remote lock Archives

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Your Android phone is getting a huge security upgrade for free

Google has introduced a suite of security tools for Android users to protect against various threats, including: 1. Protection against Scam Calls: Alerts users to potential scam calls and blocks harmful actions, focusing on disabling Google Play Protect, preventing sideloading of unverified apps, and restricting accessibility permissions. 2. In-call Protections for Banking Apps: A feature that warns users when they open banking apps while sharing their screen with unknown callers, starting in the UK, and automatically enabled for participating banks on devices running Android 11 or higher. 3. Improved Scam Detection in Google Messages: Enhanced scam detection capabilities that now cover a wider range of scams, including toll road, cryptocurrency, financial impersonation, gift card, and technical support scams. 4. Better Encryption for Text Messages via Key Verifier: A tool that allows users to confirm contacts' identities through public encryption keys, enhancing privacy and security. 5. Stronger Mobile Phone Theft Protection: Expanded theft protection features, including the Identity Check tool, restrictions on unauthorized factory resets, and obscured one-time passwords on the lock screen. 6. Advanced Protection for Mobile Devices: An Advanced Protection Program offering cryptographic verification for all login operations, available on devices running Android 16. 7. Improvements to Google Play Protect: Upgrades to identify malicious apps before installation and live threat detection to alert users of suspicious app behavior. 8. Enhancing Overall Android Security: Ongoing commitment to improve Android security through regular updates and new tools to protect users from evolving cyber threats.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Google talks smarter security against fraud and theft in The Android Show

Google has announced updates to enhance security and privacy for Android users, including: - Enhanced scam protection for calls and text messages. - Updated Factory Reset protections limiting phone functionality if reset without owner consent. - Upgraded Live Threat Detection in Google Play Services to identify malicious applications. - Introduction of the Key Verifier feature for verifying identities in conversations using public encryption keys, launching this summer for Android 10 and higher. - Expansion of the Identity Check feature to more devices with the upcoming Android 16 release. - Concealment of one-time passwords on the lock screen in Android 16. - Extension of the Advanced Protection program to a broader audience. - Rollout of live threat detection capabilities in Google Play Protect for Pixel 6 and newer devices and other smartphones. - Announcement of Google I/O 2025 scheduled for May 20 at 10 am PT (1 pm ET).

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

What’s new in Android 15, plus more updates

Android 15 has begun its rollout for Pixel device users, introducing a suite of security features aimed at protecting sensitive health, financial, and personal information. Key features include the Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI to automatically lock the device if it detects movement consistent with theft, and the Remote Lock feature that allows users to secure their device remotely. The update also includes stricter authentication requirements for critical settings and locks the device after multiple failed access attempts. These enhancements are available for devices running Android 10 and above.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15 is now available for Pixels

Android 15 has started rolling out to Pixel devices, featuring new privacy options, security improvements, and enhancements for foldable phones and tablets. The update includes a "private space" functionality for discreet app usage, allowing apps to remain hidden from recent apps, notifications, and settings, with additional authentication required for access. For foldable devices and tablets, users can pin and unpin the taskbar and create app pairings for easier access. A Theft Detection Lock feature uses AI to lock the device if theft is suspected, and a Remote Lock option allows users to secure their phones from another Android device. These features are expected to be available on devices running Android 10 and newer. Additionally, a new Pixel feature drop for October will enhance Night Sight for Instagram and introduce media transfer capabilities between Pixel devices.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15: All the new features, eligible devices, and release date

Android 15 has officially been released on October 15, 2023, starting its rollout to eligible Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series and newer models. The update will be available for devices such as Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Major manufacturers like Honor, Xiaomi, OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo, iQOO, Nothing, Realme, Lenovo, Sharp, and Tecno are preparing to adopt Android 15 for their devices. Key features of Android 15 include: - Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI and the phone's accelerometer to secure devices during theft attempts. - Private Space, allowing users to lock sensitive applications with additional authentication. - Notification cooldown, which reduces notification volume from the same app when received in quick succession. - A system-wide toggle for keyboard vibration and a slider for haptic feedback intensity. - Haptic feedback for the brightness slider. - Partial screen recording for capturing specific applications. - Enhanced Bluetooth tile functionality for easier device management. - Support for edge-to-edge displays in applications. - Improved continuity and multitasking for foldable devices. - Introduction of the Android Dynamic Performance Framework for better optimization. - High-quality webcam mode for video calls. - An always-active taskbar for Pixel Fold and Android tablet users. - Capability to share audio across multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously. The stable version of Android 15 is rolling out to Pixel devices, with other manufacturers expected to follow suit.

AppWizard

October 15, 2024

Android adds 3 anti-theft security features to your phone, with more on the way

Google is enhancing Android's security framework with three new anti-theft features: Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock. These features are rolling out and will be available on most devices running Android 10 and above. They are not enabled by default and must be activated manually in the settings app. The Theft Detection Lock uses AI to detect suspicious movements and automatically locks the device if theft is suspected. The Offline Device Lock locks the screen of devices that remain offline for an extended period. The Remote Lock allows users to secure their device using just a verified phone number. Additionally, Android 15 will require authentication for modifying sensitive settings and will lock devices after multiple failed login attempts. Future plans include the Identity Check feature, which will require biometric verification for critical changes. These security features are opt-in and may not be available on all devices, such as those running Android Go.

AppWizard

October 15, 2024

Google Pixels stock up on features in its October drop as Android 15 arrives

Google's October feature drop for Pixel devices includes enhancements for both new and legacy models. The Pixel 9 series will receive underwater photography and video capabilities, the Gemini Extension for Pixel Screenshots, and the Audio Magic Eraser feature. New Theft Protection features, including AI-powered "Theft Detection Lock," are being introduced for the Pixel 6 series. Legacy devices will gain Night Sight capabilities in Instagram and the "Private Spaces" feature with the rollout of Android 15. The Pixel Weather app will include a "Pollen Data Block" in select European countries. The Pixel Watch 3 will have its "Loss of Pulse Detection" feature available in additional countries and allow emoji reactions to emails. The Pixel Tablet will receive new screensaver options, and the Pixel Buds Pro will integrate Gemini AI for enhanced functionality.

AppWizard

October 8, 2024

Google’s theft protection features for Android spotted in global rollout

Google is rolling out new security features for Android devices under the brand "Theft Detection" to enhance user data protection against device theft. Key features include: 1. Theft Detection Lock: An AI-powered lock screen that detects suspicious motion resembling theft and automatically locks the phone. 2. Remote Lock: Allows users to lock their devices remotely by providing their phone number and completing a security challenge; compatible with Android 10 and newer. 3. Offline Lock: Secures the device against unauthorized access if taken offline for an extended period, locking out thieves who attempt to disable connectivity. These features were first mentioned at Google’s I/O 2024 event and are being rolled out globally, with reports from users in various countries. Additionally, Google is developing "Private Spaces" for Android 15, allowing users to create secure areas for sensitive apps, and exploring enhancements for one-time password protection and Restricted Settings.

AppWizard

June 9, 2024

Find My Android: Track Your Lost Phone

"Find My Android" is a feature designed to help locate lost or stolen Android devices. It has evolved to include advanced functionalities like remote locking and data erasure. The feature accurately identifies a device's location using GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks. It also integrates with other Google services to improve device security and tracking capabilities.

AppWizard

June 6, 2024

Google might bring AR directions and UWB support to Android’s Find My Device

Google is planning to bring AR-based directions and UWB support to Android users through the Find My Device network app.