[flroots]

I'm trying to select the best anti-theft app for my new Galaxy Nexus. I have evaluated several. My requirements are:

1. Accepts commands via SMS
2. Issues reports via email with picture and location
3. Senses number of failed logins
4. Issues emails on every failed login after x failed logins
5. Clears lock screen after y failed logins
6. Issues emails when screen opened once lock screen cleared
7. Issues email when SIM swapped

where x and y are set by user. The above criteria may not be clear, but the gist is that the app can sense failed logins and respond accordingly. Once a user-settable number of failed logins have occurred it should clear lock screen and allow the thief access This is to encourage continued use and allow owner to obtain picture of thief and his location.Of course, the reason for x is to avoid the issuance of emails during authorized usage. My requirements have been generated by a recent evaluation of GotYa. The concept behind the app is excellent IMO, but the implementation seems confusing. I would really like to evaluate other apps that follow the same overall functionality.

As an aside, GotYa does not require a server; it is totally standalone which is nice from a reliability and privacy standpoint. I like not having to depend on a 3rd party server. Another interesting feature is the ability to set minimum gps accuracy with a timeout. I set it to 7 meters with a 60 second timeout. I would like to hear about other apps that follow a similar functionality.
Pete

[flroots]

After evaluating GotYa for several days, I have discovered some features I wish were included:

1. SMS message to turn on gps
2. Icon and sign on screen that disguises itself as game
3. Ability (on rooted phone) to survive a reset

Pete

[Mooncatt]

I haven't tested GotYa, but from what you said, I'm thinking it may be easy to bypass some things. Simply tape over the cameras and go into a building to block GPS, and you wouldn't be able to trace when they turn on the screen. Then once they get through the lock screen, all bets are off, right?

Though as far as the lock screen bypass is concerned, I would only like that if it was a dummy code like all 1's. If I were a thief and I unlocked a phone with some random code after trying a few times, I'd be suspicious after seeing this feature here. But if they happen to get it with a common code that millions of lazy people may use, then it looks like I just found a phone someone didn't know how to lock right. Then activating the dummy code(s) triggers the camera, GPS, text notifications, etc. assuming they haven't been compromised.

Even better than a game icon would be a porn folder on the front home screen. Yeah, it may sound crude, but what better to keep the average thief occupied for tracking than a score of something like a bunch of hot women exposed?

[flroots]

I haven't tested GotYa, but from what you said, I'm thinking it may be easy to bypass some things. Simply tape over the cameras and go into a building to block GPS, and you wouldn't be able to trace when they turn on the screen. Then once they get through the lock screen, all bets are off, right?

Though as far as the lock screen bypass is concerned, I would only like that if it was a dummy code like all 1's. If I were a thief and I unlocked a phone with some random code after trying a few times, I'd be suspicious after seeing this feature here. But if they happen to get it with a common code that millions of lazy people may use, then it looks like I just found a phone someone didn't know how to lock right. Then activating the dummy code(s) triggers the camera, GPS, text notifications, etc. assuming they haven't been compromised.

Even better than a game icon would be a porn folder on the front home screen. Yeah, it may sound crude, but what better to keep the average thief occupied for tracking than a score of something like a bunch of hot women exposed?

Thanks. Interesting ideas!
Pete

[ChromeJob]

People at work swear by Cerberus. I installed it on two Nexus7 tablets and my phone (bought license) last weekend. You should take a look. A lot of your requirements are ticked off, or close to it.

[flroots]

People at work swear by Cerberus. I installed it on two Nexus7 tablets and my phone (bought license) last weekend. You should take a look. A lot of your requirements are ticked off, or close to it.

I evaluated Cerberus and then Gotya. Initially GotYa seemed to exactly meet my needs and then I discovered the following limitations:

1. Can't survive wipe/reset
2. No SMS command to enable gps
3. No disguise
4. The take picture SMS command (take pic when screen turned on) does not survive power off/on cycle

So then I switched back to Cerberus which mostly deals with these issues.
Pete