Google has announced the launch of the Find My Device network to track lost devices offline, starting in the United States and Canada. Find My Device can locate Android smartphones and tablets without an internet connection by utilizing a mesh Bluetooth network that spans globally. This is similar to Apple’s Find My network introduced in 2019. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have specialized hardware that allows tracking even when the device is turned off or the battery is dead.
Apart from smartphones and tablets, Google will also allow tracking of Bluetooth tags attached to items like keychains or travel bags. Tags from manufacturers such as Chipolo and Pebblebee will be available for sale starting in May, with other brands like eufy, Jio, and Motorola following suit.
A unique feature of the Find My Device network is the ability to detect trackers without the user’s knowledge (unknown tracker alerts). This feature was initially designed by Google and later adopted by Apple as well. The delayed launch of the Find My Device network was to ensure compatibility with Apple’s network.
TLDR: Google launches Find My Device network for offline tracking of lost devices globally, including smartphones, tablets, and Bluetooth tags. Unique feature includes detecting unknown trackers without user’s knowledge.
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