Upcoming Android Phones May be Easier to Find
Upcoming Android Phones May Offer Findability Even When Powered Off; Android 14 to introduce enhanced device tracking, akin to iPhone’s capabilities
Future Android phones running on Android 14 and beyond may enable users to locate their devices even when powered off, similar to iPhone’s capabilities since the iPhone 11. Google is working to incorporate this feature in the upcoming Android upgrade, encouraging broader support from smartphone manufacturers.
Google’s Approach to Phone Tracking When Powered Off
Google’s proposed method, as leaked to 91Mobiles, involves maintaining power to the phone’s Bluetooth module even after shutdown. The Bluetooth feature can transmit various data, including location information and personal identifiers, to nearby devices.
Ultra Wideband Radio for Location
Modern iPhones and some top Android phones utilize ultra wideband radio (UWB) for location tracking. Apple employs this technology in its AirTags, while Google is reportedly developing a UWB locator tag that could launch with its next Pixel phones. Samsung incorporates UWB in the Galaxy S23 Plus and S23 Ultra models, though not in the base Galaxy S23 model.
Google’s Potential UWB Usage and Branding
Google could potentially use the UWB feature for locating phones even when powered off, given UWB’s low power consumption in battery-enabled tags. The leaked information suggests that Google may name this feature Pixel Power-Off Finder.
Encouraging Phone Makers to Adopt Power-Off Bluetooth Module
For Bluetooth-based device discovery, it is essential for devices to communicate with one another. As a result, Google is urging phone manufacturers to include a power-off Bluetooth module in upcoming devices. This feature’s code was found in an early Android 14 build sent to manufacturers for future development, leaving it unclear if any current devices, including Google’s Pixel 7 line, support it.
Warranty Plans and Device Tracking Requirements
Both Apple and Samsung offer extended warranty plans in the US, covering accidental theft and loss. For iPhones, users must have the Find My iPhone feature enabled to qualify for a claim. Samsung’s warranty does not currently include such a requirement, though this may change if manufacturers adopt Google’s power-off tracking feature.
Also See:
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Nokia unveils its new user interface, Pure UI
Apple Confirms WWDC Dates for June
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