October 7, 2024 at 11:04PM
Google has globally rolled out three new Android features to deter phone theft. The Theft Detection Lock activates if a phone is taken and moves at high speed, the Offline Device Lock works if the device is offline for a long time, and Remote Lock allows users to lock stolen devices using only the phone number. These features aim to make it harder for thieves to profit from stolen phones. Additional security tools are also expected with the release of Android 15.
From the meeting notes, it is clear that Google has announced the global rollout of three features in Android aimed at deterring theft and unauthorized access to stolen phones:
1. Theft Detection Lock – This feature uses the phone’s accelerometers and Google AI to detect unusual motion, such as high-speed movement after being grabbed, and immediately locks the device, requiring a password or biometrics for access.
2. Offline Device Lock – When a device is offline for an extended period, it will lock itself, even when out of range of a signal.
3. Remote Lock – Android users will be able to remotely lock a stolen device by citing the phone number, without needing to input login credentials, which can be difficult to remember when upset.
Additionally, more device security tools are expected to be released with the general release of Android 15, including strengthened requirements for performing a factory reset and changing important settings, which will require biometric proof of ownership if enabled.
These measures aim to make it more difficult for thieves to profit from stolen devices, particularly by accessing lucrative apps such as crypto wallets, banking and credit card apps, and money transfer services.