Google's new service finds phones, even when turned off

In the first days of April, Google introduced the latest version of its Find My Device service, which allows tracking of lost or stolen phones using Bluetooth. This latest version of the service, available only on Google devices, will soon be extended to other models.

Currently, tracking a phone after it has been turned off or if its battery has run out is limited to Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro models. However, the website Android Authority obtained information that this technology will also be introduced to phones from other manufacturers.

Google states that it is working on expanding the compatibility of this feature, collaborating closely with phone and chip manufacturers. Achieving this goal requires special, energy-efficient hardware that will allow the Bluetooth module to operate even when the other components of the phone are switched off.

The creators of the Android system do not hide that initially, the ability to locate switched-off or drained smartphones will only be available for select, more expensive models. However, in the future, this option is planned to be extended to more affordable devices. Eventually, this may become a standard in the market in the coming few years, which certainly is bad news for smartphone thieves.

Apple introduced a similar solution for its customers in 2021 as part of the iOS 15 update, which covered all leading iPhone models starting from the series 11. For now, though, it is unclear whether Android will also be able to offer support for existing phone models.