Archive for: Geolocation

Locate a Stolen Notebook, Mac or Android Phone with Prey

October 10, 2010
Freebies, Software
0 comments

Prey Project it’s pretty cool software created for users who want an effective way to locate their devices in case they get stolen. Prey can be installed in Windows, Linux, Mac or any device with Android OS, including smartphones.

Prey can notify users about the device location sending a signal over the Internet, or SMS in case of Android phones. The program runs as an agent in background and is completely silent. Here are some of the specs:

Open Source and completely free.
100% geolocation aware. Prey uses either the device’s GPS or the nearest WiFi hotspots to triangulate and grab a fix on its location.
Know your enemy. Take a picture of the thief with your laptop’s webcam so you know what he looks like and where he’s hiding.
No unauthorized Access. Fully lock down your PC, making it unusable unless a specific password is entered.
Wifi auto connect. If enabled, Prey will attempt to hook onto to the nearest open WiFi hotspot when no Internet connection is found.
Watch their movements. Grab a screenshot of the active session.
Scan your hardware. Get a complete list of your PC’s CPU, motherboard, RAM, and BIOS information.
Light as a feather. Prey has very few dependencies and doesn’t even leave a memory footprint until activated.
Keep your data safe. Hide your Outlook or Thunderbird data and optionally remove your stored passwords, so no one will be able to look into your stuff.
Full auto updater. Prey can check its current version and automatically fetch and update itself, so you don’t need to manually reinstall each time.

Review: Fire Eagle Pinpoints Your Location with Precision

Fire Eagle, a Yahoo property, has opened up its doors from beta to public use. After spending some lengthy time in development and beta, Fire Eagle looks to answer the question…Where Are You?

For starters do not mistake Fire Eagle for another social network, it is not. Fire Eagle works in conjunction with a variety of other social networks with new additions being worked on daily. This enhancement allows users of specific networks to know where you are, provided you update. Fire Eagle takes the address, location, or name of the place you are at and creates a map that others can see.

I have attached Fire Eagle to work with BrightKite and so far it’s been amazing. I’ve set up alerts to notify me when my friends are nearby, and I can always look at maps to see where my friends are worldwide, a very nice effect. Of course this app is made even more useful by allowing you input your location from your mobile device.

It’s great to set up impromptu meetings, a quick happy hour with friends in the neighborhood, or finding directions to where your friend is waiting for you.

Fire Eagle works with the following applications: