Google has finally launched its long-awaited Find My Device network. The technology uses a crowdsourced network of more than 1 billion Android devices to help people locate missing gadgets, and its basic functionality is consistent with similar products from Apple and Tile. The product is now available to Android users in the United States and Canada, with a global release coming soon.
Once installed, people can use the app to find compatible Android phones and tablets. The tool will make them ring at your command, and their location will pop up on the map. The map data works even if the project is offline. Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones will appear on the map if they are turned off or have a completely drained battery. Sounds convenient.
The technology isn’t yet available for everyday items, but it will be soon. Chipolo and Pebbblebee’s Bluetooth tracker tags will be integrated into the Find My Device app in May. This will allow users to find just about anything, including car keys, wallets, wallets, and hopefully more. The upcoming label is built specifically for the web.
Pebblebee products include tags, clips and thin wallet cards. They hit shelves in late May or early June. Chipolo is making versions of the One Point and Card Point trackers for Android devices, which will be available in May. Google said it will launch more trackers later this year, including ones made by Motorola and eufy.
Google’s “Find My Device” service is also integrated with Nest smart home gadgets. If you’ve lost something at home, the Find My Device app will show you the item’s location relative to existing Nest devices. This should help provide an “easy reference point” to snatch them back.
Finally, there’s a great feature that lets you share the location of your items with others so friends and family can keep an eye out for valuables. Google says it will let people “easily divide and conquer if something is missing.”
The new Find My Device tracking technology is available on devices running Android 9 and higher. The operating system was launched in 2018, so this means that many people can use this service. As for compatible products beyond Android devices and Bluetooth tags, the company says future software updates will allow integration with the full range of headphones from JBL and Sony.
Of course, there are the usual privacy concerns with this kind of thing. Google said that if users feel uncomfortable, they can opt out of the service through the portal. . The technology has been ready for some time, but Google delayed it until Apple implemented tracking protections in iOS, the report said. To this end, the two companies are working together to develop industry standards to combat the misuse of tracking devices. Apple has implemented updated anti-tracking protections in iOS 17.5, which is still in beta.
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