
Any work arounds found by XDA?

Anyone else?

Another vote for Seekdroid. It always worked well on my Desire and i plan on using it with my GN. One of the best features is you can actually remove seekdroid from appearing in the phone menu or app list which prevents anyone from removing the app without your permission.

I used http://www.mobiledefense.com/ on my nexus s. Not sure if they ever released a retail version yet though. Kinda curious about the Google Apps thing now though...

Cerberus, Cerberus, Cerberus!!!
Such an excellent application! Please check it out, you won't be disappointed!!

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Prey yet.

Just tried Cerberus. Wow. Awesome! Thanks for the suggestion.

I've always used prey - I actually had a friend get his laptop stolen in Africa, and he's currently coordinating with the African police to get it back. They've made arrests and stuff - I was extremely impressed.

African police drop what they are doing to chase down a misplaced gadget?
More stories please?!

I've always used wheres my droid, but after reading above about prey i am probably going to switch to that.

I've used prey since day one and find it very good and also the ability to alert you it's missing if the sim card changes is a god send as well.
Might check out cerberus as someone mentioned it 3 times so compelled to look now lol
Just launched prey and the logon prompt is all screwed up and you cannot put in some details so you can never login... time to try others now.
---------- Post added at 09:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:28 AM ----------
Brought cerberus really like the fact it can take a photo of the person trying to get past my passcode, might try it out on my other half lol

bmstrong said:
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Prey yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.prey
Excatly.
The best i've ever tried up to now.
Love the way it enables gps also if it's down.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned AndroidLost. AndroidLost has remote wipe, GPS locate (never had to use it), send SMS/MMS from phone remotely, make calls, take pictures without the user knowing, record audio clips with the MIC without the user knowing.... all through a web page. No one else uses this?

Significant security flaw in Google wallet

There's quite a significant security flaw in Google wallet at the moment.
Going into application settings and then clearing data for wallet is the same as resetting wallet from within the application, without having to enter a pin. Know what that means? You're able to set up a new password and have access to your prepaid card.
That's right. If a tech-savvy thief has your phone and you don't have a passcode on the lockscreen (possibly because Google's implementation of passcode stuff sucks) or the screen hasn't timed out yet, the thief will have access to whatever funds remain on your Google prepaid card, regardless of the pin you set in the application.
This is yet another reason why Google needs to add the ability to lock out INDIVIDUAL applications with a code or face recognition, not just the friggin' lockscreen. If someone gets your phone after you've entered your lockscreen code/pattern, they have free reign over the device as long as the screen is on. Third party software for this purpose just doesn't work very well at this stage. This functionality needs to be integrated into the OS. Sorry for going off on a tangent.
Basically:
1) Go into application settings
2) Clear data for Google wallet
3) Open wallet and set it back up
4) Everything remaining on your Google prepaid card can now be used.

That's a good point I don't know if Google wallet is supposed to more secure than a credit card.
If some one steals your wallet, what do you do? Suspend any transactions for that stolen card. Just do the same with the cards you have on Google wallet.
Or I'd just remotely wipe the phone , so they have none of your information on your phone .
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

bigmike2424 said:
That's a good point I don't know if Google wallet is supposed to more secure than a credit card.
If some one steals your wallet, what do you do? Suspend any transactions for that stolen card. Just do the same with the cards you have on Google wallet.
Or I'd just remotely wipe the phone , so they have none of your information on your phone .
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any actual cards that you add to Wallet will of course be removed, but the Prepaid card will still work. How easy would it be to suspend transactions with Google?

Ouch... report it!
Greets
____________
mDroid - Tapatalk
Phone: LG-P500
ROM: Nitrogen - Beta-V1b
Kernel: custom .35
Theme: ICS (Z25 - paid. ported by me )
Tweaks: ALL
Wishlist: Galaxy Nexus

You have to have a passcode to use the wallet feature. I am not following this at all seriously.
To use this application, you have to get into line, make sure that your screen is on when you get to the counter and then make sure you put in your pin #/Passcode before swyping.
The only way for a thief to get access is to take your phone while its in your hand and the screen is open but then also if the screen shuts off, the application closes and you have to input your pin #/passcode again.
Try it.

Ronin09 said:
You have to have a passcode to use the wallet feature. I am not following this at all seriously.
To use this application, you have to get into line, make sure that your screen is on when you get to the counter and then make sure you put in your pin #/Passcode before swyping.
The only way for a thief to get access is to take your phone while its in your hand and the screen is open but then also if the screen shuts off, the application closes and you have to input your pin #/passcode again.
Try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can reset the application without the passcode. Once that's done, simply open it up, set it up with a new passcode and you have access to the prepaid card immediately.

Ronin09 said:
You have to have a passcode to use the wallet feature. I am not following this at all seriously.
To use this application, you have to get into line, make sure that your screen is on when you get to the counter and then make sure you put in your pin #/Passcode before swyping.
The only way for a thief to get access is to take your phone while its in your hand and the screen is open but then also if the screen shuts off, the application closes and you have to input your pin #/passcode again.
Try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try this:
open clear google wallet data, run google wallet again.
it will prompt you for new passcode and link it to the google account on your device.
of course, all the credit card info is wiped, but your google prepaid card can still be added without passcode, so whatever remaining balance you have on it will be usable by whoever activate it

Ronin09 said:
You have to have a passcode to use the wallet feature. I am not following this at all seriously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OP explains it perfectly.
Evangelion01 said:
1) Go into application settings
2) Clear data for Google wallet
3) Open wallet and set it back up
4) Everything remaining on your Google prepaid card can now be used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That means anyone who gets your phone, even while it's turned off, can follow these steps to remove whatever pin you have set. They can then set up Google Wallet with their own pin and add your prepaid card with all its funds back onto the app and start using it.
To be safe, you'll need to set your lockscreen to use one of the other security types such as pin, pattern, or password, and then hope nobody gets ahold of your phone while the phone itself is unlocked. I don't find face unlock to be very safe at all so I won't even recommend it for protecting Google Wallet funds.

to add some other failure of google wallet...somehow ur wallet gets registered w/ ur device...or that's how it looks like...i had a nexus s w/ wallet fully functional and about $12 left on the prepaid card...bought the GN and gave the NS to my wife...fully wiped the device, reinstalled the wallet and activated w/ my wife's account...guess what she got my remaining balance and when i activated mine on the GN i only got the $10...but to be 100% fair it could be something related with the fact that we're not really supposed to have this running on our phone...so might be something related to that, since my NS was on t-mobile and not sprint...hence i was running a "not approved" app...

Evangelion01 said:
You can reset the application without the passcode. Once that's done, simply open it up, set it up with a new passcode and you have access to the prepaid card immediately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was having a hard time understanding too until you pointed this out (again?) ... thanks for the heads up.
did you submit this issue to google?

Elganja said:
I was having a hard time understanding too until you pointed this out (again?) ... thanks for the heads up.
did you submit this issue to google?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. How would I go about doing that? Knowing Google, even if we were to inform them today there wouldn't be a fix for at least a month.
Still can't believe that after three years they haven't got a solution allowing you to passcode protect individual applications in the OS. Dumbphones could do that back in 2004!

Evangelion01 said:
Nope. How would I go about doing that? Knowing Google, even if we were to inform them today there wouldn't be a fix for at least a month.
Still can't believe that after three years they haven't got a solution allowing you to passcode protect individual applications in the OS. Dumbphones could do that back in 2004!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
should be here: http://support.google.com/wallet/bin/static.py?hl=en&page=known_issues.cs (click on "let us know") but it isn't working for me atm

Elganja said:
should be here: http://support.google.com/wallet/bin/static.py?hl=en&page=known_issues.cs (click on "let us know") but it isn't working for me atm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No surprise there, then. Thanks for the link. Hopefully they'll fix it by Q2.

MIUI had a sweet security app based on individual apps. I would lock down my games cause my boy liked to get in there and press buttons aka delete my saves.
I don't know what process it would involve to port this over. But it would be a welcome one.
Galaxy Nexus - 4.0.3 CM9
Asus Transformer - 3.2 Revolver

I went ahead and emailed the relevant Google deparment about the issue. I'll keep you all updated if I get a response, but bear in mind that this is Google's rubbish customer service that we're talking about... I'm not getting my hopes up.

If you lose your phone just log into your Gmail and change the password. Problem solved.

bp328i said:
If you lose your phone just log into your Gmail and change the password. Problem solved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, problem solved if you can get access to an internet-connected device quickly enough.

Evangelion01 said:
Yes, problem solved if you can get access to an internet-connected device quickly enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I just don't see it as big of an issue as you do.
I mean if you lose your real wallet you have to track down the phone numbers to your credit card companies and call then all one by one. It would be easier and quicker in this day and age to find an internet-connected device.
All my friends and family have internet-connected devices (smart phones) so I could change my Gmail password faster than I could call one credit card company, get through their phone system, get a live person on the phone and cancel the card.
When it comes to money, credit cards or any thing being use as either of the two there will always be flaws that someone will try to exploit. And with this flaw it can be correct/stopped by the end user within 5 - 10 minutes.
But seriously good find on this!

bp328i said:
I guess I just don't see it as big of an issue as you do.
I mean if you lose your real wallet you have to track down the phone numbers to your credit card companies and call then all one by one. It would be easier and quicker in this day and age to find an internet-connected device.
All my friends and family have internet-connected devices (smart phones) so I could change my Gmail password faster than I could call one credit card company, get through their phone system, get a live person on the phone and cancel the card.
When it comes to money, credit cards or any thing being use as either of the two there will always be flaws that someone will try to exploit. And with this flaw it can be correct/stopped by the end user within 5 - 10 minutes.
But seriously good find on this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true, I was trying to look at the worst case scenario. The flaw itself is pretty serious, but the consequences wouldn't be that great yet. I've only heard of one person who had over $100 on their prepaid card, and I think there are extra measures in place when purchasing larger items? Not sure.
But something as simple as this certainly needs to be fixed before NFC payments go mainstream.

Evangelion01 said:
That's true, I was trying to look at the worst case scenario. The flaw itself is pretty serious, but the consequences wouldn't be that great yet. I've only heard of one person who had over $100 on their prepaid card, and I think there are extra measures in place when purchasing larger items? Not sure.
But something as simple as this certainly needs to be fixed before NFC payments go mainstream.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree it is simple and does need to be fixed. They could make a quick fix by having each app that is based off our Gmail accounts require the Gmail password re-entered when an app is setup and not just ask permission.

Which phone locator app?

Which app do you use to locate your phone in case of loosing it?

I use Avast Anti theft features (formerly theft aware), install the app from the market and just uninstall the antivirus if you don't want it after installing the anti theft features.
Here is a review of theft aware.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/1...ion-weve-seen-to-date-really-hands-on-review/
Cerberus is supposedly good as well but I have yet to try it.

i use Cerberus Clicky
it has some good features.
i keep getting emailed pictures of me getting my lock code wrong

I use SeekDroid as of now. It has everything I was looking for. Got it for free on the Amazon free app of the day. Best part is no monthly fee!
https://market.android.com/details?id=org.gtmedia.seekdroid&hl=en

Android Lost is free and offers remote locking, wiping of internal and SD card, GPS tracking, full volume text to speech, pop up notifications and a while host more.

str355 said:
i use Cerberus Clicky
it has some good features.
i keep getting emailed pictures of me getting my lock code wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried this out, instant purchase. Good app advice. Thanks

I cant believe this feature isnt installed into android.... you know seeing as google knows everything about you anyway

str355 said:
i use Cerberus Clicky
it has some good features.
i keep getting emailed pictures of me getting my lock code wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
10 char

GR36 said:
I cant believe this feature isnt installed into android.... you know seeing as google knows everything about you anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is, under google latitude. But latitude is more for family and friends to know where each other are, not to locate a lost device.
I've only used Androidlost and only installed it remotely when the phone was lost. I'm surprised so many of you would keep a persistent app which can monitor your every move and record audio and photos of you secretly. And people freaked out about Carrier IQ?

str355 said:
i use Cerberus Clicky
it has some good features.
i keep getting emailed pictures of me getting my lock code wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for advice Its a great app, and now I use it too

I have always used wheres my droid. You can use it to make it ring by sending it a text from any phone saying wheres my droid or you can locate it via gps by texting it gps my droid.

SeekDroid works well for me.

EP2008 said:
It is, under google latitude. But latitude is more for family and friends to know where each other are, not to locate a lost device.
I've only used Androidlost and only installed it remotely when the phone was lost. I'm surprised so many of you would keep a persistent app which can monitor your every move and record audio and photos of you secretly. And people freaked out about Carrier IQ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Androidlost looks great feature wise, but I couldn't get it to activate remotely via SMS. I sent the text via Verizon as well as a online SMS tool. Weird...

Yes its both unbelievable and embarrassing, that you have to pay for a Google Apps account to get this.
GR36 said:
I cant believe this feature isnt installed into android.... you know seeing as google knows everything about you anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I use SeekDroid as well.
It has never failed me yet
SeekDroid allows you to secure and find your phone from anywhere in the world!
SeekDroid allows you to locate your lost or stolen device anywhere in the world. See your device on a map, set off an audible alarm, wipe the device, and more.
SeekDroid requires Android 2.2 or greater and a working data connection.
Control the following from our secure website:
- Control Multiple devices under one account
- Locate your device
- Remotely Enable GPS
- Display its location on a map with history!
- Track the device using breadcrumbs
- Get notified if the device has left a fenced
in area
- Audible alarm (even on silent)
w/ custom message
- Text Messaging support
- Setup SeekDroid Remotely via SMS
- Lock device w/ custom code
- Retrieve recent calls
- Remotely wipe entire phone
- Remotely wipe SD Card
- Hide from app drawer
- Disable App from being
uninstalled
- Virtually no battery drain
- Works without a SIM Card
- Reteive SIM ID, IMEI,
active phone number, and battery remaining
- More features coming soon!
Setup is easy! Install the application on your device and create a username and password when the application launches. Make sure GPS is enabled for more accurate results, and your Google account is setup on your device. That's all! You can do everything else from our secure website at seekdroid.com
If you have any issues, questions, or feature requests please feel free to contact us through the website as we are ACTIVELY LOOKING to help people. Don't just rate it bad, we can get it working on your device!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

+1 androidlost

Tasker help needed

Hi, I would need help with two tasker profiles (and a little hint for the 3rd one ;P)
1st - Connect and route all traffic through a SSH-Tunnel when I am connected to a WiFi which is not my home-WiFi:
I tried this with SSH-Tunnel but "killing" the app gives random pop-ups + problem report + restart of the app (even when killing with root). Any ideas?
2nd - Screenshot when wrong lock pattern was entered:
I found several guides for how to do it with a "pin lock" but it seems as "lock pattern" won't work with tasker?
3rd - Can I somehow let tasker read/speak the following things:
At which time is the next alarm and in how many hours/minutes is that (alarmdroid)?
Do I have any missed calls/mails/messages (whatsapp/sms/facebook/...) ?
Do I have any calendar entries today and which one is the first one ?
I plan on using those the following way:
Put phone into docking station near my bed - Let me know if alarm is set and when it is.. also tell me if there are any meetings on the next day.
When alarmdroid starts waking me up, tell me if I have any missed calls/messages/etc and how many calendar entries I have today.
Thanks

Idk about any of the other stuff but about question 2...There is an app called secure settings..this app pretty much adds functionality to tasker and if you are rooted it adds even more. But basically you can use pattern lock through tasker after downloading that app..I am currently using it to have my lock pattern turn off when im connected to my home wifi and then turns back on when im not connected to home wifi...
I had similar issues as you where it would only work with pin lock but now with secure settings, its work with pattern lock. Hope this helps.

desiromeo719 said:
Idk about any of the other stuff but about question 2...There is an app called secure settings..this app pretty much adds functionality to tasker and if you are rooted it adds even more. But basically you can use pattern lock through tasker after downloading that app..I am currently using it to have my lock pattern turn off when im connected to my home wifi and then turns back on when im not connected to home wifi...
I had similar issues as you where it would only work with pin lock but now with secure settings, its work with pattern lock. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm I tried it with secure settings already but it didn't work.
could u tell me the exact tasks you do?
Thanks

zakazak said:
Hi, I would need help with two tasker profiles (and a little hint for the 3rd one ;P)
1st - Connect and route all traffic through a SSH-Tunnel when I am connected to a WiFi which is not my home-WiFi:
I tried this with SSH-Tunnel but "killing" the app gives random pop-ups + problem report + restart of the app (even when killing with root). Any ideas?
2nd - Screenshot when wrong lock pattern was entered:
I found several guides for how to do it with a "pin lock" but it seems as "lock pattern" won't work with tasker?
3rd - Can I somehow let tasker read/speak the following things:
At which time is the next alarm and in how many hours/minutes is that (alarmdroid)?
Do I have any missed calls/mails/messages (whatsapp/sms/facebook/...) ?
Do I have any calendar entries today and which one is the first one ?
I plan on using those the following way:
Put phone into docking station near my bed - Let me know if alarm is set and when it is.. also tell me if there are any meetings on the next day.
When alarmdroid starts waking me up, tell me if I have any missed calls/messages/etc and how many calendar entries I have today.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In regards to question number 2, I'd skip setting this up via tasker and just get the app Cerberus, its a pay app but its amazing when it comes to the things it can regarding security of your phone, in case its lost/stolen. It does have the feature your trying to set up, works with pin and pattern locks. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5sc2Ryb2lkLmNlcmJlcnVzIl0.

no I don't like cerberus sry. Also I got Avast for that

djkinetic said:
In regards to question number 2, I'd skip setting this up via tasker and just get the app Cerberus, its a pay app but its amazing when it comes to the things it can regarding security of your phone, in case its lost/stolen. It does have the feature your trying to set up, works with pin and pattern locks. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5sc2Ryb2lkLmNlcmJlcnVzIl0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd vouch for Cerberus. Has really good security features. btw how would taking a screenshot on entering wrong pattern help. Did you mean to take the photo of the intruder entering the wrong pattern?

jazzboyrules said:
I'd vouch for Cerberus. Has really good security features. btw how would taking a screenshot on entering wrong pattern help. Did you mean to take the photo of the intruder entering the wrong pattern?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, a pic is taken of the intruder and sent to me via e-mail.
The whole thing works.. except that it doesn't work when the phone is locked :S

Not sure why you dont like cerberus, it does exactly what you want lol..was just a suggestion.

and i appreciate the help I just dont like the app.

Tasker >add Task(+) > Plugin > Secure Setttings > Configuration > Pattern Lock
Set the context as you like..

Ye tried that one already -> doesnt seem to work :/

Regarding your #2 request, if what you are looking for is for the phone to take a picture of the user after a failed unlock attempt this is what I did in Tasker to accomplish this and more.
This will take a photo of the "intruder" after two failed attempts. With my Dropbox sync this photo is instantly uploaded to Dropbox for archival. Then the phone sends two SMS messages to my GV number, the first with the rough location based on the network and then another if GPS is able to locate them.
First you have to install the "Secure Settings" plugin from the Market. Also for photo archival I use Dropbox configured to backup my photos.
New Profile named "Unlock Fail"
Event>State>Plugin>Secure Settings
-Edit Configuration>Failed Login Attempts> 2 (your choice)
-Save
Task> New Task named "Security Photo"
-Media>Take Photo
>Front Camera
>Filename : Lock Photo
>Naming Sequence : Series
>Insert in Gallery : checked
>Descrete : checked
>Resolution: 640x480 (Your preference)
-Misc.>GPS Set On
-Misc.>Get Location
>Source NET
-Phone>Send SMS
>Number (Your choice, I use my GV number)
>Message "Someone has tried to unlock your phone, a photo has been stored and they are roughly at: %LOC"
-Misc.>Get Location
>Source GPS
-Phone>Send SMS
>Number (Same as above)
>Message "Here is their exact location: %LOC"
Then on top of this I also created another profile that would fire off this same task if an SMS is received with the text "find me". This profile also sounds an alarm so I can locate the phone.
For some other Tasker how-to's see this page, http://tasker.wikidot.com/step-throughs .

HuckFinn said:
Regarding your #2 request, if what you are looking for is for the phone to take a picture of the user after a failed unlock attempt this is what I did in Tasker to accomplish this and more.
This will take a photo of the "intruder" after two failed attempts. With my Dropbox sync this photo is instantly uploaded to Dropbox for archival. Then the phone sends two SMS messages to my GV number, the first with the rough location based on the network and then another if GPS is able to locate them.
First you have to install the "Secure Settings" plugin from the Market. Also for photo archival I use Dropbox configured to backup my photos.
New Profile named "Unlock Fail"
Event>State>Plugin>Secure Settings
-Edit Configuration>Failed Login Attempts> 2 (your choice)
-Save
Task> New Task named "Security Photo"
-Media>Take Photo
>Front Camera
>Filename : Lock Photo
>Naming Sequence : Series
>Insert in Gallery : checked
>Descrete : checked
>Resolution: 640x480 (Your preference)
-Misc.>GPS Set On
-Misc.>Get Location
>Source NET
-Phone>Send SMS
>Number (Your choice, I use my GV number)
>Message "Someone has tried to unlock your phone, a photo has been stored and they are roughly at: %LOC"
-Misc.>Get Location
>Source GPS
-Phone>Send SMS
>Number (Same as above)
>Message "Here is their exact location: %LOC"
Then on top of this I also created another profile that would fire off this same task if an SMS is received with the text "find me". This profile also sounds an alarm so I can locate the phone.
For some other Tasker how-to's see this page, http://tasker.wikidot.com/step-throughs .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would prefer Mail over SMS but the problem won't even go until the sending part as it won't even take the picture when the phone is locked with a pattern lock? Atleast for me here.

zakazak said:
I would prefer Mail over SMS but the problem won't even go until the sending part as it won't even take the picture when the phone is locked with a pattern lock? Atleast for me here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not seem to have that problem. I just tried it and it worked perfectly.
Now I have my phone configured for face unlock with pattern as a backup and my phone is rooted.
-Phone was locked with the screen off.
-Hit the power button and blocked the camera so face unlock would fail.
-Entered the wrong pattern twice. Once the second attempt failed I saw GPS activate and I heard the GV notification for the received SMS.
-I never unlocked the phone and checking GV and Dropbox from a different device and the messages were sent with my location and the picture was uploaded to Dropbox.
Not sure what else to say. I think I was asked to give Tasker administrative rights along with being rooted so maybe that is the difference.

i am rooted as well.. and tasker is in my SuperSU list :S
Rly weird

I will pay you for Tasker Profiles
I bought tasker because I see the incredible potential for the different profiles.
That being said I am dumb and find creating the profiles that I want a little bit overwhelming.
Is you are a tasker EXPERT on this site that would like to make some profiles for me that I could download & I will pay you for them.
An example profile would be:
IF I disconnect from Wifi Network by going out of range I want to automatically turn on bluetooth for for 10 minutes.
(Usually when I walk out of wifi range I am walking to my car which bluetooths music/calls off my phone)
IF within that 10 minutes I connect to a bluetooth device I would like to keep the bluetooth on until the pairing is broken. IF NOT bluetooth will be turned off after the 10 minutes
When the bluetooth pairing is broken I would like the phone to turn on Wifi for 10 minutes as I am usually walking to my office/house or place with wifi
IF within that 10 minutes a wifi network is connected then wifi will remain on IF NOT then wifi will be turned off
This is just one of probably 10 or so possible profiles I would like to create that are custom to my circumstances
I have a galaxy S4 Active from AT&T that is rooted
If you are interested in creating profiles for me please message me with your expertise & what a profile would cost
For most of you creating these things are childs play however for me it is not
This is my first time posting so if this is the wrong place to put this please direct me to a different area.

[APP REMOTE CONTROLLER]Droid Controller - Control Phone Remotely via Text Messages

​
What is Droid Controller App ?
This app let you to control your Android device remotely via text messages.
Why Administrative Access?
Admin access gives you control over your device states and you may perform
- Remote Lock
- Remote Wipe
Why Root Access?
The phone system controls can be accessed only if you provide root access and it allows you to
- Remote shutdown
- Remote reboot
How SIM change watcher works?
If you turn on SIM change watcher, the app will note down your SIM number. So if the SIM is changed, the app will send mail/message.
How Wi-Fi state watcher works?
If its enabled, the app will send mail/message if the Wi-Fi network is changed.
Remote Actions:
1. Remote Shutdown
2. Remote Reboot
3. Wipe
4. Screen Lock
5. Call Forwarding
6. Stop Call forwarding
7. Get Location (GPS+ Network Location)
8. Activate Siren
9. Deactivate Siren
10. Change Master Code
In detail, If your master code is 'dollar' (without quotes) and you want to get your phones location from a remote distance, send text massage
dollar-getLocation
You can change the default codes and set yours.
Note: Standard disclaimer applies. Have fun!
The app works in perfect stealth mode and the remote commands wont be listed in your sms inbox unless you are using third party sms applications like goSms pro. So nobody knows you are controlling your phone from a remote distance!
Please Note : The App is in Beta stage. Need help finding bugs...
Proposed Features:
Web Control - Control phone from web. Track device, All commands from web and more...
DOWNLOAD
Free full version from Google Play - Droid Controller​
SCREENS:

This isnt the right section,should be posted in Themes and apps section.

This is my first release in XDA. I read the sticky and since i built the app i posted there. never mind. silly me. thanks for moving it here.... This app should work, at least here

Thnx man, gonna try.
But doesn't it become not working when the sim is being changed, because then your number won't be active for your phone anymore? (Just a mind spin )
Cheers
Sent from my PA Powered N4.

just enable sim watcher from alerts. You need to set a mob number/configure email to receive alerts. whenever u changes sim, at reboot the app checks for sim change. and if changed then it will alert you via sms/mail... try it... if u find bugs please report
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

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Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium