Google has launched its Find My Device crowdsourcing network, using over a billion Android devices to find lost gadgets. Users can locate their devices on a map and integrate Bluetooth tags into the system to track other things.
Gadget Search
New Tracking Network
After much preparation, Google has finally unveiled its long-awaited crowdsourcing network Find My Device. This solution uses over a billion Android devices to help users locate missing gadgets. The basic functions of this service are similar to those offered by Apple and Tile.
Find lost devices
Once the app is installed, users can search for compatible Android phones and tablets . The tool allows you to remotely activate a call on your device and display its location on a map. Map data is available even when there is no Internet connection. Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones will appear on the map even if they are turned off or completely battery-powered.
Tracking everyday items
Technology doesn't yet allow tracking of everyday items, but that will change in the future soon. In May, Bluetooth tags from Chipolo and Pebblebee will be integrated into the Find My Device app, allowing you to find any item, including keys, wallets and even pets. Future tags are being developed specifically for this network. Pebblebee's offerings include tags, clips and thin wallet cards that will go on sale in late May or early June. Chipolo will release Android compatible versions of its One Point and Card Point trackers in May. Google says there will be other trackers coming later this year, including from Motorola and eufy.
Smart home integration
Google Find My Device also integrates with smart home devices Nest. If you lose something at home, the app will show the item's location in relation to existing Nest devices, helping you narrow down your search.
Search with other people
You can share an item's location with other people so friends and family can keep track of important things.
Compatibility and Availability
New tracking technology works on devices running Android 9 and above. The Google Find My Device network will be available to Android users in the US and Canada initially, with a global rollout coming soon.
Glossary
- Google is an American multinational company, a developer of Internet products and a provider of related technology services.
- Find My Device is a crowdsourcing network from Google for finding lost Android devices.
- Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google.
- Apple is an American corporation, manufacturer of personal and tablet computers, audio players, smartphones, and software.
- Tile is an American manufacturer of Bluetooth tags for tracking lost items.
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Answers to questions
What is Google's Find My Device?
How does the search for lost devices work on this network?
Can Find My Device be used to track everyday things?
What additional features does Find My Device have?
What devices does Find My Device work on and where is it available?
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Discussion of the topic – Google has launched the Find My Device device search network: find lost gadgets using a crowdsourced network
After extensive testing, Google has finally launched the Find My Device network, using a crowdsourced network of over a billion Android devices to find lost gadgets. This technology is similar to solutions from Apple and Tile, allowing you to find lost phones and tablets.
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Анджей
What great news! Finally, Google has a smart feature for finding lost things 🙌 Just like Apple, only for Android.
София
I agree, super useful thing! You will no longer have to rush around the house looking for your keys or phone 👍 By the way, has anyone already used this feature from Google? I'm interested in how effective it is in practice.
Юзеф
I haven’t tried it yet, but I read that the technology works even when the phone is turned off or discharged. I think this is a huge plus, because usually we lose our phone for these reasons 💪
Агнес
And I'm worried about privacy. Are we revealing too much data by giving an app access to geolocation? 🤔 What if our movements will be tracked for advertising purposes?
Франц
Agnes is right, this is really worth keeping in mind. But Google says geolocation data will not be used for marketing purposes. Although of course it’s up to them to decide 🧐
Ян
The coolest thing is that this feature will learn to search not only for phones, but also for ordinary things like keys or pets! 🐶 I would love to buy a dog tracker so I don’t have to worry when he runs away on a walk.
Казимир
Yeah, I wouldn’t want to pay for an expensive dog tag 😩 But I agree that the technology is very promising. Let's start with little things like keys and wallets, and then we'll get to the pets!
Здзислав
Fi, why bother making a fuss around this nonsense 🙄 In my opinion, it’s easier to remember where you left your keys or where you put your phone. As much as we can rely on gadgets, people have become weak-willed and helpless!
Магдалена
Zdzislaw, I'm sorry, but your words sound like the complaints of an old grump 😆 Technologies are designed to make our lives easier, not complicate. If there is a smart and convenient thing for keeping track of our things, it is worth accepting.
Паулина
Yes, Zdzislaw thinks in an old-fashioned way 🧓 But at his age this is forgivable 😁 I am sure that representatives of the younger generation will be happy to adopt a cool feature from Google. Nowadays it is so easy to lose an important thing!
Габриэль
I suggest not to get excited and wait for the release. At first, the new product will probably be crude, with bugs and shortcomings. Let's see how it works in practice 🤷♂️ If it turns out to be convenient, then we will all appreciate it.
Аня
Gabriel is right, there is no need to rush. But I’m glad that Google continues to develop smart functions for everyday life 👏 It’s a small thing, but it’s nice when large companies think about our everyday needs, and not just about big projects.
Северин
I personally am already looking forward to the release of this feature 😁 I just lost my favorite headphones somewhere at home. I hope Google's new feature will help you find them!
Алиция
I love useful new products, but the main thing is that they can be easily integrated into everyday life. If the function turns out to be too confusing, it’s unlikely that anyone will use it 🤔 I hope Google thought through the interface and made everything simple.
Мариуш
Wow guys, thanks for the active discussion! 💯 It is clear that the new feature from Google is capable of uniting a variety of opinions. I'm looking forward to its release!