Google announced a new suite of enhanced theft protection tools in May at I/O 2024 to help keep Android devices and their data safe before, during, and after a theft attempt. The list included a theft detection lock, a remote lock, and an offline device lock. Google is currently letting the initial group of users in Brazil test the theft detection lock function by completing a form.
At Google I/O 2024, the tech giant announced that its latest theft protection features will be available to billions of devices running Android 10+ later this year via Google Play services updates, with some now available in Android 15.
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People in Brazil can test out the theft detection lock feature by completing a form. Following the test, the feature will be introduced to other nations. Users can also use remote lock and offline device lock capabilities. Google has not announced its schedule for public access, but trial modes are likely to be accessible in July.
The company has created tools that allow consumers to protect their gadgets from theft. The theft detection lock, an AI-powered screen lock, detects suspicious motions and locks the screen if someone steals your phone and attempts to flee by bike, car, or other means, preventing thieves from accessing data. Offline Device Lock, on the other hand, locks the screen when a thief disconnects the device for an extended period of time, ensuring data security even while the device is off the grid. Android can also detect additional indicators of the device being in the wrong hands, such as an excessive number of unsuccessful authentication attempts.
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During its announcement, the company said that these functionalities will be available for Android 10+ devices later this year as part of a Google Play services upgrade.
Users can test the theft detection lock function by completing a form, as Google is now allowing a limited number of users to try it out. The company said, “Fill out the form, and we’ll let you know when the beta version for testing the theft protection features is activated on your device. The Beta version for testing theft protection features is available for devices running Android 10 or higher (with some limitations). You may also need to enable other settings for new Beta features to work.”
