Google is working on an exciting upgrade for its Find My Device app, as hinted at in a recent code analysis. It appears that the app may soon integrate ultra-wideband (UWB) technology and augmented reality (AR), which could greatly enhance the way users locate their lost items.
The discovery of references to UWB and AR within the Find My Device app was made by AssembleDebug and Android Authority during a deep dive into the latest version of the app’s code. These references included lines mentioning “precision finding” with UWB and “libraries” supporting this cutting-edge technology, hinting at a significant upgrade in functionality.
One particularly intriguing possibility is the potential integration of AR with UWB. This innovative feature could allow users to leverage their smartphone’s camera to visually locate lost items, with AR overlays providing precise directions to guide them towards their missing devices. This advancement would be a game-changer compared to the current system, which relies on approximate location data and sound alerts.
It’s worth noting that this potential feature seems inspired by Samsung’s existing AR-based direction UI for its Galaxy SmartTag 2. However, Google’s approach appears more inclusive as it may enable a broader range of devices to benefit from this technology without requiring specific hardware compatibility like Samsung does.
While the integration of AR and UWB is still in development and unlikely to be released anytime soon, other enhancements are also in store for the Find My Device app. These include improved user security measures and a “Remote Lock” feature, all aimed at making the app an even more essential tool for Android users.
Although exact details about these updates are yet to be confirmed, these findings offer an exciting glimpse into what could lie ahead for the Find My Device app. With these potential upgrades on the horizon, locating a lost phone or device may soon become a much smoother and more intuitive experience for users.
