Android: You’ll be able to find your own devices through other people’s, here’s how

Almost a year ago, Google announced the arrival of the Find My Device network as a response to its already existing network. Apple. The idea is to propose a system. all Android devices can be used as toggle beacons help find ones with built-in location feature, even if they are offline. Distribution had to be delayed due to concerns about possible abuse, but this time it has started and taken the form of a new menu.

Detected by AssembleDebug X (Twitter)we can read:P.To help you locate this device and your Quick Pair accessories when offline, Find My Device may use encrypted location information sent by the Android device and other users on the Find My Device network. When your Android device joins the network, it helps locate the owners of devices it detects nearby by securely sending them location information.“.

How Does Finding Your Devices Offline Work on Android?

after you’re gone Settings > Security & Privacy > Device Finders > Find My Device > Find Your Devices OfflineYou can choose between 4 operating modes:

• Disabled.
• without network : “Your device will not join the network. You can also locate your devices offline using their last stored location when they were online.“.
• Network only in high-traffic areas : “Determining location using last stored locations or network in areas such as airports or busy roads. To help you find a lost item, your device’s location information is only used if other network users can also find the item.“.
• There are networks in every area : “Determine location using stored last locations or the network, even in low-traffic areas. Only location information from your device can be used to help you find a lost item if it is the only device on the network that detects the item.“.

It will thus be possible to define under what conditions your smartphone can and cannot be used as a relay beacon. Currently this menu is only available to a limited number of users, which means the system doesn’t really work. For it to be truly effective, as many people as possible need to activate it. But global distribution shouldn’t be delayed any further.