The first beta for the Android 15 update came out just a little over a month ago with features like OS-level support for app archiving and improved communication. Now, the second beta will make sure that your data will be secure in the event of a theft.
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Android 15's Theft Detection Lock
Smartphones are valuable things, not only because of the price one can get from selling them (even if it is stolen) but also because of the data the device can hold. We tend to store sensitive information on such a personal device, and that can easily be collected if the phone gets into the wrong hands.
While AI has yet to prevent theft itself, the second Android 15 beta comes with an AI feature that can predict thefts. Called Theft Detection Lock, the AI will lock everything when it detects motions that indicate that the phone has been snatched.
Such movements include grabbing the phone and making a run for it, or any other fast movements like driving away. Before the screen time-out kicks in when the phone is unlocked, the feature will already lock it automatically, as per Engadget.
If the theft doesn't trigger the lock, the owner can also resort to the Remote Lock feature, which is aptly named as it allows you to remotely lock your phone. All that's needed to access it is the user's phone number and answering a "quick security challenge."
Even if the thief decides to take the device offline to prevent it from being tracked, there's the Offline Device Lock. The feature is designed to automatically lock the screen and require authentication so that the thief cannot wipe it or acquire the data inside.
If that fails as well, the thief will still need the user's credentials to even attempt a factory reset. Other methods include disabling the Find My Device to prevent tracking and prolonging the screen time-out will also need authentication, so the bad actor will have very few options.
The operating system is capable of recognizing whether the location the phone is used in is untrusted, which will lead to it upping its security. That means that actions like changing security locks or turning off security measures will be locked behind extra authentication.
Read Also: Google is Removing Hidden Android Security Feature
Features from the First Beta
A lot of the previously released features focus more on improving the user experience for the owner itself. The OS-level app archiving, for instance, allows the user to save storage by saving crucial files and getting rid of temporary ones.
The feature kicks in when an app is archived when it's not used very frequently. Instead of deleting everything that comes with it, the OS will save the most important files and delete the majority of them. The app will then be open to being simply restored instead of being re-downloaded.
It is capable of securing background activity when apps are launched, as per Google, which means that malicious apps are restricted from operating under the radar. The restriction extends to privileges and prevents the abuse of user interaction.
