Google has been perfecting an ambitious global network for years that will be called “Find My Device.” The Google tool will allow users to locate and Find both your lost Android phones, As well other lost devices like headphones, Tile locators, Pebblebee and more. It will take advantage of the vast number of more than 3.000 billion Android phones in circulation to create an unprecedented tracking system.
Google's tool to find lost devices
This is how Google's tool to find lost devices will work: Enabled Android devices will communicate with each other via Bluetooth to detect any device reported lost in your coverage area.
This information will be transmitted to Google servers. In that way the owner will be able to track the location of their lost device. That is, the operation of this search tool is similar to Apple's "Find my iPhone" or Samsung's SmartThings Find.
New logo and new features
Thinking about its imminent launch, Google has already updated the app's logo «Find my device« a few months ago. The designers have opted for a colorful design with radar icons that replaces the old phone icon.
In addition to the logo facelift, Google is also thinking about implementing a new function: Notify users by email when Find My Device has been used to locate one of your devices. Until now, only notifications were sent through the app, which are easier to miss.
The Apple and privacy obstacle
Google claims that its network is ready to deploy, but there would be a major obstacle that has prevented it so far: Apple and privacy safeguards.
The problem lies in a joint technical specification designed by Google and Apple to protect users from unauthorized tracking. If someone places a tracking beacon on our backpack without consent, the network of Android devices could track it, violating privacy.
Google's strategy, for now, is to be patient and wait for Apple to implement this protection on iOS first before activating your network. Otherwise, iPhone users could be tracked without warnings.
Apple reportedly implemented the necessary changes to iOS by the end of 2023, meeting the requirements. Only All it takes is for Apple to activate the protection system in iOS for Google to announce the launch date of its plan to find lost devices.