Hot on the heels of the announcement that RIM is not moving to the closed beta testing phase for the BlackBerry Protect system, Microsoft has also let it be known that they will be offering a similar service for all Windows Phone 7 owners. And that is actually a good thing. Considering how impressive the BlackBerry Protect is turning out, having similar functions for other mobile handsets is a great idea and it is about time that Microsoft started jumping on the bandwagon.
According to the recent reports, it seems that there will hardly be any differences between the BB Protect service and what Microsoft is proposing.
The new service will allow Windows Phone 7 users to sign up for the service and register their handset. After doing this, the online account can be used to remote access the smart phone. From here, it would be possible to shut down, lock or even completely wipe the memory of the handset completely clean. It is also possible to turn on the GPS on the device in order to locate if physically and have it ring or alarm if needed.
Naturally the device would need to be in an area with WiFi or 3G access for this to take place. If the phone is outside connectivity, then it is possible that the commands would not be activated in the handset.
Just like the Protect and the Apple MobileMe service, of Microsoft’s new service will also be able to upload and back up phone content online (with up to 25GB of storage space). Unlike the MobileMe, this service will be given free of charge (no word yet if Protect will also have fees).
Right now, this new feature from Microsoft is being called as the Windows Phone Live service, though it is possible that MS will give it a proper name change in the coming weeks.
