Google lets Android users secure, reset stolen phones

Google has boosted the security features on its Android operating system to allow stolen Android smartphones to be secured and reset remotely. In a blog post, Google said its new Google Apps Device Policy for enterprise users allows employees to quickly secure lost or stolen phones running Android 2.2 and up. “With the new version of the Google Apps Device Policy app, employees can quickly secure a lost or stolen Android 2.2+ device by locating it on a map, ringing the device, and resetting the device PIN or password remotely via the new My Devices website," it said. This was one of three new updates for the Android for business portfolio for security and connecting with colleagues. Google said these will be available to all Google Apps for Business and Google Apps for Education customers. A second update allows Google Apps administrators to “Encrypt Data on Device," which will now include requiring encrypted storage on Android 3.0 tablets. But it said devices will need version 2.0 of the Google Apps Device Policy app. The third update involves a new corporate contacts app, Google Apps Lookup, which makes it easier to find and contact people in an organization. “Type (or speak) the name or email address of a coworker, and then tap to call, email, IM or send a text message. Lookup pulls information from the Google Apps directory, so admins need to enable ‘Shared Contacts’ in the control panel before employees can use Lookup on their Android 2.1+ devices," it said. Google noted more than 300,000 Android devices are activated per day globally, showing a rapid adoption in the post-PC era. Over the last year, Google said it helped IT administrators manage Android straight from the browser, and introduced features such as Priority Inbox view in Gmail for Android and the ability to edit Google Docs on the go. “Android works quite well with Google Apps, but we’re working to make it an excellent choice for both end-users and IT at businesses and schools," it said. — TJD, GMA News