Offline device tracking becomes available for Android users.
Google introduces "Locate My Device" network, which now tracks not only smartphones but also compatible accessories like headphones and earbuds, even when they're offline.
Previously, we could only locate lost or stolen Android phones using the Find My Device function if they had an active internet connection. But now, it works offline, too. Google has established a network of compatible devices that search for each other via Bluetooth. If they detect a lost device, they send its location to Find My Device in an encrypted format via a secure connection. It's not just smartphones and tablets that can be tracked this way; compatible accessories can now be traced, too.
Compatible Accessories
Google refers to compatible accessories as devices that support fast pairing. You may have seen this when you open the charging box for Bluetooth earphones, and a pop-up window appears on your phone. Another example is tracker tags attached to keys or valuable items.
Google assures us that the network doesn't pose a threat for spies; all information is end-to-end encrypted and is only accessible by authorized users with a PIN, unlock pattern, or the password of an Android device. Only the owner can share the location with others.
Opt-Out
This feature is activated through an update. When a device joins the Find My Device network, you'll receive an email notification. While there's no reason not to trust Google, anyone who doesn't want to participate can change this in their device's settings. To do so, look for Services and settings - All services - Personal security & device security - Find devices in the search window or under Google - Services and settings - All services - Personal security & device security - Find devices. There are a couple of options.
If you turn the feature Off, the device won't be part of the network, and its last known locations won't be saved. However, the options stay active unless you completely disable Find My Device.
Network Functions
No network means you're not participating in the network but can still find a device using its last known location.
Network only in crowded places means that location data is only used if multiple Android devices have detected a lost gadget. The owner will then receive the device's location based on these detections.
If you activate Network everywhere, you'll always share your device's location through the network. This makes it possible to locate a lost gadget even if it was detected by only one device. And who knows? You might also be able to help others in the process.
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Google has expanded the functionality of its "Find My Device" service to support IT security, allowing Android users to track compatible accessories like Smartphones, headphones, and earbuds, even when they're offline, using Android's advanced Android locating technology.
Thanks to Google's increased focus on IT security, Android users can now secure their Smartphones and Smart device accessories with enhanced offline tracking capabilities, ensuring peace of mind through reliable Android-powered IT security measures.
Source: www.ntv.de
