Google’s Find My Device Network for Android: A Game-Changer in the Making?
In a recent interview with The Verge, Google confirmed that its Find My Device network for Android has made significant improvements, with tracking speeds now 4x faster than when it first launched. This news comes as a welcome relief to Android users who have been waiting for a reliable and efficient tracking solution. But what exactly has changed, and what does this mean for the future of device tracking?
A Rocky Start
When Google’s Find My Device network first launched, it was clear that it had a long way to go to catch up with Apple’s Find My and Samsung’s SmartThings. In fact, one user’s experiment with sending an AirTag and a Pebblebee tracker through the mail only to see the Android tracker never be found at its final destination was a stark reminder of the network’s limitations.
Improvements and Optimizations
However, as we noted in January, Google has been working tirelessly to improve the network’s performance. The company has made significant changes to its algorithm and technical under-the-hood improvements, including adjusting the frequency and duration of Bluetooth scanning to make it easier for devices and trackers to communicate with each other.
Default Privacy Settings
Another key change is that more users are switching away from the default Find My Device privacy settings, which allows the network to work in “all areas” instead of just “high-traffic” locations. This change is a result of Google’s efforts to educate users about the importance of changing their default settings, which were previously set to “high-traffic” locations.
UWB Support on the Horizon
Google also hinted that more information on UWB (Ultra-Wideband) support is coming “very soon.” This is exciting news for fans of the Moto Tag, which is the only FMD tracker with UWB hardware baked in. With UWB support, users can expect even more accurate and reliable tracking.
The Verdict
While Google’s Find My Device network still has its limitations, the company’s efforts to improve its performance are paying off. In a test against Apple and Tile networks, The Verge concluded that “it’s pretty inarguable that Google’s Find My Device network still isn’t as good as Apple’s Find My at actually finding stuff.” However, this is largely due to Google’s decision to prioritize user privacy over functionality, rather than any inherent limitations of the network itself.
Actionable Insights
So, what does this mean for Android users? If you’re currently using the Find My Device network, you can expect faster and more reliable tracking. If you’re considering switching to a different network, you may want to hold off and see how Google’s improvements continue to evolve.
Conclusion
Google’s Find My Device network for Android has come a long way since its rocky start. With its 4x faster tracking speeds and improved algorithm, the network is finally starting to live up to its promise. While there’s still room for improvement, Google’s commitment to prioritizing user privacy and security is a welcome change. As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see how Google continues to innovate and improve its tracking technology.