MazeLock (Symbian OS)
With the kind of data you store on your phone, having a password lock is a must. Similar to how the alphanumeric locks work, Maze Lock too is an innovative way of locking the phone. Maze Lock prevents your phone from strange hands exploring the data in it without your consent. While available for Android phones, Nokia users can get this application free from the Ovi Store. The application comes with a default unlock pattern that can be changed by joining all the nine dots. By selecting a unique pattern, you can leave your phone behind without any worry.
Tata Sky Mobile Access (iOS)
The new Tata Sky Mobile Access application acts as a universal remote for your set-top box. One can browse through the 4-day programme list from the device itself and even start the recording of your favourite shows (for those using Tata Sky+). To activate recording, the user needs to key in the Tata Sky subscriber/user ID in the settings of this application. This app also connects to Facebook and Twitter to view what your friends are watching on Tata Sky using the same application. The iPhone can also be turned into a universal remote but your'd first need to connect it to the MP3 Mobile accessory, which will connect it to a TV, DVD player and amplifier.
SmsBlocker Optinno (Android OS, Symbian OS)
In the past year or so, the number of spam messages on your phone has climbed to an alltime high. One of the most effective SMS blocking applications comes from Pune-based Optinno Mobitech. It automatically detects spam messages and blocks them. Installing the application requires you to key in the country code after which it starts operating automatically. Every incoming message is scanned by the app and sent to the desired location. If it is a spam message, it goes to the bin. When a message is blocked, the app icon appears in the notification bar. Visiting the blocked list shows the number of messages being blocked. In case of messages from banks or websites, the app always aks whether to allow or block them. Even blocking and unblocking contacts for text messages is simple. Free for Android, it is a paid app for Nokia users.
Tuk Tuk Meter (Android OS, Symbian OS, BlackBerry OS)
This auto rickshaw fare calculator is aimed at calculating the distance between two places with the help of the phone's GPS. A user can key in the basic settings-minimum fare, minimum distance and fare per kilometre prevailing in the city. For Delhi, the meter starts at ` 19 for the first two kilometres with fare per km at Rs 6.50. Once you key in these stats, start the meter and it will continuously update the fare and kilometer travelled. When you reach the destination, you can cross check the amount with the one shown on the rickshaw's meter. While reviewing this app on two phones simultaneously, there were two results: one exhibited an accurate amount whereas the other handset indicated Rs 30 extra. Just don't blindly trust it.
BlackBerry Protect (BlackBerry OS)
One of the most popular apps on the BlackBerry App World, Protect is designed to secure the information on any BlackBerry smartphone when lost/missing. This application allows users to log on to the website where they can lock, locate or even wipe the smartphone from a distant location. It goes a step further by allowing users to back up the data wirelessly on daily, weekly or monthly basis.
