Google rolls out its upgraded Find My Device network, works similar to tracking tech used by Apple

How does the new Find My Device network work?

It works by locating devices near you using Bluetooth proximity, which is similar to how Apple’s ‘Find My’ network works. However, Google’s network may be far more powerful than Apple’s considering the popularity of Android devices worldwide. The company also says that the more devices are near a lost item, the easier it will be for you to locate it.

Google says Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro owners can locate their devices even if they are powered off, thanks to the tech giant’s use of ‘specialized hardware’. In case you are trying to find a device that is nearby, the Find My Device network will show visual cues in the app as you move closer to it.

You can also find your wallet, keys and other things. (Image Source: Google)

The company says that starting in May, Android users will also be able to locate items like keys, wallets, and luggage tagged with Bluetooth trackers from Pebblebee and Chipolo. Later this year, companies like Eufy, Jio, Motorola, and others will also launch their very own Bluetooth trackers that support the new Find My Device network.

Similar to iOS, these tags will be compatible with the ‘unknown tracker alert’ feature that warns users if a Bluetooth tag is tracking them. Google also says that the new network will soon work with headphones from brands like JBL and Sony with a software update.

What about privacy?

When Android devices opt to participate in the network, they can locate nearby lost items using encrypted location data. Google says the location is end-to-end encrypted using a key that can only be used by the Bluetooth tag owner and that no information about nearby Android devices that contributed to the location data is shared with the owner of the lost item.

If you happen to be somewhere near your Home address that was saved to your Google account, then your Android device won’t participate in the network. To prevent misuse by threat actors, the tech giant also seems to have limited the number of times a nearby Android device can ping the location of a Bluetooth tag along with the number of times the Bluetooth tag owner can request an updated location.

Android users will also be able to choose if they want their devices to contribute to the network. While the default setting reports the approximate location, users can also opt to share non-aggregated locations or opt out of the network entirely.