HTC's Sense Web Security Portal LaunchesHTC's Sense Web Security Portal Launches

Providing smartphone users with online security controls has really taken off this year, and HTC is the latest to jump on the secure-your-phone-from-anywhere bandwagon.

Announced in September, HTCSense.com can be used to locate a missing phone by triggering it to ring loudly or to pop up on a map. Users can also remotely lock the phone, as well as wipe it and have calls forwarded to a different number.

HTCSense.com can also be used to manage users' contacts, text messages, call history, wallpapers, ringtones, sounds, Scenes and plug-ins.

The portal went live with support for the HTC Desire Z and Desire HD, initially. HTC hasn't said when the service will be available to other Sense-based devices, such as the Droid Incredible (Verizon Wireless) or Aria (AT&T).

HTC's Sense user interface overlay was refreshed earlier this year, which includes significant changes to the camera software, making it easier to take, edit, and share photos.

Sense also has HTC Locations, which HTC describes as "a new differentiated online mapping experience, people have instant, on-demand mapping without download delays or incurring mobile roaming charges."

The new Sense is required to use HTCSense.com. The Desire Z and HD are the first two phones to hit the market with the new version of Sense.

Apple offers a similar tool through its MobileMe service for the iPhone. Microsoft's forthcoming Windows Phone 7 platform will also launch with a similar online service for remotely securing handsets.