Aerial photography using smartphone? - Off-topic

I have seen this:
http://www.sensefly.com/products/swinglet-cam/
and I want one. Trouble is they are $10k!
Got me thinking, I have a number of old GPS enabled smartphones (WM, but I also have my current Android HTC Desire).
It occurred to me that the smartphone has enough power and intelligence to know where it is, and how far off a pre-programmed track it is, and could communicate it's current location via GSM so you could track it on a laptop.
Does anyone out there think that an interface could be built to allow the smartphone to use the error from track to operate the control surfaces of a model aircraft to bring it back on track and to trigger a camera (not the awful in-built ones) to take a pre determined shot?
I have no idea how to programme such a thing, but would be willing to learn if you folk thought this had legs.

I'm sure you could have a program click some shots when its in a predetermined location... just like apps will turn on and off wifi or anything else depending on location.
Having the phone at the same time know exactly what to do with camera would be a lot more code. You'd really have to do some testing to see what would work up that high but I'm sure it could be done.

Not that it's THAT cheap, but much cheaper at $1500. It is a DIY kit so you'll have to be somewhat tech savvy, but this is just as fun if not more fun. Click the link below the vid to get to their site.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyYujjP5J-k

makr8100 said:
Not that it's THAT cheap, but much cheaper at $1500. It is a DIY kit so you'll have to be somewhat tech savvy, but this is just as fun if not more fun. Click the link below the vid to get to their site.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyYujjP5J-k
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Click to collapse
Very nice, I think it would be possible to make one of these for a lot less than $1500. The thing is, I've kinda got my head into the pilotless device - something that you can set a course and off it goes, does its thing and then comes back. When you think about it, the opportunities for that sort of device (most of them illegal) would be endless.
Thanks for your input folks.

The link I posted does have GPS, although it doesn't seem to have a GPS triggered camera. The creator uses a video camera, and with a high enough quality video camera you should be able to take still image captures. The downside is you'll be stuck with 1920x1080 resolution, which may not be high quality enough for your purposes. I'm sure it would be possible to rig a camera's button to an electrical relay triggered by the GPS unit signaling the correct coordinates.

Related

An Idea for anti-theft software

I was playing around with W.I.M.P. (Where is my phone) yesterday and I noticed an area that I think would make this program, or any other for that matter much more powerful.
Theory behind WIMP is that it sends back a text with GPS co-ordinates to another phone, not so great if theres 3 pubs within very close proximity, like in town. Soooo. my next thought was what if the phone was used at a camera post-being stolen.
I imagine the way this would work is that a photo would be taken from the thefts perpective using the standard back camera. However another additional photo is taken from the front camera with GPS data packaged into the JPG properties ala GPS Photo.
You'd get a shot of said thief, some decor in the background which Im sure would help work out where they are, you'd also have evidence of the theft and who took the phone, with time and date stamps, which when tallied against a police report would prove the photo was taken after the fact.
Im surprised this feature isnt available anywhere yet, or perhaps im talking tosh, or even that my google skills are lacking.
Anyhoo what do you funky brothers think?
I think that is a great idea now all we need is somone smart enuff to make make this porgram work like that lol
I think you would get a lot of pics of peoples pockets. Then you would know what pants they have on.
RussianTechno101 said:
I think that is a great idea now all we need is somone smart enuff to make make this porgram work like that lol
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If you were able to find someone smart enough to make the front camera work on your Tilt....then writing the software should be cake.
Laptop recovery.
They have this type of software on Apple lappies.
Have a look at the engadget link
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/11/stolen-laptop-recovered-with-back-to-my-mac/
That would be a neat feature but you would also probably get a bunch of bad images (tables, pockets, hands).
Valtamr said:
If you were able to find someone smart enough to make the front camera work on your Tilt....then writing the software should be cake.
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If you noticed the first poster is from London so he probably has a Tytn II with the front camera...
fone_fanatic said:
That would be a neat feature but you would also probably get a bunch of bad images (tables, pockets, hands).
If you noticed the first poster is from London so he probably has a Tytn II with the front camera...
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Yes, and if you noticed the person I actually quoted has "Using: AT&T Tilt" in his/her signature.
Is that even possible?
Wow! Now that would really be something. I would definitely be installing such an app on my next device especially in face of my Kaiser being stolen 2 weeks ago.
I think the problem with picuters of people's pockets and pub tables could be easily solved by setting the application to transmit only the pictures actually taken by the person in possesion of the phone after the theft. This way you could make sure the pictures sent, were taken when the person in question was holding the phone in front of them actaully trying to take a picture of sth.
This creates other problems of course like: what if the thief never uses the camera? But I think all mobile phone users try the camera out (no matter how poor it could be) at least once. So receiving a good quality picture would only be a matter of time.

External Monitor App?

I was curious and thought this would be kind of a neat app. Is there an app that I can use to turn my GTab into an external/second monitor for my laptop? If so is it Linux compatible or just Windows? Is it USB or WIFI?
I've been trying to find something like this also.
You could try a remote access app. There are a few to choose from in the market. There are also a few threads here about some of the different options.
Looks like the iPad has one ... wonder if they will work on an Android version:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/maxivista/id380146095?mt=8
Doesn't look like it...
http://www.phraseexpress.com/phpBB3...&start=0&sid=0de7ef74024f2af56e0f99d9f067c652
jpmi23 said:
Doesn't look like it...
http://www.phraseexpress.com/phpBB3...&start=0&sid=0de7ef74024f2af56e0f99d9f067c652
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Too bad too, I like maxivista.
Surprised their devs are so naive as to say they couldn't see the market for and android version. Guess they don't actually watch or read the news much.
(BTW, I mean the PC version, I have never drunk the apple/itunes koolaid)
nunjabusiness said:
Surprised their devs are so naive as to say they couldn't see the market for and android version. Guess they don't actually watch or read the news much.
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Lol. I'll second that. Aren't we the "hackers" always looking to do something cool with our open source gadgets? They are as naive as it gets.
I was just thinking of something like this aswell. Is it possible to re-engineer the hdmi-out to take hdmi-in? I'd love to plug my cable box into my tab while i play xbox on the TV (or vice versa) I know there has been no positive progress on hdmi-in with HTC's mini-HDMI implementation. Maybe viewsonic (being a monitor company) has a better possibility? Any dev's feel like taking a crack at it?
iDisplay is available in the android market. works just like the iOS version.
Anyone tried iDisplay on the gtab?
I thought I'd buy it but there are only two bad reviews on their webpage and eleswhere I've read that they do no give refunds. There is no trial version on their site, but their terms of service says that customers are expected to run trial versions before they buy . . .
I sent them a kind message asking them if they truly expect anyone to give them money for basically nothing. But I tried to be nice, and to encourage them to post a trial so I could buy and give them a positive review. Five bucks ain't much, but darned if I'll give it away to shmucks . . .
Anyway, if the app works well, they deserve our support.
My gtab is running vegan5 and I use the HP mini wireless keyboard with both of the office suites available. The gtab is taking place of my laptop and doing a great job of it. To be able to also use it to augment the laptop by giving me more screen real estate would be icing on the cake.
Thanks for posting this thread. I never would have thought if it.
iDisplay working
I gave it a try and am happy to let you know it is working well. It is a bit laggy and slowed down my computer a bit but does work for an extra screen.
matthai5 said:
I gave it a try and am happy to let you know it is working well. It is a bit laggy and slowed down my computer a bit but does work for an extra screen.
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Thanks for the feedback. I'll purchase the app. I loaded the XP application and it appears that a virtual server is created which could be the reason for the slowdown.
It would be nice if some of these application developers provided just a wee bit of info that could be used to determine if an app is appropriate or not. I think that the apple market has set a kind of precedent for wishy-washy frivolity that is going to carry over into the android market unless google demands a higher degree of responsibility. The time is now, before the market matures as android tabs and notebooks take over most of our computing tasks, as I think they will.
The apps written for the old Palm devices were held to a much higher standard than a lot of iPhone apps I've seen. But then the Palm devices were oriented towards business productivity and not so much as toy/entertainment oriented as iPhones and iPads. I spent part of the day with my hands on the Xoom tab, and talking to several Motorola reps and Verizon sales people. I must have sounded like an evangalist for the android OS.
If google is listening I'd like to tell them to take their work seriously right now because they could be taking over the entire personal computing market in the near future. Computing, regardless of platform, is not all about entertainment. We in engineering and science have needs that also require more versatile hardware and software. The tegra3 is just around the corner . . . then what? How will all those extra processing cores be made truly useful? I want an android powered tricorder.
My evangelical proclivities are simply gushing forth . . . (in all the wrong places)
Thanks again to the OP for initiating this thread.
I tried iDisplay today. I like it! It is a bit laggy, but works great other than that!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBD-H8Bhehc

[Q] I was robbed last night!

Man what a weekend. For the last 6 months I've been working may ass off just trying to stay ahead of the game. I'm overworked and underpaid (who isn't these days) and it starting to take its toll. I'm making mistakes I would have never made before. Like last night. I fell asleep early and the dog woke me up to go out. I took her out and in my dazed way back in neglected to lock the door.
I feel like a world class jackass but not for long. I'm looking for a security system. I need something advanced and am hoping among all the techies here there's some experience and advice on where to start looking for the best system.
Things I know I want/need are sensors for all windows, motion detectors, automatic light control, some fixed cameras, some 360 degree cameras. Oh and of course I will need an android app to interact and control the system.
In my case this was my own fault for not locking my door but it really hit home how unsecure my house really is. I have barely a line of defense and its time to get with the program. Even if I had locked the door there were still a number of unsecured entry points into my home.
So does anyone have any experience with home security? Do you have any suggestions on where to start? Have you come across any systems in tech blogs and such that look promising?
I'm beginning to research into all this as we speak but this is unfamiliar territory for me. I'm a tech Guy like you but home security has never been an interest till now. If you have anything to offer as far as what to get, what to do, and what not to do it will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I've never tried an Android-based home security system, but I don't see why not. For example, you could install a Schlage LiNK™ system. There's also Alarm.com and ElkDroid. I suppose other home automation tools might be useful.
But, um... are you planning to take your Nook Color with you while you walk the dog? These apps require network access; if you plan to stray more than ~20m from your house, you'd probably need a portable access point. Of course, it's not a problem if you plan to monitor your home while you're at the office (with network access).
Good luck!
Thanks for the reply and links to look into. You made a good point about not having network access to my Nook on a dog walk. I guess in that situation I would use my android phone instead. But while at home since my nook is my go to device I would use it. I don't think the system needs to be android based but I would like an app that would let me monitor the security cameras, turn on and off lights, and be notified of opened doors and windows.
The system needs to be a hardwired system and if possible also be capable of wireless. Maybe I'm going to have to pick one or the other but I haven't figured that out yet. I'm probably going to start out small and cover the most important aspects first so the system would also need to be expandable.
I began searching the net yesterday for information regarding home security. Theres alot! Hopefully as I research and begin making my choices in equipment and monitoring I will update this thread to maybe help others. What ever I choose Android will be a part of the system.
Best security system you can get on a budget is a Foscam camera.
luke121 said:
Best security system you can get on a budget is a Foscam camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mind sending me a pm about foscam? My restaurant just got broken into and I'm looking for an economic and proficient way to watch or protect.
Thank you in advance!
Sent from my unrooted Galaxy Tab.
I was robbed last night
I know the feeling well. I've been broken into twice. As a result, I called Brinks and had a system installed. But I kept forgetting to set the alarm and it was costing me $35.00 a month. So I began looking for other alternatives. In the search, I discovered all kinds of DIY things I could do to safeguard my house. So I ended up with a self defense website. You can install door and window alarms, surveillance systems, ect. There is actually a barking dog alarm that really works. A local woman had one and was able to scare an intruder off. I'm sure she thinks it was worth every penny she paid for it.
I was robbed also, about 4 years ago.
They made off with a new 24" iMac, WiFi printer, Gateway laptop, my old ass 8 year old PC with a 15" CRT monitor that I used to run Mandrake and other flavors of Linux on. They also managed to locate my backup hard drive in the kitchen.
I have worked as freelance Web Development & Design for years and lost a ton of work, clients respect and reliability.
I now have two remote backup hard drives (my moms house and my friend) with automation scripts that run nightly.
I use Dropbox on my two Android™ phones + my Nook + my desktop PC + my clients PCs.
As for home security: I no longer advertise on my vehicle, nor promote myself on the streets, I carry the minimum amount of cash, only carry one credit card, don't wear any jewelry, and talk to my children about the dangers of strangers, open the front door, etc.
Plus we have the peace of mind having electronic home security, motion sensors, door + window sensors, etc.
The geek in me wants to install a few webcams throughout the house, front yard, back, etc. and have access to view them via https via one of my websites.
But that'll have to wait.
I have 2 Panasonic Network Cameras with audio. You can monitor the cams on your Android phone with an app. There is a way to set it up for motion detection too.
Thanks for the replies. I'm still searching for the best system to meet my needs. We did check into ADT but I'd hate to pay the 35 dollars a month bill when we have the tech today that would make proffesional monitoring a waste. They do provide the equipment and install which is nice though.
Isn't there some kind of security enthusiast sites like a maximum PC or Tg daily. A site that could get me better informed of my options?
IFLATLINEI said:
Thanks for the replies. I'm still searching for the best system to meet my needs. We did check into ADT but I'd hate to pay the 35 dollars a month bill when we have the tech today that would make proffesional monitoring a waste. They do provide the equipment and install which is nice though.
Isn't there some kind of security enthusiast sites like a maximum PC or Tg daily. A site that could get me better informed of my options?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best security I know is, no one can steal your stuff if its all on fire.
For a real serious system that is also open to DIY, I'd strongly recommend the Elk Products M1G Gold system.
A great site to learn more is from http://www.cocoontech.com
Can do extensive home automation as well if that's your wish.
Awesome! Thank you.

HTC mini +

Does anyone have the HTC mini+ and if so is it worth it?
thewagdy said:
Does anyone have the HTC mini+ and if so is it worth it?
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I would say that heavily depends on how you use a device. I have it & I use it A LOT. Mostly because I wanted a way to keep my eyes on the road & be able to change the album/song I'm listening to. I also give a lot of presentations & I use it for the laser pointer & to control the slides on my tablet or laptop.
Having said that, the BT range is pretty limited. The display is a bit hard to see outside on a bright day & there are many options that are less expensive that work in a similar fashion.
Also, as of the last few updates, you can no longer switch the time display to 12hr, which kind of annoys me. Depending on why you are even thinking about it, I would say for the average user, or power user, that NO, it is probably NOT worth it.
GSLEON3 said:
I would say that heavily depends on how you use a device. I have it & I use it A LOT. Mostly because I wanted a way to keep my eyes on the road & be able to change the album/song I'm listening to. I also give a lot of presentations & I use it for the laser pointer & to control the slides on my tablet or laptop.
Having said that, the BT range is pretty limited. The display is a bit hard to see outside on a bright day & there are many options that are less expensive that work in a similar fashion.
Also, as of the last few updates, you can no longer switch the time display to 12hr, which kind of annoys me. Depending on why you are even thinking about it, I would say for the average user, or power user, that NO, it is probably NOT worth it.
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Thats very good advice, I really appreciate it. What were the other devices specifically you were talking about?

Case similar to eyepatch? (privacy slider for cameras)

I tried searching google, amazon, and this forum. No dice.
Anyone heard of a case for note8 that is both decent and also has some kind of physical slider for the camera?
I've only found one online, and its only for junk iphones lol.
Figured I'd ask. Thanks!
This is more gay than everything else that has ever been gay before for a phone accessory. Just my 2 cents... :laugh:
Sent from my Galaxy Note 8 using XDA Labs
Dejan Sathanas said:
This is more gay than everything else that has ever been gay before for a phone accessory. Just my 2 cents... :laugh:
Sent from my Galaxy Note 8 using XDA Labs
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Noted.
However, it is more gay having some fat dude spying on yourthrough your selfie cam unknowingly while you are getting dressed/naked.
cricketpaddleinmyhand said:
Noted.
However, it is more gay having some fat dude spying on yourthrough your selfie cam unknowingly while you are getting dressed/naked.
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If someone can see you through the phone's cameras, you have bigger issues then some fat dude seeing your junk.
I can't see any photos on this thread
Dejan Sathanas said:
This is more gay than everything else that has ever been gay before for a phone accessory. Just my 2 cents... [emoji23]
Sent from my Galaxy Note 8 using XDA Labs
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You need to be more in line with your verbiage. Gay is not a politically correct word to use these days. I'm thinking using the word " so hetro", as opposed to so gay. Thoughts?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
That is actually a good idea. I don't see why case manufacturers don't include this in their case designs as it would add another layer of protection to camera sensor.
cricketpaddleinmyhand said:
Noted.
However, it is more gay having some fat dude spying on yourthrough your selfie cam unknowingly while you are getting dressed/naked.
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Click to collapse
There is absolutely no way, and I mean zero, someone could be looking at you through your selfie cam without you knowing.
Firstly, when the screen is off, the device cuts the feed to the camera. You can test this by using any number of apps that allow video calling and video call a friend using all of them and turn the screen off during the call. Your friend should report your video feed either freezing or going away entirely.
Secondly, and this is the most important one, the only way someone would be able to have access to your selfie cam is if you installed an app from some unknown source that grants someone access to use your selfie cam without your knowledge. And even then, you'd have to give the app permission to use the camera, first. Apps can't just start using your camera or your microphone without you knowing about it. They need explicit permission, first.
So, if this is a concern for you, go into all the apps in your app manager and turn off the camera permission for every app, except your camera. Or, hell, turn that off also, if you're scared Samsung is spying on you, like someone else on this forum is.
These devices aren't like Windows. You can't accidentally go onto a website and suddenly someone is using your webcam to look at you. Very nearly anything that happens on your device needs your explicit permission. They can't just take control of sensors or install apps willy-nilly without your knowledge.
Also, something someone said once about people sticking tape over their webcam on their laptops; let's say something like this actually happened. Your device is presumably laying on your desk or in your pocket for most of the day. So, for a good portion of the day, whomever is spying through your selfie cam will be looking at a ceiling or a dark pocket. The couple of times that you are using your device, all they'll be looking at is your face, looking at your screen. They can't see what you're doing or looking at, only your face. Why would someone want to hack your device just to look at your face for 5 minutes, a couple of times a day and look at the ceiling the rest of the day (this is assuming also they can access the camera while the device's screen is off, which they can't. So, essentially they'll be looking at a blank camera feed and staring at their monitor all day for that hopeful chance they'll catch you checking your email for 2 minutes, which won't help them anything, again, as all they'll see is your face and not what you're doing).
TL;DR
No need to be so paranoid about anyone spying on you. Trust me, your life isn't that interesting and the ceiling of your work place isn't either.
Max_Terrible said:
There is absolutely no way, and I mean zero, someone could be looking at you through your selfie cam without you knowing.
Firstly, when the screen is off, the device cuts the feed to the camera. You can test this by using any number of apps that allow video calling and video call a friend using all of them and turn the screen off during the call. Your friend should report your video feed either freezing or going away entirely.
Secondly, and this is the most important one, the only way someone would be able to have access to your selfie cam is if you installed an app from some unknown source that grants someone access to use your selfie cam without your knowledge. And even then, you'd have to give the app permission to use the camera, first. Apps can't just start using your camera or your microphone without you knowing about it. They need explicit permission, first.
So, if this is a concern for you, go into all the apps in your app manager and turn off the camera permission for every app, except your camera. Or, hell, turn that off also, if you're scared Samsung is spying on you, like someone else on this forum is.
These devices aren't like Windows. You can't accidentally go onto a website and suddenly someone is using your webcam to look at you. Very nearly anything that happens on your device needs your explicit permission. They can't just take control of sensors or install apps willy-nilly without your knowledge.
Also, something someone said once about people sticking tape over their webcam on their laptops; let's say something like this actually happened. Your device is presumably laying on your desk or in your pocket for most of the day. So, for a good portion of the day, whomever is spying through your selfie cam will be looking at a ceiling or a dark pocket. The couple of times that you are using your device, all they'll be looking at is your face, looking at your screen. They can't see what you're doing or looking at, only your face. Why would someone want to hack your device just to look at your face for 5 minutes, a couple of times a day and look at the ceiling the rest of the day (this is assuming also they can access the camera while the device's screen is off, which they can't. So, essentially they'll be looking at a blank camera feed and staring at their monitor all day for that hopeful chance they'll catch you checking your email for 2 minutes, which won't help them anything, again, as all they'll see is your face and not what you're doing).
TL;DR
No need to be so paranoid about anyone spying on you. Trust me, your life isn't that interesting and the ceiling of your work place isn't either.
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And yet, my question still stands and I still am looking for a case like this.
Thanks for the reply and information sir.
But the question is why? Lol. If it was a major concern wouldn't you think case manufacturing companies would jump on the chance to make a quick buck off people's paranoia? They would be offering all sorts of microphone blockers, cameras covers, etc..
luisramon17 said:
But the question is why? Lol. If it was a major concern wouldn't you think case manufacturing companies would jump on the chance to make a quick buck off people's paranoia? They would be offering all sorts of microphone blockers, cameras covers, etc..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly this.
cricketpaddleinmyhand said:
And yet, my question still stands and I still am looking for a case like this.
Thanks for the reply and information sir.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just buy any case, cutout a piece of paper, paint it if you would like, stick upper side of the paper to the case and thats it.
Idc if some fat dude is watching me. I always leave my phone upside down and also i dont use dex station so no way of anyone seeing me.
Also go ahead and test it yourself, open a videocall in whatsapp, when you turn the screen of the feed will freeze. If you still dont want to leave it as is, try the method i gave, works everytime. Or simply you can 3d print a case for yourself.
All that noise. If can be done in any way it is being done. You public schooled parrots.
To those of you that state it cannot be done or you have nothing to worry about you are VERY wrong. It happens all the time and doesn't take much to be able to infiltrate someones personal phone and turn on the mic or any of the cameras and apps WITHOUT alerting the end user(Yes that means even if the screen is off). Its a fairly common practice, so much so that those in my line of work that take it seriously buy the Vysk QS1 Quantum Security Case. The Vysk takes it a step further and also encrypts your phone calls. Information security is no joke and is rampant in the corporate espionage world. What the OP is looking for is a basic version of the Vysk that only blocks the cameras I think that is a great move and you should too. If you do not congratulations you been dumbed down and made so docile that you believe the world is all rainbows and fairytales. lol OP if you cannot afford the Vysk do what I used to do and tape the cameras with a small dot of electrical tape. Also to you entrepreneurial types, there is a market for camera blocking phone cases. Get on it!!!!
---------- Post added at 11:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:20 PM ----------
Also, OP forgot to mention there is a cheap alternative for the mic as well it's called Mic-Lock. There are also small webcam/phone cam sliders that are sold on Amazon just search webcam cover slider. And as another FYI your phone continues to gather data whether it is off or in airplane mode or not. The gyros and all the sensors are actually dialed up in when the phone is in airplane mode and caches all info recorded. As soon as it connects to a tower the cache is sent over to the servers. This is not science fiction or a conspiracy theory it is fact! Whether you choose to believe it or not. So much so that VIP's in many industries carry around portable dead boxes or what you would call a faraday cage to prevent information from exiting or entering the phone during closed-door meetings. You are right in worrying about your privacy OP as everyone should be....
Juice56 said:
blah blah blah smartphone conspiracy
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OK just for clarification, why get a bloody smartphone in the first place........ I mean the only vibe I get from your post is to never get a smartphone, actually even a cell phone might be exposing yourself to unwanted "privacy intrusion", actually scratch that, the internet is a big flaming heap of privacy intrusion...... I hear foil makes for an excellent Faraday cage
SteelPicori said:
OK just for clarification, why get a bloody smartphone in the first place........ I mean the only vibe I get from your post is to never get a smartphone, actually even a cell phone might be exposing yourself to unwanted "privacy intrusion", actually scratch that, the internet is a big flaming heap of privacy intrusion...... I hear foil makes for an excellent Faraday cage
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Click to collapse
hahahaha always with the tin foil labels. Jest all you want brother but in my industry and many other information security is no joke. So much so that it has grown to 100 billion dollar A YEAR industry. The numbers and security methods do not lie. If it wasn't an issue I wouldn't have a job right now.
Don't take my word for it, do your own independent research or don't and trust the bought and paid publications of your choice. I cannot post links due to me just joining this forum but if you search "Forbes Information security growth" you will see the industry went from 75B a year in 2015 to 124B in 2019. Click the second search result to read the article. Educate yourself instead of throwing out labels when you know absolutely nothing about the topic.
Juice56 said:
Educate yourself instead of throwing out labels when you know absolutely nothing about the topic.
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Always interesting when this is thrown out, look I do not doubt that infosec is a big thing, not only on a commercial level but on a national level too, I am all too aware of how unguarded our national infrastructure is. There are without doubts individuals and organisations who can easily compromise any given assests in our possession.
It is a game is acceptable risk, that is, I do not believe myself to be a valuable enough target, that they might expose themselves to detection, just for a bunch of compromising media on me, I mitigate some of this risk by following smart internet usage and not leaving anything that maybe valuable on an expose attack surface.
So again I will ask, because you did not answer, why get a smartphone given how large of an attack surface such a device pose, or indeed even use the internet.
Juice56 said:
To those of you that state it cannot be done or you have nothing to worry about you are VERY wrong.
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Me, myself, am not too concerned about this. There is nothing, anyone can learn from hacking my camera or my mic. Firstly, they will notice my phone lays on my desk for a large part of the day and they will be staring at the ceiling, or the inside of my pocket. As far the mic is concerned, they'll only hear the radio station I prefer to listen to and sometimes the podcasts I listen to. As far as conversation, English isn't my native language, so they'll only hear me talking in a foreign language which they most likely won't understand, and even if they do, it will by and large be about my work, which is electrical repairs. I doubt them hearing me promising a client his board will be ready in 2 days, will be all that interesting.
Then of course, there is also the matter if they were happening to stream video or audio data from my device, I would notice very quickly, as my data bundles will run out very fast and I will notice the bandwidth traffic on my device, as I also have network traffic monitoring apps on my device so I can see which apps are the data hogs.
This is one thing conspiracy theorists never consider, is that it's not like in the movies where this information is streamed in real time with no means of noticing it. It would require an internet connection and needs to transfer large amounts of data. People on limited packages will notice their data running out very quickly, or if the person has a slow connection, they certainly won't be able to stream HD footage from a mobile device.
It might be possible to do the things you speak of, but it certainly won't be inconspicuous.
SteelPicori said:
So again I will ask, because you did not answer, why get a smartphone given how large of an attack surface such a device pose, or indeed even use the internet.
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Assumptions.... I personally have a dumb phone but I am required to have a smartphone for work which is always in its vysk case that was included due to my works security measures. They are pricey! So if you are looking to purchase one yourself be prepared to pay to play.
Juice56 said:
Assumptions.... I personally have a dumb phone but I am required to have a smartphone for work which is always in its vysk case that was included due to my works security measures. They are pricey! So if you are looking to purchase one yourself be prepared to pay to play.
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Never made any assumptions, just did not notice your recommendation to the OP to forego his smartphone and get a standard cell phone (which are by no means any less secure given that even modern feature phones also runs on some OS or other that probably can parse java applets). I always thought that infosec would be using phones similar to the blackphone and call it a day.

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