Google will be adding a new Android Device Manager feature later this month, bringing iOS's Find My iPhone feature to Android.
Back in 2010, Apple added what would turn out to be a very popular feature to iOS: Find My iPhone. It allows users to track their iOS devices using an app or iCloud's web services. If a device is stolen, it makes it easy to locate since you can track it in real time and alert authorities. It comes in handy if you've forgotten your iOS device at work for instance - instead of retracing your steps and thinking it might be in someone else's hands, the service shows you exactly where it is. The feature also allows you to remotely wipe the device so nobody can access your personal information. You can even have alerts sent to an iOS device if you've misplaced it and the audible alerts make it easy to locate the device. These are all great features and Google has finally added this functionality for Android users.
Google took to its Android Official Blog to announce the new feature called Android Device Manager. Here's how Google describes the service:
Locate and ring your misplaced device
If you ended up dropping your phone between those couch cushions, Android Device Manager lets you quickly ring your phone at maximum volume so you can find it, even it's been silenced. And in the event that your phone or tablet is out of earshot (say, at that restaurant you left it at last night), you can locate it on a map in real time.
Protecting your personal information and data
While losing your phone can be stressful, Android Device Manager can help you keep your data from ending up in the wrong hands. If your phone can't be recovered, or has been stolen, you can quickly and securely erase all of the data on your device.
Android Device Manager will be available later this month and will run on devices running Android 2.2 and above. There will also be an Android app released to the Google Play Store to make it easier to find your lost devices.
