Just as Apple’s “Find my iPhone” app allows you find a lost or stolen iOS device, Google’s new Android Device Manager is rolling out. The service is almost identical, with Google offering the opportunity to find and ring a lost/stolen device or erase the device altogether. The service allows you to ring your smartphone at maximum volume until the power button is pressed silencing the device, locate your smartphone on Google Maps and erase the device.

Google previewed the service on August 2nd with a brief blog post:

Have you ever lost your phone in between the couch cushions or forgot it in a restaurant? Or maybe searching for your phone before you rush out the door is part of your morning routine? Let the new Android Device Manager help you out! It’s one of a few simple features you can use to keep your device—and the data you store inside—safe and secure.

Locate and ring your misplaced device
If you ended up dropping your phone between those couch cushions, Android Device Manager lets you quickly ring your phone at maximum volume so you can find it, even if it’s been silenced. And in the event that your phone or tablet is out of earshot (say, at that restaurant you left it at last night), you can locate it on a map in real time.

Protecting your personal information and data
While losing your phone can be stressful, Android Device Manager can help you keep your data from ending up in the wrong hands. If your phone can’t be recovered, or has been stolen, you can quickly and securely erase all of the data on your device.

Availability and getting started
This service is now available on devices running Android 2.2 or above; to use it, you also will need to be signed into your Google Account. There will also be an Android app to allow you to easily find and manage your devices. Stay tuned!

I was able to locate my device sitting next to me on my desk and ring the phone at maximum volume thereby annoying the dog who ran around the house barking. I’m guessing the service is slowly rolling out but should be available to all in short order.

Android Device Manager