Key Takeaways
- Google has delayed the launch of its Android "Find My" network due to a joint agreement with Apple to detect "unknown" Bluetooth trackers.
- The delay is expected to end after the upcoming iOS 17.5 update, which will include features to detect "unwanted" non-Apple tracking devices.
- Google seems to be preparing for the launch of its tracking network as some users have seen the new Find My Device settings page with an opt-out option.
- Hardware partners like Chipolo and Pebblebee, who have been taking preorders for Android tracking tags, do not have any updates on the launch date.
- Google was also working on its own first-party tracking tag, codenamed "Grogu," and the status of this project remains uncertain.
News Content
Google has been waiting for Apple to launch cross-platform unwanted tag detection before launching its own "Find My" network. The Android ecosystem was expected to have its own version of Apple's AirTags by now, with a crowd-sourced device-tracking network on 3 billion Android phones. However, Google has been in a holding pattern due to a partnership with Apple to jointly detect "unknown" Bluetooth trackers and show users alerts if their phone thinks they're being stalked. The recent iOS 17.5 update is expected to include the necessary functionalities, which could potentially lead to the launch of Google's Find My Device network.
With the impending iOS release, Google seems to be gearing up for the launch of its Find My Device network. However, the exact launch date remains uncertain, and hardware partners such as Chipolo and Pebblebee have not provided any updates regarding the launch of Android tracking tags. Additionally, there were previous speculations about Google building its own tracking tag, but it remains to be seen if this will materialize. The wait continues for Google as it prepares to roll out its much-anticipated network following Apple's advancements.
Analysis
Google's delay in launching its "Find My" network can be attributed to its reliance on Apple's cross-platform unwanted tag detection. The partnership with Apple to detect "unknown" Bluetooth trackers has held back Google's plans for its own version of Apple's AirTags on Android. The short-term consequence is the uncertainty surrounding the launch date of Google's network, with hardware partners also remaining silent on the matter. However, the impending iOS release is a catalyst for Google's preparations. In the long term, this delay may impact Google's market competitiveness in device-tracking technology. Despite this, the future development prediction suggests that Google will eventually introduce its Find My Device network to compete with Apple.
Do You Know?
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Find My Device Network: This refers to a system developed by Google to allow users to track their Android devices using a network of interconnected devices. It is similar to Apple's "Find My" network, which enables users to locate their Apple devices using other nearby Apple devices.
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Cross-Platform Unwanted Tag Detection: This term relates to the functionality that allows devices to detect and alert users about the presence of unknown Bluetooth trackers in their vicinity. In this case, Google has been waiting for Apple to launch cross-platform unwanted tag detection before releasing its own "Find My" network. This feature is essential for ensuring user safety and privacy.
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Chipolo and Pebblebee: These are hardware partners mentioned in the article that are expected to be involved in the launch of Android tracking tags. They could potentially offer tracking devices that are compatible with Google's Find My Device network.