Google has acknowledged performance issues with its recently launched Find My Device network for Android and plans to roll out improvements in the coming weeks. The company aims to address concerns about the network's speed and reliability in locating lost devices and trackers.
Key points:
- Google launched an upgraded Find My Device network in April 2023 as an Android equivalent to Apple's Find My network
- Recent reviews have highlighted issues with quickly and reliably locating devices
- Google is actively working on enhancements to improve speed and findability
- The network's performance is expected to improve as more devices join
Planned Improvements
In a statement to Android expert Mishaal Rahman, Google said:
We are actively working to roll out enhancements to how the Find My Device network operates that will improve the speed and ability of locating lost items over the coming weeks.
The company expects the network's performance to naturally improve as it grows and more devices join. However, Google is also developing specific enhancements to address current limitations.
User Recommendations
While waiting for the updates, Google suggests users change their Find My Device network setting to With network in all areas for potentially faster item location, especially in less crowded places. This setting allows the network to use location data from a single device rather than aggregating data from multiple sources.
The default setting, With network in high-traffic areas only, prioritizes privacy by waiting for multiple devices to detect an item before sharing its location. However, this can lead to slower performance in less populated areas.
Gradual Rollout and Expansion
The Find My Device network upgrade initially launched in the US and Canada, with a recent expansion to the United Kingdom. As Google continues to roll out the service globally, more devices will join the network, contributing to improved performance and coverage.
The company is also working on additional features, including:
- Easier remote locking of Android devices
- AR directions for finding lost items
- UWB (Ultra-Wideband) support for more precise tracking
As Google addresses these early challenges, the Find My Device network is poised to become a more robust solution for Android users looking to keep track of their devices and belongings.