The functionality has been a long time coming, but it is now official. Google has just officially launched its “Find My” network accompanied by connected beacons supposed to compete with Apple Airtags.
If you dreamed of using Apple Airtags to find your keys, but you have an Android phone, don’t worry, Google has finally formalized the deployment of its “Find My” network supposed to compete with the solution proposed by the apple brand. Several small tags competing with those offered by Apple are also there.
Google helps you (finally) find your keys
In a blog post published on April 8, the search giant announced an overhaul of its “Find My Device” app which will now become compatible with Bluetooth tags similar to Airtags. After more than a year of waiting, announcements and rumors of all kinds, Google is finally launching a solution capable of competing with those offered to iPhone owners.
The system is also very similar to that proposed by Apple. If a beacon is marked as lost, all mobiles equipped with Android 9 or better will serve as a “relay” to triangulate the device’s position. If the device is found, the owner will receive a notification on their phone. It will also be possible to ring or flash the beacons from your phone if they are lost between the sofa cushions.
Only in North America at the moment
In theory, the solution proposed by Google is very interesting. With more than three billion Android devices in circulation, the network deployed by Google could benefit from an extraordinary mesh and become the best network for locating lost objects in the world. But Google being Google, the novelty is only accessible in the United States and Canada for the moment. The old continent will have to wait before being able to find its keys.
In order to reassure the general public, concerned about leaving their GPS traces lying around on the web, Google promises that device location data is end-to-end encrypted. A system for identifying “unknown” trackers is also included to avoid abuses that may have occurred with Apple Airtags. To see if the system is robust enough to avoid stalking, cyberharassment and all the other problems that this type of device can create.
The Pixel 8, locatable even when turned off
Finally, the launch of this new “Find My” network by Google comes with good news for Pixel 8 and 8 Pro owners. Google’s latest star mobiles can be located, even when turned off or with a dead battery. A “energy supply» capable of powering the Bluetooth antenna will allow these mobiles to emit a signal even when they are turned off, exactly like Apple’s iPhones.
Android compatible beacons are already on sale from certain manufacturers, but as the network is not deployed in France at the moment, it is wise to wait until Google deigns to bring its ecosystem to us before jumping in. on the first available tag.
Source : Google
3