Since quite some time ago, Google has been diligently working on the development of its Find My Device function. It is necessary for offline Android devices to be able to transmit a signal even when they are not switched on in order for them to perform their full operational capabilities. Because of this, they need a certain sort of Bluetooth controller in addition to the hardware that is capable of supporting it. It would seem that the firm has finally achieved progress in terms of Find My Device for offline usage, despite the challenges that have been previously mentioned.
What is the new Google Find My Device Network update?
AssembleDebug, an Android code detective, has discovered that certain individuals who have access to the beta version of Google Play Services are now able to see the option to utilize Find My Device while they are not connected to the internet. The settings that consumers are seeing for the offline finding function are Off, Without network, With network in high-traffic regions only, and With network in all locations. Off is the default setting.
Seems like Google has started rolling out the Find My Network with Google Play Service beta version 24.12.14
It's enabled for me without turning on any kind of flags. #Google #Android pic.twitter.com/WcxXMlPsLE
— AssembleDebug (@AssembleDebug) April 3, 2024
The source suggests that the deployment may be connected to the beta version of Google Play Services, which is version 24.12.14; however, we are not certain that this is the case, since the devices on which we have loaded this version did not instantly have access to this function. In addition, a tipster for tkgap has reported seeing the new settings on Play Services version 24.10.59, which indicates that the deployment looks to be occurring on the server side. If a device is capable of enabling the function, it will be able to see the new option by going to Settings, then Security and privacy, then Device finders, and finally Find My Device.
There are some users that have their settings activated, but this does not indicate that the Find My Device network is operational.
It has been brought to the attention of Mishaal Rahman that these users did not get a message to opt in after the implementation of the settings. The fact that this is the case shows that Google is not yet prepared to launch the functionality. In light of the fact that the upgraded Find My Device network is anticipated to make use of opted-in devices in order to identify and manage offline devices, the fact that the deployment is restricted and an opt-in prompt has not yet surfaced indicates that the feature will not be especially helpful in the near future, assuming it even functions at all.
When Android 15 is finally released to the public, it is anticipated that it will be the first update to fully support the offline Find My Device functionality. It is likely that the software will include the application programming interfaces (APIs) that are required to guarantee that the Bluetooth hardware of the device is capable of supporting offline location services. Google has not allowed the function to be put on the back burner, despite the fact that its distribution may seem to be delayed. Indeed, it is said that the corporation has been working on it from the year 2023, and user interface support for Android has been in the process of being developed.
Seems like Google has started rolling out the Find My Network with Google Play Service beta version 24.12.14
It's enabled for me without turning on any kind of flags. #Google #Android pic.twitter.com/WcxXMlPsLE
— AssembleDebug (@AssembleDebug) April 3, 2024
The functioning of Google’s Find My Device network, on the other hand, is a challenge that the company has had to solve. In order for the feature to function to the fullest extent of its capabilities, Google has to devise a method that would protect its customers from being tracked in an annoying manner. It is for this reason that the corporation, in collaboration with Apple, is striving to provide a method by which individuals may be informed of such monitoring. Find My Device will grow closer and closer to being a reality as these particulars are worked out. Find My Device will include all of its capabilities.
Is Google Find My Device enabled by default?
In the event that you have established a Google Account on your device, the Find My Device feature will be activated immediately.
