Google Launches Android Device Manager

Google has launched its own Android tool to let users find their smartphone and keep sensitive data safe when a device is lost.

Android Device Manager was announced on Friday, saying it would launch later this month on Android 2.2 or above, with an app coming to Google Play soon. It’s similar to the Find my iPhone feature on Apple mobile devices.

Securing Android

“If you ended up dropping your phone between those couch cushions, Android Device Manager lets you quickly ring your phone at maximum volume so you can find it, even if it’s been silenced,” said Benjamin Poiesz, product manager for Android, in a blog post.

“And in the event that your phone or tablet is out of earshot (say, at that restaurant you left it at last night), you can locate it on a map in real time.”

“Android Device Manager can help you keep your data from ending up in the wrong hands. If your phone can’t be recovered, or has been stolen, you can quickly and securely erase all of the data on your device.”

For IT managers concerned about users’ Android devices, Google has a full mobile device management offering within its Apps business. There are a host of other MDM players, with Good Technology one of the most popular, whilst BlackBerry has launched its own offering covering various operating systems other than its own.

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