Wanted: Android phone sousveillance tools.

[backscatter712]

I just got a new T-Mobile G2, running Android 2.2. Very neat toy, and I've had fun putting apps on it and playing with it, but I have another job in mind for it - sousveillance.

I want my Android to be a spy cam.

This is because cops have been taking a harder line on people videotaping them committing crimes, so I want my phone to be able to do a couple things.

1. Take pictures and record video covertly. The built-in camera app is unsuited for this purpose because it makes a loud shutter-snapping or chiming noise when I snap a picture or start recording video. Yes, I know that phone makers do this on purpose to discourage perverts from snapping pictures up womens' skirts. So at the risk of being accused of being a pervert, I'd like a camera app that is completely silent, so I can take pictures of the pigs kicking the shit out of someone without drawing attention to myself. Ideally, I'd like to suppress the flash at the same time for the same reason, and have it increase exposure time to compensate.

2. Upload pictures, in real-time, as I take them, to the email-address or web site of my choice. Yes, I tried Gandhicam, but I'm having trouble making it work - it's supposed to be watching the camera folder on my SD card and sending my photos to me as they appear in the photo, but it's not working. Are there alternatives?

Are there other applications useful for sousveillance?

[backscatter712]

1. Found a handy tool: Cop Recorder.

http://www.androlib.com/android.application.org-ale-coprecord-qBpq.aspx

Activate it quietly if you're pulled over, and leave your phone sitting out, and it will quietly record your interaction with the cop, so if he lies to you or does something illegal, you've got evidence. When you activate it, it puts the Android back in its home screen while it records in the background so there's no overt sign that it's recording. Good to have.

[backscatter712]

2. Also found that Qik and Ustream enable you to upload your videos to their web site in real time.

I just tested Qik, it works! Except it still emits a loud chime when I start the video recording - that's inviting a Rodney King moment...

Another drawback of both of these services - they allow the user to delete the online videos from the phone, which means if the pigs confiscate your phone, they can open up the Qik or UStream app and delete the evidence of their misconduct.