If you’re one of the millions of users with an Android phone, then you already know there are a couple of different ways you can find it if you happen to misplace it. You can use the built-in search feature, or the Device Manager app. As of now, Google has rolled out an additional option, this time, one that will (sometimes) allow you to find your phone even using a borrowed iPhone.
If you go to the “My Account” hub on Google, you’ll see a new tab labeled “Find Your Phone.” Tapping it brings up an array of new functionality, including the ability to lock your phone remotely and place a message and contact number on the lock screen. You can also tell the phone to start ringing at maximum volume to help you locate it, and if that doesn’t work, you can find the phone’s precise location on a map in the Device Manager.
The only real limitation you’ll see manifests in situations where you find yourself using a borrowed iPhone to locate yours. In these cases, you get referred to the iCloud, and Apple’s “Find My Phone” tracking system. This makes sense, because Google has only limited access to the inner workings of Apple devices, so it can’t really be counted as a knock against the newly expanded system.
There’s always a moment of sheer, blinding panic when you lose your phone. Anything that Google or any other company can do to help making finding it faster and easier is bound to be a good thing. Cell phone theft is one of the fastest growing crimes on the planet. Given the sheer number in service, that’s probably no great surprise, but since smart phones are increasingly used to access sensitive company data, there’s real value to your company in the advanced tracking features Google has added. Make sure to get to know your system’s find features, especially before a loss. This will only help you expedite your recovery in the long run, should a loss occur.
