Google's method of remotely bricking leaked/stolen phones (like the Pixel 7a that recently made the rounds) is actually open source!

They generate what's called a "brick OTA" that wipes the following partitions:

vbmeta
vbmeta_a
vbmeta_b
vbmeta_system_a
vbmeta_system_b
boot
boot_a
boot_b
vendor_boot
vendor_boot_a
vendor_boot_b
init_boot
metadata
super
userdata

This "brick OTA" is pushed to devices via GOTA (Google OTA) and can be installed on both "test-keys" and "release-keys" builds, but a serial number is required before a "brick OTA" can be installed on "release-keys" builds.

Many OEMs don't use GOTA, but a lot of them now do use update_engine, so Google's new automated "Android Brick OTA generator" tool might find some use outside of Google.

#shamu
Google Nexus 6 running Android KitKat
Source

The first batches of the Nexus 6 from AT&T had the wrong FW flashed on them (a factory build of Android 4.4.4, the phone released with 5.0) and there was a recall of them.

• Android 4.4.4
• 3.10.40 kernel
• shamu_factory-userdebug 4.4.4 KXH21.6-F1.8 18
• Unstable build, limited to a few apps

Follow @GoogleInternal

#coral
Google Pixel 4XL EVT

• Red back glass, unreleased color
• Internal symbol for logo, qr code on back

Follow @GoogleInternal