Google Officially Launches its “Find My Device” Feature for Android
It took a while, but it looks like Google has finally gone ahead and launched its new “Find My Device” feature for Android, which is designed to help users locate their missing or misplaced phones and other items via a network of over a billion Android devices worldwide. The feature will initially roll-out for users in the US and Canada, with a global release in the future.
Using the dedicated Find My Device app, users will be able to keep track of compatible Android hardware by ringing them or viewing their last known location, even when offline. In the case of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, Google claims that users can still locate their devices even when they’re turned off. The app works with devices running Android 9 and above, and uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that data remains secure.
Google will also provide a future update for the app which will allow users to track everyday items such as keys, wallets and luggage via Bluetooth tracker tags from brands such as Chipolo and Pebblebee. Additionally, the tags will be compatible with unknown tracker alerts within Android and iOS to reduce incidences of unwanted tracking.
There’s also an included “Find Nearby” feature that pinpoints devices which are closest to you, which will also work with supported Bluetooth tags. The app can also show a missing item’s proximity to a Nest device at home, which should make lost-and-found hunts a bit easier. Users can share accessories using the app as well – for example, roommates can share TV remotes, house keys, and even luggage which can be viewed via each user’s Find My Device app.
Perhaps one of the best features of the Find My Device feature is that it will work for a ton of different devices with built-in wireless connectivity features, such as audio gear from Sony, JBL, and more, although this will be supplied in a future update. With all that said though, it’s certainly a useful feature that hopefully will make its way to more regions soon.