A drop in iPhone thefts following the introduction of a remote "kill switch" has prompted Google and Microsoft to follow suit.
The function, which can remotely lock stolen phones, will apply to all future versions of Google's Android mobile OS and Microsoft's Windows Phone OS.
According to a US initiative named "Secure Our Smartphones" (SOS), the theft of iPhones fell 19 percent in the first five months of 2014, but the theft of Samsung devices surged 40 percent. Samsung only introduced a kill switch on some handsets in April.
Microsoft will introduce remote locking "before July 2015", by "extending] the current capabilities of the 'Find My Phone' feature in Windows Phone", according to Fred Humphries, VP of US government affairs, in a Microsoft blog post.
These new capabilities will include the ability to remotely erase personal data from the device and lock it to unauthorised users, except for emergency calls. Additionally, unauthorised users will not be able to reactivate the device but, should it be recovered, the rightful owner will be able to reverse the block.
"The new theft deterrent features will be offered as an update for all phones running Windows Phone 8.0 and newer, though availability is subject to mobile operator and phone manufacturer approval," Humphries said, adding full information as to how this will work will be available nearer the release date.
-1.jpg&w=100&c=1&s=0)
.png&w=100&c=1&s=0)
