Everyone has the ability to remotely wipe their phone, as long as it's connected to the network. If it's not connected to the network, then not even Apple can do anything (assuming they don't make some sort of dead man's switch, which is a terrible default feature for all sorts of reasons...)

As a user, I prefer having the option to decide how sensitive and/or valuable the data on my phone is, what the circumstances of losing my phone are, and how long I'm willing to wait to get it back.

You were out of the country, without Internet access for a while, you have un-synced vacation photos and not much else on the phone, and there's a strong possibility you misplaced it? There's probably not a reason to ever wipe the phone.

You had secret company data on your phone, without a passcode, and it was ripped out of your hands? Can't wipe it fast enough.

While Apple should offer users advice, I wouldn't want them to ever take action (filing police reports, taking photos, etc.) without my explicit consent.

Exactly. Exploding batteries rebranded as a feature.

Maybe Samsung faced a failure less of engineering and more of creative marketing.

This would probably be implemented by Samsung first. They are still working on controlling the detonation if Note 7 is any indication :D

> Remote detonate if not recovered within 24 hours.

Possibly with a slick James Bond-like digital clock countdown!

or shock the bastard. Antennagate x 1000

Samsung: Hey! Hmm.. hold that thought

Brick it.