A revolutionary feature may be coming to Android 15. The ability to locate lost devices even if they are turned off. Mishaal Rahman, a renowned Android developer, revealed on Android Police that Google is exploring technology to keep Bluetooth controllers partially operational even when the phone is shut down.
Google may improve “Find My Phone” feature on Android 15
This functionality builds upon Google’s existing initiative to create a network similar to Apple’s Find My network. This network relies on Bluetooth beacons – short signals transmitted by devices at regular intervals – that nearby devices can pick. With billions of Android devices globally, this network could create a dense and accurate location grid.
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However, locating a powered-off device presents a challenge. Here’s where Google‘s innovation comes in. The idea is to pre-record these unique and secure identification signals within the Bluetooth controller’s memory before powering down. Even in a deactivated state, the controller can continue transmitting these pre-recorded beacons, allowing for continued location tracking.
It’s important to note that this feature requires compatible hardware. Current reports suggest the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro might be the first beneficiaries. While the Pixel Fold and older models seem to lack this capability, a broader rollout to previous flagships and potentially other devices is likely in the future. The official debut might occur with the upcoming Pixel 9 series expected this fall.
This potential addition to Android 15 signifies a significant advancement in lost device recovery. Users can have greater peace of mind knowing they can locate even powered-off phones, ensuring their misplaced devices are still findable.
