Google's new app is not good news for you. Why? Because it allows banks and credit providers to remotely lock your smartphone if you fail to pay its monthly fee.

You Wouldn't Want to Miss You Device's Monthly Payment! Why? Because Google's New App Will Lock It!
(Photo : Photo by Carsten Koall/Getty Images)
In this photo illustration several apps of Google are displayed on a smartphone on March 3, 2018 in Berlin, Germany. The left-wing organizers of the event cited Google's profit-oriented mass collection of personal data about people as well as the gentrification locals fear will accelerate should the Google Campus open. Google is reportedly planning to open a Google Campus, which is meant to create a venue for startups and technological exchange, this summer in a building that once housed an electric relay station in the heart of Kreuzberg.

Finextra reported that the new Device Lock Controller app enables banks and other financiers to lock some of the device's features if the user could not settle a monthly payment.

Google's new product was first spotted by XDA Developers. According to its report, since newly released smartphones are more expensive compared to the previous models, many OEMs and carriers are now offering payment programs.

These help the consumers have more time to pay for their new gadgets; they can choose to pay for 24 months or more. However, you have to make sure that you have the right income to settle your bill.

Google's Device Lock Controller

In India, Samsung is currently implementing device functionality restrictions based on how long the debt has been outstanding.

You Wouldn't Want to Miss You Device's Monthly Payment! Why? Because Google's New App Will Lock It!
(Photo : Photo by Carsten Koall/Getty Images)
In this photo illustration several apps of Google are displayed on a smartphone on March 3, 2018 in Berlin, Germany. The left-wing organizers of the event cited Google's profit-oriented mass collection of personal data about people as well as the gentrification locals fear will accelerate should the Google Campus open. Google is reportedly planning to open a Google Campus, which is meant to create a venue for startups and technological exchange, this summer in a building that once housed an electric relay station in the heart of Kreuzberg.

Also Read: Google Finally Fixes Microsoft Office Issues, Lifts Web Editing Restrictions

Now, Google wants to make it easier for credit providers, such as banks, to implement the latter debt collection method. However, if you ever missed a monthly payment, basic functionality, such as access to settings, and emergency calling, will not be affected.

How Google's new app works

Google's new invention uses Android's DeviceAdminService API. This allows the app to remotely control device functionality. It is also the same system used by different companies to control what their employees can do with their work phones.

Phones from enterprises are usually loaded with this API, which the employees or owners can't disable. This goes the same with banks and other financial institutions.

They can install Google's new Device Lock Controller in the devices before they allow customers to loan. This application will help them make sure that those who purchased the plan will pay for the monthly bill.

Of course, there will be some users who will dislike Google's new technology. However, they can still decline the offer and just save money to buy the device in cash.

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Written by: Giuliano de Leon.

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