Google’s Find My Device app is about to become even more powerful. During its I/O 2023 keynote, Google announced that it will expand and modernize Find My Device, bringing it in line with Apple’s and Tile’s location-tracking solutions. The app will now include support for headphones, earbuds, tablets, and other devices, making it more versatile than ever before.
But that’s not all. The updated Find My Device app will also use a vast network of billions of Android devices owned by other people to help locate lost items. This means that if you lose your phone, tablet, headphones, or other devices, the network can use nearby Android devices to ping your missing gadget and pinpoint its location.
The network is powered by Android Device Manager, which is already used to locate lost or stolen devices. Google has designed the network in a privacy-preserving way, and device location data is encrypted and not viewable by the company.
Third-party trackers such as Tile and Chipolo will participate in the updated program. Google’s VP Sameer Samat stressed that the network is designed to prevent malicious use of location-tracking products. Unknown tracker alerts will reveal when a tracking device is traveling with you, including Apple AirTags. The two companies are working together to prevent stalking with these gadgets intended for convenience.
Google says that the Find My Device network will work immediately with “existing” Pixel Buds, as well as coming to headphones from Sony and JBL through software updates. Chipolo and Pebblebee already have new trackers that work with Google’s network available for pre-order. The Chipolo One Point and Chipolo Card Point both work with the network and cost $28 and $35 respectively.
Overall, Google’s Find My Device update is a major improvement, and it has the potential to help millions of people locate their lost or stolen items. With billions of Android devices in the network, there is a good chance that your lost items will be found quickly and easily. The updated app is expected to roll out in the coming months, so keep an eye out for it on your Android device.
