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{{advert|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox software
{{Infobox software
| name = GadgetTrak
| name = GadgetTrak
| logo = [[File:GadgetTrak.png|150px| ]]
| logo = GadgetTrak Logo.png
| logo size = 150px
| developer = GadgetTrak Inc.
| developer = GadgetTrak Inc.
| released = {{Start date|2007|02|24}}
| released = {{Start date|2007|02|24}}
| programming language = [[Objective-C]], [C++]]
| programming language = [[Objective-C]], [[C++]], [[Java (programming language)|Java]], [[.NET Framework|.NET]], [[Linux]]
| operating system = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[OS X]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]]
| operating system = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[OS X]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]]
| genre = [[Laptop theft#Laptop tracking software|Laptop tracking software]]
| genre = Laptop & mobile tracking software
| license = [[commercial software|commercial]]
| license = [[Commercial software|Commercial]]
| status = Active
| website = {{URL|gadgettrak.com}}
}}
}}
== Company Origins ==
GadgetTrak is a company based in Portland, Oregon that develops theft recovery and data protection software under the same name<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gadgettrak.com/company/|title=About Company| publisher=GadgetTrak|accessdate=2 September 2013}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|last=David|first=Becker|title=Anti-Theft Widget for iPods|url=http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2007/05/antitheft_widge/|publisher=Wired|accessdate=2 September 2013}}</ref> .The company was founded in February of 2007 by [[Ken Westin]] with the launch of the the first theft recovery product for USB mass storage devices, that tracked stolen devices including iPods, flash drives, digital cameras and other devices when connected to a computer. <ref>{{cite news|last=Adam|first=Pash|title=Recover stolen gadgets with GadgetTheft|url=http://lifehacker.com/239662/recover-stolen-gadgets-with-gadgettheft|accessdate=2 September 2013|newspaper=Life Hacker|date=2/26/2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Darren|first=Murph|title=GadgetTrak hunts down stolen gadgetry for free|url=http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/26/gadgettrak-hunts-down-stolen-gadgetry-for-free/|publisher=Engadget|accessdate=2 September 2013}}</ref> . The company was issued a patent for the technology on February 24, 2009 ({{ cite patent
| country = US
| number = 7496201
| status = patent
| title = Portable host-pluggable appliance tracking system
| pubdate = 2009-02-24
| gdate = 2009-02-24
| fdate = 2007-06-03
| invent1 = Ken Westin
| assign1 = WestinTech DBA GadgetTrak
}}). A customized version of the technology was embedded in FLIR thermal imaging cameras as part of an exclusive three year licensing deal under the name ThermaTrak<ref>{{cite web|title=FLIR Systems Launches ThermaTrak(TM) 'Find' Service to Recover Lost, Stolen or Missing Infrared Cameras|url=http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/FLIR-Systems-Launches-ThermaTrak-TM-Find-Service-to-Recover-Lost-Stolen-or-Missing-Infrared-Cameras-827932|publisher=Thomas Net|accessdate=2 September 2013}}</ref> .


Until 2019, '''GadgetTrak''' was a company based in [[Portland, Oregon]], that developed theft recovery and data protection software.<ref>{{cite web|title=Business Entity Data|url=https://egov.sos.state.or.us/br/pkg_web_name_srch_inq.show_detl?p_be_rsn=1233812&p_srce=BR_INQ&p_print=FALSE|publisher=Oregon Secretary of State Corporate Division|access-date=5 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gadgettrak.com/company/|title=About Company|publisher=GadgetTrak|access-date=2 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806093834/http://gadgettrak.com/company/|archive-date=6 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=David|first=Becker|title=Anti-Theft Widget for iPods|url=https://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2007/05/antitheft_widge/|publisher=Wired|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref> The company was founded in February 2007 by Ken Westin<ref>{{cite web|last=Bertoni|first=Steven|title=Most Stolen Electronics|url=https://www.forbes.com/2008/12/23/most-stolen-electronics-tech-personal-cz_sb_1223theft.html|work=Forbes|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref> with the launch of the first theft recovery product for USB mass storage devices, tracking stolen devices including [[IPod|iPods]], [[Flash drive|flash drives]], [[Digital camera|digital cameras]] and other devices when connected to a [[computer]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Sullivan|first=Bob|title=iPod crime wave? Yes, and more|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/ipod-crime-wave-yes-more-6C10406584|work=NBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Adam|first=Pash|title=Recover stolen gadgets with GadgetTheft|url=http://lifehacker.com/239662/recover-stolen-gadgets-with-gadgettheft|access-date=2 September 2013|newspaper=Life Hacker|date=2007-02-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Darren|first=Murph|title=GadgetTrak hunts down stolen gadgetry for free|url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/02/26/gadgettrak-hunts-down-stolen-gadgetry-for-free/|publisher=Engadget|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref> The company was issued a patent for the technology on February 24, 2009.<ref>{{cite patent|country=US|number=7496201|status=patent|title=Portable host-pluggable appliance tracking system|pubdate=2009-02-24|gdate=2009-02-24|fdate=2007-06-03|invent1=Ken Westin|assign1=WestinTech DBA GadgetTrak}}</ref> GadgetTrak's technology was featured during a special segment by Dateline on iPod theft where they tracked stolen iPods and confronted the thieves.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hansen|first=Chris|title=Dateline Takes On iPod Thieves|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/20078671/ns/dateline_nbc/t/dateline-takes-ipod-thieves/#.UiS0yzamjMU|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310020141/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/20078671/ns/dateline_nbc/t/dateline-takes-ipod-thieves/#.UiS0yzamjMU|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2015|publisher=Dateline NBC|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref> A customized version of the technology was embedded in FLIR thermal imaging cameras as part of an exclusive licensing agreement under the name ThermaTrak<ref>{{cite web|title=FLIR Systems Launches ThermaTrak(TM) 'Find' Service to Recover Lost, Stolen or Missing Infrared Cameras|url=http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/FLIR-Systems-Launches-ThermaTrak-TM-Find-Service-to-Recover-Lost-Stolen-or-Missing-Infrared-Cameras-827932|publisher=Thomas Net|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref> utilized for both theft recovery as well as export controls.
⚫
== Laptop Software ==
⚫
The company launched it's first original laptop software solution for Macs that utilizes the web camera to capture a photo of a thief, as well as the utilization of Wi-Fi positioning to provide location within 10-20 meters<ref>{{cite web|last=Steven|first=Sande|title=TUAW Review: MacTrak Theft Recovery Software|url=http://www.tuaw.com/2008/11/18/tuaw-review-mactrak-theft-recovery-software/|publisher=TUAW|accessdate=2 September 2013}}</ref>. Shortly after the product launch there were a number of stolen laptop recoveries using the software, the first being in Brooklyn, New York where a stolen iMac was tracked to a tattoo parlor where police recovered the stolen computer along with other stolen property<ref>{{cite web|last=Charlie|first=Sorrel|title=Tracking Software Rescues Stolen iMac after Two Weeks|url=http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/08/tracking-software-rescues-stolen-imac-after-two-weeks/|publisher=Wired|accessdate=2 September 2013}}</ref> . In April 2009 the company launched a Windows version of their laptop software further expanding their product offering<ref>{{cite web|last=Rick|first=Turoczy|title=Windows laptop and netbook owners can rest easier: GadgetTrak launches PC-Trak|url=http://siliconflorist.com/2009/04/27/windows-laptop-and-netbook-owners-can-rest-easier-gadgettrak-launches-pc-trak/|publisher=Silicon Florist|accessdate=2 September 2013}}</ref> .


== Mobile Software ==
==Mobile software==
In October 2008,<ref>{{cite web|title=GadgetTrak Inc. Launches GadgetTrak® Mobile Security - The Most Advanced Anti-Theft and Data Protection for Smart Phones|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/10/prweb1469534.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081018131329/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/10/prweb1469534.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 18, 2008|publisher=PR Web|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref> the company launched its GadgetTrak Mobile Security app for Blackberry and Windows mobile devices.
The company launched its first mobile security software in October of 2008<ref>{{cite web|title=GadgetTrak Inc. Launches GadgetTrak® Mobile Security - The Most Advanced Anti-Theft and Data Protection for Smart Phones|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/10/prweb1469534.htm|publisher=PR Web|accessdate=2 September 2013}}</ref> , targeted towards Blackberry and Windows mobile devices and later expanded to Apple's iPhone when the store opened later that year, a year and a half before Apple launched Find My iPhone<ref>{{cite web|last=Glenn|first=Fleishman|title=Find Your Lost iPhone or iPod touch with iPhone OS 3.0|url=http://tidbits.com/article/10359?print_version=1|publisher=Tidbits|accessdate=2 September 2013}}</ref>. The company launched its third version of GadgetTrak Mobile Security in 2012 at CES, the new solution provides a web based control panel to activate tracking, remotely wipe data from the device, encrypt and backup data as well as enterprise group management, as well as support for Android devices<ref>{{cite web|last=France|first=Jasmine|title=CES: GadgetTrak offers mobile theft protection|url=http://www.cnet.com/8301-32254_1-20027927-283.html|publisher=CNET|accessdate=2 September 2013}}</ref> . Just after launch the software was put to test by a string of Sprint stores that installed the software on their demo units, one store in a mall in Tigard, Oregon had several devices stolen and with the help of GadgetTrak was able to recover the devices and apprehend the thieves<ref>{{cite web|last=Teachout|first=Ed|title=Tigard police used tracker on stolen cellphones|url=http://www.kgw.com/news/business/Internal-tracker-on-stolen-cellphones-aiding-Tigard-police-127462638.html|publisher=KGW News|accessdate=2 September 2013}}</ref> .


On November 4, 2008, the company launched its first mobile security software app for iOS devices.


At CES 2012, the company launched a version of GadgetTrak Mobile Security for Android devices.<ref>{{cite web|last=France|first=Jasmine|title=CES: GadgetTrak offers mobile theft protection|url=http://www.cnet.com/8301-32254_1-20027927-283.html|publisher=CNET|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref> Along with the Android release, other upgrades were added, including a web-based control panel to activate tracking, remotely wipe data from the device, encrypt and backup data as well as an enterprise group management console.


Just after launch, the application was put to test by a chain of Sprint stores that installed the software on their demo units. One store in Tigard, Oregon had several devices stolen. Fortunately, they were able to recover the devices and apprehend the thieves using their Mobile Security app.<ref>{{cite web|last=Teachout|first=Ed|title=Tigard police used tracker on stolen cellphones|url=http://www.kgw.com/news/business/Internal-tracker-on-stolen-cellphones-aiding-Tigard-police-127462638.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130902174641/http://www.kgw.com/news/business/Internal-tracker-on-stolen-cellphones-aiding-Tigard-police-127462638.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 September 2013|publisher=KGW News|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref>

⚫
==Laptop software==
⚫
On November 12, 2008, the company launched the Mac laptop version of its software that utilizes the web camera to capture a photo of a thief, as well as the utilization of [[Wi-Fi positioning]] to provide location within 10–20 meters.<ref>{{cite web|last=Steven|first=Sande|title=TUAW Review: MacTrak Theft Recovery Software|url=http://www.tuaw.com/2008/11/18/tuaw-review-mactrak-theft-recovery-software/|publisher=TUAW|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref> Shortly after the product launch, several stolen laptop recoveries were using the software, the first being in Brooklyn, New York where a stolen iMac was tracked to a tattoo parlor where police recovered the stolen computer along with other stolen property.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Charlie|first=Sorrel|title=Tracking Software Rescues Stolen iMac after Two Weeks|url=https://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/08/tracking-software-rescues-stolen-imac-after-two-weeks/|magazine=Wired|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref>

In April 2009, the company launched a Windows version of their laptop software further expanding their product offering.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rick|first=Turoczy|title=Windows laptop and netbook owners can rest easier: GadgetTrak launches PC-Trak|url=http://siliconflorist.com/2009/04/27/windows-laptop-and-netbook-owners-can-rest-easier-gadgettrak-launches-pc-trak/|publisher=Silicon Florist|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|2}}
[[Category:Companies based in Portland, Oregon]]
[[Category:Computer security software companies]]
[[Category:Security software]]

Latest revision as of 05:36, 15 August 2024

GadgetTrak
Developer(s)GadgetTrak Inc.
Initial releaseFebruary 24, 2007 (2007-02-24)
Written inObjective-C, C++, Java, .NET, Linux
Operating systemWindows, OS X, Android, iOS
TypeLaptop & mobile tracking software
LicenseCommercial

Until 2019, GadgetTrak was a company based in Portland, Oregon, that developed theft recovery and data protection software.[1][2][3] The company was founded in February 2007 by Ken Westin[4] with the launch of the first theft recovery product for USB mass storage devices, tracking stolen devices including iPods, flash drives, digital cameras and other devices when connected to a computer.[5][6][7] The company was issued a patent for the technology on February 24, 2009.[8] GadgetTrak's technology was featured during a special segment by Dateline on iPod theft where they tracked stolen iPods and confronted the thieves.[9] A customized version of the technology was embedded in FLIR thermal imaging cameras as part of an exclusive licensing agreement under the name ThermaTrak[10] utilized for both theft recovery as well as export controls.

Mobile software

[edit]

In October 2008,[11] the company launched its GadgetTrak Mobile Security app for Blackberry and Windows mobile devices.

On November 4, 2008, the company launched its first mobile security software app for iOS devices.

At CES 2012, the company launched a version of GadgetTrak Mobile Security for Android devices.[12] Along with the Android release, other upgrades were added, including a web-based control panel to activate tracking, remotely wipe data from the device, encrypt and backup data as well as an enterprise group management console.

Just after launch, the application was put to test by a chain of Sprint stores that installed the software on their demo units. One store in Tigard, Oregon had several devices stolen. Fortunately, they were able to recover the devices and apprehend the thieves using their Mobile Security app.[13]

Laptop software

[edit]

On November 12, 2008, the company launched the Mac laptop version of its software that utilizes the web camera to capture a photo of a thief, as well as the utilization of Wi-Fi positioning to provide location within 10–20 meters.[14] Shortly after the product launch, several stolen laptop recoveries were using the software, the first being in Brooklyn, New York where a stolen iMac was tracked to a tattoo parlor where police recovered the stolen computer along with other stolen property.[15]

In April 2009, the company launched a Windows version of their laptop software further expanding their product offering.[16]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Business Entity Data". Oregon Secretary of State Corporate Division. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  2. ^ "About Company". GadgetTrak. Archived from the original on 6 August 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  3. ^ David, Becker. "Anti-Theft Widget for iPods". Wired. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  4. ^ Bertoni, Steven. "Most Stolen Electronics". Forbes. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  5. ^ Sullivan, Bob. "iPod crime wave? Yes, and more". NBC News.
  6. ^ Adam, Pash (2007-02-26). "Recover stolen gadgets with GadgetTheft". Life Hacker. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  7. ^ Darren, Murph. "GadgetTrak hunts down stolen gadgetry for free". Engadget. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  8. ^ US patent 7496201, Ken Westin, "Portable host-pluggable appliance tracking system", published 2009-02-24, issued 2009-02-24, assigned to WestinTech DBA GadgetTrak 
  9. ^ Hansen, Chris. "Dateline Takes On iPod Thieves". Dateline NBC. Archived from the original on March 10, 2015. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  10. ^ "FLIR Systems Launches ThermaTrak(TM) 'Find' Service to Recover Lost, Stolen or Missing Infrared Cameras". Thomas Net. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  11. ^ "GadgetTrak Inc. Launches GadgetTrak® Mobile Security - The Most Advanced Anti-Theft and Data Protection for Smart Phones". PR Web. Archived from the original on October 18, 2008. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  12. ^ France, Jasmine. "CES: GadgetTrak offers mobile theft protection". CNET. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  13. ^ Teachout, Ed. "Tigard police used tracker on stolen cellphones". KGW News. Archived from the original on 2 September 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  14. ^ Steven, Sande. "TUAW Review: MacTrak Theft Recovery Software". TUAW. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  15. ^ Charlie, Sorrel. "Tracking Software Rescues Stolen iMac after Two Weeks". Wired. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  16. ^ Rick, Turoczy. "Windows laptop and netbook owners can rest easier: GadgetTrak launches PC-Trak". Silicon Florist. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
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