Google has just enhanced its search page by adding a new device-finding feature that helps users locate a missing phone. By simply typing the words "find my phone," Google will then display a map to reveal the device's location.
The feature is available to all users with an Android handset. If the user realizes that the phone is missing, Google can help in finding it. That means Google can now search for tangible objects in addition to finding digital material through typing the keywords on the search bar. The feature will work as long as the user has the latest version of the Google app installed on the handset.
Aside from finding the phone, Google can also trigger its ring tone. Right beneath the map showing where the handset is located, users can find the "ring" icon and click it. Doing so will automatically make the phone ring for around 5 minutes and at maximum volume — enough to get the attention of whoever is near the device.
Google has also made the feature available to Android Wear users. In their case, users can find their missing timepiece by typing the words "find my watch" into the Google search bar. Of course, Android Wear has also helped users find their missing phones and tablets.
Google launched the finding functionality of Android Wear only last month and since then, almost 30 million users were reunited with their phones and tablets.
The feature has however been around in some form for quite some time now: In August 2013, Google introduced the Android Device Manager. Users could find their lost phones and tablets through the website and app, which causes their phone to ring or be shown on a map. The feature works on devices that run Android 2.2 Froyo and higher.
The new feature comes with an option of remotely locking or wiping the phone. This can come in handy if the user realizes the device is in an unsecure location, with files and other personal information at risk of being compromised. It's also useful to access the feature if the device, for whatever reason, cannot be found or retrieved. Users can also use the feature to remotely reset their PIN.
It's great that Google can help us find our missing phones — and it would be nice to think it could locate even more tangible objects in the future. Just imagine how much time you could save if you could immediatedly find your keys or that other sock...
