[Q] Roll your own "find my iPhone" with Tasker - Nexus One Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Has anybody else tried this?
http://lifehacker.com/5611003/build-a-find-my-iphone-clone-for-android
I did and it works OK, but I have a couple of questions I'm hoping someone can help me out with. First, the 'get location' task seems to run fairly often throughout the day despite no text messages coming in (with or without the magic word). I notice this just by the gps icon appearing at the top fairly often and in the battery usage stats. If I disable the task in tasker, then the symptom goes away.
Is there a way to prevent this from occuring and still keep the usability of the hack? It drains needless battery by finding my location 50+ times a day.
Second, I have it set up according to the directions so a text from a specific number with a specific word sends an SMS back to the same specific number with the location. I know I can make it just act on a key word from ANY number, but is there a way to set it up so it'll send the response text back to ANY number that sends a text with the magic word?
Finally, in the SMS response, I'm trying to format it so the coordinates are a link that I can just tap on and get a google map. Unfortunately, I can't seem to get a hyperlink to work. Right now I have it text the location response to a google voice number. Even if I format the text like this: "http://maps.google.com/maps?q=31.9xxxx,-110.9xxxx" it doesn't show up as a clickable link, I have to copy and paste it into a browser and then it shows on the map. Is there a way to fix this?
Thanks!

First off, if I was trying to find my Nexus One and found an iPhone, I'd be pissed.
Couple things... First off, there's a thread here on XDA about creating such a set of profiles, you might check into it.. I have a long standing debt to dump my profiles for this very thing there, but they need rework and I just haven't taken the time to do it yet. :/
So in the last year (that article you point to was written 8/10) Tasker has gotten the ability to get its location by command, so there's no need for a context for it. Just use the Get Location command in your SMS Received task. It'll grab it only when it needs it. Make sure that you make it grab it AFTER the SMS match, or it'll grab GPS every SMS you get.
And to make it respond to a specific number or the number you're sending from, both are easy... To respond to the number you're sending from just make that a separate command that uses the SMS From Last variable and responds to it, not your fixed number. And similarly if you want to respond to an arbitrary fixed number, again, a different command.
You need to go beyond the article and learn Tasker a little.
For sending a map link, I KNOW somewhere I have a link I'm using but I can't find it... Googling is getting me nothing. It was like goog.le/q=lat,lon, but your problem appears to be more that it's not showing up as a link in your particular SMS client, dunno about that.

Thanks khaytsus! I think I did figure out my first problem. I had two profiles, one to get location, and another to respond to the SMS (which used the get location profile). Both profiles were active (had a check mark) when it turns out the location one shouldn't have. After seeing your post though I deleted the location profile and just added a task to use the 'get location' option that you mentioned.
I'll now try to figure out the part about responding to any SMS number.

If you happen to know where that other thread is I'd appreciate a link, I've tried searching but Tasker is mentioned so much it gets a ton of hits. I did get it to work like I wanted though. I just deleted the required incoming phone number match on the condition and replaced the number in the outgoing text response with "%SMSRF" and it works great now. I tried it with my wife's iphone and the response even shows up as a hyperlink! Odd that when I send it from the google voice inbox the response isn't hyperlinked. Oh well.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1052249
This is the thread I'm referring to, although there are actually multiple ones out there. I think this one is getting some traffic. I really intended to dump my profiles and tasks to let people use 'em but to be honest I don't even KNOW what I'm using.. I'd have to go through the whole thing, I have a lot of nonsense Tasks in Tasker I'm not even using.. Ahem.

Thank you so much
Thanks for sharing
Now I get to know how to use Find my iPhone option

Related

Contact names not being shown correctly on incoming SMSes

Interesting problem this, it seems to have just started to happen out of the blue a few days ago.
The problem, in a nutshell, is that whatever I try to do, be it recreate the entries in the Address Book, create a duplicate entry with the same name, use the O2 Plus feature which lets you save a contact to your address book and make a new entry like that... Whatever I do, whenever I receive a new text message, the person's name isn't shown as the sender, just their mobile number in international format.
Even if I have that contact in my phone already, with their number in the same format as is shown on the text message (+447...), their name doesn't show at all. It's really starting to annoy me, as I've not added or removed anything to my XDA and yet this problem isn't going away.
Argh! Anybody have any ideas as to what's wrong? I might ring O2's oddly-named Data Support and quiz them about this tomorrow, too...
Cheers again everyone,
Christopher
When you search the forum for "CallerID" you'll find a few people asking about the same problem, mainly when receiving calls however not SMS' and some suggestions.
Do you have photos attached to your contacts? I'd try reinstalling the CallerID_Alpine_... from your Extended_Rom, if all fails it might be easiest to restore a backup (if you got one that is).
hth,
Max
I did some further testing today, borrowed a mate's phone and rang mine... Bizarre, the first time my phone was rung, it would take approx. 30 seconds for the name of the caller to show, the number showed up fine though. Subsequent dials would result in the name showing up almost instantly (as usual)...
.... Veeeeeeery odd. I'll just dash off and try reinstalling this CallerID cab...

CallBlocker

Very nice, I've been looking for an app like this for a while now. Just input a # you don't want to receive calls from and it will be blocked. Requires root, though.
Sure, you can use the built in "Send to Voice Mail" feature in Contacts, but that's not a good solution because 1) It clogs up my voice mail inbox and 2) I get an almost as annoying text notification every time someone that I have chosen to send to VM tries to call me.
The app is still pretty new, so it's lacking a few features I would like (such as regexp patterns), and I'm not sure it'll block text messages as well (which would be nice), but it's definitely a very good start.
http://www.cyrket.com/asset/9001392803553682779
market://search?q=pname:com.ap.CallBlocker
I just downloaded it gonna start putting number in it. Do you know if you can use it to block unknown numbers?
I haven't actually tried blocking my home phone in it to try it out for myself, but supposedly what this app does is to send the caller directly to voice mail, just like the feature that's already available to us in the default contacts app. That's not quite what I'm looking for, as that means I will still get those annoying notifications and the voice mail inbox will (might) get clogged up.
Perhaps what I'm looking for is just not possible, but simply put I want an app that interceps an incoming call/text, cross-refs it against a black list, and if it's a match - mimics a red phone button press (decline)/refuse the text message - all within a few milliseconds. It would also be nice if it stopped the number from getting logged in the call log.
mannyb said:
I haven't actually tried blocking my home phone in it to try it out for myself, but supposedly what this app does is to send the caller directly to voice mail, just like the feature that's already available to us in the default contacts app. That's not quite what I'm looking for, as that means I will still get those annoying notifications and the voice mail inbox will (might) get clogged up.
Perhaps what I'm looking for is just not possible, but simply put I want an app that interceps an incoming call/text, cross-refs it against a black list, and if it's a match - mimics a red phone button press (decline)/refuse the text message - all within a few milliseconds. It would also be nice if it stopped the number from getting logged in the call log.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure that what this application does is to receive the phone call (it may do half a ring) and immediately answer it and hang up. This should avoid the problem of sending it to voicemail.
i have been talking to the dev since release, the callers do NOT go to voicemail so it won't clog your voicemail manny.
also it cannot be used to block Unknown numbers so fo that you would need to write your app(i am trying but it is very hard to do when you don't know exactly what you are doing). but the dev claims that if you put in 1800 in the block box then it will block ALL 1800 numbers that call you. seems pretty good but i haven't been able to test it yet(crazy ex might have finally gotten the hint)
EDIT!! as soon as i posted this i got an update on it and now you are able to choose between unknown numbers or blacklisted numbers, i suggested checkboxes to select both, as well as text message block, but i am not sure how possible that would be
tubaking182 said:
i have been talking to the dev since release, the callers do NOT go to voicemail so it won't clog your voicemail manny.
also it cannot be used to block Unknown numbers so fo that you would need to write your app(i am trying but it is very hard to do when you don't know exactly what you are doing). but the dev claims that if you put in 1800 in the block box then it will block ALL 1800 numbers that call you. seems pretty good but i haven't been able to test it yet(crazy ex might have finally gotten the hint)
EDIT!! as soon as i posted this i got an update on it and now you are able to choose between unknown numbers or blacklisted numbers, i suggested checkboxes to select both, as well as text message block, but i am not sure how possible that would be
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, thanks for clearing that up mate. Very good to know.
where can we get that updateeee
does anyone have the update for this?
mannyb said:
Very nice, I've been looking for an app like this for a while now. Just input a # you don't want to receive calls from and it will be blocked. Requires root, though.
Sure, you can use the built in "Send to Voice Mail" feature in Contacts, but that's not a good solution because 1) It clogs up my voice mail inbox and 2) I get an almost as annoying text notification every time someone that I have chosen to send to VM tries to call me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? I use the built in feature and I don't get a text when someone on my blocked list calls. It will show up in the call log but I don't get a text or notification unless they leave a VM.
where can i download? please?
I decided to start developing my own version..
^^^That is cool let us know, I am willing to test it. The developer has stopped updating this app.
Good to hear your making a new app. This one bugged me as it wouldnt block 1-800 type numbers..
Yes!
Joey3002 Please post it when completed. I cant find the other app anywhere. If you take paypal donations, I will send some $ after you post it. Thank You!

[Q] remove message logging?

Has anyone yet figured out a way to not have the Captivate log every single text and call you make?
It is so annoying to have to hunt all through my phone looking for tracks. Originally I assumed that they could be erased by deleting the thread in messaging. Wrong!
So then go to the contact/history and delete it there. Wrong! There is nothing in the history tab.
So then open the dialer, go to call log and look, every sent and recieved text, mms, and call is logged there as well. Its like a paranoid secret agent designed this system.
And heaven forbid that you installed a second messaging program such as Handcent to log everything all over again.
I currently use Horizon to keep my private texts private, but even that allows the outgoing texts to be logged.
Yes, deleting the thread, then selecting every individual item in the log from the unwanted caller works. Or even deleting the entire call log at once will work. But short of that has anyone come up with a work around for the call logging intrusion?
Found "Not log this call" on the market to auto delete phone calls log (Not free).
For sms you can edit the text message limit and reduce it to 1. This will at least keep 1 text message in store before it gets deleted. But default it's set to 200 msg per conversation and 20 mms per conversation.
Interesting. I looked at that app, I may have to try it.
Did you actually get your message inbox to go to 1? Mine will only go down to 10.
I am currently testing it to see if it erases the call log history as it erases the inbox but I dont think it does.
Ok, so setting the message limit to 10 only deletes the messages, not the logs.
However, while playing with it I found out that by selecting one of the logged entries (text or call) it pulls up a history type page. From there you can select the bottom left soft key, choose delete and then choose select all. I am not sure but I think it only deletes one page at a time or something as it seems to leave a few behind. I am still playing but its a hell of a lot better that trying to select each individual log in the main log screen. Its sort of what you would expect the history tab in the contact screen to do. (especially if you came from WinMo )
I hope someone else finds this helpful. I did a lot of searching and found a lot of complaints about this awful "feature" but no answers. This isnt much of an answer but its seems a bit more tolerable since I figured the history part out.
It also seems to be something Samsung adds as Evo and the Droid don't do it.
Check out HistoryEraser. I think I saw it on Lifehacker a few days ago, supposed to wipe away all your unwanted tracks.

Sorting Call History

Before the flame I did search this:
The following errors occurred with your search:
1. Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms.
Lets say you click on your phone tile, and it brings up your past calls,
If you called a person, then they called you back and then you called them and then you called them back, it shows the 4 separate events for that one person listed out.. which makes a long list and a call you made that you need to remake earlier in the day not even show up.
How can we get it to combine similar numbers into one showing that you can click on and see the full list of calls made with that number instead of it already being listed out.
Hope this make sense.
Which brings me to my next question, why does it show so little calls? HD2 you can go back almost 4 days worth of calls, and it minimized the history library to last transaction stored and then u get more details.
I know I know this is a basic OS with nothing on it, to make it so minimal that you can make 1 call a day and then use it as a Ipod the rest of the time,
But besides that has any one found a way?
Agreed with you on combining the call. They should also add categories for missed calls, calls from contact list, incoming/outgoing calls etc, Most of the times I just want to know what calls I have missed.
Good question, however in its current iteration that ffeature doesnt exist.

Dialer app - specific functions for kid phone

Hello guys,
I was looking for kids mode like the one from Samsung. Unfortunately my kid's phone is not samsung and i wasnt able to port the application to work on Sony Device.
The main reason for this is that they had a Dialer application for kids which shows no phone number but ONLY the name of the mother/father contacts while calling. I want to use this function to make the phone more secure in case is stolen or robbed. As well it offers to block any other incoming calls except the selected ones.
@ktmom suggested me to try with a Tasker. I've never been experience a similar software for this kind of things.
Could you please gimme some advices or help regarding my needs and suggest me from where to start.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Ho [emoji16]
The plan I would start with is to create a shortcut on the desktop or a notification with call mom (or dad) buttons. Then use tasker to directly dial the numbers (as variables) without having them entered into the phone's contacts.
The trick is the dialer history will keep a history of called numbers, but I think that can be deleted; though we may need one or two plugins to tasker to achieve that reliably.
If this is in line with your goals, then I'll be happy to create a task or two to handle this that you can import. That is easier than teething to develop it yourself as a beginner.
I'm at the airport waiting for my daughter's flight, but let me know if this will work, or any ideas you have.
Sure, let's do it like that with your help. And in the process of developing we can sharpen it.
BTW thank you so much for your help and patience. I do really appreciate your help. ????
I actually just got home. Is there a timeframe for this? I'm thinking Christmas or similar. Otherwise I'll spend some time this weekend to come up with something for you.
This is just a basic set of tasks to create quick dialers to Mom and Dad, without needing the numbers to have been entered into the contacts app.
One task, "create shortcuts", sets two of Tasker's quick setting tiles. One will call Dad, the other will call Mom. The use of the quick settings tiles should help prevent accidental calls and still be convenient.
After importing the linked project, go to the device's quick settings editor and drag the first two Tasker tiles into the active area. The tasks won't actually appear set to the tiles until they are in the active area.
The task, "create shortcuts" should run on import of this project, performing the configuration mentioned above; associating the tiles with the "call mom" and "call dad" tasks.
The icons are set in the respective "call mom" or "call dad" task. To change the icon, enter the task then tap the icon at the bottom and select a new one. The "create shortcuts" task may need to be run again (manually) to update the tile's icon.
You must go to the "dialer" task and edit the value in the "To" field within the first two actions to the appropriate phone numbers.
The left facing arrow at the top left of the screen exits out of the task and saves the changes. You should also make a habit of tapping the checkmark [emoji736] at the top of the screen after saving a task, which saves the changes to Tasker. That checkmark is available only when there are changes to be saved.
This is just a start, hoping to get feedback if this is the right direction for you.
Import Kids Phone project.
Hey,
thanks a lot for the time you spent for this.
I've tested it and it calls with no issues.
Now we have to make the phone numbers to disappear. Can we put a fixed custom title? This is because it uses the name written in the contact list.
BTW is there an option to drop an icon on the desktop of the phone?
Thanks again for your great help!
IMalchev said:
Hey,
thanks a lot for the time you spent for this.
I've tested it and it calls with no issues.
Now we have to make the phone numbers to disappear. Can we put a fixed custom title? This is because it uses the name written in the contact list.
BTW is there an option to drop an icon on the desktop of the phone?
Thanks again for your great help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, we can create a desktop shortcut. Instead of the tiles?
What do you mean "it uses the name in the contact list"? Do you mean in the call history?
I meant that when I run the call from the tasker it uses the name from the contact book/history. This is not big issue, but it just wondering if it's possible.
Thank you
IMalchev said:
I meant that when I run the call from the tasker it uses the name from the contact book/history. This is not big issue, but it just wondering if it's possible.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the relationship the phone app has with the contact app. You have to remove the names from the contact app.
I'm confused. I thought the goal here is to obfuscate the phone numbers so if the phone is picked up by a "stranger", the numbers are not evident.
If I was, for example, a stalker, and I took the child's phone to get phone numbers, the first place I would look is in the contacts app. The second place is in the call log. Can you help me understand what is and isn't necessary here.
To create the task to remove the call's history from the history, I have to sort out the contentrovider structure for the phone database. I've explored the text messaging DB, but I need to be on my computer to find the phone DB structure.

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