Google’s Find My Device network has expanded to support third-party trackers, with the first devices now shipping to customers. This new feature was announced in 2023 and officially launched in April 2024, following Apple’s introduction of tracker alerts in iOS 17.5. Android users can now enjoy AirTag-like trackers from companies like Chipolo and Pebblebee.
Chipolo and Pebblebee have confirmed that their trackers will start shipping on May 27, with some customers already receiving shipping confirmation emails for Pebblebee Clips. While Pebblebee is shipping orders early to clear a backlog, Chipolo pre-orders will start shipping on May 27, with most deliveries expected in June. Pebblebee has indicated that units will be shipped over the course of a few weeks.
Customers may experience delays in receiving their Android Find My Device trackers due to the slow rollout of the network. However, once received, these trackers work seamlessly by leveraging the power of a billion Android devices and Bluetooth technology to securely track lost devices.
Key features of the new Find My Device update include:
– Offline Finding: Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro now offer full offline tracking capabilities.
– Bluetooth Tag Support: Track third-party tags from companies like Chipolo and Pebblebee within Google’s system.
– Locate Nearby Items: Use the “Find Nearby” button to locate lost devices in close proximity.
– Nest Integration: Determine how close lost devices are to your Nest devices at home.
– Sharing Made Easy: Share digital keys and more with trusted individuals to help locate lost items.
– Headphone Support: Headphones from brands like JBL and Sony will soon integrate with the network through a software update.
With these new features, Android users can enjoy enhanced tracking capabilities for their devices while benefiting from seamless integration with third-party trackers. Stay tuned for more updates as additional brands join Google’s Find My Device network in the future.