Google is reportedly working on a big update for its 'Find My Device' feature in Android 15, potentially allowing users to track their devices even if it is turned off. Google's tracking feature can only work if the Android device is turned on.
The new feature is expected to launch with Google's Android 15 operating system, the latest Android smartphone models such as the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, and future devices like the Pixel 9.
Sources indicate that Google is developing a "Powered Off Finding" feature to let devices keep precomputed Bluetooth beacons in the Bluetooth controller's memory. This implies that a device can continue transmitting Bluetooth beacons to other nearby devices even when it is not powered on.
(Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Android) A view of the Samsung Galaxy Flip5 phone at the Y2K Core Presented by Android at Wynwood Studio on December 08, 2023, in Miami, Florida.'
However, the feature cannot activate "Powered Off Finding" on any device. This is because the device needs hardware support to power the Bluetooth controller when the other components are powered down.
Additionally, device makers reportedly require engineering work to implement this feature. They must, for instance, implement the Bluetooth Finder hardware abstraction layer (HAL) for the Android OS to transmit those precomputed Bluetooth beacons and enable Powered Off Finding mode.
The upcoming Android 15 release from Google will reportedly be the first operating system to incorporate the new Powered Off Finding system APIs, instructing the Bluetooth Finder HAL on how to toggle the feature and/or set the precomputed Bluetooth beacons. Despite being part of the "Tethering" Project Mainline module, these system APIs are limited to devices running Android "Vanilla Ice Cream," the internal dessert name for Android 15.
Android 15's Beta Release
The expected introduction of Google's Android 15 coincides with the addition of a new feature. However, there have been difficulties with the operating system's beta release, with serious problems during its initial distribution. The dominant search engine quickly withdrew the update, forcing enthusiastic users to manually install it to test out the new capabilities.
The Android 15 preview program is reportedly open from February 2024 until the end of the year, when OEMs and AOSP will receive the final public version of the software.
Google's I/O 2024
Google is expected to make big announcements, as its I/O event has recently been confirmed for May 14 to 15 of this year. Google CEO Sundar Pichai will open the event with a major speech at the Shoreline Amphitheater on the Google campus. For individuals who wish to view the event on the forthcoming date, there is a free online registration available right now.
In addition, developers have the option to create a developer profile, which offers additional benefits for the events. This digital experience allows users to save and view content at a higher quality than what is available to the general public.
I/O 2024 will take place in both a physical and virtual setting, with a restricted live audience for those who choose to attend in person. The venue for the event is the Google campus, located in Mountain View, California.
