by Juli Clover
Google today began letting Android customers know that it will soon launch a promised Android-based Find My Device network, reports 9to5Google. Google announced the upcoming Find My feature last year, but it has not yet debuted because Apple and Google were working to develop a cross-platform solution for unwanted tracking alerts.
Code in iOS 17.5 suggests that Apple is adding support for discovering nearby third-party item trackers and alerting iPhone owners when one has been located. "You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on a website by the manufacturer of this item," reads some of the code.
With Apple likely planning to add alerts for third-party trackers in iOS 17.5, Google is clear to launch its new Find My Device network, which will allow Android smartphones to be used to locate lost phones, Bluetooth trackers, headphones, and other accessories.
Apple and Google first announced plans for an industry tracker specification in May 2023, with the aim of putting an end to the misuse of Bluetooth item trackers for tracking individuals. Both companies have been working to implement AirTag-style tracking alerts so people will know when a tracker of any kind is nearby.
After Apple launched the Find My network alongside AirTags, there were countless news stories and reports of criminals using AirTags for stalking purposes, leading Apple to make several changes to unwanted tracker alerts. iPhones were initially able to identify nearby AirTags and alert customers if they were being used for stalking purposes, but Android devices could not. Apple remedied this with a Tracker Detect app for Android, but the partnership with Google will allow for a more permanent and reliable solution that will work regardless of device.
Google says that the Find My Device network will let Android users find their devices even when offline, and it will work with compatible Fast Pair accessories as well as Android-based electronics. Google plans to launch the network early next week.
Tags: Android, Find My Guide, Google
[ 60 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
spartan1967
1 week ago
Shows even a little bit of working together can bring significant progress. Just a good faith effort between competitors to bring all clients a more qualified user experience.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kar98
1 week ago
Are people this bad at keeping track of their stuff? The Find My stuff world seems like an unnecessarily large industry.
Then don’t buy it?
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vegetassj4
1 week ago
"Google to Launch Android Find My Network After Apple Adds Third-Party Tracker Alerts to iPhone"
Man, I don't know what I'd do if I lost my whole network. It would probably mean my house disappeared, or I drank too much to find it
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
@Brett
1 week ago
Its so Android users will now know if someone is stalking them with the stupid AirTag.Google didn't pay anything, Apple ran to them because of the bad press regarding stalkers with AirTags.
Google has waited a year for apples crappy devs to finally give the go ahead, remember apple released some awful AirTag alert app on android and expected that to be enough to protect people.
Apple did not run to them They created an app for tracking AirTags. And you need to get your facts right they were waiting on someone else to approve the standard. Also people blaming Apple for Google being late to the party is a cop out. No one is talking about Samsung and their trackers. People just love to bash Apple.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Fuzzball84
1 week ago
Are people this bad at keeping track of their stuff? The Find My stuff world seems like an unnecessarily large industry.
Even security services and delivery companies lose things… so, yeah.. trackers like this are indeed an industry
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Pakaku
1 week ago
Surprised at why this got dislikes, it’s a nice and right thought.
Probably from people around here who can't fathom the idea of Apple collaborating with their "enemies", when it probably happens way more often in reality than they think
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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