A new personalised Google search feature allows Android users to locate their missing phones on a localised map.
The feature also gives handset owners the option of phoning their devices if the localised map, which works within a specific radius, does not provide enough information on the handset's location.
Although this functionality has been available on the Android Device Manager site for a while, it initially required users to go to another site first. Now, the feature has been added to Google's regular search bar.
For the feature to work, the user will have to be logged into the same Google account on their PC as they are using on their phone. Once the phrase, "find my phone" is typed into Google search, a map appears, and the search then zeros in on the location of the phone.
The feature does not show the exact location, instead giving a search area of as little as 5m.
If this solution does not work to locate the phone, the user can call their missing phone via Google search. The device will then ring for five minutes on full volume.
This function also works for Android tablets, as there is an option to switch between devices on the map.
Clicking on the map will take the user through to the Android Device Manager page where they will have the option to remotely lock handsets, or erase contents, if they suspect it to be stolen.