The Launch of Google’s Find My Device Network Comes with Special Tracking Abilities for Pixel 8

Google has recently rolled out its highly anticipated Find My Device network, which allows users to track their devices even when they are offline. This worldwide rollout started with the US and Canada, with other regions expected to follow shortly. This new functionality is a powerful upgrade to Google’s existing Find My Device feature, which previously only worked when the device was connected to the internet.

The Find My Device network leverages over a billion Android devices worldwide to locate offline devices within Bluetooth proximity. This means that even if your phone or other device is not connected to the internet, you can still track its location. This is a significant improvement and provides peace of mind for users who may have previously been out of luck when their device was offline.

One notable advantage of the Find My Device network is its compatibility with Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. These devices come with specialized Pixel hardware that allows users to locate their phone even if it is turned off or the battery is dead. This exclusive feature is likely to be extended to future Pixel phones and potentially other brands in the future.

In addition to tracking phones, the Find My Device network also works with Bluetooth tags from Chipolo and Pebblebee. These tags can be attached to items such as wallets or keys that do not have their own Bluetooth signal, allowing users to track them as well. Google plans to add support for tags from additional brands later this year, further expanding the functionality of the network.

Privacy and security were key considerations in the development of Google’s Find My Device network. Just like Apple’s ‘Find My’ network, users will receive unknown tracker alerts if they are being followed by a Bluetooth tag that they haven’t registered. This ensures that users have control over who can track their devices and adds an extra layer of security to the network.

The Find My Device network is not limited to tracking devices in the distance. It also offers a ‘Find nearby’ button that helps users pinpoint the exact location of nearby items. For items lost within the home, the network integrates with Nest devices to show the proximity of the lost item. This makes it easier for users to locate their belongings, whether they are nearby or in a different location.

Sharing tracking information with friends and family members is another feature offered by the Find My Device network. This allows multiple people to track and locate a device when it is lost. However, privacy is still a priority, and all data is kept private and secure. Location data is encrypted end-to-end, and device location reporting is aggregated to ensure the highest level of privacy for users.

The release of Google’s Find My Device network has been long-awaited. Originally planned for mid-2023, it was delayed to allow Apple to fully roll out their unknown tracker alerts feature. This feature is now available in iOS 17.5, currently in beta, which frees up Google to launch their upgraded Find My Device network. The timing of this release suggests that Google may also be considering the introduction of their own Bluetooth tracker, similar to Apple’s AirTag.

In conclusion, Google’s Find My Device network is a significant upgrade to their existing tracking functionality. The ability to track devices even when they are offline adds a new level of convenience and peace of mind for users. The compatibility with Google Pixel devices and support for Bluetooth tags from other brands further expands the network’s capabilities. With privacy and security in mind, Google has taken steps to ensure that users have control over who can track their devices. Overall, this is an exciting development for Google users and sets the stage for future innovations in device tracking technology.



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