BlueProximity: Walking Away to Lock Your Computer
By Rico, 3:03 am Sun Mar 9 2008 - Downloads - 6 Opinions
Here’s a Linux-only app that really needs a PC and Mac version. BlueProximity makes a computer lock itself when a partnered Bluetooth device (like a cellphone in your pocket) goes far enough, and automatically unlock once the gadget comes back within range. Anyone who tries to access the said computer will be greeted with a password prompt.
This setup unfortunately requires that you keep Bluetooth on, which is a battery drain, but the whole process probably fulfills the futuristic dreams of geeks everywhere. If only it was available in a more easy-to-use and widely available version. The installation instructions on the Ubuntu forum is clearly only for the hardcore.
So, any programmers up for the challenge?
Update: Read about Blue Lock, which is basically Blue Proximity for the PC.
Blue Lock: Walking Away to Lock Your PC
1:01 am Fri Mar 14 2008
[...] recently featured Blue Proximity, a Linux-only program that uses Bluetooth to automatically lock a computer when the specified [...]
Lars Friedrichs
9:09 pm Sat Mar 15 2008
Hi there,
thanks for ‘promoting’ my software. I see that you seem to be puzzled about the installation instructions. Actually they are not too hard. And it will be even easier once it hits the major distributions. It will be included in Ubuntu Hardy and has just made it into Debian Sid unstable and is soon advancing to testing. It is in the queue for Fedora Core integration too.
Installing should not be the problem, configuring a good set of values for proper detection is more difficult though. I am thinking of an auto-learn mode. Look forward to the next versions…
What distribution have been using? Where do you think it needs to improve the ‘ease of use’? I am always up to hints where to improve. One thing I probably can’t improve is the bluetooth activation stuff… Though I am also working on different detection methods but at this time they all do consume power. Is it the power drain on the notebook or the phone that you are worried about?
Bye
Lars
Rico S.
10:10 am Mon Mar 17 2008
Hey Lars,
A BlueProximity user here. Actually, I’m the one who tipped one of the technograph writers on this program
As far as ease-of-use — I think it’s pretty much great as it is. It’s a very set-it-and-forget-it application that needs minimal configuration.
(Although my mobile phone didn’t show up in the ‘detected devices’ list and I had to enter my MAC address myself — I’m not sure if this is an issue with my phone or BlueProximity.)
Technograph: as for installation, the instructions can seem daunting simply because the program is fairly new and hasn’t made it to the Ubuntu repositories yet. It should be available in the new version of Ubuntu (April 2008) and by then, the process should be simply a one-click thing (via Synaptic).
Technograph
10:10 am Mon Mar 17 2008
We really need to get a Linux writer on board because the ultra-versatile nature of the OS is honestly alien to us!
Lars, we’ve seen the program in action. It is easy-to-use. But like Rico said, installation looks complicated. And yes, the battery life is always a concern. Is it possible to control consumption through programming?
Rico S.
10:10 am Mon Mar 17 2008
Also, for a Mac/Win alternative, try Salling Clicker (not free). There’s also Blue Lock for Windows (Also featured somewhere in this site).
Technograph
11:11 am Mon Mar 17 2008
We featured Blue Lock here. Salling Clicker is actually more of a mutli-functional remote control app, but it also gets the job done.