Android 15 may be able to detect if your phone has been snatched; here’s how

Google has now made the second Beta of Android 15 available to several smartphones across brands, including Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo and Realme. And with it, comes a host of improved security features, one of which may even be able to detect if your smartphone has been swiped. Here’s everything you might need to know about it. 

While the company plans to bring in multiple other features with the official Android 15 roll-out later this year, for now, it plans to integrate theft detection and a number of other security features into older smartphones as well. 

Android Theft Detection Lock: What's there to know?

Interestingly, the theft detection feature on your Android smartphone will work by detecting unusual hand movements. These would typically be your phone being pulled or snatched while being used. Once it suspects a possible swiping, it will automatically lock your phone screen in order to prevent the thief from accessing any of your sensitive data. Apart from this, there may also be other ways the feature could detect foul play and automatically secure your device in the case of snatching. 

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Secondarily, Android 15 will also bring with it a ‘private spaces’ feature, which will allow users to store information or apps in a separate hidden space. Moreover, it will also be accessible only with a unique PIN. In the case of forced rest, Google has ensured an added layer of security which will prompt the user to add owner credentials before going ahead. 

But that’s not all, Google has added yet another way to help you lock your phone in case it ends up lost or in the wrong hands. All you have to do is log into Android.com/lock and enter your phone number. The website will then ask you a security question and proceed to lock your device. This is helpful whether you’re operating from home or around a friend who has their own device. This feature is likely to arrive later this year via a Google Play Services update and may also be available for Android 10 or later. 

Spotlight on privacy

Google has mentioned how Android Play Protect will also be getting an update to protect users from malicious elements. According to the brand, Google Play Protect live threat detection will ‘expand Play Protect’s on-device AI capabilities’. It will essentially utilise the Private Compute Core, which will be able to detect how apps are using private information. Google claims that it will be able to do this without collecting data and in turn keep an eye out for phishing or fraud.  

While the keynote address gave only a little stage space to OS updates, we still can’t wait to see what’s in store for Android phones this time around. Don’t forget to stick around and check out Unboxed by Croma for more updates.