Microsoft's new anti-theft feature to render stolen Windows Phones useless

Microsoft is developing a new update for Windows Phones, which will include anti-theft features that will prevent thieves from using devices after they're stolen.

According to sources, the software maker had signed on the CTIA's Smartphone Anti-Theft Voluntary Commitment in April and is planning to release a software update to the Find My Phone feature of Windows Phone 8.1 ahead of the CTIA's goal of July 2015, the Verge reported.

The new feature will allow the user to wipe and lock devices from being used without logging into a Microsoft account, known widely as an activation lock.

Google is also planning to implement an activation lock feature in Android, and is expected to deliver this by July 2015.