Cellphone anti-theft software launched

Chennai: A software to help mobile phone users turn the tables on handset thieves was launched in the city on Thursday.Mumbai-based Innova Technologies unveiled the Virtual Mobile Security (VMS) suite, an anti-theft software that would lock up the phones in case of unauthorised SIM card change or if the owner sends a text message alert to the culprit. The password-protected software would literally render the handset useless to anyone but the owner.

It would also forward the new SIM card number, the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of the handset and the cell phone number of the new user via an SMS to a mobile phone nominated by the user.It would run on stealth mode, the company representatives told reporters at the launch function. "The new user would not even know that he is being tracked," they added.Right now the software is compatible only with second and third generation Nokia mobiles using Symbian OS.

The software also provides the registered users to spy on the new users and even nag them. It would set off an alarm siren every time the user receives a call. There is also an option to activate the speakerphone remotely to spy on the new user. Though it is similar to other anti-theft software available in the developed markets, such as Symbian Guru's `Phone Guardian,' Innova Technologies promoter Kshitiz Jain said the software also offered an option hitherto unavailable.

"The user can retrieve important phone numbers from the mobile by sending an SMS to the new user.This is an important feature because most users do not know the stored phone numbers by heart." Innova has tied up with Vibrant Marketing to market the product in Chennai.It would be available with mobile phone retailers soon.