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While Google has always had a pre-existing tracking method for locating lost Android phones, we have to admit that it was somewhat lacking in some aspects, especially when compared to Apple’s more fleshed-out approach. With that said however, the announcement of the new and improved Find My Device network shows that Google is hell-bent on stepping things up, even possibly giving Apple a run for its money.
READ: Google Officially Launches its “Find My Device” Feature for Android
Based on what Google has told the public so far, it does pack a lot of handy functionality. For example, it will work even when your smartphone is turned off, work with supported Bluetooth tags, and can even use Google Nest devices at home to pinpoint the location of nearby devices. That’s not to mention the large 2 billion-device network that plays a major role in making the feature possible across different regions and timezones.
Perhaps one of the best features however is the feature’s ability to work with third-party Bluetooth devices, such as products from Sony and JBL, as well as Bluetooth tags. Google says that it will gradually add support for more products though via a future update. Apple also implements a similar feature, although this does work with a limited number of third-party brands.
Another standout feature is a built-in “unwanted tracker” alert system, which should prove to be a rather handy tool – there have been numerous reported incidents of Apple AirTags being used to stalk people, and it’s a smart move on Google’s part to ensure that this doesn’t end up being the case this time around. There’s also end-to-end encryption for added security. As per Google’s announcement:
Multi-layered protections built into the Find My Device network help keep you safe and your personal information private, while keeping you in control of the devices connected to the Find My Device network. This includes end-to-end encryption of location data as well as aggregated device location reporting, a first-of-its-kind safety feature that provides additional protection against unwanted tracking back to a home or private location.
Google adds that you can even let other – and more importantly, trusted – people access an item’s whereabouts on the Find My Device app. This works quite a bit like Apple’s own approach, although at the moment this is limited to users within a Family Sharing group. By comparison, Google’s approach is a bit more open, so there’s a bit more freedom with regards to whom you can share your device’s tracking with.
As we mentioned earlier, Google states that the feature will also work with Nest devices around your home. For example, say that you’ve misplaced your phone or wireless headphones or tagged keys somewhere within the confines of your house. Your Google Nest device will be able to function as a reference point of sorts, giving you an estimate of how near your device is – it’s a much-welcome feature that adds another layer of uniqueness to Google’s approach.
Of course at this point it does make sense to wait and see just how Google goes about implementing its Find My Device feature. One point to consider is that Apple has had more experience with this sort of functionality, although Google’s new revamp gets a bit more points for originality and new features, all of which so far sound promising.
How about you – do you think Google will be able to provide a better overall device tracking experience? Let us know in the comments below!
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