Find Hub ‘Mark as lost’ will require biometrics, hide Quick Settings

Key Points:

• Google announced new security and privacy features for Android at The Android Show, including enhanced biometric authentication for Find Hub’s Mark as Lost feature and restrictions on Quick Settings and new Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connections when a device is marked lost.
• Android 17 introduces stronger PIN/password protections with fewer guess attempts allowed, longer wait times after failures, and default activation of Remote Lock and Theft Detection Lock on new or upgraded devices, with extended protections for devices running Android 10 or higher in select markets.
• Device recovery is improved by allowing IMEI access from the lock screen on Android 12+ devices, aiding law enforcement and carriers in verifying ownership, with an option for users to disable this feature.
• Advanced Protection on Android 17 includes stricter app accessibility controls, disabled device-to-device unlocking, scam detection in chat notifications, and enhanced Chrome malware protection, while Live Threat Detection will offer real-time monitoring of suspicious app behavior starting in late 2026.
• Android 17 also enables carriers to disable 2G by default to reduce vulnerabilities and introduces verified financial calls to automatically block spoofed calls from banks, initially rolling out to Revolut, Itaú, and Nubank customers on Android 11+ with broader availability planned later this year.