Database Develop

[Q] Pocket Android Non-phone devices ??

Is there such a thing as a pocket size Android device that is not a phone - but has all the other features of a smartphone ?
In other words, a wifi-only Droid/Evo/Thunder/HD2 ?
I was struck by what someone said about the Nook Color, that they did not need the camera or the microphone, because their pocket phone has those things. I do not have a smartphone, because I do not want a big monthly data bill.
But I could use something that could scan UPC codes (or QR codes), take quick photos, and could do voice activated tasks that do not need the nice large screen of the Nook.
Thanks !

ADude said:
Is there such a thing as a pocket size Android device that is not a phone - but has all the other features of a smartphone ?
In other words, a wifi-only Droid/Evo/Thunder/HD2 ?
I was struck by what someone said about the Nook Color, that they did not need the camera or the microphone, because their pocket phone has those things. I do not have a smartphone, because I do not want a big monthly data bill.
But I could use something that could scan UPC codes (or QR codes), take quick photos, and could do voice activated tasks that do not need the nice large screen of the Nook.
Thanks !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe someone else can back me (or correct me) up on this as I'm just taking an educated guess here, but any deactivated phone would do this. If you're only looking for a wifi version, that is. You might wanna look into it more, but picking up an old Droid (probably pretty cheap) would work. You would have access to the market via wifi and all that.

yep get used droid, you can use its camera, gps, download textfree/pinger and get text messaging
JLCollier2005 said:
Maybe someone else can back me (or correct me) up on this as I'm just taking an educated guess here, but any deactivated phone would do this. If you're only looking for a wifi version, that is. You might wanna look into it more, but picking up an old Droid (probably pretty cheap) would work. You would have access to the market via wifi and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

ADude said:
Is there such a thing as a pocket size Android device that is not a phone - but has all the other features of a smartphone ?
In other words, a wifi-only Droid/Evo/Thunder/HD2 ?
I was struck by what someone said about the Nook Color, that they did not need the camera or the microphone, because their pocket phone has those things. I do not have a smartphone, because I do not want a big monthly data bill.
But I could use something that could scan UPC codes (or QR codes), take quick photos, and could do voice activated tasks that do not need the nice large screen of the Nook.
Thanks !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want something radical try, www alwaysinnovating.com/products/minibook.htm
There is also the samsung galaxy pmps, www linuxfordevices.com/c/a/News/Samsung-Galaxy-Player-4-and-5/
Also look at Archos, but their smaller units tend to be resistive touch screens so check the descriptions well.
And finally a google search for 'android pmp camera' should turn up a couple hits.
-Zhin

Check out the archos 43 here
http://www.amazon.com/Archos-43-Internet-Tablet-Black/dp/B0042RRTOC
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

Cowon D3

ADude said:
I do not have a smartphone, because I do not want a big monthly data bill.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my thinking on the matter, too and is the reason why I still use a cheap Chinese Windows Mobile 2G clone phone through T-mobile. However, I've noticed that Phone companies are starting to roll out small data plans for about $10.00 a month. That might be enough to get me to finally buy a smart phone, given that I'd mostly use WiFi for data.
Once tethering plans become affordable I'll probably go with that, but I'm talking $15.00 a month on top for data & tethering, and who knows when (or if) prices will ever reach that level (especially with AT&T swallowing up T-Mobile... yaaay, go duopoly!)

Samsung is making one galaxy player I think its going to be called
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Arbelzapf said:
Cowon D3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too bad reviews say it is terrible
I would say simply wait for the Samsung Galaxy Player to actually be released, hopefully this spring.

JLCollier2005 said:
Maybe someone else can back me (or correct me) up on this as I'm just taking an educated guess here, but any deactivated phone would do this. If you're only looking for a wifi version, that is. You might wanna look into it more, but picking up an old Droid (probably pretty cheap) would work. You would have access to the market via wifi and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am now looking into this, there are lots of Droids on ebay.
I assume that "BAD ESN" only matters if you are going to use it as a cell phone, and for Wifi use, it would not matter ?
Also, I noticed in the completed listings that some with cracked screens sold for just as much as ones without flaws. Why is this ? Is there some easy way to get the screen fixed ? (Just curious on this one.)

FML! Left my N7 on a plane.

So United has a horrible Lost and found system. I called them less then 30 minutes after walking off the plane. I wanted someone to walk to my seat and physically grab it. Since i was near the rear of the plane and the last one out of my row im pretty sure no other passenger would of grabbed it. All they could do is basically tell me to report it on the website and i "might" get a call. The thing is I know and have talked to a few flight attendants and it seems like a lot of the time there co-workers hide the stuff and keep it for themself. So instead of united actually doing a physical check it is pretty much as good as gone at this point. I really have no faith i will get it back. It was a flawless N7 16gb too!. Doubt I will buy a new one to replace it even though i really loved the device, I just have too much other things going on to afford it atm. So if I dont get a call/email in the next few days, it was nice being a part of these forums and loved the vibe here.

That sucks. Hope you able to get it back. Good luck!

This reminds me when I lost my old GBA case on a plane. It had so many good games in there, and the GBA itself. I still had my SP case though, that had the SP and games as well, so I didn't lose everything.
I miss you Nightmare in Dreamland.
Anyway, sorry to hear about losing your Nexus.

omg that is so sad. i almost cried reading your post.. I would hate to loose mine right now . It will come in handy starting next week. Wed i have to have a bicep tendon surgery..
boohooo
i so hope they do the honest thing and get it back to you

Get a case or sleeve that you can tether to your bag, belt, etc. Also, Case Logic LNE07 comes in red so it's hard to visually miss it.

Scythe024 said:
So United has a horrible Lost and found system. I called them less then 30 minutes after walking off the plane. I wanted someone to walk to my seat and physically grab it. Since i was near the rear of the plane and the last one out of my row im pretty sure no other passenger would of grabbed it. All they could do is basically tell me to report it on the website and i "might" get a call. The thing is I know and have talked to a few flight attendants and it seems like a lot of the time there co-workers hide the stuff and keep it for themself. So instead of united actually doing a physical check it is pretty much as good as gone at this point. I really have no faith i will get it back. It was a flawless N7 16gb too!. Doubt I will buy a new one to replace it even though i really loved the device, I just have too much other things going on to afford it atm. So if I dont get a call/email in the next few days, it was nice being a part of these forums and loved the vibe here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
United Airlines is the worst. From the most cramped planes with the worst seats in the industry, to the worst customer service there is. I used to fly Continental exclusively, but since the merger, no more. Good luck.

Any chance you had Lookout or some other tracking service installed? Sucks man. My wife is a flight attendant and she has turned in several Kindle's and what-not in, so perhaps there is a chance. Best of luck!

ExploreMN said:
Any chance you had Lookout or some other tracking service installed? Sucks man. My wife is a flight attendant and she has turned in several Kindle's and what-not in, so perhaps there is a chance. Best of luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i have lookout installed.

You never know, I found someone's kindle on a Southwest flight and took it right up to the counter. They said they had already hear from the passenger and knew whose it was. Messing with other people's gadgets is bad mojo.

Scythe024 said:
yes i have lookout installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell if it's still at the airport? If yes, that is a very good sign that it's probably been turned in (and someone turned it on and connected to wifi...but lets hope that was in an effort to identify you for good reasons). If it pops up online anywhere outside of the airport...it's pretty much gone. Hopefully you changed all your passwords to all your accounts too...notified any credit cards you have tied to any of those accounts, etc.

ExploreMN said:
Can you tell if it's still at the airport? If yes, that is a very good sign that it's probably been turned in (and someone turned it on and connected to wifi...but lets hope that was in an effort to identify you for good reasons). If it pops up online anywhere outside of the airport...it's pretty much gone. Hopefully you changed all your passwords to all your accounts too...notified any credit cards you have tied to any of those accounts, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it wasnt able to locate it which leads me to believe it wasnt turned on and connected to wifi. I had google wallet active on there but no credit card tied to it, just the $10 that came free.

Scythe024 said:
So United has a horrible Lost and found system. I called them less then 30 minutes after walking off the plane. I wanted someone to walk to my seat and physically grab it. Since i was near the rear of the plane and the last one out of my row im pretty sure no other passenger would of grabbed it. All they could do is basically tell me to report it on the website and i "might" get a call. The thing is I know and have talked to a few flight attendants and it seems like a lot of the time there co-workers hide the stuff and keep it for themself. So instead of united actually doing a physical check it is pretty much as good as gone at this point. I really have no faith i will get it back. It was a flawless N7 16gb too!. Doubt I will buy a new one to replace it even though i really loved the device, I just have too much other things going on to afford it atm. So if I dont get a call/email in the next few days, it was nice being a part of these forums and loved the vibe here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you bought it with a credit card you might have some buyer protection like, replacement for stolen or broken items. I buy everything with American express, I have a 90 day window in which they will replace if lost, stolen, broken, etc.... Plus they extend any warranty an additional year...
Visa has something like this on a few of the cards...

Scythe024 said:
it wasnt able to locate it which leads me to believe it wasnt turned on and connected to wifi. I had google wallet active on there but no credit card tied to it, just the $10 that came free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need to input your passcode anyway, unless you have it stored in your tablet for someone to find out

I am really surprised that Google doesn't have an easy way to register our devices. Every Android device has numbers associated with it that can't be changed. The MAC addresses for both the WiFi and Bluetooth interfaces are unique, so every device that has either of these radios could be identified. It should be part of the OS that these tablets can't install any software if the registered owner reports it lost or stolen. If the device has cameras, a picture should be taken when it's connected to the internet. These pictures could be retrieved when a valid case number or subpoena is provided. At least a warning should appear on the tablet saying it has been reported lost or stolen. Make it a pain to use a misappropriated tablet.
Yes, I know there are programs out there that do this for you, but they are easily circumvented by doing a full factory reset of the device. Come on Google! Take a bite out of crime!

Jroyd said:
I am really surprised that Google doesn't have an easy way to register our devices. Every Android device has numbers associated with it that can't be changed. The MAC addresses for both the WiFi and Bluetooth interfaces are unique, so every device that has either of these radios could be identified. It should be part of the OS that these tablets can't install any software if the registered owner reports it lost or stolen. If the device has cameras, a picture should be taken when it's connected to the internet. These pictures could be retrieved when a valid case number or subpoena is provided. At least a warning should appear on the tablet saying it has been reported lost or stolen. Make it a pain to use a misappropriated tablet.
Yes, I know there are programs out there that do this for you, but they are easily circumvented by doing a full factory reset of the device. Come on Google! Take a bite out of crime!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone on another thread said that somebody sold them a Nexus 7 that was apparently known to Google as stolen, and I guess Play access was disabled or something, I don't know the exact details though...

An app is only easily removed if it is loaded as a user app. If it is am system app a standard reset went be enough. On the other hand maybe they will be smart enough to take it further.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

A very similar thing happened to me on a BA flight inbound to heathrow years ago. On that occasion i left a case containing some sennheiser noise cancelling headphones and an ipod nano in the seat pocket. I realized just a short distance from the gate and went back but they wouldn't let me back on. They never found for me either. I was eventually told that "I think someone has add it mate".

Jroyd said:
... If the device has cameras, a picture should be taken when it's connected to the internet. These pictures could be retrieved when a valid case number or subpoena is provided. At least a warning should appear on the tablet saying it has been reported lost or stolen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have my devices set to take front and rear photos on evey boot and on multiple incorrect passcodes which are uploaded staight to dropbox and google plus. They also text each other with gps coordinates on every boot. Again, this is only useful if the thief doesn't factory reset or flash a new rom.
I wonder if devs could implement a passcode for cwm et al to secure the flashing process?
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda app-developers app

goto play.google.com and install plan B remotely, youll be able to track it once it's online, as long as it's still tied to your google account
---------- Post added at 06:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:14 AM ----------
drhunter said:
I have my devices set to take front and rear photos on evey boot and on multiple incorrect passcodes which are uploaded staight to dropbox and google plus. They also text each other with gps coordinates on every boot. Again, this is only useful if the thief doesn't factory reset or flash a new rom.
I wonder if devs could implement a passcode for cwm et al to secure the flashing process?
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was discussed before but i think they said they couldn't because it could lock you out of your device

Slate on a plane!!
Sorry, just had too
I read on Google's help pages that they can remotely lock a device so might be worth calling them. If someone can't use it they might put it back in lost property or something.

stolen...

Today is my saddest day, my perfectly good shape (no cracking screens..etc) Nexus 7 16GB stolen at Liberty Since Center Museum, in Jersey City, NJ.:crying:
I was at second floor sitting at table at cafeteria , and then step out for a few mins to watch out my 3 year old girl. I was worry about my daughter who was running on the floor, so I jump and run behind here, I completely forget my small backup on the chair I was sitting...when I realized it, I grabbed my little girl, and rush back to the table where I was sitting, but it was gone, couple of waiters cleaning the tables, and I asked them if they saw a small green back pack, they said yes..they brought my back bag, and when I checked, my Nexus 7 gone!!!
I told them where's my tablet to two waiters now standing next to me, they said they know nothing about my tablet, they said they saw the bag and thought it was forgetten, and took it back and put it here inside. They asked me to talk to office/info desk in the Museum, so I went there and told them what happened and I said I know I am pretty sure one of the waiters took the tablet and demanded that there must be some security camera or something. they said there's none in the cafeteria area.
We are talking about max 10-15 min here, I know it was museum closing time and it was only me sitting on the table in the cafeteria, and waiters cleaning the tables...that's the time all happened, so I am quite sure one of them took it out.
I did not have any remote security app installed...so I cannot remotely wipe my stolen N7, but I changed my gmail account password using my phone, and when I get home, change all other password I can think of (amazon, box, etc)...I also went to Google wallet and disable N7 device, I also deleted my google account credit card as well.
I am not sure what else I can do without any security apps installed, I did probably best I could at this point (chaining the password..etc). Drop me a line if you have any other ideas that I can do.
I am not sure how much this would help, but hoping they cannot get my account info or do anything about it. I am quietly regret that I did not install any security apps on my N7. I am also quite sad that I lost my beloved Nexus 7!!:crying:
so I was sad, holding my 3 year old girl, went thru steps and front door to meet my wife. When my wife saw my face, she said what happened..I said my nexus 7 stolen...she knew that I loved my N7, so she did not say anything, tried to cheer me up..but did not work...
:crying:

This is one of the reasons why it's so important to have a remote security app. The usefulness on wifi-only devices is a bit lacking, since your ability to control it remotely without having it online makes it difficult to use a lot of the functionality. But on the 3G model especially, it allows you to track/wipe/etc. it if necessary. You can also make it sound an alarm, which in your case could have tracked it to where it was if it was still in the building (ie: in the employee lockers or storage area).
I highly recommend Cerberus. It's a great app and does everything you can want. You can also install it in the ROM, so even if the thief wipes the device, you can still remotely access it and track down who stole it (unless they do a full system flash).

Contact Google and report it stolen.THey can wipe and disable the device as soon as it comes online.

This is why every Android user should install Cerberus immediately. The app is only $4 (after the first free week) and will allow you to use it on up to 5 devices (so less than $1 per device). Cerberus is amazing & has an insane amount of recovery/tracking methods, and can even survive through a wipe. Makes me sad more people don't use it...

tlogank said:
This is why every Android user should install Cerberus immediately. The app is only $4 (after the first free week) and will allow you to use it on up to 5 devices (so less than $1 per device). Cerberus is amazing & has an insane amount of recovery/tracking methods, and can even survive through a wipe. Makes me sad more people don't use it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if I only I knew....I was aware of security apps, in fact I had one lockout app installed, but after I was dealing with 4.2 upgrade, I did fresh re-install stock ROM, so forgot to install lockout app (not sure if it is really as effective as Cerberus though)...too many lessons learnt today
James-NC, thanks for the info. I called Google's Nexus support phone# 1-855-83-NEXUS (63987)., but could not able to get thru, waited on the phone over 40 mins...I will try tomorrow morning see if I get hold someone.....
I did know Google can wipe and disable the devices...

jazzespresso said:
Today is my saddest day, my perfectly good shape (no cracking screens..etc) Nexus 7 16GB stolen at Liberty Since Center Museum, in Jersey City, NJ.:crying:
I was at second floor sitting at table at cafeteria , and then step out for a few mins to watch out my 3 year old girl. I was worry about my daughter who was running on the floor, so I jump and run behind here, I completely forget my small backup on the chair I was sitting...when I realized it, I grabbed my little girl, and rush back to the table where I was sitting, but it was gone, couple of waiters cleaning the tables, and I asked them if they saw a small green back pack, they said yes..they brought my back bag, and when I checked, my Nexus 7 gone!!!
I told them where's my tablet to two waiters now standing next to me, they said they know nothing about my tablet, they said they saw the bag and thought it was forgetten, and took it back and put it here inside. They asked me to talk to office/info desk in the Museum, so I went there and told them what happened and I said I know I am pretty sure one of the waiters took the tablet and demanded that there must be some security camera or something. they said there's none in the cafeteria area.
We are talking about max 10-15 min here, I know it was museum closing time and it was only me sitting on the table in the cafeteria, and waiters cleaning the tables...that's the time all happened, so I am quite sure one of them took it out.
I did not have any remote security app installed...so I cannot remotely wipe my stolen N7, but I changed my gmail account password using my phone, and when I get home, change all other password I can think of (amazon, box, etc)...I also went to Google wallet and disable N7 device, I also deleted my google account credit card as well.
I am not sure what else I can do without any security apps installed, I did probably best I could at this point (chaining the password..etc). Drop me a line if you have any other ideas that I can do.
I am not sure how much this would help, but hoping they cannot get my account info or do anything about it. I am quietly regret that I did not install any security apps on my N7. I am also quite sad that I lost my beloved Nexus 7!!:crying:
so I was sad, holding my 3 year old girl, went thru steps and front door to meet my wife. When my wife saw my face, she said what happened..I said my nexus 7 stolen...she knew that I loved my N7, so she did not say anything, tried to cheer me up..but did not work...
:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U should of accused them of taking it , you should have cause a scene big enuf to allow the cops to be called and them inform them when they arrive that one of them stole it. Or you coulda done it the old fashion way and kicked some ass .....never play nice with suspected thieves ....
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium

if your SURE you was the only one in the area except the waiters i woulda really .....really caused more then a scene, i can see your situation thou especially since you had your child present. :good:
did you leave wifi switched on? or bluetooth?
if so go back and quickly use bluetooth to search for your device name
or use "wifikill" connect to the wifi in the area you woulda been using, wifikill will then show you all devices connected tho that wifi point, you would then see if your device is still in the area "hidden under the counter"

Don't mean to sound bad, but I purchased Cerebrus and after a few weeks of leaving it dormant (not needed most of the time?) I realised that it had started sending messages to my contacts.
How do I know it was Cerebrus? BECAUSE THE TEXTS IT WERE SENDING WAS MY LOCATION AND MAP CO-ORDINATES !!!!

Wilks3y said:
Don't mean to sound bad, but I purchased Cerebrus and after a few weeks of leaving it dormant (not needed most of the time?) I realised that it had started sending messages to my contacts.
How do I know it was Cerebrus? BECAUSE THE TEXTS IT WERE SENDING WAS MY LOCATION AND MAP CO-ORDINATES !!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think its a feature of cerebus you cant check or un-check in settings,,, just goin on what ive read elsewhere myself i use "prey" security" it also has a feature that is my device is stolen i can send it an e-mail to activate map tracking

chismay said:
i think its a feature of cerebus you cant check or un-check in settings,,, just goin on what ive read elsewhere myself i use "prey" security" it also has a feature that is my device is stolen i can send it an e-mail to activate map tracking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it was just doing it by itself, I even forgot I had Cerberus.
My phones networks kept turning themselves off and on, then contacts kept getting sent maps of where I was.
Un-installed Cerberus and Deleted the accounts on website, the issues stopped.
WHY? WHY DOES CERBERUS MESS MY PHONE UP !?

Wilks3y said:
But it was just doing it by itself, I even forgot I had Cerberus.
My phones networks kept turning themselves off and on, then contacts kept getting sent maps of where I was.
Un-installed Cerberus and Deleted the accounts on website, the issues stopped.
WHY? WHY DOES CERBERUS MESS MY PHONE UP !?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because user error. its an option in the program..

Shame you have changed your Google password.
Otherwise could have done a remote install of Lookout Plan B (search on market)
Then tracked the tablet yourself!

jazzespresso said:
We are talking about max 10-15 min here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really sorry to hear about your device, but even ten minutes is a really long time. I wouldn't leave anything of value unattended for more than 10-15 seconds.

I've had Cerebus installed on two phones and three tablets. Never had any issues with contacts randomly getting text messages of my location. I'm calling user error.

chismay said:
did you leave wifi switched on? or bluetooth?
if so go back and quickly use bluetooth to search for your device name
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what I was going to say. OP is going to kick himself if he did indeed have bluetooth enabled and didn't think to search for all nearby bluetooth devices from his phone.
chismay said:
or use "wifikill" connect to the wifi in the area you woulda been using, wifikill will then show you all devices connected tho that wifi point, you would then see if your device is still in the area "hidden under the counter"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That I didn't think of, and it is pure genius!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

If you got an coporate exchange account setup on the device you cant remote wipe (including SD card) from there.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Flanimal said:
That is exactly what I was going to say. OP is going to kick himself if he did indeed have bluetooth enabled and didn't think to search for all nearby bluetooth devices from his phone.
That I didn't think of, and it is pure genius!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol cheers

First thing the thief do, turn the device off. No trace would works.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

adxgrave said:
First thing the thief do, turn the device off. No trace would works.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree.
If it was a random person walking by who spotted the device and took it, they would high-tale it out of the area, making any BT/Wi-Fi tracking impossible anyway. But odds are, the first thing they're going to do with it after they get to a safe location is play with it and see if they can get access to it. Sure if they were smart they might realize it is safer to turn if off and reflash it when they get home, but honestly, what are the odds of the thief being that smart?
If it was a waiter, as the OP assumes, they're going to try and hide it ASAP. It's unlikely they are going to walk out of the building, at least not too far. So that leaves a few random hiding spots around the immediate vicinity. They aren't going to take the time and inspect the device, let alone try and figure out how to turn it off. They wouldn't want to be seen by anyone with it in their possession. Odds are, they grabbed it, hid it with something they were carrying or in their apron (if applicable) and stashed it for later. And if that was the case, and if it was online (highly unlikely for the non-3G unit, then recovery would be possible.
As a prime example of stupidity regarding thieves and tablets, look at the TSA agent who was just caught stealing a planted iPad. A local news crew had incidents staged where 5-10 iPads were accidentally left by travelers in an airport. All but one were promptly returned to the "owner". But one guy, on camera, snatched it. They put a GPS tracker in it, and traced it to the agents home. For a week they waited, and they saw it go online, apps attempted to be downloaded/installed (on the owner's account) and just played with in general. Finally, the news crew arrived and questioned him about it - which he of course denied. Until that is when they set off a remote alarm siren. He made up some excuse and returned it. Fortunately, and surprisingly for the government, he lost his job.
So no, thieves are usually quite stupid.

phonic said:
So no, thieves are usually quite stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
too true if you search google for stolen tablet/phone recovered with prey security app and there a ton of people who backed with friends or police get theyre devices back from theives,. :victory::victory::victory:

Figured out MY problem with the fingerprint reader

Last week I went to the DMV to get a new drivers license. In the process I needed to get my index finger printed. The technician tried and tried using some kind of an optical scanning device but failed to get an acceptable image. He mentioned that he's seen the same problem with others my age (late 60s) and blamed it on losing collagen. Seemed strange to me as I'd never heard of such a thing.
So I decided to do some research and found this (in a Scientific American article):
"...the elasticity of skin decreases with age, so a lot of senior citizens have prints that are difficult to capture. The ridges get thicker; the height between the top of the ridge and the bottom of the furrow gets narrow, so there's less prominence."
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/lose-your-fingerprints/
While I now understand, figuring out my problem doesn't solve it.
I haven't looked in a while--did anyone ever locate the fountain of youth?

Just another cruel joke to make getting old suck even more.

It also might be caused by doing dishes alot.
Sometimes if you do the dished so much the scanner cant read it even the scanner for making a passport may not be able to

Thought this might help me with my missing password and correct fingerprint files, but no.
However, I have this to say you're proably better off without the stupid scanner
Yeah man, the scanner BLOWS.
Simple - as - that!
Mine packed up after unlocking and updating firmware - backup password doesn't work either. Actually, I think it's probably less annoying to not be able to access it, then to access it. Seriously, if it doesn't work 99.99% of the time it's bloody annoying. All these people saying yeah but it works every 8 or 9 out of ten... WTF? Seriously, if I had to double press my laptop or car every tenth time I'd take it back to the manufacturer.
Welcome to the new and more expensive samsung - NOT. I'm done with you after this latest phone. It'll be a Xiao mi or a one plus 2 for me. Almost looking forward to having this one stolen or broken so I can justify the change to my wife...

rabilancia said:
Last week I went to the DMV to get a new drivers license. In the process I needed to get my index finger printed. The technician tried and tried using some kind of an optical scanning device but failed to get an acceptable image. He mentioned that he's seen the same problem with others my age (late 60s) and blamed it on losing collagen. Seemed strange to me as I'd never heard of such a thing.
So I decided to do some research and found this (in a Scientific American article):
"...the elasticity of skin decreases with age, so a lot of senior citizens have prints that are difficult to capture. The ridges get thicker; the height between the top of the ridge and the bottom of the furrow gets narrow, so there's less prominence."
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/lose-your-fingerprints/
While I now understand, figuring out my problem doesn't solve it.
I haven't looked in a while--did anyone ever locate the fountain of youth?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds cool! Now you can start a life of crime and get away with it!

Alternate to "backup password" ?

First off, my first post here, although I have lurked and downloaded many ROMs for my HTC One M7. Love this place!
Onto my question
I've recently purchased a S6 after being very unhappy with a iPhone 6 plus purchase that I was able to return for a full refund.
The phone is great and I love it, though one thing that is very annoying, and thats the "backup password" for the fingerprint scanner.
I wear gloves at work and would like to keep my security active and not disable it completely(Yes I know I can disable it specifically at work, i'd rather not.). Is there any way to use a simple PIN or even PATTERN instead of HAVING to type in a password as an alternative?
Thanks in advance

jsm209 said:
First off, my first post here, although I have lurked and downloaded many ROMs for my HTC One M7. Love this place!
Onto my question
I've recently purchased a S6 after being very unhappy with a iPhone 6 plus purchase that I was able to return for a full refund.
The phone is great and I love it, though one thing that is very annoying, and thats the "backup password" for the fingerprint scanner.
I wear gloves at work and would like to keep my security active and not disable it completely(Yes I know I can disable it specifically at work, i'd rather not.). Is there any way to use a simple PIN or even PATTERN instead of HAVING to type in a password as an alternative?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't found another way yet, but I would be curious to know as well (I also wear gloves at work frequently). Backup password is a pita, especially because they make you choose a long one.
Do you wear opaque/leather gloves or vinyl/disposable gloves? I wear vinyl at work and I've actually gotten the reader to pick up my fingerprint through the gloves before, but it can take a few tries. Mostly I think it's the wrinkles in the material that cause it to misread. Every once in a while it works though, and I do a little happy dance :laugh:

mrapp said:
I haven't found another way yet, but I would be curious to know as well (I also wear gloves at work frequently). Backup password is a pita, especially because they make you choose a long one.
Do you wear opaque/leather gloves or vinyl/disposable gloves? I wear vinyl at work and I've actually gotten the reader to pick up my fingerprint through the gloves before, but it can take a few tries. Mostly I think it's the wrinkles in the material that cause it to misread. Every once in a while it works though, and I do a little happy dance :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vinyl ones but they are rather thick, I havent got the scanner to even register theres a finger on the scanner through the gloves yet. And yeah the length and the fact you need a letter and number is especially annoying. Hope there is either a way to change it or an update to add the option, though ><