FX.co ★ Google To Introduce Android Theft Detection Lock

Google is introducing a new feature to deter Android phone theft by automatically locking devices that have been forcibly taken, according to Mishaal Rahman (via Droid Life).

This feature, currently available to a select group of users in Brazil as part of the company's beta program, employs artificial intelligence to recognize theft-related motion patterns. These patterns include sudden snatching followed by a rapid escape on foot, bicycle, or vehicle.

When the AI detects potential theft, it locks the device to safeguard the owner's data. "It utilizes data from the phone's accelerometer and gyroscope and monitors for motions typically associated with theft," Rahman explained.

Rahman further noted that Google plans to roll out this AI-driven feature to all Android 10 devices through Google Play Services.

The company initially hinted at this feature for Android users in May. Suzanne Frey, Google's vice president of product, trust, and growth, announced the launch of three new functionalities aimed at assisting smartphone users before, during, and after a theft incident.

These additional features include an enhanced factory reset process that makes it more challenging for a thief to reset the stolen device for resale. "With this enhancement, if a thief attempts to reset the stolen device," Frey explained, "they will be unable to set it up again without the owner's device or Google account credentials." Another feature introduced is a private space that allows users to create a separate area on their phone, which can be hidden and locked with a separate PIN.