Turn your Bluetooth phone into a proximity lock for your computer.

[0iD]

Just read about this on Engadget, thought it was a nifty idea.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/06/p...roximity-lock/

It may not be the ideal solution for those in need of some military-grade security, but those simply looking to keep their co-workers from snooping on their laptop may want to consider Phoenix's new Freeze application, which promises to turn any old Bluetooth-enabled cellphone into a proximity lock. What's more, you can apparently even use one phone to control multiple laptops, and configure the application to switch the laptop into a power-saving mode when the phone moves outside the proximity zone (which can also be configured to suit your needs). Best of all, the application is available as a free download right now (Windows XP and Vista only, unfortunately), and Phoenix seems to have some even grander plans for the future, with it now apparently busily courting computer manufactures in the hope of getting it offered as a standard option on new laptops.

http://www.phoenixfreeze.com/

[TooNice]

Nifty idea. Still, what is a realistic range for Bluetooth to work (I only ever use it when the devices are without an arms reach of each other)? If it's only a few metre, it might be quicker to walk to the laptop than fiddle with a phone.

[GoNz0]

ooo smart

[blueball]

Excellent. Now we can hide somebody's phone and lock them out of their laptop

[Andy3536]

And if you drop your phone?

Why not tell people not to look at your laptop and if they do, beat them up

No one will look again.

[nvening]

ive had my blutooth conect when i was halfway down the road so it could be pretty sweet

[mediaboy]

Great idea.

One problem.. I don't have bluetooth....

It's good for those people who have it, but someone's earlier comment about hiding people's phones is about accurate. I can see it happening lots.

[GoNz0]

so you all think it wont have password backup like finger print readers ?

[Powderhound]

And if you drop your phone?

Why not tell people not to look at your laptop and if they do, beat them up

No one will look again.

Or do as my friend does, and have a desktop shortcut to Lemon Party and the ability to avert ones eyes when domeone stares over your shoulder.

[dave87]

Or do as my friend does, and have a desktop shortcut to Lemon Party and the ability to avert ones eyes when domeone stares over your shoulder.

Not really work safe though, effective as it may be...

[CaseyV9]

What about holding WIN+L keys and having a password protected account?

[Georgy291]

what if phone batt dies due to exesive bluetooth use?

[GoNz0]

what if phone batt dies due to exesive bluetooth use?

charge it

[G4Z]

Brilliant idea but I can see a few holes security wise because I reckon it would be really easy to spoof a bluetooth device. Fairly sure the authentication would be via MAC addresss unless they have done a bit more than that it would be possible to pair a different device provided you had the bluetooth name and MAC code which would be quite easy to sniff out of the air. Anybody know more about bluetooth standards?

[Lowe]

There's something similar for Macs called Proximity which has been out for donkeys. It executes a script of your creating when out of range, and another when in range. Mine auto pauses iTunes and executes the screen saver (which has password protection) when I walk out of range, then auto starts iTunes when back in range.