Android is no longer the free-for-all open-source platform with a limited focus on security it once used to be. Over the last few years, Google has focussed on fortifying the platform’s security with stricter software update policies to deliver reliable and consistent user experiences. With the Find My Device feature, Google has taken another step to offer a cohesive user experience for billions of Android phone users globally.
If the name rings any bell, it could be because Google has taken a lot of inspiration from Apple’s Find My service, which has set a benchmark for connecting all devices of an ecosystem. For years, Apple’s Find My has offered a reliable way to locate their lost Apple devices on the grid. Whether you lost your MacBook or your precious pair of AirPods Pro, Find My could locate everything for you.
With the addition of the controversial AirTag tracker, Apple extended the benefits of its connected ecosystem to all other non-digital items.
However, with Google turning on its Find My Device service, it could be on the path to creating a larger mesh of devices around the globe. But can it outdo Apple’s Find My service and how will it benefit billions of Android users around the globe? Let’s find out.
Is Android Find My Device based on Apple Find My?
There are several aspects where Google’s Find My Device service is vastly similar to Apple’s Find My.
For the service to work, all your devices need to be digitally tied to a common account. In Apple’s case, you need to register all your Apple products on your iCloud account whereas Google would want you to tie your devices with your Google account. Since Google’s service is new, device compatibility is a huge factor to consider and not all of your older accessories may support this standard.
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Both these services rely on your device’s last location conveyed to the servers. Apple’s Find My makes your iCloud-registered devices beep their location on the grid to the server and as long as the device is on power, it will keep conveying its location in real-time. The AirTag tracker relies on other iPhones and iPads in closer proximity to ping the location to the Apple server. The tracking happens even after the devices get switched off.
Google’s service also functions similarly. With billions of Android devices active around the world, it will be easy for your lost Android phone or compatible tracker to ping its location on the grid. Google says that its service even works with devices that have gone offline. Additionally, Google’s latest Pixel 8 series devices can keep beaming their location with a dead battery, courtesy of a special hardware provision on these products.
Both services have dedicated location tags that can be used to put other inanimate things on their digital grid. Apple’s AirTag has been around for a while proving its worth as an effective tracker. However, the lack of privacy-focused features has put the tracker under the scanner and Apple is still working on a solution to add a protective layer of privacy.
On the Android side of things, we have had Bluetooth trackers for a while but all of them belonged to different brand-based ecosystems. Chipolo, Pebblebee, Jio, Motorola and Eufy will be rolling out Bluetooth location tags compatible with Google’s Find My Device service.
Apple and Google promise encryption-level protections for transmitting the location. Hence, from a safety point of view, you are covered on both these fronts.
If you are unable to recover your device in the case of theft, both Apple and Google provide options to remotely take a backup of crucial data and wipe the devices clean. You may not get back your device but your data stays out of harm’s way.
Android Find My Device vs Apple Find My: Which one is better?
Apple’s Find My service has been around for years and hence, Apple has had the luxury of time to take feedback from customers and build new helpful features.
- Apple’s Find My lets you locate your friends on the map, provided they consent to sharing their location. Hence, whether it’s a crowded concert or a busy street, you can use Find My to pinpoint the location of your friends with an iPhone. With the iPhone 15 series, you can even use the Precision Finding feature to locate the exact position of your friends. Google’s Find My Device can’t do that yet.
- Devices with parental controls can use Find My to keep a tab on when their children reach home or school. Google’s service is yet to get such a feature.
- Apple’s Find My also lets you set a custom message to be displayed if someone else discovers your lost/stolen iPhone or any other Apple device.
Image Credits: Courtesy Google
Google Find My Device, on the other hand, has built a couple of other features that Apple has yet to build.
- Android’s Find My Device feature can protect you against unwanted tracking from malicious trackers and other compact devices. Apple has not implemented this feature into its ecosystem.
- Google is using smart home devices from Nest to help you locate a lost item in your household. Hence, if you forgot about the car keys in the drawing room, Android’s Find My Device will use the nearest Nest smart speaker or smart screen to locate its closest proximity and help you find it. This is great for those devices lacking an ultrawideband chip.
- Google also lets you share your devices with other people in the event of a theft or loss. Once you share the device profile with a friend or family member, they will also get notified of the item’s location if they explore other regions of the grid.
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(Hero and Featured Image Credits: Courtesy Apple)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What are the features of Google’s Find My Device?
Google’s Find My Device can help you locate compatible devices such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and Bluetooth trackers on the grid. It lets you share your devices with friends and family for easier tracking.
– How can I use Google’s Find My device?
Google’s Find My Device service is available on all Android devices running on Android 9 and newer OS versions. You can access it from the dedicated Find My Device app.
– How can I use Apple’s Find My?
You can use Apple’s Find My service from the Find My app pre-installed on the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.
