Google's Android Device Manager is officially live, giving users complete access to their lost phone by tracking it on Google Maps or triggering an alarm or even wiping the data completely.
Misplaced your Android device or forgot where you kept it last? Google has just the app for you that will help locate the Android device through Google Maps. It can also trigger an alarm on the device with maximum volume for up to 5 minutes, even if the phone is on silent. No more going through the hassle of searching the entire house when the phone just slips from your pocket in between the couch cushions.
Google announced Friday, August 2, the launch of Android Device Manager for all users that helps in tracking lost phones and protecting personal data. Apple users have enjoyed their tracking service called "Find my iPhone" for several years, while Android users relied on third party applications like "Mobiflock," "Find My Phone," "Wheres My Droid" and others.
Locate Device on Google Maps:
Google Device Manager lets you locate an Android device using traditional wireless positioning technology on Google Maps. The device manager fails to locate the device if the location services or mobile data in the settings menu is turned off on the Android smartphone, which is not a hard task for clever thieves.
Trigger Alarm:
The Device Manager lets you trigger an alarm on your Android device from your computer. The phone will ring in its maximum volume for 5 minutes, even if the phone is set on silent mode.
Wipe Data:
If you have lost your device and fear important data and personal files falling into wrong hands, Google lets you wipe everything on the device with just a click. "Erase Device" option wipes all the information stored on the phone but in order to enable this feature, users must first have the factory reset on. This can be done by clicking the checkbox within Android Device Manager. Do not try this option unless the phone is lost because data once lost cannot be restored, unless there is a back up for all your files.
The Device Manager supports all devices running on Android 2.2 or higher, which accounts for more than 98 percent active Android devices. Users can check out the new tracker from Google by clicking here.
