But there seem to be few caveats.
- Since this is not embedded along with the phone firmware, a reset of the phone would wipe out the software. If the phone was stolen, it is very likely that the thief will reset your phone. Most of the smart phones do start up even when there is no SIM card, so it is easy to just pull out the SIM, reset the phone and then use it. It would work till thieves are ignorant about such a software, but if this becomes popular, or after couple of incidents of thieves getting caught is publicized, they will become wiser.
- If your phone is stolen outside your country and the new number does not have international messaging capability, the software will not be able to send an SMS.
- Embed the software in the firmware. It is easy for Nokias and Sonys of the world to embed this in the firmware so that once configured, it can not be wiped out. The software configuration should be stored separately so that it can not be wiped out even with a reset. The only way to reset it should be to visit the service center, present proof of ownership and let the technician clear the settings.
- Use data channel as a backup to SMS for informing the new IMSI. Bak2U could run a service where they can in-turn send out messages or inform their users.
- It should also encrypt data (phonebook, notes, calendars, files) transparently. If the IMSI changes, encrypted data is no longer available. The service could then send across the data to the original user through Bak2U service. The user can at least retrieve the data and not let it fall on wrong hands. The data sometimes is more valuable than the device itself!
2 comments:
PhoneBAK is a really interesting concept, but what would happen if the battery is dead? I use another form of lost and found recovery, its called TrackItBack. I get labels sent to me and I put them on my camera, laptop, cell phone, and my kids portable video games. When I lose any of the items that has a TrackItBack label on it, they call me when its been found and they get a courier deliver it back to either my home or work address. I have save hundreds of dollars using this service and would recommend it to anyone.
PhoneBAK is a really interesting concept, but what would happen if the battery is dead? I use another form of lost and found recovery, its called TrackItBack. I get labels sent to me and I put them on my camera, laptop, cell phone, and my kids portable video games. When I lose any of the items that has a TrackItBack label on it, they call me when its been found and they get a courier deliver it back to either my home or work address. I have save hundreds of dollars using this service and would recommend it to anyone.
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