Google today launched the “Find My Device” network for Android devices. Its function is similar to Apple’s “Find My Device” network and is designed to help users locate lost or stolen Android products.
It is noted that, similar to Apple’s “Find” network, Android’s “Find My Device” network can leverage hundreds of millions of Android devices running Android 9 or higher to track lost Android smartphones through Bluetooth signals. and report its location information to the owner. Because the network utilizes Bluetooth connectivity, it works even if the Android device is offline and does not have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, and some devices, such as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, can still be located even if they are powered off or have run out of battery. .
Starting in May, the Find My Device network will also be compatible with Bluetooth trackers from companies like Chipolo and Pebblebee, which users can attach to items and locate them through the network. Google doesn’t design its own trackers, and these third-party trackers work similarly to Apple’s AirTags.
To prevent iPhone users from being unknowingly tracked by this new network, Google has teamed up with Apple to develop an industry standard that will allow iPhone and Android users to receive alerts about nearby unknown item trackers, regardless of the brand of the tracking device What is it. Google has delayed the launch of the web until Apple implements support for third-party tracker alerts, according to information discovered in iOS 17.5 code.
iOS 17.5 extends the “Discover Moving with You” AirTag alerts to third-party item trackers, allowing iPhones to recognize Android-based item trackers as well as trackers from other brands. A portion of the iOS 17.5 code reads: “You can disable this item and prevent it from sharing its location with the owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on the manufacturer’s website for this item.”
Google learned its lesson from the criticism Apple faced when it launched AirTag. Previously, there have been many news reports and cases pointing out that criminals use AirTags to conduct tracking, car theft and other criminal activities. This prompted Apple to make several improvements to the Find Network, such as increasing the frequency of notifications and designing a Tracker Detection app for Android devices.
