Google

Google boosts Android Security with new theft protection features

Published

7 months ago

October 5, 2024

Google is rolling out a trio of powerful features designed to protect your Android phone (version 10 and above) from theft. These features, accessible through Google Play services updates, aim to automatically safeguard your data in case your phone goes missing.

Here’s how it works:

Theft Detection Lock: This clever feature utilizes your phone’s sensors, Wi-Fi, and even smart device connections to detect suspicious activity. If someone snatches your unlocked phone and takes off running (think snatch-and-grab), Theft Detection Lock will automatically lock your screen, preventing access to your sensitive information.
Offline Device Lock: This feature acts as a safeguard against thieves who might try to disable your phone’s internet connection to avoid location tracking. Offline Device Lock triggers a lock if your phone is stolen while unlocked and subsequently goes offline. Google emphasizes that this feature works under two conditions: your phone must be actively unlocked when stolen, and the screen can only be locked automatically twice a day.
Remote Lock (Coming Soon): This feature, currently under testing, offers a faster alternative to accessing Find My Device. In case of theft, you can visit a dedicated website (android.com/lock) from any trusted device, enter your pre-registered phone number, and complete a security challenge. This will remotely lock your stolen phone.

These features were initially tested in Brazil back in June 2024. While a full global launch hasn’t happened yet, users worldwide are starting to see some Theft Detection features rolling out on their Pixel, Samsung, and other Android devices.

Availability:

Full features are currently appearing for users enrolled in the Google Play services beta (version 24.40.33).
Stable channel rollout is expected soon.

Keeping Your Android Safe:

These theft protection features are a valuable addition to your Android security arsenal. Remember, it’s always a good practice to enable a strong lock screen password or PIN and utilize Find My Device to locate your phone in case it gets misplaced. With these tools in place, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your data is protected.

Source

Android

Google’s May 2025 Android updates: better performance and messaging

Published

12 hours ago

May 8, 2025

Tom Carter

Google’s May 2025 Android updates bring exciting changes to improve how your phone works and how you message. These updates focus on making devices faster, safer, and more user-friendly.
One big change is to Android’s memory system. By increasing the memory page size from 4KB to 16KB on newer devices, apps can load quicker and use less power. This helps phones, especially those with modern chips, run smoothly and save battery life. Older devices will stick with the smaller page size to avoid issues.

The Google System Updates for May also add new features. Google Wallet now supports more card types and makes transit passes easier to use in apps like Google Maps. The Play Store now shows video previews of apps, helping you decide what to download. There are also fixes to improve battery life, storage, and network performance, making your phone more reliable.

For Google Messages, a new “delete for everyone” feature lets you remove sent messages from group chats within 15 minutes. This works for both RCS and SMS, so you can fix mistakes easily. Other messaging upgrades include better scam detection and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. These updates show Google’s effort to make Android devices faster, more secure, and better for communication. Keep your phone updated to enjoy these improvements!

Google

Smart home and navigation upgrades for easier living

Published

12 hours ago

May 8, 2025

Tom Carter

Google Maps is making driving more fun with a new feature for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Now, you can pick different car icons to show your vehicle on the map. Choose from options like a sleek sedan, a rugged SUV, or a cool arrow.

This small change adds a personal touch to your navigation and is rolling out to all users soon. Meanwhile, Ecobee’s Smart Doorbell Camera is getting a big upgrade with Google Home support. You can now see who’s at your door right from the Google Home app, view live video, and even talk to visitors.

If you have a Nest Hub, the doorbell feed pops up automatically when someone rings. This feature, already available for Ecobee’s thermostat, makes your smart home setup smoother and is available now for all users. On the AI front, Google’s Gemini app is getting smarter with the Gemini 2.5 Pro preview.

This update improves coding skills, helping developers create better apps and websites. It also handles video and text tasks more effectively. The preview is out for everyone to try, with Google planning to share more at its I/O 2025 event. These updates from Google and Ecobee bring small but meaningful improvements, making your car rides, home security, and digital tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Google

Google updates Chrome, Search, and Play Store for better user experience

Published

20 hours ago

May 8, 2025

Tom Carter

Google is rolling out exciting updates to make browsing, searching, and downloading apps smoother and safer for Android users. These changes focus on improving Chrome’s security, redesigning the Google Search bar, and enhancing the Google Play Store’s download process.

Chrome’s Improved Security

Google Chrome now offers stronger protection with “Enhanced Safe Browsing” powered by Gemini Nano, an AI model that works directly on your device. This feature checks websites in real-time to spot phishing attempts and other online threats, keeping your data safe without relying on cloud servers. It’s a step up from the standard protection, giving users more peace of mind while browsing.

Redesigned Google Search Bar

The Google Search bar on Android is getting a fresh look. It’s now simpler and easier to use, with a modern design that fits better with your phone’s home screen. The updated widget lets you access Search, Lens, or voice commands quickly. The new layout is clean and user-friendly, making searches faster and more intuitive.

Better Play Store Downloads

The Google Play Store is improving how it shows app download progress. A new notification design displays a progress bar right in your notification panel, so you can track downloads without opening the app. This small but helpful change makes managing app installs more convenient.

These updates show Google’s focus on creating a safer, simpler, and more efficient experience for Android users. They’re rolling out gradually, so keep an eye out for them on your device!