Google has finally gone official with Android Device Manager, a service that lets you track a lost or misplaced phone without breaking a sweat. With Apple, Windows Phone and BlackBerry already rendering similar facilities (scroll down for more details) to help users recover their mislaid or stolen devices, has Mountain View been a bit too slow with the introduction?
It would seem so, considering that apps like Find My Phone (we managed to spot two developers offering different applications going by the same name) appear to have been filling the gap for Android users. Now the official word is that Google will be providing the Android Device Manager smartphone tracking service sometime this month.
Very few details have been given out about how this software will work. Only two things have been mentioned vaguely – firstly, users will have to be signed into their Google accounts. The Play Store will also be hosting an application to serve the same purpose, if not complement the aforesaid requirement. What’s more, the app is expected to be compatible with Android v2.2 or higher.
The smartphone finder will be able to help hapless users locate their device via two methods. Users can get their handset to ring at its maximum volume or hunt for it on a map in real time. In case circumstances prevent the owner from being able to lay hands on their gadget, there will even be an option to erase all the data stored on it.
Like we said earlier, Google will be launching Android Device Manager for phones and tablets late this month.
Meanwhile, here’s where you should go if –
– you’re using an iOS device
– BlackBerry’s your thing