Google is reportedly working on a groundbreaking feature that could revolutionize the way users locate their lost or stolen Android devices, even when they are turned off. This feature, rumored to be called Pixel Power-off Finder, is said to be similar to Apple's AirTags or Find My feature, and is expected to be released soon, possibly with the launch of the Pixel 8 model.
According to a report by 91 Mobiles, which cites a reliable tipster named Kuba Wojciechowski (@Za_Raczke), Google is working on creating a massive network of Android devices with optional support for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, along with locating tags similar to Apple's AirTags, including Google's own codenamed "grogu" and others. This network would allow users to track their lost or stolen Android devices even if they are turned off.
The report suggests that Google has provided early source code for Android 14 to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) registered in the Early Access Program (EAP), and a new Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) definition called "hardware.google.bluetooth.power_off_finder" is included in the source code. According to code comments, Precomputed Finger Network keys will be transferred to the device's Bluetooth chip, allowing the chip to remain active even when the phone is turned off. This is similar to how Apple's Find My feature works on iPhones.
If this feature becomes a reality, it could be a game-changer for Android users who often struggle to locate their lost or stolen devices. Currently, users rely on various methods such as Find My Device, which requires the device to be turned on and connected to the internet, or third-party apps that may not always be reliable. However, with the rumored Pixel Power-off Finder feature, users could potentially track their lost or stolen Android devices even if they are turned off, significantly increasing the chances of recovering their devices.
It is not yet clear if this feature will be supported on existing Pixel devices or their modifications, but speculation is rife that the Pixel 8 model may come with support for this feature. Google's push towards creating a network of Android devices with optional UWB support and locating tags also indicates the company's commitment to providing innovative solutions for its users and staying competitive in the tech industry.
In addition to the rumored Pixel Power-off Finder feature, Google has recently extended its Nearby Share feature to Windows PC devices. Previously available only on Android phones and Chromebooks, Nearby Share allows seamless file transfer between two devices. Users can share files and links with their contacts or multiple Android users near them at the same time. The recent beta version for Windows PCs indicates Google's efforts to expand the availability of its features across different platforms and devices.
While Google's rumored Pixel Power-off Finder feature is still speculative at this point, it has the potential to be a game-changer for Android users who often face challenges in locating their lost or stolen devices. If this feature becomes a reality, it could enhance the overall user experience and provide a unique selling point for Google's Pixel devices. As the tech industry continues to evolve, innovations like these are expected to shape the future of mobile devices and their functionalities.
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