Google's Android phones start getting new anti-theft features

Android anti-theft features: Google has reportedly started rolling out new anti-theft features to Android operating system (OS)-powered devices across the globe. These features use Google's artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms to lock a device when they detect that a device has been snatched and stolen. As per reports, the company has started rolling out three new-features, Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock, to Android users. These features were announced earlier this year and are finally being rolled out to the Android devices across the globe.

Google 's Theft Detection Lock feature uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect if someone has snatched a user's phone from their hands and is trying to get away on foot or on a bike. Once the AI algorithms detect the motion associated with theft, they lock the phone's screen preventing the thief from gaining access to a user's sensitive data.

The company's Offline Device Lock feature, on the other hand, automatically locks the screen to protect user data even when the device is not connected to the internet. “If a thief tries to disconnect your phone for prolonged periods of time, Offline Device Lock automatically locks your screen to help protect your data even when your device is off the grid,” Google had said in a blog announcing the news. “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,” the company had added.

Lastly, the Remote Lock feature enables users to lock the screen of their Android phones using their phone numbers and ‘a quick security challenge using any device’. Google says that locking the screen buys users time to recover their account details and access options such as full factory reset command to completely wipe the device, in the Find My feature.

According to reports, these features have arrived on the Xiaomi 14T Pro and select Pixel devices in the US. The company is expected to roll these features out to more Android devices in the coming days.