Google Begins Rollout Of New Theft Protection Features For Android Devices

Google has reportedly started rolling out its new advanced theft protection features for Android phones. The new features, including Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock, will be available in smartphones running Android 10 or later versions. The features are currently rolling out to certain users in the US, and all eligible Android smartphones are expected to receive the feature in the next few weeks.

Theft Detection Lock is one of the main security features introduced by Google. According to Google, the new feature uses Google AI to sense if someone snatches a user's phone from their hand and tries to run, bike, or drive away. If a common motion associated with theft is detected, the phone screen quickly locks, and this helps keep thieves from easily accessing the data of the user.

Additionally, if a thief tries to disconnect the phone for prolonged periods of time, the 'Offline Device Lock' feature automatically locks the screen to help protect the data even when the device is off the grid. "Android can also recognize other signs that your device may be in the wrong hands. For example, it will lock your device screen when excessive failed authentication attempts are made," said the tech giant in a blog post in May while announcing the feature.

Similarly, the Remote Lock feature allows users to lock their phone with just the phone number and a quick security challenge using any device. Multiple reports indicate that the rollout of the three features appears to be gradual, with different devices receiving different features at varying times.