remote lock Archives

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

What’s New in Android Security and Privacy in 2026

The company is implementing default-on theft protections globally for all new Android 17 devices and those recently reset or upgraded. This initiative follows a successful pilot in Brazil and will also extend to devices running Android 10 or higher in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the UK. Features like Remote Lock and Theft Detection Lock will automatically activate to enhance security against theft. The frequency of PIN or password attempts has been reduced, with longer wait times between failed attempts to deter brute-force attacks. Users can access their device's IMEI from the lock screen on Android 12 or higher, aiding in the recovery of stolen devices. Additionally, Android 17 introduces a temporary location sharing button for specific applications, allowing users to share their location without permanent permissions.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Your Android security and privacy got huge upgrades—The Android Show reveals all

Google announced significant security and privacy enhancements at the Android Show, including features in the upcoming Android 17. Users will have increased transparency regarding location access and can manage which apps track their location. New protections against banking scams and a "Mark as Lost" feature with biometric security will be introduced. A "temporary precise location" button will allow quick access to surroundings while preventing unwanted tracking. Live Threat Detection will receive an upgrade for 2026, focusing on harmful behaviors like SMS forwarding. Dynamic signal monitoring will alert users to suspicious app behavior. Improvements to the Advanced Protection program include USB Protection for all Pixel devices running Android 16 or higher and Intrusion Logging for all Android 16 devices with the December update. Chrome on Android will enhance Safe Browsing to analyze APKs for malware. The "Mark as Lost" feature will allow biometric locking of devices, hide Quick Settings, and disable new connections. Theft protections will be enabled by default in several countries, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the U.K.

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2026

The best mobile antivirus software of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Bitdefender Mobile Security is currently regarded as the best mobile antivirus software, achieving a 100% detection rate for malware on Android devices according to AV-TEST's August 2025 report. The 2026 version introduces App Anomaly Detection and includes features like Scam Alert and anti-theft tools. Sophos Intercept X for Mobile offers a free version with a perfect score in AV-TEST's comparisons and features such as multi-factor authentication and a Privacy Advisor. Surfshark Antivirus, part of the Surfshark One package, scored six out of six in AV-TEST's evaluations and includes various security tools, but is only available for Android, macOS, and Windows. Avast Mobile Security is a popular free option with robust features and achieved perfect scores in protection and usability in AV-TEST's September-October 2025 report. AVG Antivirus, operating on the same engine as Avast, also detected 100% of malware in AV-TEST's March-April 2025 evaluations and includes anti-theft tools.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

What’s new in Android’s August 2025 Google System Updates

The monthly “Google System Release Notes” provide updates on various platforms, including Play services, Play Store, and Play system updates for Android devices, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. The “Google System” includes first-party applications that enhance user experience and developer capabilities. Features listed in the changelog may take time to become available. Google Play services v25.31 (2025-08-11): - New developer features for Utilities-related processes in Auto, Phone, and TV. - New features for Maps-related functionalities for Google and third-party developers on Phone. - Bug fixes for Device Connections services in Auto. - Updates to system management services for Device Connectivity on Phone and Wear. - Privacy enhancements in system management services for Auto, PC, Phone, TV, and Wear. - Bug fixes for Wallet-related services on Phone and Wear. - Eligible users can add a Pix account in Wallet on Phone. Google Play Store v47.6 (2025-08-11): - A new featured format added to the top of the Apps tab on Phone. Google Play services v25.30 (2025-08-04): - Enhancements to onboarding and sign-in for Automotive applications in Auto. - Optional security question for Remote Lock functionality on Phone. - Bug fixes for Utilities-related services on Phone. - Autofill feature with Google shortcut on Gboard for quicker credential and payment entry on Phone. - Multi-family residential options introduced in Google Wallet for Phone and Wear. - Pix users in Brazil receive a tone and vibration upon completing tap transactions on Phone. Google Play Store v47.4 (2025-08-04): - Quests reward Play Points for engaging with games on Phone. - Users can view paragraph review summaries and topic-level summaries on reviews pages on Phone.

Winsage

July 26, 2025

You’ll never worry about leaving your PC unlocked again, Microsoft’s phone app just solved it

Microsoft has updated its Link to Windows app, allowing users to lock their Windows PC directly from their Android phone with a simple tap. This feature enhances security by enabling remote locking, which is useful when users leave their devices unattended. The app also provides insights into the PC's status, such as battery level and Wi-Fi connectivity, and has streamlined the setup process. This update reflects Microsoft's responsiveness to user feedback, offering a proactive approach to device security.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft is adding powerful new ways to link your phone and PC

Microsoft is testing new features for its Phone Link application to improve integration between Android devices and Windows PCs. Upcoming updates will allow users to remotely lock their PC and access its clipboard from an Android device. Users must enable specific features in Windows settings to utilize these functions, such as using an Android phone as a webcam or accessing files through Windows File Explorer. Recent observations indicate a new toggle for accessing the PC's clipboard, enabling a connected Android phone to retrieve text and images copied on the PC, though this feature currently works only in one direction. Two-way clipboard synchronization options are available through SwiftKey and Phone Link, but the latter is not available for Google Pixel devices. The Link to Windows app is also being enhanced, including a history of copied items and a remote lock PC button, which requires enabling the "Remote PC controls" toggle.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft’s phone app can now remotely lock your PC

Microsoft is introducing a new feature in the updated Link to Windows app for Android devices that allows users to remotely lock their PCs. This feature enhances security by enabling users to secure their PCs even when they are not physically present. The update also reorganizes the app's interface for improved usability and is available in version 1.25071.165 or higher.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

You can now lock your Windows machine via an Android phone app you may already have

Users can now lock their PCs remotely through the Link to Windows app on Android, enhancing security by allowing users to secure their device with a "Lock PC" button. This feature disables the Phone Link functionality while the computer is locked. To use this feature, users must have Link to Windows version 1.25071.165 or later installed.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Microsoft is testing new features to make your Android phone work better with Windows PCs

Microsoft is enhancing its Phone Link application to allow users to remotely lock their PCs and access clipboard content from their Android devices. The updated Phone Link will enable users to access text and images copied to their PC’s clipboard from their Android phones. This feature is particularly beneficial for Google Pixel users, who have historically lacked cross-device sync capabilities. Users can connect their Android phones to a Windows PC via Phone Link, but not all features are activated by default; manual activation is required through Windows Settings. For Insider Preview Builds, a new “access PC’s clipboard” toggle facilitates one-way syncing of clipboard content from the PC to the phone. The updated Link to Windows app also includes a clipboard history feature and a “lock PC” button for remote security.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Microsoft is testing new features to make your Android phone work better with Windows PCs

Microsoft is enhancing its Phone Link application to allow users to remotely lock their PCs and access clipboard content from Android devices. Users need to manually activate features like using the phone as a webcam or accessing files through Windows File Explorer. The new clipboard feature allows connected Android phones to retrieve text and images copied on the PC, but it currently syncs content only from the PC to the phone. This feature is especially beneficial for Pixel users, who previously lacked seamless clipboard integration. The app also includes a lock PC button for remote security, which requires activation in Windows settings.