Google has Finally its long awaited launch Then find my device network. The technology uses a crowdsourced network of more than a billion Android devices to help people find lost gadgets, in line with similar offerings from Apple and Tile. It's rolling out today to Android users in the US and Canada, with a global rollout coming soon.
Once installed, people can use the app to find compatible Android phones and tablets. The tool will sound on your command and their location will pop up on the map. This map data works even if the items are offline. Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones appear on the map when they are charged or the battery is completely dead. It is very simple.
The technology for everyday items is not yet available, but it will be soon. Bluetooth tracker tags from Chipolo and Pebblebee will be integrated into the Find My Device app in May. It will allow users to find anything, including car keys, purses, wallets and, hopefully, anything. Upcoming tags are created specifically for the network.
Pebblebee offerings include tags, clips and slim cards for wallets. They will hit store shelves in late May or early June. Chipolo is developing versions of its One Point and Card Point trackers for Android devices, which will arrive in May. Google says more trackers are coming later this year, including products made by Motorola and eufy.
Google's Find My Devices service also integrates with Nest smart home gadgets. If you lose something at home, the Find My Device app will show you the item's location relative to pre-existing Nest devices. This will help provide an “easy reference point” to pick them back up.
Finally, there's a nifty feature that lets you share an item's location with others, so friends and family can keep track of precious items. Google says it allows people to “easily divide and conquer if something goes missing.”
The new Find My Device tracking technology works on devices running Android 9 and later. That OS came out in 2018, so this service can be fully utilized. 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 such matters. Google says users can opt out of the service through a web portal if they feel uncomfortable. . Reports indicate that the technology has been ready for a while, but Google delayed it until Apple implemented tracking protections in iOS. For that, both companies To develop industry standards To combat misuse of surveillance devices. Apple applied Updated protections against tracking As of iOS 17.5, it's still in beta.
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