Feature spotted on Motorola Xoom

Google appears to have increased the security features in Android 3.0, adding an "Encrypt Tablet" option to protect all of the data on the device. The feature was spotted on a Motorola Xoom tablet, though it is said to be a common option available on any Android 3.0-equipped device. A dialog warns that initial encryption takes up to an hour and requires a fully charged battery.

For enterprise deployments, Google is reportedly planning on adding an option to enforce security standards across a range of devices. Business users would be forced to enter a PIN or password every time they use the device, ensuring that any sensitive data stays protected.

It is unclear if the encryption option will be one of the features that eventually makes its way to the smartphone versions of Google's mobile OS. [via Engadget]

By Electronista Staff