Google finally brings out tool to help you find your lost Android

This has been a long time coming. Google is set to release a series of updates that will help you find your lost or stolen Android device.

Until now, Android users have had to rely on third-party apps if their device decided to go for a proverbial walk, but the updates mean that they will now have a couple of pretty powerful tools in their armory when it comes to locating their phone.

The first feature is meant for people who regularly lose their phones inside their homes and rings the device at maximum volume, even if it’s on silent.

The second meanwhile gives Android users the power to do something for a while now. If you happen to leave your phone at a bar or someone steals it then you’ll be able to locate it on a map in real-time.

And if the mapping solution fails you, Google at least appears to be trying to make sure you can keep your personal info safe. If your phone can’t be recovered, or has been stolen, you can quickly and securely erase all of the data on your device.

According to Google, the service will be available later this month on devices running Android 2.2 or above; to use it, you also will need to be signed into your Google Account. There will also, it says, be an Android app to allow you to find and manage your devices.