The next time your friend wants to know exactly where you are, just give them your VITO FindMe code and let it take care of the rest. With this nifty software, your friends will know your exact co-ordinates, all without your intervention. I took it for a test drive recently and was pretty impressed with the software.

Installation

This was pretty straightforward. Head on over to their download page to get the software in the format of your choice (.exe, .zip or .cab). I personally prefer the cab version and used that. Don’t forget to register as well, even though the software is free, as you would need the activation code to remove the 3 SMS limit. They’ll send the activation code to the provided email address so be sure to input a valid one. The rest of the installation and registration is pretty straightforward and typical of any other program.

Do note that you would not find the program in your ‘Programs’ or ‘Settings’ folders. The only way to access the program is through the ‘Today’ plug-in.

The ‘Today’ plug-in for FindMe. A scrolling text to remind the user that the program has been installed and can be traced via SMS. Could be a deterrent to the thief if your phone ever got stolen.

Orientation

Tapping on the plug-in will bring you to page below, if you have set a password as I have.

In my opinion, the password is not necessary as the only thing it protects is the SMS code which I will explain more of later.

If you did not set a password, you would get this page instead.

The settings page where most of the users would only use it to change the codeword. The ‘About’ page is only used once to activate the product (ensure that you are connectd to the internet to do so).

The codeword is the code that you would need to give to your friends if they want to find your location. In my case, it is ‘GPS’.

Usage

On the user side, there is nothing else that needs to be done after the initial setup. All that is left to be done is for your friend to send you an SMS with the codeword and your phone will do the rest. Note that the codeword must be exactly as the one in your settings. In my case, it would have to be ‘GPS’. Sending ‘gps’ or ‘Gps’ would not activate the program. Here is what will happen when the SMS with the codeword comes in.

Notice the icon changing from a grey to orange background. The text also changes to inform you that the program is waiting for a GPS fix to process the request from the number that sent the text. If the number is in your address book, it will also show you the name.

Once the GPS has a fix, the icon turns green.

The program will then inform you your position has been sent to Name <Phone Number>. The name will only appear if it is in your address book. The icon turns back to a grey background and is ready for the next query.

Your will get the following text message:

Go to http://maps.google.com and input “.12345 4.5678″ into search box

and he will then be able to find your exact position.

Thoughts

My initial thought on this program was that it was not really that useful for Eten Glofiish users as we have a Location SMS program that does something similar. Plus it is not intrusive in a sense that you can choose who you want to send your position to whereas in FindMe, it would send your text to anyone with the codeword.

However, its one of the easiest anti-theft software out there or for those of you who usually misplace your PDA, this would be a good program to have. There would definitely be other uses, and Tim has a few to offer.

Overall

Pros:

• Free!!!
• Easy to use and configure.
• Can be installed to Memory Card and still function without any hitches.
• Can double up as a phone-locater.
• Alerts the owner when a request is made (through the SMS notification).

Cons:

• Not many configuration options.
• Does not integrate with any navigation programs installed on the PDA.
• No known bugs!!

Suggestions

FindMe works pretty well for a v1.0 software. It would be great if it could be integrated with the more popular navigation softwares as it would allow the requester to easier track their friends. Especially useful for backpackers who need to go separate places for a while. Another suggestion would be for the program to have the option to constantly lock on the GPS when the phone is switched on so that the reply can be prompt. That or to update the location on its own for a faster response.

Nonetheless, I think VITO FindMe is a great program to be had.

 

 

 

Tags: free software