In recent years, the ability to locate a lost or stolen cell phone has become an essential feature for both Android and iOS devices. While Apple has made improvements to its locator feature, Google was falling behind. However, Android has now announced a new search method that aims to catch up.
Previously, the location feature required the device to be turned on in order to be found. The new development is that now the phone can be located even when it is turned off. This is made possible by having the necessary hardware to reserve a certain level of battery power to maintain Bluetooth connectivity even when the device is powered off.
Google has implemented a joint network for Android devices, similar to Apple’s Find My network, to improve the process of locating lost or stolen phones. This system operates anonymously and privately, encrypting the location data end-to-end for consumer security.
Although the launch of this location network comes later than expected, Google has plans to implement it worldwide, starting with the United States and Canada. This network will be available on Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro devices as well as on all Android devices running Android 9 or higher.
The new network will enhance the way lost devices are found, providing a more detailed view of registered devices and easy access to remote control options such as ringing or erasing the device. Users can also share device locations with others to facilitate locating lost devices when nearby.
Overall, this update from Google is expected to significantly improve the process of recovering lost or stolen devices, making it easier for users to track and find their phones using the Find My device app. With this new feature, users can have peace of mind knowing that their phones can be easily located even if they are turned off or stolen.
