Apple Launches iPhone Location, Data Wipe Services

Apple's new Find My iPhone and Remote Wipe services are available only through MobileMe, the subscription cloud-based data synchronization service that Apple has called "Exchange for the rest of us." MobileMe, which costs $99 for an annual subscription, suffered through some early growing pains and Apple is hoping the new services will help the service attract more customers.

According to AppleInsider, MobileMe finds lost iPhones by sending a push notification to the device, and then determines its location through GPS or cell tower and displays it on a graphical map. iPhone owners can also send a text message to be displayed on the lost device's screen, or play an audio alert on the device -- even if it's in silent mode.

If the lost iPhone can't be located, or if the party who discovers it adheres to the old "finders keepers" adage, the owner can simply push a button from within MobileMe and remote erase all data from the device. This capability will likely convince more businesses to allow employees to carry iPhones because it helps mitigate the risks of sensitive data leaks.

If MobileMe represents Apple's desire to expand its profile in services, Find My iPhone and Remote Wipe will help prove that Apple can innovate in the cloud just as well as it has done on PCs and mobile devices.