Google, Microsoft join Apple in adopting smartphone 'kill switch'

Following Apple's lead, Google and Microsoft will add "kill switches" to their next smartphone operating systems - a measure that has apparently led to a sharp drop in thefts of iPhones.

A kill switch allows the phone owner to remotely deactive a phone that has been stolen or lost, according to San Jose Mercury News.

Apple in September released a kill switch that can render the iPhone inoperable, and three major cities - New York City, San Francisco and London - have reported a dramatic drop in thefts of the phone since then.

Read more from San Jose Mercury News.