Sometimes it does pay to read the manual or brush up on the new features of your gadgets. This was proven true when a cop in the US managed to apprehend a thief who stole an iPhone 4.
The arresting officer, identified as Robert Garland, said that they arrived at Avenue of the Americas in New York after a call came in from a cashier at Tuci Italia who was on a break when her iPhone was taken at gunpoint by a man. Garland, being an iPhone user himself, knew of the app called “Find my iPhone” and immediately buckled down to work.
The Power of “Find My iPhone”
“Find My iPhone” is a feature that allows users to locate their Apple devices using iCloud. By entering the victim’s Apple ID on his own iPhone and using iCloud, Garland and his partner were able to track down the location of the thief. This app not only shows the current location of the device but also provides options to play a sound, display a message, lock the device, or even erase its data remotely.
In this particular case, the signal shifted once, but since the robber apparently didn’t know how to turn off the feature, the police were able to track him down. There’s an option to play a sound when you’re near the iPhone you are looking for, and this eventually led to the arrest of the robber. The iPhone 4 was back to its original owner in 30 minutes, thanks to a tech-savvy cop.
Importance of Knowing Your Device’s Features
This incident highlights the importance of familiarizing oneself with the features of their gadgets. Many users often overlook the capabilities of their devices, which can be incredibly useful in emergency situations. For instance, “Find My iPhone” is not just for locating lost devices; it can also be a crucial tool in recovering stolen property.
Moreover, the app’s ability to lock the device remotely ensures that sensitive information remains secure, even if the device falls into the wrong hands. This feature can prevent unauthorized access to personal data, which is especially important in today’s digital age where identity theft and data breaches are rampant.
Another example of a useful feature is the “Emergency SOS” function available on many smartphones. This feature allows users to quickly call emergency services and notify their emergency contacts with their location. Knowing how to activate such features can be life-saving in critical situations.
Additionally, many modern gadgets come with built-in security features such as biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition), two-factor authentication, and encrypted storage. These features add an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized individuals to access your data.
In conclusion, taking the time to read the manual and understand the features of your gadgets can pay off in unexpected ways. Whether it’s recovering a stolen phone, securing your personal information, or even saving a life, being knowledgeable about your device’s capabilities is always beneficial. So, the next time you get a new gadget, take a moment to explore its features—you never know when they might come in handy.
Via: New York Times
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