general question about these "always on" apps

**mixpix405** · 10-10-2008, 02:57 PM

The app that got me thinking about this was gTrak, which is being developed by one of our own community members, but the question goes for any of the "always on" type of apps...

For example, gTrak lets you track your device (whether it be just for fun, or in the case of the phone being lost/stolen)... But my question is this: When I install the app, does it just start working? Or do I have to open/run/execute that program?

If I do have to tell it to run, will it run automatically next time the phone is turned on? If not, and if the criminal that stole my device isn't absolutely retarded, then the app won't be running, and I therefore won't be able to track my device...

So, i guess my question is, can you set apps to auto-start at boot time? Or what?

**dkvitus** · 10-10-2008, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by mixpix405

The app that got me thinking about this was gTrak, which is being developed by one of our own community members, but the question goes for any of the "always on" type of apps...

For example, gTrak lets you track your device (whether it be just for fun, or in the case of the phone being lost/stolen)... But my question is this: When I install the app, does it just start working? Or do I have to open/run/execute that program?

If I do have to tell it to run, will it run automatically next time the phone is turned on? If not, and if the criminal that stole my device isn't absolutely retarded, then the app won't be running, and I therefore won't be able to track my device...

So, i guess my question is, can you set apps to auto-start at boot time? Or what?

Each app has its own features... I think this question may be specific to gTrak. Since the programmer is here, I would let him answer it, but for other programs... e.g Biowallet and/or GoCart, I wouldnt want them scanning everything I come across, by the end of the day my SD Card will be full.

Also, remember that GPS apps use up too much battery, so that leads me to wonder... nvm

**hoobashoot** · 10-10-2008, 03:38 PM

All the apps. for Android MUST go into hibernation mode when not in use, You sighn into the phone and everything is on in the background you do not have to open each app, however like i said they are in sleep mode untill you select the specific app. to use.

**RussianSolja** · 10-10-2008, 03:40 PM

I think a good idea for this app would be for it to run in the backround and not be seen. also the apps needs to be password protected if changes were to be made in case the phone got stolen/lost.

**jasont** · 10-10-2008, 03:58 PM

It is up to the developer to decide on the behavior of the application. Having said that, Android will close background applications when it needs the memory. When you restart the app Android will restore it's the previous state (where it was before being closed) so the user won't even notice the difference.

**dkvitus** · 10-10-2008, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by RussianSolja

I think a good idea for this app would be for it to run in the backround and not be seen. also the apps needs to be password protected if changes were to be made in case the phone got stolen/lost.

I think you can decide to password protect selected menus even on regular phones (Protect picture/media, msgs, tools...etc) in addition to just locking the phone

**RussianSolja** · 10-10-2008, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by dkvitus

I think you can decide to password protect selected menus even on regular phones (Protect picture/media, msgs, tools...etc) in addition to just locking the phone

yeah but there's no need for all that when u can just have that one app password protected without having to lock your whole phone

**Atean** · 10-13-2008, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by RussianSolja

I think a good idea for this app would be for it to run in the backround and not be seen. also the apps needs to be password protected if changes were to be made in case the phone got stolen/lost.

....You want every app to be password protected in case of theft or loss?...

Why don't you just put a password on the whole phone?... -_-

It doesn't make any sense to me why you would want to put a password everytime you go into a certain App when you can easily put a password on the phone so when it comes from sleep mode or stand-by or whatever it's called, it'll ask you for the password.