Remote application installation and control for a mobile device

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing thereon software including computer-readable instructions to cause a mobile device to:

• in response to detecting an event by the mobile device, obtain a text or email address of an authorized user from the mobile device, wherein the event is receipt of a first message sent by the authorized user to the mobile device, the first message comprises a predetermined text string provided to the authorized user via a computing device other than the mobile device, and the predetermined text string is provided to the authorized user prior to receipt of the first message by the mobile device;
• perform a function of the mobile device to obtain information regarding the mobile device;
• and
• send a second message including the information to the text or email address of the authorized user, wherein the sending comprises sending the information to a server configured to send the second message to the authorized user.

A system, comprising:

• memory to store a plurality of applications for mobile devices including a first application;
• and
• at least one processor coupled to access the memory and configured to:
• receive a selection of the first application from a user;
• and
• send the first application for installation by a mobile device of the user, wherein the first application is configured to, after installation:
• automatically launch in response to detecting an event on the mobile device, wherein the event is receipt of a message sent by the user to the mobile device, and the message comprises a predetermined text string provided to the user via a computing device other than the mobile device,
• automatically obtain, in response to detecting the event, a text or email address of the user from the mobile device,
• execute, in response to detecting the event and without requiring user intervention on the mobile device, a function of the mobile device to obtain information regarding the mobile device, and
• send, from the mobile device in response to detecting the event, a message including the information to the text or email address of the user.

A method, comprising:

• receiving, at a mobile device of a user, an application for installation by the mobile device, wherein the user need not be in possession of the mobile device during the installation;
• installing, via the mobile device, the application by the mobile device, wherein the application is configured to launch automatically after the installation in response to detecting an event, the event is receipt of a first message sent by the user to the mobile device, and the first message comprises a predetermined text string provided to the user via a computing device other than the mobile device;
• monitoring the mobile device for the event;
• in response to detecting the event, automatically launching the application;
• and
• in response to the launching the application, executing the application by the mobile device to:
• automatically determine a text or email address of the user, wherein the text or email address is obtained from the mobile device;
• perform, without requiring user intervention on the mobile device, a function of the mobile device to obtain information regarding the mobile device;
• and
• send, from the mobile device, a second message including the information to the text or email address of the user.