Lookout - Necessary Security or Needless Overhead?

[MikeekiM]

I used to have Lookout installed on my HTC Droid Incredible, and it seemed to get pretty good reviews.

But now that I am loading up my S3, I am trying to be careful not to load up any apps that needlessly slow down my phone...

So that's my question to you all... Do you have Lookout installed (or an equivalent app that claims to do similar things)? Or do you think these security and virus apps are an unnecessary carry over from the PC world?

 

[TheAssailant]

Unless you're paranoid or have a thing for downloading and installing dodgy apps, I say you could pass on Lookout. Android malware exists, but so far I haven't heard of drive-by download malware, so you probably don't need it.

Unless you use the other features of Lookout.

Sent from my VZW Galaxy Nexus using Android Central Forums

 

[aldous]

I use lookout. Recently misplaced my phone. I was able to locate the area it was in via lookout, only problem was it wasnt visable. Through lookout i was able to make the phone ring (i had the vib on so calling it wasnt going to work). Found the phone easily with the help of lookout

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Android Central Forums

 

[only1canoli]

I have lookout on my nexus and haven't had any problems. I guess it would be up to your personal preference weather to install it or not. Good luck

Sent from the great city of Rockford Illinois-not- Gnex

 

[steveh552]

I have it but only in case I lose my phone or what not. It does not slow down my s3 or my cheap boost.mobile phone,and used little resources

Sent from my LG-LG855 using Android Central Forums

 

[ejraney]

I use lookout for the ability to locate my phone, or worse case remote wipe if it's stolen. I'm not as worried about viruses or malware.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Sentrix]

Big-time needless overhead.
For tracking your phone if you lose it, get Android Lost. Terrific program.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[06cbrf4i]

I had Lookout installed on my Droid Incredible for a week or so then switched to Avast. I mainly used the apps for the lost phone features and in my opinion Avast is a much better app. I really liked Avasts' lost phone/anti theft features, especially the options for rooted phones. Avast has a new beta out and I'm going to install just the Anti Theft app on my S3 as soon as I root this weekend. I don't feel I need the antivirus protection on my phone really, just the lost phone features.

 

[thompcd]

I am a cell phone salesman, and I see evidence every day that there is malicious stuff out there. Albeit, I still say it's only necessary if you're not smart about downloading apps. People that spam the "Free" button without reading reviews get viruses, common sense is the best antivirus. I use avast!, but the antivirus is really just a convenient bundle really, I like the firewall features and remote lock/wipe as previously mentioned.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[baykcd]

I used Lookout on my old EVO for a few months, but then Avast finally came out with an app, and since I've used it on my laptops for years, I got it on my old EVO, and now my new EVO! I recommend it..

Sent from my HTC EVO 4G LTE using Android Central Forums..

 

[InkedAdrenaline]

I like it for the piece of mind. Personal preference really. It definitely doesn't slow your phone at all though.

Tapatalk'd from my Galaxy S3

 

[wowpaw]

I use lookout for the ability to locate my phone, or worse case remote wipe if it's stolen. I'm not as worried about viruses or malware.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

+1

 

[twindragons187]

I used to use look out, til I found Android Lost in the play store. You can lose the phone and push it to your phone and locate it.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[walterwood44]

Along the same lines of this discussion, I have used Lookout since getting my Evo 4G over two years ago. I installed it on my S3 when I got it. I know my S3 with Lookout will go 36 hours on a charge and I have never noticed a slowdown except when installing apps.

I was in a Sprint store today for a problem with my wife's S3 and the clerk told us the "Lookout will kill the battery and anyway, Samsung puts their own antivirus on all there phones." I thought he was an idiot but thought I would check just in case I was wrong. Does Samsung include antivirus software on the S3?

 

[jnnyr]

I used to have Lookout installed on my HTC Droid Incredible, and it seemed to get pretty good reviews.

But now that I am loading up my S3, I am trying to be careful not to load up any apps that needlessly slow down my phone...

So that's my question to you all... Do you have Lookout installed (or an equivalent app that claims to do similar things)? Or do you think these security and virus apps are an unnecessary carry over from the PC world?

For what it's worth, I first had Lookout then switched to NetQ. The locator on Lookout worked flawlessly but I heard so many good things about the latter so I tried it and it didn't do squat so I went back.

Now after reading this thread I tried Android lost and it did next to nothing. It could not locate my phone whatsoever. It did however Vibrate my phone, so if you want a cool party trick then I'd recommend it.

The time to figure out if these aps works is NOT after it's stolen or lost.

Moral of the story. Went back to Lookout. It works, does not slow the system down at all.

 

[tobybul]

My Nexus was locking up and power cycling today. Its been acting funny since I download a mobile security app called Lookout a week ago. I was able to uninstall the app and the problem went away. Based on this I believe Lookout either has a compatibility problem with the Nexus or it really does not work well with it.

 

[tobybul]

Removed lookout from my nexus after 2 weeks. Phone started locking up. Worked fine after removed.

 

[Blake Decker1]

hi there everyone..im running a samsung galaxy s5 900a with att this mourning i woke to my phone telling me i had malware via my towelroot root apk file..well i guess this is normal for malware to come through..but the ability for others to connect to my phone using an exploit is possible? lookout is what told me about this..it doesnt take up much room..but i like an app that gives me a heads up on whats going on..im not worried about a virus i only dl from safe sites..but if you have lookout go ahead keep it..wont do any harm..if you dont..and want to feel safer..download it and its an awsome lost phone app! thanks and god bless

 

[AxlMyk]

Why not ask in the S5,att forum?

AC App on SGS3

 

[steve_ma]

I really like the Lookout app and I paid for the upgrade. I have had no performance issues running this on my non-rooted vzw S3 for the last year and a half.
Lookout uses almost no system resources. I have both GSAM Battery Monitor Pro and System Panel installed. Specifically, Lookout accounts for less than half a percent of battery life per charge cycle. .4% and I go about 19 hours on a charge with 3 hours of screen time.