Android 15 Outshines iOS with its New Tracking Feature
In the ongoing Android versus iOS debate, iPhones have always managed to stay ahead with their “Find My” feature. This unique aspect allows iPhones to be tracked even when they’re switched off, a feature introduced with iOS 15 and available on iPhone 11 and newer models.
Samsung Galaxy phones do offer an offline finding feature via SmartThings Find, but it falls short as it doesn’t function when the phone is off. However, Google is set to level the playing field with Android 15, which will grant the ability to track phones even when they’re off and not just disconnected from the internet.
Android 15’s Powered Off Finder API
As reported by Android Police, Android 15 is expected to introduce a new “Powered Off Finder API“. This will allow compatible devices, likely including the Google Pixel 9 series, to be tracked even when they’re switched off. Mishaal Rahman has previously shared insights on the potential features of this API.
The Powered Off Finder API would enable devices to continue transmitting Bluetooth beacons even after the Android system is shut down, making it possible to locate devices when they’re powered off or out of battery. However, a small reserve of power would still be needed to enable the Bluetooth chip to send out these beacons.
The Role of Google Play Services and the Upcoming Find My Device Network
Google Play Services is said to be preparing for this feature and will use the Powered Off Finder API to send precomputed “Finder Network” keys to the device’s Bluetooth chip. This will enable it to continue broadcasting to other nearby devices on Android’s upgraded Find My Device network.
However, the full functionality of this feature relies on the yet-to-be-released Find My Device network, announced at Google I/O 2023.
Another report suggested that the feature would be named “Pixel Power-off Finder” on Google Pixel phones, with similar functionality to “Finder Network” keys and optional support for UWB technology.
However, the role of UWB within this API remains unclear. Hence, despite Android 15 expected to bring the API and the Pixel 9 series potentially having the necessary hardware, the successful rollout of the upgraded Find My Device network is crucial for the feature to function effectively.
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