Google is testing a new security feature for Android that uses artificial intelligence to detect if a smartphone is stolen and instantly lock the device.
Image source: Google
This feature, called Theft Detection Lock, was announced by the company back in May of this year and was expected to be released with Android 15. As reported by ZDNet, citing a source, the feature has already begun to appear for some users.
Google explains that Theft Detection Lock uses the smartphone’s gyroscope and accelerometer to track “typical movements associated with theft.” Although the company did not specify what kind of movements are meant, it can be assumed that we are talking about sudden movements or jolts, followed by rapid acceleration. If this happens, the device screen is immediately locked.
Theft Detection Lock is currently available to a limited number of users in Brazil who have signed up for Google’s beta program. Once fully launched, the feature is expected to first appear on new Google phones and then become available on almost all modern devices running Android 10 and above.
Note that Theft Detection Lock is just one of several new security features announced by Google. There will also be a complication of the procedure for resetting the settings to factory settings and complication of setting up the phone under a new account, the ability to mark the phone as lost in Find My Device to simplify tracking, automatic blocking if there are an excessive number of failed authentication attempts, and the ability to block the phone if it is offline . There will also be a remote lock, allowing you to lock your phone screen using just your phone number and a quick security check.
Google plans to make the new tools available through an update to Google Play Services later this year. Some features will only be available in Android 15.