Google has updated its My Account service to include a feature that helps iPad and iPhone owners locate their lost or stolen iOS device (via TechCrunch).

Previously only available to Android owners, the new feature now appears when users sign into their Google "My Account" page under the section "Find your phone", where options exist to locate a device, lock it remotely, call it, secure an account, leave a callback number on its screen, and more.

Google My Account
The find and lock features don't actually let Google take control of lost iOS devices, but instead redirect users to the iCloud website, meaning they aren't a replacement for Apple's Find My iPhone service.

However, tools for calling a lost phone, remotely signing out of a Google account, and locating a local lost and found should come as welcome additions for Google account holders.

Users can access the My Account page from the iOS Google app, by saying, "OK Google, show me my Google account". The company is also working to make the features easier to access in other ways, so that users will be able to access their My Account page simply by Googling their own name, for example.

Google's My Account site launched last year to offer Google users centralized access to privacy and security settings across the company’s services. Other options on the My Account site include Ads Settings, Privacy and Security checkups, and more.

Tag: Google

Top Rated Comments

jdillings Avatar
103 months ago
What does it do that Apple is not doing?
Collect your personal data and sell it to advertisers
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vooke Avatar
103 months ago
What does it do that Apple is not doing? Pretty much useless redirection and duplication
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iLoveDeveloping Avatar
103 months ago
Ye I would let Google track my phone.. So glad there is still a company like Apple in the world, as much as we bitch about them, it makes me happy to have an iPhone and never have to pander to google or Facebook to manipulate me and use my information to make billions.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Someyoungguy Avatar
103 months ago
This seems like an excuse to do a press release that reads like Google invented Find My IPhone.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bpcookson Avatar
103 months ago
Wow, just... wow. Why would anyone use this??
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
morcutt11 Avatar
103 months ago
Ummm... What? Google is rolling out a feature for iOS users that has been baked into the OS for years already? Ok; thanks I guess....
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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