I use the SSID and MAC address of my home router to action the profile in my instance.

To start you will need to download Tasker and Locale Password Plug-in from the Play Store.

Tasker

Crafty Apps

Automate everything from settings to photos, SMS to speech. ADC2 prize winn…

Buy

Locale Password Lock Plug-in

Willem Stoker

Automatically enable/disable your phone’s unlock password or PIN

Buy

Darren McConachie has kindly pointed out a free alternative to Locale Password Lock Plug-in…

Secure Settings

intangibleObject

Secure Settings is a Locale/Tasker compatible plug-in for Android 2.2+.

Buy

Once you have both of these installed we can start, firstly I changed my screen lock to slide (I did have it set to none but sometimes it seemed to take a while for the screen to wake), then I proceeded with Tasker, where I created the Profile called “Trusted Zone” (you can call it what you like…)

Once the profile is named we need to select a context, select state>net>WiFi connected, at this point you need to select your router and add the SSID and MAC address in the appropriate fields, pressing the magnifying glass will bring up a list of nearby WiFi access points.

Now that we have created the profile we need to add the tasks, the first task I called “Lock Off” once named we need to select an action, for this we choose plugin>password lock, then under configuration select edit, at this point we want to turn “use password” to off, hit back and then hit the green tick to save.

Once saved we will return to the profiles screen, now press and hold on the “Lock Off” task and select “Add Exit Task”, this tells Tasker what to do when we are no longer connected to the router and have left the safety of the “Trusted Zone”.

I called this task “Lock On” we add this in the same way as before by choosing plugin>password lock then under configuration select Edit, this time we want to turn the lock on, enter your numeric pin into the password field and once again underneath to confirm, now hit back and then the green tick to save.

At some point Locale Password Lock Plug In will ask for device admin rights, it is essential the rights are granted for this to work, if you missed the prompt the settings can be found under system settings>security>device administrators.

Also we need to make sure Wi-Fi is kept on during sleep for this to work, system settings>Wi-Fi>Advanced>keep Wi-Fi on during sleep> set to always.

That’s it we should now have a working profile!

Optionally you can add alerts to your tasks, for instance I added a flash message to my “Lock On” task which displays a toast message “Locking the biatch down…” as I leave the trusted zone, you can further this with sound, vibration or the LED.

Enjoy!

RIM have responded with this statement….

Apple’s attempt to draw RIM into Apple’s self-made debacle is unacceptable. Apple’s claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public’s understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple’s difficult situation. RIM is a global leader in antenna design and has been successfully designing industry-leading wireless data products with efficient and effective radio performance for over 20 years. During that time, RIM has avoided designs like the one Apple used in the iPhone 4 and instead has used innovative designs which reduce the risk for dropped calls, especially in areas of lower coverage. One thing is for certain, RIM’s customers don’t need to use a case for their BlackBerry smartphone to maintain proper connectivity. Apple clearly made certain design decisions and it should take responsibility for these decisions rather than trying to draw RIM and others into a situation that relates specifically to Apple.

– Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie

I personally didn’t like the Bold 9700 and went back to the Bold 9000 so I cannot confirm nor deny if it does lose its signal when held, but I do have the Bold 9000 and I can confirm that it holds onto its signal no matter how I hold it, how tightly or for how long it just wont drop those bars, when displaying db’s instead of bars it stays at -70db.

The same can be said for the Nexus One, only the signal actually improves when reading the db’s and it is held in the left hand…

If anyone wants to call BS on the above I am more than happy to post the videos to prove it….

In the meantime a little sign for you all to share!

No need to turn off the iPhone 4

Sign up to http://android.angrybirds.com for immediate notification of when Angry Birds is released for Android.

Click on the images to enlarge…..

Visually I prefer SoundHound until it comes to the history page, where Shazam’s use of album art wins.  With regards to the overall functionality of the app again I prefer SoundHound, the ‘eye candy’ whilst listening to a track is far nicer than that of Shazam, showing the feedback from the mic as it listens.

SoundHound also offers the ability to share the track you have just found via email or Twitter, a function not found in Shazam.  It also offers the option to tag a track that you hum or sing, which amazingly worked as I casually sang ‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams at my Nexus One.

Both Apps carry ads to support them, but with SoundHound you only get 5 tags per month (sharing tracks to Twitter will get you an extra 3) at which point it will cost £3.38 ($4.99) to upgrade to the premium version which will allow unlimited tags and will be ad free. Shazam on the other hand gives you unlimited tags (AFAIK) and there is no option to upgrade and remove the ads.

I am typically a low user so 5 tags will be enough for me, but a one off cost of £3.38 isn’t too bad if it will recognise tracks in my head….

SoundHound wins overall for me….

SoundHound over Shazam:

Positives

• visually pleasing UI
• Tag share via email or Twitter
• Lyrics displayed
• Hum, sing, speak or type a song

Negatives

• limited tags

‘but what about when you are on the Nexus??’ he asked, again I replied TweetDeck,

‘How he asked?’

this lead to some quick thinking by myself, I had read here that it was coming shortly so I bluffed saying I had it on my Nexus One…..

Then @Mechanical_Mind wanted proof so I posted this image to satisfy him…..

But to simply show the home screen icon wasn’t enough to satisfy @Burgaz‘s needs, ( he is Welsh after all..) he asked for proof of the app running with his post shown within……

So a few minutes later I came up with the following image using photoshop and a screenshot from the iPhone running TweetDeck…..

This satisfied everybody immediately that I was running TweetDeck on my Nexus One…..

BUT….. Unbeknownst to myself, the images had been spotted by a French Blogger and the above images are doing the rounds in France, Spain, Germany and Italy! sorry guys!

As well as handling Twitter, SocialScope brings your FaceBook status updates into the mix, keeping you completely updated. All this is neatly handled with tabs a top of the screen, giving you instant access to either Twitter and FaceBook, @ replies, DM’s, Twitter or FaceBook. Add to that your own channels/tabs such as individuals or lists. SocialScope supports keypad shortcuts and autotext, shortcuts are the most important for me and saves a lot of scrolling and clicking.

If you would like to apply to become a beta tester you can do so here

This is what SocialScope have said over the matter,

We’ve been getting a lot of questions about the SocialScope beta process and want to address them. First, no one should feel left out because they haven’t received an invite or are running a different version then someone else. As the beta progresses every one will be upgraded and more users will be added.
Second, we’re always seeding new versions of the app to small groups of users to test, tune and tweak SocialScope. Keeping the test groups small allows us to work closely with these users; making changes that would otherwise drive you crazy and lead to overwhelming number of support emails for us. This is an iterative process that can take many versions until its ready for a wider group of users.
Finally, we’ve tried to be as inclusive as possible leading to a very very large private beta. That means we can’t respond to every email or @reply (we wish we could, but we’re a small team), but your feedback is really valuable to us and we read every email we get.
“How do you select users to seed versions to?” Its largely random, but sometimes based on device type and carrier if we’re trying to track down a specific issue.
“How long will it take for me to get version x?” We can’t give you a date, but as soon as its ready you’ll get an upgrade notice within the app.
“I haven’t even gotten an invite yet…” We’re constantly expanding the beta when a spot opens up or the app is released publicly we’ll let you know.
Finally follow us http://twitter.com/socialscope and become a fan at http://facebook.com/socialscope to stay up to date with our latest news.
-Team Conan er SocialScope

Dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon CPU coming before the end of the year: “And all of a sudden your 1GHz Snapdraggon-powered HTC HD2 doesn’t seem all that powerful any more. Apparently Qualcomm are almost done with the development of not one but two new mobile CPU units that are about to top their lineup.

Before January has ended 1.3 GHz Snapdragon 8X50A CPU with reduced-size 45nm core process will be offered to manufacturers and is expected to appear in end-products by the end of this year. We guess, HTC HD3 will be getting one of those.
Now for the even better news. Before 2010 has ended Qualcomm will unveil another powerful processor. The dual-core Snapdragon 8X72 will have two Scorpion cores clocked at 1.5 GHz. That would make it powerful enough for usage in smartbooks too – not only phones. According to the manufacturer this CPU should have no trouble providing 1080p resolution video output.”

Google launched their first Google phone for sale in the US, UK, Hong Kong & Singapore through their new on-line phone web store.  It is available to the four countries sim free for $529 so roughly £408 inc VAT + delivery to the UK, add another $20+VAT to that if you want the Euro charger with the phone!

Now this may cause a little confusion here and there as you may be thinking the G1 was Google’s first foray into the mobile world, but that was more of a joint venture between Google, HTC and T-Mobile, the Nexus One on the other hand is Google going it alone, with the device built by HTC and available through the T-Mobile network or Google. I hope that clears things up!

Anyway, I am still waiting for mine to be shipped so for now I’ll leave you with the specs, taken from Google, and a few vids and I will post my review and unboxing when Google get the phone out to me.

Today HTC announced a new way forward for themselves with the HTC Smart a new type of smartphone that creates a new category of easy-to-use, connected smartphones that are accessible by people all over the world. The HTC Smart will be available this spring across Europe and Asia.

“HTC Smart breaks new ground in delivering the powerful, in-demand smartphone features that consumers want on a more accessible device for global markets,” said Paul Jacobs, chief executive officer, Qualcomm Incorporated. “We are pleased to be supporting HTC as they utilize the capabilities of Qualcomm’s Brew Mobile Platform open operating system to offer high-end capabilities and a compelling mobile user experience at mass-market price points.”

Qualcomm Brew Mobile Platform (Brew MP)
HTC Smart utilizes Qualcomm’s Brew MP, a popular mobile operating system that enables smartphone devices to be offered at more aggressive price points, providing HTC with the flexibility to deliver smartphone features on devices across multiple tiers.
Overview
The HTC Smart is a compact phone that’s ready to help you be a smarter YOU and a funner YOU.

Make it Mine
The HTC Smart is at your service, be it for your productive side or your playful side. HTC Smart comes with Scenes—different phone configurations that reflect different moods in your daily self. There’s a mode for your busy weekdays, filling your home screen with panels that help you ease on through your workdays with apps like email, calendar and the web browser. There’s a mode for relaxing (or not!) weekends, which brings fun to the forefront with music, camera, and photo album panels. There’s even a scene that you can personalize to fit your unique style and daily needs.

Stay Close
With HTC Smart, your interactions are neatly placed right under the pics of your favorite people. Rather than having to open multiple applications, there’s a single view of all your communications, be it email, text, or a Facebook update with any one of your contacts.

Discover the Unexpected
The more you use the HTC Smart, the more small touches you will find – each one elevating your phone experience. For example, with just one tap you can turn your web browser to landscape mode so you can get a better view while surfing the internet. There is also smart zoom, which enlarges and reflows the text for your reading pleasure with just a double tap on the screen.