LoJack for Android to be embedded in Samsung Galaxy S4's firmware


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Since the Galaxy S4's launch, Samsung's been eager to make security one of the device's stronger selling points. Through its partnership with Absolute Software, makers of LoJack for Laptops, Samsung will soon embed a theft recovery system right into the the phone's firmware. LoJack for Android smartphones, launching exclusively on the Galaxy S4, joins SAFE for Knox in Samsung's quest to develop "the most comprehensive mobile security solution" on the market. While there are plenty of apps that can locate misplaced phones via GPS and wipe their contents, the hope of retrieving a stolen phone is slim to none. In addition to content-clearing software, LoJack will offer a service in which "recovery specialists" attempt to return lost phones to their owners. There's no guarantee that said recovery specialists will be able to successfully track down thieves and reclaim stolen devices, but it's nice to dream. Subscriptions for LoJack for Android will start at $29.99 a year, though there's no official word yet on a release date.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/22/lojack-for-android-galaxy-s4/

Prey does practically the same thing for nothing. Suits me.

Does prey install into the Firmware of your phone?

I have wanted this sort of system in my iPhone and rMBP. The price for a year is ok.

So in other words all you need to get around it is to reflash the phone.

Well, people better hope the criminals are stupid.

Lots of dumb criminals/people. Lots of stories about criminals leaving their wallet behind, writing a back robbery note on the back of their own deposit slip....and so on. Most criminals are dumb and looking for a quick buck. Hell, I had some kids once break in to my car and steal a 3 month old pack of gum sitting in the center console out in the AZ heat.

So in other words all you need to get around it is to reflash the phone.

Well, people better hope the criminals are stupid.

Prey does practically the same thing for nothing. Suits me.

read the article next time. A factory reset or any sort of wiping doesn't do anything. This is part of the device firmware, not the rom or OS.

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