Google and Apple joined forces last year to tackle the issue of unwanted tracking with devices like AirTags. They aimed to create a standard for this. A few months after, Google introduced alerts for unwanted trackers on Android devices version 6.0 and up.
They also decided to delay the launch of their Find My Device network. This was to wait for Apple to put in place similar safety measures against unwanted tracking in iOS.
After a really long wait, it looks like we’re nearly at the finish line. Google has started emailing certain Android users to let them know that the much-anticipated Find My Device network will be going live in just a few days.
The email specifically mentions “in three days,” suggesting the launch could be this Sunday or, more probably, next Monday, April 8. The message from Google in the email goes like this:
“ With the new Find My Device network, you’ll be able to locate your devices even if they’re offline. You can also find any compatible Fast Pair accessories when they’re disconnected from your device. This includes compatible earbuds and headphones, and trackers that you can attach to your wallet, keys, or bike. You’ll get a notification on your Android devices when this feature is turned on in 3 days. Until then, you can opt out of the network through Find My Device on the web.”
If you want to turn off the tracking feature ahead of time, you can use this link. However, this is only an option if you’ve gotten this email from Google. When you pick a preference (keeping the “Locate with the Find My Device network” setting on or turning it off), remember it will affect every Android device connected to that specific Google account.
If you’re curious about the sudden launch, it looks like iOS 17.5 is introducing the necessary protections against unwanted tracking. These were initially talked about with Google in 2023. The timing of Google’s launch suggests that iOS 17.5 might come out next Monday, putting nearly all the pieces together.
What do we think?
I think Google’s new Find My Device network is a big deal. It’s coming out soon, and it sounds awesome. You can find your stuff, like headphones or your bike, even if they’re not online. Google says we’ll get a note on our phones when it’s ready.
We can choose to turn it off if we want. This is happening because Apple is also making their phones safer against unwanted tracking. It looks like everything’s finally coming together, and I can’t wait to see how it works. It’s going to make finding lost things a lot easier.
