Enhanced Tracking with Android's Find My Device

The Android Find My Device platform has received a notable update this year. The service now includes offline support and utilizes a community-powered tracking network. Moreover, Android is preparing to incorporate another feature seemingly derived from Apple's technology.

Reports from 9to5Google have uncovered hidden code in the latest version of the Android Find My Device app. This code suggests a new 'compass' feature for more precise searching of misplaced gadgets. Users may soon receive on-screen guidance such as "turn left", "turn right", and "the device is behind you" while trying to locate their devices.

This development likely caters to devices equipped with ultra-wideband (UWB) capabilities, like the Pixel Watch 3. UWB technology enhances location accuracy, making room-specific tracking of items feasible, compared to typical GPS reliance.

Following in Apple's Footsteps

Introduced with the iPhone 11 in 2019, UWB is already a staple in Apple's Find My ecosystem. This technology is showcased in Apple's marketing materials, such as adverts featuring Boba Fett efficiently locating his peers using UWB.

Apple Find My supports Find My (Image credit: Apple)

What Lies Ahead

Currently, the newly discovered code in the app doesn't function—9to5Google's team wasn't able to test it with a Moto Tag. Nevertheless, Google has assured users of imminent improvements to the Find My Device network, with more functionalities anticipated.

Furthermore, more code segments hint at augmented reality (AR) capabilities enabled by UWB, suggesting users might be able to find lost items as intuitively as navigating cityscapes via Google Maps' Live View.

UWB Adoption and Expectations

Despite UWB becoming standard in Samsung and Apple's devices over the years, Google is catching up. While UWB is featured in the Pixel Watch 3, it's absent from Google's mainstream Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 smartphones; UWB is exclusive to their Pro variants.

Although an official declaration from Google on UWB features for the updated Android Find My Device network hasn’t arrived yet, the rollouts to new regions indicate a soon-to-come revelation.