There is almost no worse feeling than reaching for your phone and realizing it’s not in your pocket or purse. Did you leave it somewhere? Has it been stolen? Will you ever see it again? Absolute panic sets in almost instantly – the thoughts of someone having access to so much of your personal information is nothing short of terrifying.

Fortunately, there are precautions you can take before something tragic happens to better the chances of getting your device back. While there are actually a few different options that allow you to be proactive, I’d like to focus on the one I feel is the most powerful: avast! Mobile Security.

If you’re familiar with the name “avast!,” then you’re probably thinking “What? An antivirus solution will help save my phone?” In short, the answer to that is yes, but not because of the application’s antivirus/antimalware features. You see, before avast! was even released on Android, they bought a smaller company called IT Agents. This company happened to make an absolutely unmatched anti-theft solution for Android called Theft-Aware that remains one of the most powerful I’ve ever seen. That functionality was not only incorporated into avast’s Android app, but it was also expanded to become ever more useful.

The Amount of Utility Packed Into This One App is Astounding

Before we get into the anti-theft features, however, I want to give a brief rundown of everything else that avast! can do.

For starters, it is of course an antivirus/antimalware solution for your mobile device. There are numerous debates across the internet over whether or not this type of functionality is actually necessary, but that’s a moot point when discussing the benefits of avast! Just think of it as another level of protection.

Past that, the app offers advanced application management, a privacy advisor, web, app, file, and message shields; SMS and call filters, a firewall, and network meter. It’s hard to believe that all this comes in a free package. That’s right – there’s no upfront cost, no in-app purchases, or any other type of cost for avast!. Basically, you have no reason not to install it.

Getting the Best Possible Outcome if Your Device is Ever Lost or Stolen

Setting up anti-theft is incredibly easy, and it even has optional deep integration that requires root access. While that isn’t necessary, it definitely kicks the protection level up a notch by preventing the application from being removed (even in the case of a device wipe), as well as giving it access to advanced system features like GPS, and the ability to perform functions like a full data wipe. But that’s not even the best part.

The best part to me is without a doubt the online dashboard. Once you register the app with your avast! account, you can essentially control every aspect of the device remotely through the dashboard. Past that, it also lets you track your device so you know exactly where it is.

For example, let’s say someone lifts your phone from a coffee shop table while you’re ordering a drink. Once you realize it’s missing, you can fire up the account dashboard and mark the device as lost, which will immediately cause a number of user-customizable things to happen. Among these things are: lock the device, sound a siren, deny access to phone settings, prevent USB debugging, force the data connection to stay on, and let you know if the battery gets low.

Past that, you can then send the ‘locate’ command, which will enable GPS (if it isn’t already) and give you the exact location of the device, complete with a map that will lead you right to it. As if all that’s not enough, you can even have avast! forward any calls and/or SMS messages to another phone number, so you’ll have a better idea of where your poor device may be. If you feel all hope is lost, you can even remotely tell avast! to completely wipe the device so none of your private data makes it into the wrong hands. Oh – it can also do all this automatically if the SIM card is removed and/or changed.

Device Security is No Joke

Users keep some of their most personal information tucked deep within the silicon of their mobile, so risking that falling into the wrong hands is something that no one has to do. While there are many other solutions available – like Prey, Cerberus, Lookout, SeekDroid, and so many more – I stand by avast! and the protection it offers. The peace of mind it provides is absolutely invaluable to me. I implore each and every person who reads this to look into an anti-theft solution; even if you decide on something other than avast!, it’s well worth the trouble.
 
 
 
About the Author
Cameron is a die-hard Android fan and Senior Editor for Android Police. When he’s not on the beat covering all the happenings in the Android world, you can usually find him tinkering with (read: breaking) his mobile devices or spending time with his family.

If you think there’s no connection between dairy farming and mobile technology, you probably haven’t met Ray Prock.

As the second generation head of Ray-Lin Dairy, a progressive dairy farm in Denair, California, this farmer is responsible for 200 acres of crops and 500 cows. Ray-Lin Dairy takes pride in treating the cows well, minimizing their impact on the environment and genuinely caring about their local and global community. Their goal is to supply safe, wholesome, healthy milk and dairy products.

Doing all this without a smartphone would be – ahem – udderly impossible (sorry about that; I won’t use that pun again).

“I need my phone to stay in touch with our team on the farm throughout the day,” Ray says.
“It keeps me from having to spend time in the office on emails, allowing me more time for other farm projects.”

Mobile Technology – An Agricultural Tool?

Ray just replaced his HTC EVO 4G LTE with a Samsung Galaxy S4, and it’s much more than just a communication device for him.

“The biggest benefit comes from apps like Dropbox and Evernote, which help me store data,” he says. “One of my responsibility areas on the dairy is animal care, and that data allows me to provide the best care possible, while also ensuring that we comply with environmental regulations. Evernote is my failsafe brain,” he laughs.

Ray also advocates and educates to increase use of social media among farmers, so you’ll find him engaging with Facebook (Android and iOS) and HootSuite via his phone.

With all those uses in the tough environment of a dairy farm, Ray swears by his Commuter Series and Defender Series OtterBox cases.

“The only times I’ve broken a phone they have not had an OtterBox case on them,” he says with a blush.

Though Ray can’t live without Facebook, HootSuite and Evernote, he’s also addicted to Pulse for news and to Google Calendar (available on Android or iOS) to manage his busy schedule, which he admits he needs to work on. Ray also calls United Airlines’ app “a lifesaver.”

When he needs a little down time, though, Ray puts the phone away and enjoys time with his wife, Erica, and their two children. This keeps him grounded and reminds him what it’s all about.

It’s never a dull moment here at OtterBox and once again we’ve got exciting news to share. We’d like to extend a huge welcome to our new family member, LifeProof. We’ve brought together two fast-growing companies each with a strong global brand, incredible product lineup, intellectual property and thriving culture.

Announced at the CTIA conference today, by OtterBox CEO Brian Thomas this acquisition enables both brands to better meet the needs and demands of our customers.

Over the next 30 days, we will begin incorporating the LifeProof brand into the OtterBox family. More information about product availability and alignment will be determined at the completion of this integration. While lots of details are still being hammered out, one thing is for certain: this is a huge win for customers.

Joined Together to Deliver More

OtterBox and LifeProof both offer quality products that customers depend on for protecting their valuable mobile technology. With this announcement, OtterBox plans to continue to be the go-to choice for trusted technology protection.

OtterBox CEO Brian Thomas said it best, “The joining of OtterBox and LifeProof is a way to combine two great brands and provide customers with even more great products, services and choices for smartphone accessories.”

We all love our mobile devices, and want to keep them safe. But, we don’t always have the protection options available to us that we want. That all changes today. What OtterBox and LifeProof could not bring to customers on their own, we will now be able to deliver, together. As Mr. Thomas stated, the goal is “to create more value for our customers than we ever could have generated while operating individually.”

Meet LifeProof

Based in San Diego, LifeProof designs, manufactures and markets cases for smartphones and tablets that deliver protection, style and functionality. LifeProof is built on the idea of giving everyone the complete freedom and confidence to use their mobile devices in any environment. Designed to defend against water, dirt, snow, shock and the hazards of daily life, LifeProof lets consumers use their mobile device every day, everywhere and for everything, without worry.

We Know You Have Questions

For more information, please check out the official press release. You can also leave a comment here, and we’ll try to pass along as much info as we can!

Earlier this week, we introduced you to the OtterBox Commuter Series 3D. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be featuring several custom 3D OtterBox case designs, and giving step-by-step instructions to create your own! Today’s featured design comes from Davesy, the Mystery Man!

The Inspiration

Davsey added a bit of flair to his custom 3D OtterBox case by creating an artistic and realistic bronze effect. “When I first saw the case, it was begging for a gold tooth,” Davesy said. Looking to create a case just like Davesy’s? You’re in luck – simply follow the steps below.

Materials

1. Rustolium oil bronze metallic spray paint
2. Red or burnt-sienna acrylic paint
3. Copper metallic acrylic paint (for the tooth)
4. Small paint brush

The Instructions

Step 1

Remove the silicone from the hard plastic and set the hard plastic outer shell face up on newspaper or tarp (something you don’t mind covering with spray paint!). Coat the case with Rustolium bronze metallic paint. Let dry for around 10-15 minutes before adding a second coat. Allow the second coat to dry for an additional few minutes, or until no longer sticky.
 
 
 
 

Step 2

Using a small paintbrush and the burnt sienna or red acrylic paint, hit the highest points of the skull features. Allow these highlights to dry for 10-15 seconds, and blend with your finger.
Repeat until you have reached a desired effect. This will give the skull a rusted, antique look.
 
 
 
 
 

Step 3

Add a dab of the copper metallic acrylic paint to a tooth of your choice for the finishing touch!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
There you have it – you are now the proud owner of a custom bronze Commuter Series 3D Ninja! If you have any questions or artistic input on the design, please share in the comments below.

During the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show we revealed a case that’s a little different from what you’re used to. With the same great protection you love, we were inspired to create a case that’s a little outside the box … presenting the 3D Commuter Series, inspired by today’s unique youth culture.

Our Marketing teams were inspired to take the 3D designs and make them our own. We challenged ourselves to produce a real work of art in order to enhance these already great cases.

Take a Look at What We Came Up With

	Art by Davesy. – Mystery Man Medium: Spray paint Inspiration: “From the get-go I knew I wanted to add a gold tooth to the skull. I had sketched out a few designs but just wasn’t feeling it. As I was sitting with the case in hand, I saw a bronze statue in my living room and it hit me that I could transform my green case to bronze. And I still got to add a little humor with the “gold tooth.”
	Art by Storm T. – Social Media Lead Medium: Oil-based Sharpie markers Inspiration: “I was watching Jerseylicious, and since I couldn’t do animal print I had to use gold. There is definitely a market for a blinged-out case and I had to represent. The only thing missing is the jewels. I only hope I made the Anthony Roberts Salon and Jersey proud.”
	Art by Allison G. – Brand Planner Medium: Oil-based Sharpie markers Inspiration: “As a child of the 80s, I love neon.  I used Sharpie’s 80′s neon color pallet and paint pens to create my punk rocker skull case.  I love the pink and how its super girlie now that I have put my touches on this!”
	Art by Jason M. – Product Designer Medium: Acrylic paint with a sealing coat Inspiration: “When I studied this case I envisioned it using complimentary colors and high value contrast to create a heightened sense of rhythm and composition. The neutral color scheme is in juxtaposition to the bright color of the case polycarbonate, and in opposition to the saturated color schemes that would be the obvious solution most might envision for a floral design.”
	Art by, yours truly, Jessica Q. – Loyalty Marketing Specialist Medium: Oil-based Sharpie markers Inspiration: “The background color of the case is a nice cool blue but I wanted to add a little more texture to the case with color. I started with the great red color against the blue and went from there. I was inspired by the infamous A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by the French painter George Seurat. I love the dots’ texture and flow and now the 3D case really pops! I’m putting on my 3D movie shades.”

We used a number of mediums to customize our cases, but you can use regular sharpie markers, nail polish (try some glow in the dark), glitter, decorative paper and Mod Podge … the possibilities are endless.

What’s better than sporting something that is uniquely you? So tell us, how will you hack your 3D Commuter Series case?