Google had previously postponed the launch of its expanded Find My Device network, but the latest version of the app contains a new icon and some code snippets that hint at what’s to come.
The new app icon shifts from the green map pin encircling a phone to an abstract radar-like symbol in Google’s usual colors: blue, green, yellow, and red. This new icon is part of the Version 3.0 update.
Google is likely preparing the design update to align with its plans to expand the Find My Device app into a full network that encompasses smartphones and other devices such as compatible accessories and Bluetooth tracking devices.
Simultaneously, some code snippets within the update hint at Google’s plans for the Find My Device network, these include the ability to tag a device as lost, enabling users to receive notifications once it’s found.
There are also indications of the ability to temporarily share a device’s location and modify contact information for accessories, these features resemble those found in tracking devices like Tile and AirTags, allowing you to view contact information when scanning a lost item.
The code snippets also contain hints about new item categories, customizable ring volume levels, and displaying device battery levels.
The new version includes a notification reminding users to use the app responsibly and legally and stresses the importance of adhering to the app’s acceptable use policy, it explicitly mentions that tracking someone without their consent is illegal.
Google had previously delayed the Find My Device network’s launch to give Apple more time to implement undisclosed tracking alerts for iOS users, this notification, along with other details in the update, suggests that Google views unwanted tracking as a significant issue that needs comprehensive addressing.
Google’s Find My Device network operates similarly to Apple’s Find My network and aims to combat unwanted tracking issues, which have become a major concern following the release of AirTags.
While Apple launched AirTags with security features, misuse of tracking capabilities persisted, leading Apple to update the tracking features for better handling of the problem.
