In a bid to revamp its Find My Device service, Google announced during the I/O 2023 keynote that it will now use billions of Android devices worldwide to help users locate their misplaced belongings. This move brings Google’s platform closer to the location-tracking capabilities offered by Apple and Tile.
Sameer Samat, a Google executive, revealed that the enhanced Find My Device system will be expanded to include headphones, earbuds, tablets, and other product categories in the upcoming months. While some of these devices are already supported, users can expect a more extensive range of gadgets to be added soon. The system will now leverage a vast network of devices owned by others to ping your lost item and pinpoint its location.
Google’s revamped Find My Device platform will be “powered by a network of billions of Android devices around the world,” according to Samat. Third-party participants, including Tile, Chipolo, and others, will also join the updated program. To address privacy concerns, Samat emphasized that the network was designed with privacy preservation in mind from the very beginning. He added that the location data of devices will be encrypted and remain inaccessible to Google.
In light of potential misuse of location-tracking products, Samat discussed the implementation of unknown tracker alerts that will notify users when a tracking device, such as Apple AirTags, is accompanying them. He also highlighted the collaborative efforts between Google and Apple to prevent stalking and other malicious uses of these convenient gadgets.
The updated Find My Device platform signifies Google’s commitment to offering users a reliable and secure solution for locating their belongings while ensuring the privacy and safety of its users.
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