Google Find My Device to Get Precision UWB and AR Features for Accurate Device Tracking

Highlights

• Google Find My Device may integrate ultra-wideband (UWB) and augmented reality (AR) features.
• UWB technology can provide precise device location, similar to Apple’s AirTag.
• AR integration could offer real-time directions via the device’s camera.
• Features are in development, with potential testing in future beta versions.

Google’s Find My Device app may potentially receive ultra-wideband (UWB) and augmented reality (AR) features, which could make it easier for users to locate lost or stolen devices, according to a report.

The Find My Device service currently allows Android users to locate missing devices by scanning nearby devices using Bluetooth.

But it is said that both these speculated features are expected to bring massive upgrades, which can bring more accurate results for device finding.

It is said that the hints of these features were found during the teardown of the Android app.

Find My Device New Features

A report from Android Authority, in collaboration with tipster Assemble Debug, hinted at this and told that mentions of UWB were spotted inside an APK teardown of the app, version 3.1.078-1 of Find My Device.

It is reported that UWBAdapter libraries were found within the app’s code.

This feature is speculated to bring precision finding capabilities to the app.

One of Google’s biggest competitors, Apple, already uses UWB technology in its AirTag, which allows users to locate their lost or stolen items as accurately as possible.

It gives directions on how to get to the device – sometimes the trail leads to within a few feet of where the device is located – so that they can help find the device.

This technology is something that Google does not make use of, at least for now.

Aside from UWB, the report also said that the Find My Device app might be baked with augmented reality (AR) technology.

The code of the app made mention of ARCore support.

ARCore is Google’s SDK for building augmented reality experiences.

The system uses the device’s sensors and APIs to relate with information.

However, there are no reported findings that detail exactly how both of these technologies will be used to enhance Find My Device.

The report speculates that UWB might locate the lost device accurately and then the user may turn on the camera of the device to get directions using AR overlays.

Both of these features are reportedly still in development and there is no information on the timeline for its release.

The report speculates that Google may or may not bring these features, but if it does, they are most likely going to first arrive with a future beta version of the app, allowing select users to test its functionalities.

FAQs

What new features might Google Find My Device include?

Google Find My Device may include ultra-wideband (UWB) technology and augmented reality (AR) features to enhance its device tracking capabilities.

How will UWB technology improve the Find My Device app?

UWB technology will provide precise location tracking, potentially guiding users within a few feet of their lost or stolen devices, similar to Apple’s AirTag functionality.

What is the role of augmented reality in the Find My Device app?

AR will likely be used to provide real-time directions to the lost device using the device’s camera, overlaying directions and information on the user’s screen.

Are these features available now in the Find My Device app?

No, these features are currently in development and may be available for testing in future beta versions of the app.

How were these potential new features discovered?

Mentions of UWB and AR features were discovered during an APK teardown of the Find My Device app version 3.1.078-1 by Android Authority and tipster Assemble Debug.

Also Read: Google Starts Android Find My Device Network Rollout with Limited UWB Integration

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