Russian antivirus company Kaspersky Lab has launched a free Android app which allows users to track their phone in case it's lost or stolen. The app, called Phound, also offers the possibility to remotely wipe the device. Phound offers several features like e.g. blocking the device when it's lost or stolen. To remotely control the device, users have to login to a special website.
Through GPS, GSM or Wifi it's possible to locate the device. Users can also make pictures or show a message on the device's screen. When the Android device is lost at home or at the office it's also possible to locate it through an alarm sound. The smartphone or tablet then makes a loud sound which continues until the owner inserts a set code.
The app also offers the possibility to wipe all personal data from both the device and SD card including contacts, messages and pictures. When required it's also possible to do a hard-reset of the device. The police regularly advizes owners of smartphones, laptops and tablets to install anti-theft software as these application can assist in locating a device in case of theft.
Google also offers "Device Manager", a free application which offers similar but less features. With Phound, users that don't like handing over data to the search giant now have a free alternative from a big name in the security industry.
