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Kenyan Smartphone Security App Launched
[December 17, 2012]

Kenyan Smartphone Security App Launched


(AllAfrica Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Android and Symbian users looking to secure their phones and data, in case of theft or lost devices now have an application to their aid. This is after Monday's launch of WipeOut Mobile at The Sarova Stanley in Nairobi.



The press launch was attended by WipeOut Mobile CEO, Hussein Ramji and the developers behind the application. The app will back up contacts and SMS, erase personal data through a web portal and offer data restoration, all at a fee.

Ramji says 3,000 mobile phones are stolen in the country on a daily basis, hence the motivation in investing KSh. 2 million in the development of WipeOut Mobile.


In the app, backup regularly takes place in the background and requires an Internet subscription.

At KSh. 100 annually, users will have the functionality to restore backed up contacts to another device.

Wiping out erases the phone and resets it to the status it was after purchase, meaning all user data on the phone including SMS,Contacts, MMS, Applications, Music, Pictures and Videos is lost. This is done by logging into a PC and sending a command to the target device. If the device lacks an Internet connection, the command remains active for up to 3 months till when the device connects to the Internet.

At Ksh. 650, users will have access to the whole suit of features including backup, restore and wipe out.

Ramji says that future release of the application will add a "lock" features that will make phones unusable. In addition, the application will be ported to more ecosystems including BlackBerry, Android tablets and laptops (PC).

The application competes against other applications with similar functionality such as Lookout Security. The developers however say WipeOut Mobile is way cheaper at KSh. 650 compared with Lookout Mobile's approximate US $3 monthly fee (KSh. 260).

The application is available on the Android store (Google Play) and the Nokia Store and will be offered on a one week free all feature trial.

Ramji also says the developers plan on coming up with other apps for the Kenyan market. As part of publicity, WipeOut Mobile will be placing adverts on various outlets.

Copyright CIO East Africa. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).

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