Google Is Reportedly Working On An Android Alternative To Apple’s Find My Network

Google could be working on the device locating functionality similar to Apple's Find My network. When Apple launched its AirTags, one of the reasons for its success is how it utilizes the 1 billion iPhones out there via the Find My network to ping the device location even when it's not within Bluetooth range.

Well, Google is reportedly working on its own version similar to that of Apple and will somehow capitalize over the 3 billion Android devices around the world to help find lost phones.

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A teardown of the Google Play Services version 21.24.13 APK by XDA Developers revealed some hidden references within the code with a description that says - "Allows your phone to help locate your and other people's devices".

The string suggests is working on the ability to help find other people's lost or stolen Android phones using Google Play Services. 

	<string name="mdm_find_device_network_description">Allows your phone to help locate your and other people’s devices.</string>
	<string name="mdm_find_device_network_title">Find My Device network</string>

At the moment, there is a Google "Find My Device" feature that comes with modern Android phones, and the app which aids users to track the location of any Android smartphone and as well remotely wipe them as long as their Google account is signed on to the device. 

However, Google can expand on this feature using Android's massive reach and offer greater utility than the current solution.

And yeah, there are questions regarding user privacy and security with this feature. The issue of tracking similar to that seen on Apple's Find My network is a cause for worry, and Android users hope Google will have a solution for it.

There are over 3 billion Android devices out there, of which smartphones own a great deal out of that figure. However, some criteria could render some older Android devices ineligible to participate, and Google could even let users opt-out of the network.

For now, Google hasn't shared any details on this functionality. While we hope this functionality sees daylight, there is no guarantee this feature will be released eventually or have a different set of features when it arrives.