Google is introducing its revamped Find My Device network in the United States and Canada, as announced on Monday. The upgraded network, composed of over a billion Android devices, is equipped to assist users in locating their misplaced Android devices and everyday items. Similar to Apple’s Find My network, the Find My Device Network is compatible with Android devices running version 9 or higher.
Through this network, users can easily find their Android phones and tablets, even when they are not connected to the internet, by either ringing them or viewing their location on a map. The previous version of Find My Device required lost devices to be connected to the internet in order to be located. The upgraded network now enables Pixel 8 and 8 Pro users to track their devices even if they are turned off or have a dead battery.
Launching in May, the Find My Device app will also support the location tracking of everyday items such as keys and wallets. Google will be integrating Bluetooth tracker tags from Chipolo and Pebblebee into the app, specifically designed for the Find My Device network. These tags will also be compatible with unknown tracker alerts across Android and iOS, providing added protection against unwanted tracking. In the coming months, users can also expect to see compatible tags from popular brands like Motorola, Jio, and Eufy.
Monday’s announcement comes in the wake of Apple and Google’s joint initiative last year to alert users of potential tracking from Bluetooth devices. The new Find My Device network also seamlessly integrates with Nest smart home gadgets, showing the proximity of a missing device to other Nest devices in the home.
“Find My Device is secure by default and private by design,” wrote Google’s VP of Engineering, Erik Kay, in a blog post. “Multiple layers of protection are built into the Find My Device network to keep your personal information safe and secure. This includes end-to-end encryption of location data and aggregated device location reporting, a unique safety feature that safeguards against possible tracking back to a private or home location.”
In the future, Google plans to expand the Find My Device network to work with popular headphone brands like JBL and Sony.
