Now they have a smart cellphone that foils the thief!
By Willowlady
@Willowlady (10658)
United States
February 23, 2007 2:16pm CST
Cell phone thefts are going up and a United Kingdom company is hoping its new security system will reduce thieves’ desire to steal the phones. How do they plan on doing that? How about a cell phone that screams loudly and unstoppably when it is stolen, permanently locks the keys and completely erases all data on the phone? As a result the cell phone is rendered worthless.
The technology, Remote XT, works like this: software is installed in the phone’s operating system and is activated through a call center when a user realizes his phone has been stolen or lost. The call center then disables the phone remotely. All the data is immediately removed from the phone and a high-pitched screeching noise is set off. The battery can be removed to stop the noise, but then the phone won’t work anyway, so the phone becomes worthless.
Could this be as important as this article alludes to?
7 people like this
16 responses
@rainbow (6761)
•
23 Feb 07
I'm not sure, can they stop the noise when you realise it was under your car seat the whole time?
Will it really stop people picking up other peoples phones in the pub? Most thieves would probably take the phone and if the noise started would just throw it away. It might take a few hours or days so by then it has all the credit used up, been sold, your info taken off it by the thief - possibly to use against you.
The best bit is that all your information will be taken off the phone, maybe helping to prevent identity theft.
I can see good points but I'm not sure it's such a big thing.
Thank-you for letting me know about the new tachnology.
4 people like this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
24 Feb 07
Not sure either, I guess you would have to measure it by what it would be worth to you in your situation. I appreciate the opportunity to share things that can impact our lives with everyone at Mylot and you my friend. Thanks for responding.
1 person likes this
@bluewings (3857)
•
24 Feb 07
Sounds like a good technology.If the thief realises it won't work once stolen then he'd be deterred from stealing it , but he might still manage to sell the parts by dismantling it in an open market.Isn't it possible for them to install a chip that constantly tells them the location of the mobile ? I understand that the thief can simply discard that part and think he's safe ,but they could perhaps use it in the liningof the whole cell so,if you want to discard it ,you'd end up discarding the whole cell.Again the psychology is the same here.Works as a deterrent to stealing.
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
25 Feb 07
Learn something new everyday. Thank so much for responding.
1 person likes this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
25 Feb 07
I love to be of service and hopefully I can keep these coming fairly regularly. I am so busy that another friend had emailed and asked me if I had made any discussions lately. I hurried and did a few that I had in the wings so to speak ;-)
Thanks much for responding.
1 person likes this
@bluewings (3857)
•
25 Feb 07
The pleasure's mine.In fact,I should be thanking you for bringing the innovation to my knowledge.Thanks so much.
1 person likes this
@AskAlly (3625)
• Canada
24 Feb 07
I think it is hilarious. The only problem is that if someone wants to return it to you, how do they get past the security system? I've returned a cell phone to its rightful owner by contacting a person on their phone list. Other wise I think it is not a bad idea at all.
3 people like this
@kyran_12 (643)
• India
17 Mar 07
yea its good but its so cheap in stealing cell phones...... i have lost almost 6 of mine like that only..the solution i came with is to bye the lowest prize cell phone so no one call steal it.......but i am frustrated about the functioning this morning onwards now feeling to get good one........thanks for this news so i can take care this time to have best one........................cheers
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
18 Mar 07
So glad I could be of service. Hope it truly allows you peace of mind. Thanks for responding.
1 person likes this
@dbeast (1495)
• India
24 Feb 07
well this seems to be a good method to keep the phones safe.but what happens if we ourselves find the phone later.will there be any way to recover the data?and what if the idea of saving one's cell phone backfires?it would be nice if we are able to someway recover the information in case we find on phones again.i am really amazed about the way technology is moving forward.it is making waves.who knows what they ll invent next?a cell that talks?
3 people like this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
24 Feb 07
Oh no talking phones in the theatres and church. Not good.
Technology does make new strides and we need to see how and if this works to be better or not. Thanks for responding.
1 person likes this
@cassidy22 (2974)
• United States
23 Feb 07
Well, I guess I treat my cell phone like I do my wallet... I don't leave it laying around where people can steal it. And if someone did, I'd just call the phone company and have it disabled. Or I'd do what some lady in China did when her phone was stolen...text it over and over and over until the thief relents!
3 people like this
@brokentia (10389)
• United States
17 Mar 07
Hmmm...I didn't know that call phone stealing was such an issue.
If a person found out that their cell phone was stolen...wouldn't they just have the cell phone turned off?
Does one carry such personal information in a cell phone that one would have to worry about erasing everything saved on it?
I guess if one is a celebrity, this would probably be a very good idea.
But for just little old me...stay at home mom or seven kids, I don't see this as a benefit.
But hey, I guess to some, it could be a real life saver.
2 people like this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
17 Mar 07
Since I do not have a cell phone I was not sure it was a big deal myself. I found it neat and thought to share it here. Thanks for responding.
1 person likes this
@GnosticGoddess (5626)
• United States
24 Feb 07
I think it sounds like a very interesting device. I don't know exactly how many cell phones actually get stolen a year but I think it's kind-neat. :)
1 person likes this
@007Bond1974 (881)
• Philippines
24 Feb 07
How i wish we have that technology in the philippines...cellphone theft is also rampant here...do cellphone company install it in all phones,or you have to pay for it like any security alarm add ons!THIS is interecsting...nice discussion friend!pls send me a message regarding this matter...peace!
2 people like this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
24 Feb 07
http://www.remotext.com/media-centre/press-coverage/wired-2007-01.jpg
That is the site, you may be able to get it, they are really busy right now, it has become soooo popular.
Thanks for responding.
1 person likes this
@Bizziebod (3497)
•
7 Jul 07
That sounds like a good idea, but like one of your responders says, hope they can reverse it if you suddenly find it again! I'm sure many people would appreciate it who have had their phones stolen and could cut mobile phone theft I guess! I haven't heard about it, is it on the market yet do you know?
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
8 Jul 07
Hi there, This was done 5 months or so ago and the magazine I saw it in the one time is gone now due to our housefire. I could not find that article again I think. Anyway, googling often brings good results and maybe you could find more out if you are interested in this for yourself. Thanks for responding.
@retardedrugrat (4791)
• Canada
24 Feb 07
This actually sounds like a good idea. I just wonder how many people would be aware of this new technology.
It worries me a little though because a lot of times, cell phone thieves don't hold on to the phones for very long, so by the time someone realizes that their phone is missing, the phone could already have been sold to someone else.
That someone else may then find themselves out of pocket AND without a cell phone when the owner has realized its missing and activated this new technology. It seems like some innocent people are about to get hurt.
1 person likes this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
24 Feb 07
Not really innocent when you buy a stolen phone. Legitmate phones come with paperwork etc. In the right situation this should be good. We shall see though. Thanks for responding.
@cafay1 (256)
• United States
24 Feb 07
This sounds great but I can see the down sides to it to. I don't have an exspensive phone, it's is also a no frills just for usefullness phone. So, I don't think is would be stolen. I am all for upsetting the theives though.
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
24 Feb 07
I agree on not having the expensive phone. basic and prepaid for me if and when I get one. I too wish to upset the thieves plans. Thanks for responding.
@johnclegg (6)
• Philippines
24 Feb 07
its not gonna work. i already think of dat. im a cellphone technician for 5 years. i got better idea but i can't tell it right now. research not finnish yet.
