Imagine an app that let’s you spy on the person that might have stolen your laptop. It’s called Hidden. If your computer is stolen, Hidden will show you where it is and who has it. When you activate tracking, Hidden will locate your stolen computer anywhere on the planet, collect photos of the thief and screen shots of the computer in use.
One Hidden user started a Tumblr Blog with the images the app was able to collect. Slightly awkward to look at the person who is using your computer.
(thank you Jessi)
Here’s an article reviewing this and three similar lost-and-found applications for your Mac: Undercover, Prey, and Gadgettrak
http://mac.appstorm.net/roundups/utilities-roundups/keeping-your-mac-secure-4-great-theft-recovery-apps
And just for fun, here’s how to find the “street value” of your used Mac, so you can claim it for insurance, and that.
http://www.mac2sell.net/
May 31st, 2011 / 9:13 pm
http://www.preyproject.com
cross-platform, open source, free. :)
Jun 1st, 2011 / 12:49 am
An amazing story similar story http://storify.com/btballenger/man-tracks-stolen-laptop-thousands-of-miles-away :)
Jun 1st, 2011 / 3:00 am
Am I being cynical, or is this a great way to spy on your ex-girlfriend, stalk a gorgeous colleague or generally watch anyone at any time whose computer you have access to when they’re temporarily not around?
Jun 1st, 2011 / 6:08 am
As said, Prey!
Jun 1st, 2011 / 6:41 am
http://www.orbicule.com/undercover/ (not free, but good)
Jun 1st, 2011 / 6:44 am
Theft and anger aside, these are beautiful photographs.
Jun 1st, 2011 / 9:55 am
Prey is awesome – it’s available for Android too!
Jun 1st, 2011 / 9:59 am
Yessss PREY!
Jun 1st, 2011 / 11:16 am
Yess stop giving free advertisement to hidden. Prey rocks and it’s free!
It also has a paid version if you feel better by paying.
Jun 1st, 2011 / 11:17 am
This is awesome! It would completely freak me out when I got the computer back, but wow. Day in the life of a thief…
Jun 1st, 2011 / 11:28 am
All this buzz is probably alerting would-be thieves, pretty soon even less savvy taxi-drivers will be reformatting stolen devices before going about their… business.
Jun 1st, 2011 / 12:24 pm
Don’t you see the similarities in design of those two sites? Viral marketing at it’s best.
Jun 2nd, 2011 / 6:25 am
total viral marketing
Jun 2nd, 2011 / 12:38 pm
Staged robbery and Prey is THE best. (also for free)
Jun 2nd, 2011 / 4:56 pm