Technology Google confirms its powered-off device tracking will come to other Android phones

[silversurfer]

Content source

https://www.neowin.net/news/google-confirms-its-powered-off-device-tracking-will-come-to-other-android-phones/

Google recently announced its revamped Find My Device service to make it easier for users to find their lost Android devices and to rival Apple's Find My network. If you own a Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, Google will let you find your lost device even if it's powered off or the battery is dead.

Google has confirmed it will bring this functionality to other Android phones as well. A representative told Android Authority that the company is working with other device makers to figure out how "additional premium Android devices" with dead batteries can be made findable. The functionality might trickle down to more affordable devices in the future.

Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro come fitted with specialized hardware that can power Bluetooth chips even if the device is out of battery or powered off, the outlet reports. However, it notes that most Android devices currently available on the market can't communicate with each other over Bluetooth when powered off.

 

[silversurfer]

Google's Find My Device network reportedly expanding outside US and Canada

It appears that Google's Find My Device network has started rolling out to some users outside the US and Canada. At least two Android users have posted on social media that they were able to get a taste of Google's Find My Device network, according to Android Authority's Mishaal Rahman.

Google's Find My Device network reportedly expanding outside US and Canada

Google is reportedly stretching its Find My Device network outside the US and Canada. Users from Japan and the UK posted on social media that they received the opt-in message to join the network.

www.neowin.net

Google's Find My Device network quietly rolls out to some outside North America

Some users outside of North America are starting to get Google's Find My Device network, suggesting a global rollout might be happening.

www.androidauthority.com

 

[HarborFront]

So it means Google or anyone can track you even if you powered off your device. Scary. right?

 

[Practical Response]

So it means Google or anyone can track you even if you powered off your device. Scary. right?

It means if someone is lost, hurt or missing they could be potentially found. If a device is stolen or lost, it could be found.

If you are that concerned with being tracked, leave your device at home and stay out of modern vehicles.

 

[TairikuOkami]

It means if someone is lost, hurt or missing they could be potentially found.

People always seem to get lost in areas without a signal, they can not even call for help let alone be tracked. If someone is missing or kidnaped, the phone is the first thing to go.

If a device is stolen or lost, it could be found.

And then what? It is not like police will cooperate without a warrant and you can not just steal something that is presumably yours. Companies always pretend that they do it for users.

 

[Practical Response]

People always seem to get lost in areas without a signal, they can not even call for help let alone be tracked. If someone is missing or kidnaped, the phone is the first thing to go.

And then what? It is not like police will cooperate without a warrant and you can not just steal something that is presumably yours. Companies always pretend that they do it for users.

Android/Google is adding Satellite GPS in Android 15, and if you lose your device you can go find it. If someone is missing does not mean the phone is first to go. Missing can mean lost.

If abducted they can trace to the last point the phone was on the person and look for clues from there as opposed to starting nowhere with no information.

If stolen you can report.

If you don't care for the services, don't use android, or better yet don't have a smart phone, they still make flip/dumb phones. The services are more beneficial then they are a hindrance except for those under the illusion of privacy concerns. As stated above leave it at home or don't own one. Get a faraday bag of you must if that paranoid about it.