Have you lost your beloved Android gadget? Are you struggling to recall where you left it last? Are you frantically searching for some sort of clue or answer? Cease worrying, assistance is at close quarters because – especially in this modern age – for every mishap there’s an app! And that application happens to be “Plan B” developed by Lookout, a leading mobile security services firm based in San Francisco.
Plan B app for Android is an intelligent and dynamic application which, when used with Google’s web enabled services, pinpoints the location of your missing Android device and helps you recover the same. Also Plan B is a totally free application to download and use. Read on to find out more and how you can implement Plan B; this elucidation will also amply demonstrate the application’s highlights and strengths:
The name and back-story
Plan B is so called as it is the follow up application to Lookout’s comprehensive “Lookout Mobile Security” suite, which is referred to as Plan A as it requires preloading on the Android device. Plan B’s specialty is that it is downloaded and can be used after the device is lost or misplaced, regardless of whether the user has preinstalled Plan A or not.
Compatibility and conditions
- Plan B can be used for both mobile phones and tablets running Android. However it is compatible with Android versions up to Gingerbread only.
- Your Android device, in its misplaced state, must possess a SIM card, be activated, and also be accessible via the internet in some manner.
- You must be a subscriber to Google Play (previously called the “Android Market”) and Gmail.
How to install and use Plan B
- Once your android device is lost, visit the Google Play web site on any system, search for Plan B, and download the application. Ascertain that you download the application only from Google Play’s desktop web platform and not from the exclusive application store.
- Input your misplaced device’s specifications and install the application. The app will then be installed remotely on your device via internet connectivity.
- Upon installation, Plan B will start automatically and will direct an email to your Gmail account outlining the area location of your device, which can then be viewed on Google Maps. By sending mails to your email account, your information is protected from unwarranted access and hacking.
- Plan B will then keep sending mails for 10 minutes; each successive email will track the current location of your misplaced device.
- The app can even automatically enable your device’s Global Positioning System (GPS), should your device have this capability, giving you accurate longitude and latitude statistics.
- Plan B can also use cell tower coordinates to locate your missing device.
- The location emails will easily point out basic landmarks like streets, avenues, and houses where your misplaced device is currently. If GPS and cell tower functionalities are enabled, Plan B can even specify exact location accuracy in meters.
- If the above location operation fails, you may text the word “Locate” to your misplaced device from any other mobile device. This text message will reboot the location procedure.
So now, thanks to Plan B, you can carry your Android device with confidence. But don’t forget to install Plan A and be on the ‘lookout’ for other great security apps!
Robin Mckenzie has been writing articles related to Technology News, Gadget Reviews and How To’s. Also, he does guest posting for Buycenturylink.com, a site that offers great savings and up-to-date information on consumers broadband internet and cable at centurylink.com.