With ongoing improvements in technology, manufacturers of many gadgets have also developed apps that can help locate your lost or stolen gadget. Find out which app is best for you.
Technology has become part of mankind’s daily existence. Everywhere you look, somebody is sporting a new gadget or two, and sometimes even more. In fact, many use a cell phone, laptop computer, iPod, and even an iPad as part of their daily routines.
With multiple gadgets being used by a single person, one is bound get misplaced occasionally – or worse, stolen. This can be very annoying and even devastating, especially if the gadget contains sensitive information. Fortunately, with ongoing improvements in technology, manufacturers of many gadgets have also developed apps that can help locate a lost or stolen gadget.
1. Find My iPhone, Find My iPad, and Find My iPod touch
These three apps work the same way, featuring MobileMe, and now they’re free on every iPhone 4, iPad, and iPod touch 4th generation with iOS 4.2.
If you misplace your gadget, you just sign in to me.com using any computer web browser (or use the Find My iPhone, iPad or IPod touch app on another device) to display the misplaced gagdet’s approximate location on a map.
Another option is to write a message and display it on the screen of your gadget. Your message will appear even if the screen is locked. Also, if your gadget is nearby but you can’t find it because it’s under a pile of papers or your bed, you can tell Find My iPhone to play a sound that will override the gadget’s volume or silent setting.
2. Lookout
The Lookout app supports Android, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile. With this app, you can locate your missing phone on a map from your PC or from another smartphone. If your phone is nearby and you still can’t find it, you can sound an alarm which will play even if your phone is on silent.
3. BlueRetriever
The BlueRetriever app supports Apple (iPhone original, iPhone 3G/3GS, iPhone 4, iPod Touch), Blackberry (Curve, Storm, Bold, Pearl), Palm (Pre), and Google (G1).
This app enables you to create a wallpaper for your phone that includes a site URL and ID number on it. When someone finds your phone, they just go to the website and type in the ID number to learn who owns the phone. With this app, you have the option to offer a reward, which you can set up to $100 in gift cards from Amazon, Target, or Starbucks, or you can give donations with Kiva.
4. iTag
The iTag app supports the Android phone. If you misplace your Android, you can view its location using the website, and you can also make it ring even if it is in silent mode or vibrate.
So there’s no longer need to need to panic if you lose your cell phone. Just make use of these apps to help secure your phone or other gadget from loss or theft.
