Google begins releasing new features for Android phones that prevent theft.

According to Google, these features are intended to improve security and protect user information in the event that a phone is stolen. Announced at the I/O 2024 developer conference in May this year, Google has now begun rolling out its new enhanced theft protection capabilities for Android phones. According to Google, these features are intended to improve security and protect user information in the event that a phone is stolen. Android 10 or later versions of phones will support the three new functionalities. Three new capabilities to prevent theft are available: Remote Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Theft Detection Lock. Using Google AI, the Theft Detection Lock feature detects when someone snatches your phone out of your hand and tries to ride, drive, or run away with it. It will be promptly locked down to prevent your information from falling into the wrong hands if a theft motion is detected. When a thief attempts to disconnect your phone for an extended length of time, the Offline Device Lock function activates. The feature automatically locks your screen to help protect your data even while your device is off the grid. Android may also identify additional signals that your device may be in the wrong hands. The Remote Lock option can be useful if your phone has been stolen. Using just your phone number and a brief security challenge, you will be able to lock the screen of any device. Google writes in a blog post that "this buys you time to recover your account details and access additional helpful options in Find My Device, including sending a full factory reset command to completely wipe the device." The features are being rolled out globally, albeit gradually. While some users may receive the features later, others may already have them. We checked on two Android phones but couldn’t see them, so it may take some time until the theft protection capabilities reach all Android users.