How to Recover a Lost or Stolen iPod, Flash Drive, or Digital Camera
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We depend on our gadgets and devices so much these days… so what happens when one is lost or stolen? Are we out the money and our data? Philip emailed to tell me about an open-source piece of software that can help recover your MacBook should the need ever arise. But what about the rest of these devices? I had another email from Aaron, who sent along another link to help with just that!
iAlertU is free, of course, since it is completely open-source. AlertU is the first of its kind alarm system for your Apple MacBook computer. Basically iAlertU is a car alarm for your Apple Mac. iAlertU uses the built in motion to trigger the alarm and the isight to capture the image of the thief.
ihound software is a free service for up to three devices. No credit card is needed to sign up and get started, even! ihound is revolutionary software that helps protect your devices by alerting you when your USB digital device is connected to another individual’s computer.
ihound Software works on most USB devices that you need to connect to your computer to update: MP3 players, Flash Cards, Jump Drives, Phones, iPods and more.
You will know where your device is at all times via ihound Software’s “Device Tracker”. See your device’s location on a map and “Get your digital life back”. ihound Software will alert you via email as soon as someone else tries to connect your device to a computer. Once your device has been located, you can print a report for the authorities that contains your device’s information as well as the location where your device has been tracked.
Why not give it a shot? It’s free for up to three devices. I think this is definitely something you’ll be happy you have should you ever lose one of your gadgets.
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131 Comments
twister7boy
May 23rd, 2008
at 5:41pm
never lost anything like that before. but have had them stolen from my coat at a party. sounds like a good investment.
acadburn
May 23rd, 2008
at 5:53pm
i had my i pod stolen a little over a week ago why couldn’t u have had this up sooner do you know of anyway to find an I pod after its gone if you have the serial number?
Varun
May 23rd, 2008
at 6:25pm
I think this is a good idea and a great program i hope it works. I am always worried about my computer being stolen and now I can live with one piece of mind.
Ken Westin
May 23rd, 2008
at 6:48pm
This looks just like GadgetTrak ( http://www.gadgettrak.com ) which you linked to a long time ago.
GadgetTrak also has software for laptops and mobile phones.
Alan
May 23rd, 2008
at 6:55pm
I’ve lost my iPod once, it was horrible trying to get it back, I had to go on a wild goose chase.
It’s a good thing I looked at this blog post, I suppose I won’t have to worry about losing anything of my own anymore.
I’ve only heard of the first one you mentioned, but I never tried it. Now I regret it so bad. I’m going to download this as soon as I’ve posted this. The software seems reliable and I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to try it. Thanks Chris!
Joshua Masangcay
May 23rd, 2008
at 7:13pm
how about mobile devices?
Jamie Jahnke
May 23rd, 2008
at 7:50pm
I’ve been looking for a decent motion trigger app for my ThinkPad’s camera. Lenovo doesn’t bundle any camera apps other than Skype, even then they only provide a download link.
moremetallica
May 23rd, 2008
at 7:53pm
I had no idea that there was a software out there that could track a stolen computer. Thanks for the information. Now I know if my computer ever gets stolen that I can track it to the thief.
Dimitry1996
May 23rd, 2008
at 8:25pm
Wow thats a great idea! Its like having a gps tracker on all your stuff!
Andrew Jackson
May 23rd, 2008
at 9:17pm
I thin this technology is brilliant. I think its great that its free for up to 3 devices. I know several people that have lost laptops, i-pods…you name it. They have been both stolen and misplaced. I bleeive the desire for the technology is also similar to the request Chris had for airline baggage. It will be really interesting in the future when people start tracking everything they own. I swear some times i worry for my future kids, they might not have the expereince of loosing something.
bluenokkad
May 23rd, 2008
at 9:32pm
The problem is if the person who stole it happens to have a decent firewall on there PC, this doesn’t seem like its going to work due to the fact that most decent firewalls will question the user whenever a program tries to communicate to the internet, also if the thief is “tech savvy” im sure they will notice in a heartbeat that the “MyPasswords” file is an Executable and not a Text file, i think iHound might work fairly well in recovering lost items but not stolen items
-”Trust is a Weakness”
Lynxx Lancer
May 23rd, 2008
at 10:14pm
This is pretty nice program. But I never owned a computer once in my life. And my most precious possession is my data inside my USB thumbdrive. There are lots of thieves roaming here to where I live and this is a pretty good oppurtunity to protect my thumbdrive.
I have a question: for example, my device is stolen?? Can I access the alarm using another computer via internet??
Ralajer
May 23rd, 2008
at 10:50pm
I always include a file called “IF FOUND.txt” with some contact info on my flash drives. It may be a long shot but I believe that if found that most people will return it if they can find the owner. I’ve found a couple flash drives and was able to return most of them by looking for name in one of the documents. The program mentioned will likely work until it gets popular because once people who steal things know about it getting around it will be simple.
Shan Gee
May 23rd, 2008
at 10:59pm
I knew about iAlertU, but I don’t have a Mac so I couldn’t try it out. Thankfully I do have a USB device! I’m going to try registering my camera and USB Flash drive. It’s very good to know that this service is free for the first 3 devices! I hope this turns out to be a great service.
outlaw4432
May 24th, 2008
at 12:57am
can you delete it off of your ipod
GGCO
May 24th, 2008
at 1:08am
I think that I once read a story about some lady who had her MacBook Pro stolen from her. She some how managed to login remotely and take pictures of the people who stole and were using her computer.
I think that this open-source software is just brilliant, and demand that they should get a version for windows! Just another reason to switch to a Mac…..*sigh*…
Jordan
May 24th, 2008
at 1:35am
I think these are great ideas, but I primarily use windows-based computers. Where might I find similar software? I know you can pay for services, but if you can get a good alternative for free then why not.
Wow that ihound thing is amazing. I went to the site and wow I was amazed that something could exist and for free. Too bad though, my girlfriend just lost her flash drive 2 days ago. I will definitely be securing my flash drive with ihound.
narutopokemon3
May 24th, 2008
at 1:45am
I heard of this in MSN
xscottx3
May 24th, 2008
at 3:41am
I love the idea of the ihound. That is a wonderful piece of software. This will make it a whole lot easier catching all the thugs that steal ipods and other such devices off the inicent public.
christian
May 24th, 2008
at 5:05am
hmmmmm…. sounds weird but cool… this is a great help for all of us who seeks security for our precious things… i think there are more ways on how to put security on our things… it is our responsibility to watch for our things and one of the reasons of lost things is being irresponsible…
TDAWizard
May 24th, 2008
at 5:37am
One of my friends used a software like this to recover her iPhone. I hadn’t thought of protecting my flash drive (her’s only worked on iPod/Phones) until recently when mine got stolen. Luckily, It was password protected, and I had recently backed up all the data.
KY_Wildcat
May 24th, 2008
at 6:01am
I’ve got Lo-Jack on my laptops, as well as my desktops.. its a quick and “pretty” cheap way to protect your belongings. I also have iAlertU (AWESOME program… and free) for the Mac that will basically set an alarm for anyone except me, and the best part, I can set it from my Apple Remote, just like a car alarm. Its between those two things that I think my systems are pretty well secured, as far as physical stilling is concerned.
Doug
May 24th, 2008
at 7:29am
I’ll give it a try. My laptop pretty much stays at home and all of my data is kept on Windows Live SkyDrive. I don’t have a digital camera/digital videos. I know OMG. How do I survive? I don’t just take pictures or make videos. No big deal.
abcd
May 24th, 2008
at 7:34am
i just create a text file with my name, and phone number on it, and hope someone honest enought would return it to me, or hope that the thief would pop his/her ears off… lol
to make sure they open the file, i named it “confidential.txt”(tempting.. isn’t it?)
the programs might be worth a shot though. i’m downloading it right now.
Phineas
May 24th, 2008
at 8:20am
This would be great for a PSP I have a sticker on my psp that says it has a Lo-Jack. This software will come in handy!
ezoby
May 24th, 2008
at 8:45am
OK than you have an IP address and a location but what than?
You go and find him? It should send information to the finder that thanks for finding it …blabla
Or that the software finds out the mail address from the connected pc and sends that back
And there are also problems with the firewall
I don’t think that you should lose something to try it out
Xanavi
May 24th, 2008
at 9:32am
All this will do is start the cat and mouse race all over again. First thing anyone will do is format or replace the hard disk. You need embedded lo-jack style GPS devices.
Pavan
May 24th, 2008
at 10:50am
Innovative!.. But not entirely practical.
iHound will transmit the IP address the device is connected to IF the device is connected to a PC running Windows 2000 / XP / Vista. Also my guess is it relies on the windows Autorun feature… for the iHound software to transmit IP through the internet. Now if the thief has a firewall blocking outbound connections it’ll do you no good!
He/She’ll probably and quite easily be able to format it and use it as their own!
The best solution would be to NOT lose the gadgets/devices you depend on!
Jose
May 24th, 2008
at 12:30pm
It’s great to see that their is software out there to help people recover lost/stolen items. iAlertU sounds like it is a great piece of software, that would really come in handy when filing a police report as you know exactly who stole your item.
dunkindonuts555
May 24th, 2008
at 12:55pm
could this work with the verizon voyager
SkyFuser
May 24th, 2008
at 1:02pm
This sounds VERY VERY cool and useful for someone as forgetful as me, thanks for the tip, first time I’ve heard something like this :D I’ll be checking the ihound.
Wonder if they have something to track a lost wallet? I lost mine >_<
caisback18
May 24th, 2008
at 2:56pm
me too
Steinninn
May 24th, 2008
at 3:34pm
is this legal? Well, at least not a perfect tracker. What if my iPod gets reformatted?
C.S. McClendon
May 24th, 2008
at 5:53pm
Man this is going to be useful for me. I have lost something like 5 flash drives and memory cards, and my room mate once lost an ipod, I will be downloading this software very soon. The question I have is, with this software, is it more likely that a thief of such things will be prosecuted?
columbo1988
May 24th, 2008
at 10:07pm
ya your right,but if your a thief in the first place,your life isn’t too bright,and neither is your mind. :)
theres a couple things you can do to make it seem legit even on the thiefs computer, just disguising the program by naming the document(or whatever) a different name so that when the firewall pulls up to ask if its safe and It shows a name generally most people know,they(the thief) withoutknowing just allowed something to go through
linknpark5780
May 24th, 2008
at 10:48pm
then put your stuff back on it? that is if you were to get it back
Techy2011
May 25th, 2008
at 2:07am
i think this is definitely something of the future in gadget recovery. hopefully we will see more of this kind of thing on more tech devices due to most tech devices are expensive to have to replace. most ppl are honest enough to return lost things but even some honest ppl i would think if they found a ipod would probably ignore the return sticker or what not. i do hope to see this on more things but then again how would you go about recovering something? just walk up to there door knock and say i think you have my ipod ? interesting! and if you got the police into it would they do ne thing just bc you have software stating thats your device? definitely something to think about. good post chris
Steinninn
May 25th, 2008
at 2:18am
But that means that the tracker would be erased and there would be no way for me to track it down. Just saying that this solution isn’t perfect.
Edward Huang
May 25th, 2008
at 3:38am
Even though it may be possible to erase iHound by formating the hard drive, it’ll still help. After all, the thief may not know about the program to begin with. If they do, the format will wipe all your personal details and important documents anyway, so the only loss is the cost of the item which in the case of flash drives isn’t all that high anyway, particularly with how they’re dropping so quickly (I remember buying my 128 mb flash drive in 2004 for $99, how I regret that purchase; 4gb drives go for as low as $20 nowadays).
I still think the best security however is physically attaching the item to something (ie, chain from usb to belt) or making sure you don’t forget anything before leaving a place.
Chris Porter
May 25th, 2008
at 4:53am
Nice! Hopefully when our electronic devices grow legs and run away, now we can see where they’ve gone. I like the idea of this software, but remember people… if you can track it, it can be used to track you. That being said, I will be using this to protect my investments. Thanks for the post Chris.
abcd
May 25th, 2008
at 5:37am
I downloaded ihound and installed it on my iPod. funny how it works is kinda like my style. they would disguise the software on the iPod as a text file containing passwords, which will tempt the thief or someone to open it up.
Ralajer
May 25th, 2008
at 7:34am
I always include a file called “IF FOUND.txt” with some contact info on my flash drives. It may be a long shot but I believe that if found that most people will return it if they can find the owner. I’ve found a couple flash drives and was able to return most of them by looking for name in one of the documents.
The program mentioned will likely work until it gets popular because once people who steal things know about it getting around it will be inevitable unless it is incorporated in the product at the manufactures. Otherwise the device can me reformatted or the program can be hacked. Generally a good service and depending on the price it may reasonable to consider. I will never use it though not because I don’t lose things but because recovering stolen device seems like more hassle than it worse. The paper work the time spend dealing with the police all that seems like a cost that outweighs hundred dollar device.
frvfilms
May 25th, 2008
at 8:39am
dude no link ?
I think it will be commercially popular in a while
macmastery
May 25th, 2008
at 9:34am
i lost my ipod touch so im going to use it on future ipods
GhostSonic
May 25th, 2008
at 11:15am
the website is ihoundsoftware(dot)com
Anyway, i stuck this on my psp’s memory stick and tried it on another computer, does exactly what it says. I’m hoping that this will work if i ever did lose it, it does have it’s flaws though. But it’s better then nothing I supose.
matthew barrett
May 25th, 2008
at 12:00pm
i like this a co-worker just had there phone stolen and it would be helpful to find out who did it. so this never happens again. well thinks for the post i well be downloading it right away.
linknpark5780
May 25th, 2008
at 3:01pm
yea i kinda realized that after i posted
Serge_KGB
May 25th, 2008
at 4:40pm
I want to now if there is some thing like that for a notebook?
InfoBomb
May 25th, 2008
at 5:04pm
rock solid advice here
a sure way to never ever lose an ipod
guarenteed 100 % to never get lost.
ready
dont buy one.
IB
terrysullystraitedge
May 25th, 2008
at 5:34pm
if you see a painting..how do you suppose it came about?? there must be a painter!!if you see a building how do you suppose it got there???there must be a builder.. if you look at creation how do suppose we/the earth came about???? there absolutely must be a creator!! COME TO MY PAGE/channel TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE/UNITED STATES/GOD BY WATCHING THE VIDS AND FAVS. AND READ WHAT I POSTED ON THE LEFT SIDE
roalgumo7
May 25th, 2008
at 6:57pm
This is really nice, it should also have a device block feature tough, so that he can’t do like evil stuff or mess it up :O
technogeek27
May 25th, 2008
at 7:59pm
I have downloaded iAlertU for my Macbook and is great. I like how it lets me know if someone is messing with my computer. Also i lost my USB for my mouse (it’s wireless) and had to replace it for the same model. Oh well, i will keep track of it. :-)
Mr_Chito
May 25th, 2008
at 10:03pm
WOW!
You know they’ve had lost&found services for certain things for a while, like Boomerang, but they require the honesty of the person who finds it to locate it. THIS will make sure nobody gets away with lifting you’re precious MP3 files.
hitman555888
May 25th, 2008
at 11:21pm
I had my iTouch stolen from my bookbag around 2 weeks ago. But I got a new one a week later. But I will have to install this on my iTouch.
sbushfan11
May 26th, 2008
at 1:45am
I guard my 5th gen video ipod by keeping it in a fanny pack, and not leaving it lying around. A few of my friends had their ipods stolen, mostly by being careless. I already passed the info about Ihound to one of my friends who had two ipods stolen. It sounds like Ihound is the answer.
Sushrukh78
May 26th, 2008
at 2:30am
Wow, this is a great information.Wish i knew about this earlier when i lost my 4GB flash drive earlier.
jonnyk5614
May 26th, 2008
at 3:11am
What about a laptop?
Reeve
May 26th, 2008
at 5:28am
Hmmmm no support for Zune? :(
Although this service requires a net connection and I am in a part of the world where the person who is generally flicking stuff like this doesnt use the net on a regular basis!! :(
maxandison
May 26th, 2008
at 8:09am
Whats the web site cos a cant finded it, or its not there any more :). Max-Andison
DrWho
May 26th, 2008
at 9:58am
This thing seems to awesome, but out there are people that are thinking that they are being funny by posting a video like trace you phone anywhere or trace your girl friend anywhere.
some people that are watching gets their hopes up that they can finally find their lost phone by clicking a link and typing in the phone number just to find out that the service was only a tasteless joke , so be aware of videos that is about tracing your phone.
Embedded lo-jack style GPS devices? that is really good but isn’t it more expensive to modify things, isn’t that more troublesome? believe it or not there are honest people out the there, not all are bad, and if you are lucky that person will pick it up and return it to you, finders fee is always appreciated, people might be more inspired to help you to find something you lost.
Carlos
May 26th, 2008
at 10:58am
This is a very cool idea. I am usually pretty good about not losing things, but I’m probably going to get this program just in case. It never hurts to have that extra bit of security.
jake5680
May 26th, 2008
at 11:15am
its a cool little tool, itll tell u the IP adress, latitude and longitude,the city on a map, machine name, user name, and OS version
naruto90123
May 26th, 2008
at 12:55pm
can you tell me where the exact link it is anyone?? i can not understand what he said or heard
S.L.C.
May 26th, 2008
at 3:03pm
Thats pretty cool that we are now able to track our little devices. Man, who knows what they’ll come up with next? And we all owe it to the smart inventors =)
iGillies
May 26th, 2008
at 7:53pm
I am already using this software, it really works fine. I have taken this software for a test drive and found it last connected to my computer. I was gunna use LoJack, but I saw this on Google search and loved it.
KroNus
May 27th, 2008
at 2:04am
I am finally glad that some people are taking the initiative in making sure that we can get our devices back. The only problem with theories in software like that it: 1. is not 100% accurate. 2. is easy to get around. 3. has a very low estimated success rate after doing the math. and finally 4. is only pertaining to Windows machines, at the moment.
curt22390409
May 27th, 2008
at 3:23am
i did to see if it works and it said my device was in a different city when it was right next to me
jusnjack1227
May 27th, 2008
at 5:53am
i tried it today i live in englandit said it was in africa so u think it was true it as right next 2 me
ReyGilliano
May 27th, 2008
at 10:29am
How come it does not work? I dunno how to install it. HELP please
TDAWizard
May 27th, 2008
at 12:12pm
After using the iHound software, I found that it actually slowed the performance of my Sandisk USB drive whenever i out it into a new computer. Has this happened to anybody else?
Sushrukh78
May 27th, 2008
at 1:58pm
I told about this to some of my friends & they were like ” what ” .Most of us didn’t know about this, i’m sure.Thanks Chris once again for your continous co-operation & support towards your readers.
Mike222
May 27th, 2008
at 4:45pm
It’s about time, but not soon enough. Recently, I got my ipod stolen in school, kind of my fault for not locking it up properly, and the school and myself couldn’t do anything about it, yet I know who took it. But man Chris, not to blame you at all if this sounds bad, but only if I knew about this alittle sooner and I could have gotten it back. Recently, bought another ipod, and very well concidering on putting this software on my newly purchased ipod. Thanks Chris! Really appreciated for posting this!
Nospunosaj
May 27th, 2008
at 4:50pm
I wish that I had known about this service BEFORE I lost my flash drive. Such is life.
I think one of the best things you can do to keep your gadgets from getting lost is to label them with your name, address, and phone#. It’s really a no-brainer and almost nobody takes the time to do it, but it saved me from losing a very expensive set of headphones before.
MiLoMac06
May 27th, 2008
at 6:34pm
Just gotta hope the person who finds your gadget doesn’t have a firewall blocking anything trying to phone home.
Richard McCahill (rrm74001)
May 27th, 2008
at 7:12pm
I was not aware there was such thing as iAlertU. It is a pretty humorous concept : ). However, I have been fortunate to not have lost any of my electronic devices.
iHound is also pretty smart. I wonder if the authorities really would pursue a suspect if you did print out a report detailing where a suspect was : ).
There is another program out there that will take a picture when someone enters an incorrect password. The name of it escapes me at the moment, however.
Luke
May 27th, 2008
at 7:51pm
i lost my ipod once on the plane, but never found it again. I wish a had this installed, but i am using a mac so i can’t install it yet which sucks.
r3novatyo
May 28th, 2008
at 6:30am
I never lost any gadget,but I know a friend who did and never get it back.Lost forever.I would never like if this happens to me.I think I will try this software.Thank you!
Kiriabc
May 28th, 2008
at 9:26am
What was the web site
Kiriabc
May 28th, 2008
at 9:26am
What was the web site
Sidster2
May 28th, 2008
at 11:09am
Whoa.. this is great.. Have it prompt the user that it’s lost or stolen. With a IP I have friends that could narrow the search :)
Thanks for showing it.. hope it works on a iPod Touch.. might not since it’s not loaded up as a HD.
Tpavra
May 28th, 2008
at 1:19pm
Losing hardware with valuable data on is a horrible experience. What I like to do when I carry items, is keep them in my sight at all times. Such as if I am in a hotel, I always take the laptop with me, no matter where I go, and as long as it is strapped onto me, it wont go missing :).
MGFPRWorld
May 28th, 2008
at 3:29pm
Chris Pirillo Alternative Fuel and Hybrid Modifications: Water4Gas? What Are You Paying for Gas? Would you Accept Advertising on your Gadgets? Free Video Conferencing and Chat: No Downloads!How to Recover a Lost or Stolen iPod, Flash Drive, or Digital Camera
TDAWizard
May 28th, 2008
at 3:32pm
After using the iHound software, I found that it actually slowed the performance of my Sandisk USB drive whenever i out it into a new computer. Has this happened to anybody else?
Joshua{XP}
May 28th, 2008
at 3:51pm
Wow Chris, this software is a great way for many people who have lost the ipods over the years, but is kinda bad for the people who have lost there ipods many years ago. Thanks Arron, i will use this program since i have an iPod 0BG and i dont want to lose it at all since its the only music player i have and trust me…when you pay $300 for one….i am sure youll want to keep it as well. now if i ever lose my ipod ever again i know how to find it and thats a good thing.
I really wish i had this software before i lost my Seagate 8GB pocket falsh drive but i guess now we know how to find it.
Thanks Arron for the link and thanks chris for sharing this info with us.
Joshua{XP}
May 28th, 2008
at 3:52pm
Wow Chris, this software is a great way for many people who have lost the ipods over the years, but is kinda bad for the people who have lost there ipods many years ago. Thanks Arron, i will use this program since i have an iPod 30GB and i dont want to lose it at all since its the only music player i have and trust me…when you pay $300 for one….i am sure youll want to keep it as well. now if i ever lose my ipod ever again i know how to find it and thats a good thing.
I really wish i had this software before i lost my Seagate 8GB pocket falsh drive but i guess now we know how to find it.
Thanks Arron for the link and thanks chris for sharing this info with us.
Webduelist (Mac Pratt)
May 28th, 2008
at 5:50pm
nice to bad I dont use a mac but a linux pc, but it would be nice because I always seem to misplace my devices would be bad if I misplaced one on a plane or something.
Brady (Computer|Nerd)
May 28th, 2008
at 6:13pm
My neighbor just went to Mexico and when they were out for the day, the cleaning crew came in and when they got back that night, his iPhone and 80GB iPod and her iPod Shuffle were gone. I just can’t imagine losing all of those electronics!!
popsmit76
May 28th, 2008
at 6:19pm
Doesn’t work on iPod Touch =[
Keeheon Nam
May 28th, 2008
at 6:25pm
I think that this is a very good idea to put on your stuff. I got it in my sony walkman MP3 Player and it works! It’s the program that everyone needs now a days when thieves are on the rise…
TechGuy555
May 28th, 2008
at 10:42pm
This is a great service to put one all of your devices. I tested this on a 1 GB memory card in my digital camera. The software is very easy to use. One of the cool parts is that when the card gets plugged into another computer, on the screen a window pops that says your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address, just in case you found it and want to get it back to the person that lost it.
thebigpoob12
May 28th, 2008
at 11:51pm
Will this work with a zune or external hard drive?
Erez Hod
May 29th, 2008
at 12:42am
I’ll give you guys some piece of advice, cause there is really no need to use software and all these stuff..
My advice is: BACK UP! get some external HD or something and move all of the important stuff!!
Also back up gadgets! just make sure to sync them good with you machine and stop being lazy boys.
denise
May 29th, 2008
at 12:59am
this is too good to be true! I lug my lap top all the time and am always thinking - god please do not let this ever be stolen.
charlieissocoollike2
May 29th, 2008
at 2:24am
When i first heard about it I thought it was amazing that you could use 3 devices without any credit card infomation and a short registartion. I was trying to think of similar freeware but no such luck!!! I have lost many memory sticks and thumb drives in my time. so this should be a great help. i have already put it on my current memory stick and hopefully try to put it on my phone somehow!!
charlieissocoollike2
May 29th, 2008
at 2:27am
my phone is a nokia n80 and i’m wondering if the “ihound” software will support it. The phone has a nornal memory card in it so it should ???
aeiz
May 29th, 2008
at 3:04am
I’m hoping that Apple’s next generation of the iphone has some built in theft protection and alert. I know they have built in remote wipe for the new version, but I’m more concerned with the point at which the device is stolen. I’d rather prevent the device from being stolen to begin with.
hassan5in1
May 29th, 2008
at 3:45am
Thanks Chris. Did not know if such a software existed. What happens though if the flash or ipod or phone is fully formatted before connecting to USB device? :-|
Is it gonna work then???
—
Joshua Masangcay: Chris did mention Phone too. I mean if it is connected to the computer via USB. ihound will work for it.
trynet123
May 29th, 2008
at 4:08am
so you lose it on a plane…you get an address half across the country. whats next? use the IP, username and OSv for a more ‘fun’ use for revenge? seriously.
Matt Smith
May 29th, 2008
at 5:30am
I tried downloading this, but the installer gave me some kind of error and would not run. Perhaps this is because I was attempting to install it inside a virtual machine?
Sounds nice, although I don’t know if I’m ready to pay for a service like this. And if I get started on the trial, I’ll get hooked, and, well, have to pay for it.
jorg pihelgas
May 29th, 2008
at 8:04am
Ihound, that is great thing, i some why have a huge paranoia if i might loose something at school or like musical festivals ipod, cell phone, camera. But thanks to ihound i can relax little bit more and i’ll be sure get ihound on to my devices. Tyvm Chris.
Evan
May 29th, 2008
at 9:13am
It sounds like a very nice program but the next thing they might think about doing is not have to have it plugged into a computer that is hooked to a network to find it.
Jack Hayward
May 29th, 2008
at 10:11am
Really good idea i went to america in march and someone stole 3 iPods, loads of games and more… this would of helped loads, again 10 out of 10 for this, what would i do without chris pirillo
Kevinaz
May 29th, 2008
at 11:01am
i should really try this. i have a 16 gb pen drive that has a lot of important data on it, and i’d hate to lose it.
roblinux
May 29th, 2008
at 11:20am
My goodness gracious! This has to be one of the coolest things i’ve ever used. Chris, i have to say, this will probably save SO MANY THINGS. Not only will it save many of my things, my mother runs a family internet site, and she’s going over the idea of using it for child protection, and family tracking, again, thank you very much.
Only problem, it is alittle off with the placement, but within 2 miles, that’s absolutely amazing!!!!
Thanks for listening
moviemeads
May 29th, 2008
at 11:23am
Love the site..I wish I had this 2 weeks ago
DawVideo
May 29th, 2008
at 11:44am
Thats a great Idea If you have something like that just so when someone does steal or find it is auto traced. I can think of how useful it is already.
Nelson
May 29th, 2008
at 1:04pm
Wow that sounds pretty useful, but being the person I am, I’m probably going to trigger that alarm myself. I’m that sort of person lol. Once hit the panic button on my car’s remote by accident lmao.
Mool212
May 29th, 2008
at 1:24pm
Those would be some excellent products to use for some one who travels a lot or takes their gadgets a lot of places. I tend to occasionally misplace a gadget or two, but i always wind up finding it in the end. I wonder how it tracks it though on things that do not use a receiver. If they plug it into a computer w/o an internet connection, then what? :)
gopichand
May 29th, 2008
at 2:43pm
I thank the people who developed the software because
first thing they are sharing it freely and helping us protect our gadgets.
Thatsa great new chris, even though i don’t have any of the devices u specified
when i buy them ill definitely use it.
cornillious
May 29th, 2008
at 3:02pm
This is a great piece of software for people that are always on the go and don’t have time to check where every thing is at every moment. I wish they offered this service for the headphones! I seen to lose them more than the device its self!!!
Boredcollegekid
May 29th, 2008
at 3:14pm
I’ve used iHound, but most of the time now I simply put an autorun file on the device that will pop up a second cell number people can call in case of this happening. granted I encrypt all the devices and back up the data on a regular basis so I don’t have too much on them that I can’t recover if I never get them back
Eddie Ringle
May 29th, 2008
at 3:24pm
I’ve never bought or signed up for any of these device recovery services. Mainly because I don’t lose these things or allow them to be stolen. Also, I don’t own an iPod, that would probably help in me losing it, don’t you think? ;)
HP offers some recovery service for their laptops, I haven’t looked further into it, and I know my laptop doesn’t have that service. Just checked their website, it’s called Computrace LoJack, so it’s not an HP product, HP just offers it. I learned something today. :D
joelg88
May 29th, 2008
at 3:36pm
thats great. its a good way to track your stuff if they were to get stolen. I heard a story the other day where somebodys MacBook was stolen and they had a .Mac account. Her friend who also had a Mac and a .Mac used the Back to My Mac feature to take a snapshot of the thief and the Macbook was recovered. Thats really cool.
NeoYoshi1
May 29th, 2008
at 4:05pm
Wow! That sounds really awesome. I’m definitely going to use this. Wish I would have found out about this earlier. I lost my 80GB iPod classic 2 weeks ago. If anything like that happens again i’ll have iHound! Thanks a lot Philip! :D
Sugaslim
May 29th, 2008
at 4:25pm
This would be good for people who have had their iPods stolen, and you want to know what dirtbag took it. How are you supposed to get a hold of the person though? It would be weird because they would think I am stalking them. But hey, they are a thief and they deserve it.
Sugaslim
May 29th, 2008
at 4:27pm
I think that this would be good for people who have had their devices stolen at parties. It happens so frequently you would be amazed. How are you able to find out exactly who they are though. Maybe we will find a way to find out who has it also, rather than know it is plugged in.
Nivek
May 29th, 2008
at 5:04pm
I concur. Being able to find lost electronics is very important. I found the iHound website a few months ago and I can tell you it works. I lent my thumb drive to a friend and when I got home I had an email that my thumb drive had been located. When my friend plugged in my thumbdrive(into a computer that didn’t have internet access at the time), she got hooked by the first menu option that pops up “View my passwords” and she tried to open it. This initiated the tiny file that saved on the computer and then sent an email as soon as the computer connected to the internet! It is a great solution for anyone that doesn’t want to loose their electronics.
Jonathan Libby
May 29th, 2008
at 5:06pm
that sounds like a brilliant program i have so many usb devices and i don’t know what to do with them all so this will be perfect for me.
Lily Kwan
May 29th, 2008
at 5:30pm
iHound sounds very cool! I worry about losing my iPod Touch, I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks for the tip!
tachikara
May 29th, 2008
at 5:34pm
Great information. I hope I won’t need to recover data from a broken iPod.
Comspy
May 29th, 2008
at 5:34pm
Wow - This is the coolest idea! It is amazing that they have it available on so many platforms/devices! I have so many devices that can be lost - this application will help me keep track of them! Thanks, Chris, for another great recommendation for FREE software :)
Comspy
Harry
May 29th, 2008
at 5:41pm
This sounds quite interesting. I’m guessing the thief needs an internet connection, as would you. I’ve lost 2 flash drives already (good thing they were only 256megs), so I don’t know…maybe I’ll give it a shot. I don’t have anything to lose (besides another flash drive) I guess.
Finlay Craig
May 29th, 2008
at 5:45pm
What another great idea! I think I will probably put thins on my iPod. But do you reckon I could put this on my computer? As some kind of mountable virtual drive?
lubu
May 29th, 2008
at 7:41pm
is there any way to get this on the itouch cuz i rather not have my itouch stolen and never find it again or does it have to come up as a hard drive for it to alert e-mail me but i did try it on my 30 gig ipod works wounders
cornillious1
May 29th, 2008
at 9:08pm
Same…. Its too late to install it now its already gone! lol
Doug
May 30th, 2008
at 1:18pm
This should come with flash drives and iPods, I cant count how many times I’ve heard about people getting there portable memory devices getting stolen and never getting them back
insanelygreat01
June 13th, 2008
at 6:20pm
wow. this will be very very useful! I had my iPod stolen a few years ago and it was gone never to be seen again. and i was devastated and i had to buy a brand new one…i just signed up for this and put it on my iPod, Thumb Drive, and my cell. this is amazing technology and will benefit many! Thanks for sharing this. i signed up my parents and sis to and put on all there stuff!!
steve
February 18th, 2009
at 12:05am
Those are very useful tools.
I also used another site to search the main auciton sites when looking for my stolen stuff in case the theives were trying to sell them quickly. I actually found them on ebay and the police recommended I try and win the auction to get them back as otherwise they’d be uncoverable.
Jen
February 26th, 2009
at 5:42pm
so you mean you have to have install the app before you lost your ipod touch because i have already lost my touch is anything you can do after you lost your touch?
Dignesh
April 29th, 2009
at 9:40pm
i had my ipod stolen just an hour ago. is there any possible way to get it back plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…… suggets me if any one know guys. it was second generation apple’s shuffle ipod. waiting for reply.
IgotRippedoff>:(
May 11th, 2009
at 8:44pm
IT SUCKS!!! I bought a cell phone off of someone and they tell me the esn is good, but i stupidly didnt check. they wont answer their phone. it was a ****** girl too!!! she reeked of smoke and looks like a prostitute or those b1tches who work for those sugardaddys. cant believe i fell for it…… sighhhhh… gosh. i dont know what to do.