Google finally adds an important iPhone feature to Pixel 8 smartphones- Details | Mobile News

Google finally adds an important iPhone feature to Pixel 8 smartphones- Details

Google Pixel 8 users can find their devices even when their phones are switched off. Know all about the Google Find My Device network.

By: AISHWARYA PANDA
| Updated on: Apr 09 2024, 10:14 IST
From Google Pixel 8a to Android 15, what to expect at Google I/O 2024
Google Pixel 8 Pro
1/5 Google I/O 2024 time and place: Google has announced that its annual developer conference will kick off on May 14 at 10:30 PM IST or 10:00 AM PT. If last year's trend continues, it is likely to be held at the Shoreline Amphitheater at the Google HQ in Mountain View, California. (Google)
Google Pixel 8 Pro
2/5 1. Artificial intelligence: During this year's conference, artificial intelligence (AI) could yet again take center stage, especially after Google already made several major AI announcements this year including Gemini and Gemma, its families of Large Language Models (LLMs). (Google)
Google Pixel 8 Pro
3/5 2. Google Pixel 8a: Google is also likely to showcase its upcoming affordable smartphone, the Pixel 8a. It will be the latest entry into the Google Pixel 8 series which already has the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. In January, an alleged Pixel 8a retail box was spotted online which hints at a Pixel 8-esque design of the rumoured smartphone. (Representative Image) (Shaurya Tomer/HT Tech)
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4/5 Android 15: The Android 14 rollout began last year and more and more devices are getting it. What does this mean? We could potentially see some Android 15-related unveilings or announcements at Google I/0 2024, especially now that the Preview Phase 1 seems to have kicked off. (Unsplash)
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5/5 Other announcements: Apart from this, Google could also make announcements related to its other services including Gmail, Photos, Maps and Workspace. (Unsplash)
Google Pixel 8 Pro
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FindGoogle Pixel 8 phones even when they are switched off with the Find My Device network. (HT Tech)

After months of anticipation, Google has finally upgraded the Find My Device network for Android enabling users to locate other Bluetooth-enabled nearby devices. However, the feature is a greater boost for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users as they will be able to locate their devices even when they are entirely switched off or when the battery runs out. However, the feature utilizes the power of specialized hardware which is found in only Pixel 8 smartphones, as of now. Know more about the Find My Device network for Pixel 8 phones.

Google Find My Device network for Pixel 8 

Android device tracking will now become easier with the upgraded version of the Google Find My Device network. Now, the feature is as competitive as Apple's Find My network which connects several devices. While the feature will keep the Android devices connected via Bluetooth, Pixel 8 users will benefit the most. With the help of “specialized Pixel hardware,” Google's Find My Device network will be able to locate the smartphones when they are switched off or out of battery. It was not clarified if such hardware exists on other Android devices, but we may see such a feature in future smartphones. 

Also read: Google Pixel 8a price leaked ahead of launch in May: Here's all details

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The update is rolling out in the US and Canada, the feature will be gradually made available in other locations as well. Once rolled out, the users may get an email or an on-device notification after its availability. 

About Google Find My Device network

The upgraded version of Android's  Find My Device network will now be able to connect devices with Google Play Services and Bluetooth-enabled products. This will allow users to stay connected with their nearby devices such as smartphones, headphones, etc. The feature simply picks the encrypted location data of nearby devices so the users can easily find devices if they are lost or misplaced. Google also ensures that the data is end-to-end encrypted which means only the Bluetooth tag owner will be able to view the tag location. 

Also read: Google to introduce new tool to identify unknown callers directly through the Pixel phone app

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First Published Date: 09 Apr, 10:14 IST
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