Google is implementing yet another way for users to find their lost or stolen Android smartphones, and it's including the iPhone in the mix — kind of.
As everyone may know, the Mountain View company already put up tools in the Android Device Manager to ring, locate or remotely erase the files of a selected device via Web. It also started allowing users to conveniently locate their handset through Search by typing in "find my phone" way before when.
Now thanks to the update, users will have access to the "Find your phone" feature on their My Account page. There, they will have several options to determine the location of their mobile device.
After choosing a certain device, here's the selection of solutions that they can take:
• Ring or locate your phone
• Lock your phone
• Try calling your phone
• Sign out on your phone
• Reach out to your carrier
• Reach out for local help
• Consider erasing your device
It should be pointed out that they can secure their accounts through the actions listed above and even leave a callback number on the screen, increasing the chances of retrieving their smartphones.
As mentioned earlier, iOS users can also get in on the action, but they won't get to use the Google-branded tools. That shouldn't come as much of a surprise on account of how the company can't exactly gain control over iPhones. However, they will get redirected to the iCloud and the Find My iPhone/iPad service.
The My Account page is also found on the Google app, and users can simply say, "OK Google, show me my Google account." What's more, they will be able to access it by typing in their own names or "I lost my phone" on Search in the near future.
"When you entrust your data to Google, you should expect powerful security and privacy controls. These features are just the latest in our ongoing efforts to protect you and your personal information," Guemmy Kim, product manager of Account Controls and Settings at Google, says.
