Microsoft and Google announced on Thursday new features in their phone operating systems to combat smartphone theft.
Smartphone theft, known as "Apple picking" in some cases, has become a significant crime in some parts of the country. Law enforcement and prosecutors have been pressing the industry to institute a "kill switch" to disable stolen phones.
In response to the call, wireless industry group CTIA developed their Smartphone Anti-Theft Voluntary Commitment. Software and hardware companies that sign on commit to implementing a series of anti-theft features by July 2015:
Read more at: Microsoft, Google announce progress against smartphone theft | ZDNet