Soon after a Kiwi entrepreneur developed
a novel smartphone app that can monitor users' outdoor activities and
ensure they get home safe, Google has come out with a new tool that will
let users track their lost Android phones on a map. Not just track, the
user can even ring and remotely erase all the data on the phone.
Apple, Microsoft and BlackBerry have
been offering online utilities, namely Find My iPhone, BlackBerry
Protect, and Find My Phone, respectively, that let owners of phones
track the location of their handsets, lock them, trigger an alarm and
wipe data remotely, for a long time. Google is late to the party.
However, making the utility a part of Android would benefit a large
number of users. Handset makers like Samsung and HTC already offer
similar tools with their Android phones – yes, Google did not offer the
same on its own phones! Sony had also started rolling out its remote
security service "my Xperia," in July.
While third-party services offered by
companies like McAfee, Norton, Quickheal and Kaspersky, among others
also offer mobile security services, they charge users for the service.
In a post on the official Google blog,
Benjamin Poiesz, an Android project manager, wrote, "Android Device
Manager can help (you)... keep your device and the data you store inside
your phone safe and secure."
Android Device Manager will allow users
to make their misplaced phone ring at its loudest volume even if it is
in silent mode. However, users will be able to do this through Android
Device Manager, website though Google said that it would also offer an
Android app for the service at a later date.
In case you have lost your phone outside
your house you will be able to see the device on a map if it is
switched on and follow it in real-time. It may help you recover the
phone. But in case it can't be recovered, Android Device Manager will
allow users to wipe it securely so that the private data doesn't fall in
wrong hands.
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