Keep track of family member with little to no data usage

[jrickards]

Hi:

I know that there are a lot of apps that I could use to keep track of family members (actually, my wife wants to keep track of me) and I've only used one, Map Me, but it requires data to send the GPS info back to my wife's phone.

I go on long bike rides, 2+hrs and will be doing some bike tours (5+ days) and she'd like to know where I am. I don't have a problem keeping my GPS running on my phone, it takes very little battery to do so. However, if I have data enabled, I can imagine (I didn't track it) that my phone battery will drain much more quickly.

As I see it, there are two possibilities: (1) a "tracking" app that uses no data (maybe texting data back and forth since that will be enabled?) or (2) a data management app that I can use to disable apps that use data except for the tracking app.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Jules

 

[funkylogik]

How about your wife logs into Android Device Manager at home when she wants to know where you are?
It will use data but not much and only when she's checking on you
(in your app drawer, go to Google Settings app, tap Security, turn on Android Device Manager)
Your wife needs your Gmail address and password to log in on the pc or her phone browser.

Or there's Lookout https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lookout which works in a similar way
Just tested and Lookout seems more accurate

 

[jrickards]

Thanks, I'll give Lookout a whirl, it seems easier.

 

[funkylogik]

Thanks, I'll give Lookout a whirl, it seems easier.

Yup its security features are excellent too (if your phone is turned off or sim changed, it will email you a map of location and sometimes a pic from the front camera)
They keep threatening to charge me for this feature but haven't yet

 

[UncleMike]

Cerberus can be used via SMS. But I'm not sure how accurate the location information will be without a data connection - that will depend on your device's GPS hardware.

 

[funkylogik]

Yeah I've heard great things about Cerberus. Is it free?

 

[Thom]

Cerberus Anti-Theft - not free – remotely track your phone – remote Factory Data Reset – remote take picture.
Client Cerberus – Control remotely

No it isn't free.

... Thom

 

[Stuntman]

You can use Google+. There is an option to allow certain people to know your location. Both you and your wife will need a Google account.

 

[funkylogik]

You can use Google+. There is an option to allow certain people to know your location. Both you and your wife will need a Google account.

Oh yeah never used it mate.
So is it constantly tracking or just when you post or what?

 

[Stuntman]

Oh yeah never used it mate.
So is it constantly tracking or just when you post or what?

I think it's constantly tracking since that is how I found out where a relative of mine when he was late for his own birthday dinner that he arranged. He was half way across town, so I called him. He really lost track of time.