DISQUS

kriegspiel · 2 years ago

Really like your application reviews - could you possibly mention when you review an app as to whether it's locked to a phone's IMEI or not ? While I understand the vendor's take on this policy, I don't think it's acceptable to be essentially forced to buy a new copy of an application simply because I changed my device. Keep up the good work !

JonnyBruha · 2 years ago

Excellent review! I find that every application you blog about makes its way to my phone eventually. My only concern with this app is using it with the N95. I'm pretty paranoid about apps running in the background begging to drain my battery, but an application like this is invaluable when using an $800 device, like you said. Coming from an N80, I think you know exactly what I'm talking about. I'll let you know if kills my battery after a full day of regular usage tomorrow.

At first glance, it sounded like Ricky developed this app.

Chirantan · 2 years ago

hey Zach, could you shed some light on "specially formatted sms" which is used to lock the device remotely? i am curious about that!

zach · 2 years ago

Thanks for the great comments guys. :) Here are a few responses:

@kriegspiel

I think that it's a safe bet that just about every payware app will require a license code that is tied to your IMEI. This is done for obvious reasons. If you are considering purchasing this app and you may get a new device soon, you should contact the developer first and discuss this with them. More often than not, you'll find that the developer will be more than happy to transfer your license to the new device.

And thanks for the kind words!

@JonnyBruha

Thanks Jonny! I try to cover as much as I can without getting too boring... ;)

As far as your question is concerned, I'll be interested to see what you find - I haven't seen much (if any) difference in battery life. To minimize battery drain you should definitely install to your phone memory btw, but I'm sure you knew that.

Actually, I have a post that I'll probably publish today about this very subject - battery life/RAM. I actually take a stance on the other side of the fence so hopefully people don't attack me too much! ;)

@Chirantan

This is actually a REALLY cool feature. It's simple:

To lock your phone remotely, send an SMS (from any device) with the formatting:

:l:PASSWORD

(note that the character above is an 'L', not a 1)

To unlock the device remotely, send:

:u:PASSWORD

So if you've lost your phone, the first thing you should do is send the above lock SMS to your mobile number! As long as you have Phone Guardian configured to lock on SIM change, this will cover all the bases.

JonnyBruha · 2 years ago

Well, from what I've seen, there doesn't seem to be too big a hit on battery life or any major problems with RAM usage at all. There's only a couple things I've noticed that really bother me.

First, my phone blinks a couple extra times when it starts up because of the application. Not a big deal, but still a bit annoying.

Second, the indicator to show that an application is open (present in FP1 phones) is constantly showing that I have an application in my Tools folder that is open (since Phone Guardian is stored in the Tools folder).

Third, I can not view my phones processes with Best Taskman anymore since the application locks out any app that would even potentially be able to close it. That's pretty secure, but also a pain if I want to use Taskman to stop a different process.

Having tested the lock feature by sending the lock SMS to my phone, it definitely works as advertised. Very impressive stuff.

zach · 2 years ago

Thanks for the update Jonny. As Symbian Guru is close to releasing version 2.0, I would definitely suggest that you contact them with your comments. Here are a few notes:

Regarding Best Taskman, I stopped using that app a while ago but I am able to access all tasks/processes with ActiveFile and SwissKnife9 while Phone Guardian is running. I'll try to install Best Taskman later and check it out.

Regarding FP1, I can't comment because my FP1 device is still delayed in shipping. :( I would say to definitely take to Symbian Guru about this.

And the remote lock feature is pretty awesome!

Sy · 2 years ago

I have installed the demo but do not have the Protect Apps Option! Is this only available to Registered versions?

zach · 2 years ago

It may be a feature that is unique to version 2.0 - which will be released shortly!

Sy · 2 years ago

Thanks Zach.... you have incling on what shortly could mean? days, weeks or months?

zach · 2 years ago

Unfortunately I'm not sure. When I asked I was told that they were finishing up testing so hopefully it will be soon as I don't know of any major bugs or issues...

Seyyid · 2 years ago

Nice work there. really nice. I have actually tested this application on my phone and I mean the full version. But I never seen to notice this "protected app" icon on my option menu. I just want to comfirm if there is the possibility of such a most interesting option missing in the phone Guardian application. Keep up the good work.

zach · 2 years ago

Thanks for the comment Seyyid. :) This is actually a function that will be available once Symbian Guru releases version 2.0, which will hopefully be soon! Thanks :)

Anoj · 2 years ago

Hey Zach

This is really an awesome app . But just out of curiosity - i wish to know - how do they track the cell ID ... because i believe it's one of the most interesting features they have .

thanks

zach · 2 years ago

Mobile phones automatically record cell IDs each time they communicate with a tower. Phone Guardian simply reads from this data which is already on your device. :)

Len · 2 years ago

Just installed and purchased this app. I have to say that on my N95 the only time the password is asked for is when
I attempt to launch the app. I have set up following the manual and when I set the time to autolock - nothing happens, when I send the :l:Password via sms it doesn't lock either! On top of that, the review mentions two sms numbers (nope only 1) and NO application guard because it's for a later version. Deeply unimpressed with this. Will I get an upgrade to version 2 when it is released? Why can't I get it to work on my N95?

zach · 2 years ago

Thank you for your comment. If you're having troubles with the operation of this app then you'd be best served contacting Symbian Guru's customer care. Most people have no problem getting this app to work so I'm sure that they can help you work through the problems that you're having. As for an upgrade when v2 is released, I'm sure that they will accommodate their customers.

juan · 2 years ago

buueno tengo la version1 y si consume bastante baterya y si es unaopkicativo bastate funsional, solo el problema de la consumo de bateria, y la version 2 creo que bloquea las aplicaciones y me parec unamuy buena actuliazcion, pero no se olviden de , mejorar el consumo de bateria

zach · 2 years ago

Thanks for your comment juan. :) When I was using version 2 on my N80, I didn't notice much of a problem with battery consumption. There was a little difference, but not too bad. On my E61i you cannot determine if there is any difference at all because of the powerful battery. So it does depend on what model you have, but the sacrifice is probably worth it to protect your investment!

liteglow · 2 years ago

what happend if i forgot my own password ?
and I want to use another sim-card ?
how do I uninstall it..

let say I`m on vacation around the world, and get a new sim-car (old was lost) and then your suddenly without a 800$ phone ??


thanx :)

But I think i will give this program a chance.

The feeling to KNOW that if someone use my phone, i get a sms with theyr number is very impressing :)

second question, do they enter PIN code so the phone boot normally and THEN locks ??

if not, the phone cannot send any SMS...

thanx one more time..

zach · 2 years ago

With the present version (v1) you can uninstall the app without the password (I believe) so forgetting it isno big deal. With the upcoming improved version (v2) - don't forget your password! :) If you do the only way to regain use of your phone will be through a format. It is of course advisable to use a password that you use very commonly so that you don't forget it. Maybe leave a note in your PC somewhere or with a friend just in case...

I'm not sure that I fully understand your second question - but I think I do. In the event that you lose your phone or it is stolen, the first thing you should do is send the lock SMS to your own number. Then you're covered if:

1. The person who finds/steals the phone leaves your SIM in (it will then receive the SMS and lock).

2. The person who finds/steals your phone switches the SIM (if this setting is enabled - which it should be). Then even though your SMS will not be received, the phone will still lock due to the SIM switch.

I hope that helps! V2.00 is a huge improvement so if you're not sure about the app, definitely wait for v2.

liteglow · 2 years ago

Hi again and thanx for the answer zach !

My question was this:

If the phone is Locked totally.
And the person that did steal it try to insert a sim-card!
The phone cannot POWER ON (becouse it`s locked?)
And if the phone cannot power On, how can the phone then send me a sms telling me about the info... ? :)

(but I guess the phone boot up, and then lock after it have connection to the nettwork, right?)


One more thing, if the person that steal my phone dont have money (nettwork) on the sim-card.. I never recive any "IMEI\IMSI" number :\

zach · 2 years ago

No problem liteglow :)

The phone is always able to turn on even when Phone Guardian has locked it. Once it has been locked as a result of a SIM change or your lock SMS, it will only stay on the home screen and display the message shown in the second pair of pictures above (whatever message you enter).

So you're correct - the phone will boot up and then lock once the SMS is received - or once the SIM is changed.

Lastly, you are also correct that if the new SIM has no balance or no network then you will not receive the notification SMS until the SIM finds a network or has a new balance. That is why a lock message with your email and mention of a reward is a good idea. Maybe when the thief sees it he/she will just pretend that they found it and return it to your for the reward.

thompson · 2 years ago

what happens if we want to change the sim, we will enter the password but the doesnt recognize the old sim when replaced, any how please intimate me when version 2.0 is officially released.

zach · 2 years ago

If you want to change your SIM, you can easily go into the app with your password and deactivate the functionality beforehand. Then you have no problem!

I will surely post an update as soon as v2 is released. :)

Ahsan · 2 years ago

the application is good!!!!!

there is one problem that i have locked my phone with it and i had lost my sim card so how can i uninstall this application

Someone plz help me
i m in great trouble becasue my phone is locked with guardian and i had lost my sim card

plz help me with it

my email add is [email snipped]

zach · 2 years ago

You should definitely email Symbian Guru customer support and perhaps there's a back door they can walk you through.

Mike · 2 years ago

It would be a bit useless if there were a back door wouldn't it ???

Anyone tried Version 2? they seem to have removed the protected Apps feature, at least in the trial version, what happened to that?

zach · 2 years ago

It looks like they ditched that feature, likely due to issues they were having with the implementation. It definitely would be nice to have for some people but I'm happy with the release version. Maybe we can expect it in 3.0... ;)

MANNA · 1 year ago

THANKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS MANNA

jm · 1 year ago

hey zach what if the thief who got my phone just turned off and then reformat it without turning on the phone.
Is it possible to reformat your s60 Third Edition phone without turning on and having it on the home screen first?For you to be able to to the hard and soft format using *#7370# and these procedures:
1. Switch off the phone.
2. Hold down the following three buttons: Green (call answer) button, * button, and '3' button
3. While holding these buttons, press the power button and switch on the phone
4. When the message 'Formatting' appears on the screen, release all of the buttons

Also is it possible to really block your phone or make it totally useless to thief by simply providing its IMEI to your service provider?

jm · 1 year ago

another thing Mr. Zach.
What is the function of Cell Info there?What does it do?What is its purpose?..

Hope you can be able to answer all of my questions.
Your response is highly appreciated.
Thank you very much.

Zach · 1 year ago

jm - If the thief is very familiar with S60 devices, then yes he / she could definitely use the method described about to format your handset. There's no way for a third-party app to prevent this method. Regarding blocking the IMEI, I'm honestly not sure. I believe IMEI blocking will work in theory, but I think it would only be useful on your carrier and if you have a branded handset. If it's unlocked, then blocking it with your carrier just means that the thief will use a different one.

Regarding the cell info, this will help the authorities work with your carrier to find the location of your device if they are willing to do so.

Hope that helps!

arvi · 1 year ago

how can i removed phone guardian if i forgot my password?? plss help me to fix my problem