Google announced Monday that it is launching an upgraded “Find My Device” network in the United States and Canada. Find My Device's crowdsourcing network of over 1 billion Android devices helps users find misplaced Android devices and everyday items. Find My Device Network is similar to Apple's Find My Network and works with devices running Android 9 or later.
The Find My Device network allows users to find their Android smartphone or tablet by ringing their phone or locating it on a map, even when they're offline. Google's previous Find My Device service required an Internet connection to locate your lost phone. With upgraded networking, Pixel 8 and 8 Pro users can find their device even when it's turned off or the battery is dead.
Image credit: Google
Starting in May, Android users will be able to find everyday items like keys and wallets. Google is integrating Chipolo and Pebblebee's Bluetooth tracker tags into its “Find My Device” app. These tags are built specifically for the Find My Device network and are “compatible with unknown tracker alerts across Android and iOS to help protect users from unwanted tracking,” Google says. . Users can expect compatible tags from Motorola, Jio, and Eufy later this year. Monday's announcement comes after Apple and Google announced last year that they would work together to lead an industry-wide effort to alert users in case of unwanted tracking from Bluetooth devices.
The new “Find My Device” network also integrates with Nest smart home gadgets, showing the proximity of your lost device to a Nest device in your home.
“Find My Device is secure by default and private by design,” Eric Kaye, Google's vice president of engineering, said in a blog post. “The multi-layered protection built into the Find My Device network ensures that you are always in control of the devices connected to the Find My Device network, while ensuring your safety and the privacy of your personal information. It includes end-to-end encryption of your data, aggregated device location reporting, and first-of-its-kind safety features that provide additional protection from unwanted tracking into your home and private locations.”
Google says the Find My Device network will soon be available for headphones from JBL, Sony, and more.