Last year, Google and Apple announced that they had joined forces to address unwanted tracking through AirTags and other trackers and develop specifications fit for purpose. Then, a few months later, Google rolled out unwanted tracker alerts to devices running Android 6.0 and above, and also delayed the rollout of its own Find My Device network until Apple addressed the issue in iOS. Required tracking implements similar protections.
It’s taken a very, very long time, but now it looks like we’re finally almost there. Google has sent an email to some Android users telling them that its long-awaited Find My Device network will be rolling out in a few days.
The email specifically mentions “within three days,” which could mean it will go live this Sunday, or more likely next Monday, April 8. Here’s what Google said in the email:
With the new Find My Device network, you’ll be able to find your devices even when they’re offline. You can also find any compatible Quick Pair accessories when they are disconnected from your device. This includes compatible earbuds and headphones, as well as trackers that can attach to your wallet, keys or bike. You will receive a notification on your Android device when this feature is enabled in 3 days. Until then, you can opt out of the web via Find My Device on the web.
You can opt out of tracking networks in advance by visiting this link, which was also shared in the above email – but this will only work if you yourself receive such an email from Google. When you select a setting (leave the default “Find my device network targeting” or opt out), please note that this applies to all Android devices linked to that specific Google Account.
In case you were wondering what prompted this rather temporary rollout, iOS 17.5 appears to have finally added the required unwanted tracking protection first discussed with Google in 2023. Google’s release schedule leads us to believe that iOS 17.5 will be released in the next version on Monday, and at this point, all the pieces of the puzzle are more or less in place.
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