Julie Clover
Google today introduced the Find My Device network for Android products, replicating the functionality of Find My from Apple. a network designed to discover Apple devices.
Like Apple Find My, Android Find The device network can leverage millions of Android devices (running Android 9 or later) in the wild to track lost, stolen, and missing Android products. A lost Android smartphone can ping nearby Android devices using Bluetooth, transmitting location information back to the owner.
Because the network uses Bluetooth, it works even when Android devices are offline and have no cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Some devices, like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, can be found even if the power is off or the battery is low. Find my offers the same feature set for iPhone.
Starting in May Find My The network of Android smartphone devices will also work with Bluetooth trackers from companies like Chipolo and Pebblebee, allowing Android users to attach trackers to items and find them on the Android network. While Google is not developing its own trackers, these third-party trackers will work in the same way that AirTags work.
To prevent iPhone users from being tracked without their knowledge using this new network, Google has collaborated with Apple to create an industry specification that will allow iPhone and Android users receive alerts about nearby unknown tracking devices, regardless of the brand of the tracking device. Google waited until Apple rolled out support for third-party tracker alerts to launch its network based on the code found in iOS 17.5.
In iOS 17.5, AirTag “Found Moving With You” alerts appear to be expanded to third-party item trackers , allowing iPhone recognize Android-based product trackers and devices from other companies. “You can disable this object and prevent it from sharing its location with its owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on the website by the manufacturer of that item,” reads part of the iOS 17.5 code.
Google was able to learn from the criticism Apple faced after launching AirTags. There have been a lot of news and reports about criminals using AirTags for stalking, car theft, etc., which has prompted Apple to make a lot of changes to unwanted tracker alerts. Apple has increased the frequency of notifications and also developed the Tracker Detect app for Android devices, but Apple's collaboration with Google provides a more permanent solution that allows Android and iPhone users are safe thanks to the launch of another major tracking network.
Tags: Android, Google[ 102 comments ]
