June 2024 Update for Android Activates Offline Find My Device Network
Google’s quarterly Pixel Feature Drop is here, and it’s packed with some new features and upgrades for the entire Pixel lineup. It features advanced AI capabilities like Gemini Nano to Pixel 8 series with on-device AI operations. Pixel Watch gets enhanced safety features, improved usability and entertainment options. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect from this latest rollout.
The search giant published a blogpost showcasing all the changes related to the Pixel feature drop from June 2024. Google also posted a video for the same. Read more below.
While the update packs a bunch of features for the Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 6 series, the most anticipated feature that goes unnoticed is the Offline Find My Device Network feature spreading across all the regions.
The Pixel 8 series is receiving Offline Find My Device Network outside United States.
What is Offline Find My Device Network?
Google’s Find My Device network allows you to locate your Android devices, accessories, and Bluetooth trackers even when they are offline. Similar to Apple’s Find my network used in AirTags or Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag.
The network uses a crowdsourced approach, leveraging all the Android devices around running Android 9.0 or higher to detect nearby items using Bluetooth. It can constantly ping nearby participating devices to detects a lost item accurately, and provide the precise location.
To enable offline finding, go to Find My Device settings, tap “Find your offline devices”, and choose either “With the network in all areas” or “With the network in high-traffic areas only”. This allows your device to participate in the network.
Moreover, a Pixel 8 and 8 Pro devices can be found even with a dead battery, as there is reserve power channeled to the Bluetooth chip for several hours.
Read more about the end-to-end encryption, security, and privacy features of Offline Find My Device Network here.
June 2024 Security Patch may enable Find My Device Network for all Androids
While Google’s June 2024 Pixel Feature drop enabled Find My Device Network for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, it may not be restricted to the Pixel lineup. You may soon see this enabled in all Android devices with the June 2024 security patch. So keep checking the Find My Device app!
Expanding Find My Device Network to all Android devices leverages Bluetooth crowdsourcing to provide accurate finding capabilities for all Android devices! This includes phones, accessories, and trackers.
However, the offline tracking depends on the hardware of your smartphone. The Find My Device Network, nevertheless, will utilize crowdsourcing all Android devices nearby.
Offline Find My Device vs Find My Device Network
The Offline Find My Device and Find My Device Network are two different things.
The Find My Device Network allows you to locate your Android devices by crowdsourcing all Androids in the network like phones, accessories, and Bluetooth trackers.
Offline Find My Device, however, can find the device even when the battery is dead as it has reserved power channeled to the Bluetooth chip for finding offline. So the offline thing depends on hardware.
Pixel Feature Drop June 2024
The June 2024 Pixel Feature Drop for Pixel lineup brings Gemini Nano for Pixel 8 series.
Gemini Nano: Bringing AI to Pixel 8 and 8a
Google’s most efficient AI model, Gemini Nano, is now available as a developer option on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a. This AI model is designed to handle on-device tasks more efficiently, offering a host of benefits without relying on network connections. To access Gemini Nano, enable developer options in your Pixel’s settings.
Improved Recorder App
With Gemini Nano, the Recorder app on Pixel 8 and 8a can now deliver more detailed, downloadable summaries. This feature is perfect for capturing and organizing interviews, lectures, and meetings. The app can even detect and label speakers, making it easier to follow conversations. Transcripts can be exported into text files or Google Docs, enhancing productivity and organization.
Enhanced Entertainment Options
Pixel 8a, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Pro can now display content on larger screens via USB-C. This feature allows users to enjoy movies, shows, and presentations on computer monitors, providing a more immersive viewing experience.
Advanced Phone Tracking
The updated Find My Device feature now allows you to locate your Pixel phone even if it’s off or the battery is dead. This upgrade ensures your device remains traceable, with location data encrypted and kept private.
Photography Enhancements
The Pixel camera is now smarter, automatically identifying the best moment from your photo in HDR+ with a single shutter press. This ensures that your face is in focus and smiling, making photo capturing effortless.
Reverse Phone Number Lookup
A new reverse phone number search feature lets you quickly identify unknown numbers directly from your call log. This is particularly useful for avoiding spam calls or identifying missed calls from important contacts.
Google Wallet Expansion
Google Wallet has recently expanded to India, allowing more users to securely store and access items like boarding passes, loyalty cards, event tickets, and gift cards. This expansion highlights Google’s commitment to making everyday transactions more convenient for a global audience.
Manual Camera Lens Selection
The Pixel camera now allows you to manually select which lens to use when taking photos. This provides greater control over your photography, enabling you to capture the perfect shot every time.
