Phones Canada is excited to share the latest news from Google about the new Find My Device network rolling out for Android devices, starting first in Canada and the U.S.

This innovative crowdsourced network is similar to Apple’s Find My, leveraging over 1 billion Android devices to help you quickly and securely find lost items. Here are five ways you can use the new Android Find My Device network:

– Locate Android devices even when they are offline, including Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro devices that can be found even if powered off or out of battery.
– Starting in May, use the Find My Device app to locate personal items like keys and wallets using Bluetooth tracker tags from brands like Chipolo and Pebblebee. These tags are designed for the Find My Device network and will be compatible across Android and iOS.
– Use the “Find nearby” option to locate items that are close by, including Bluetooth-tagged items like wallets or keys.
– The Find My Device app now integrates with home Nest devices to show the lost device’s proximity to Nest products, making it easier to find lost items around the house.
– Share the location of an accessory with friends and family within the app, making it easier to keep track of shared items like house keys or TV remotes.

Google emphasizes security and privacy with Find My Device, using multi-layered protections such as end-to-end encryption of location data and aggregated device location reporting. This ensures privacy while finding lost items and prevents unwanted tracking. Last year, Google and Apple collaborated to stop unwanted Bluetooth tracking.

Find My Device is compatible with devices running Android 9 and above, with plans to expand its network to include software updates for headphones from brands like JBL and Sony. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new feature!