There is Google finally launched his long-awaited work Then find the My Device network . The technology uses a crowdsourced network of more than a billion Android devices to help locate lost gadgets with basic functionality similar to similar offerings from Apple and Tile. It’s available today for Android users in the US 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 cause them to call your command and their location will appear on the map. This map data works even if the items are offline. Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones will appear on the map when they are turned off or when the battery is completely drained. That sounds pretty convenient.
The technology is not yet available for everyday items, but it will be available 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 car keys, wallets, purses, and hopefully, just about anything else. . Upcoming tags are built specifically for the network.
Pebblebee’s offerings include tags, clips and thin cards for wallets. They hit store shelves in late May or early June. Chipolo is developing One Point and Card Point tracker versions for Android devices coming in May. Google says more trackers are coming later this year, including products made by Motorola and eufy.
Google’s Find My Device service also integrates with Nest smart home gadgets. If you lose something at home, the Find My Device app will show the location of the item associated with pre-existing Nest devices. This should help provide an “easy reference point” to take them back.
Finally, there’s a nice feature that lets you share an item’s location with other people so your friends and family can keep an eye on your valuables. Google said it would allow people to “divide and conquer easily if something goes missing.”
The new Find My Device tracking technology works on devices running Android 9 and up. This operating system came out in 2018, which means that many people will have access to this service. As for Android devices and compatible products beyond Bluetooth tags, the company says future software updates will allow integration with the full range of JBL and Sony headphones.
Of course, there are the usual privacy issues with this sort of thing. Google says users can opt out of the service through a web portal if they feel uncomfortable. . Reports suggest the technology has been in the works for some time, but Google delayed it until Apple implemented tracking protection in iOS. . For this purpose, both companies for develop industry standards to combat the misuse of tracking devices. Apple appealed updated protections against harassment on iOS 17.5, which is still in beta.
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