Google’s Find My Device tracks Pixel 8, even without battery
In a world where our smartphones are almost as important as our keys or wallets, losing them can be a major inconvenience. Google addresses this concern with a groundbreaking feature of Find My Device, Android’s powered-off finding capability.
Google’s latest smartphone, the Pixel 8a, brought a notable feature that significantly helps in locating the device in a situation where it is powered off or its battery is drained. This feature is also available in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro models.
The Pixel 8 series uses a reserved power supply for the Bluetooth chip, which remains active for hours after the main battery has been exhausted. This reserve power lets the device emit a Bluetooth beacon that can be detected by other devices. These devices then securely transmit the location to Google’s Find My Device network, ensuring that only the owner can access this information.
To activate this feature, Pixel 8 device users just need to follow a few steps. First, turn on the Find My Device feature and select the “With network in all areas” option under Find your offline devices.
If you select the options that say “off” or “without network” in the settings, this feature won’t be active. Also, remember that if you switch off the Bluetooth or the location services on your phone, you won’t be able to use this feature.
This function is not a standard software feature and cannot be added to other devices via updates. It requires specific hardware, including a processor and a Bluetooth component. However, Google is working to add this feature in future Android devices.
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- Image Credit: Android Authority
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Google is testing a fixed header feature in the Play Store that will make installing apps easier. This feature will keep essential app details including the app icon, name, developer, average rating, and an Install button visible while users scroll.
At the moment, app listings can be quite long, filled with important information such as reviews and safety data on Play Store. While this helps users be informed about apps, it often means the Install button is far down the page. This long listing makes it hard for users to download the app by tapping on the Install button.
With the new fixed header, the Install button will always be within reach, no matter how much you scroll. This new feature has been spotted on Google Play Store v43.1.19, thanks to AsssembleDebug (via Android Authority).
The new code shows that the header will stick to the top of the screen. This will allow users to quickly install an app or choose to install it on devices.
By keeping the Install button visible at all times, Google aims to improve user experience and help developers who are advised to create detailed app descriptions.
The fixed header feature of Google Play Store will make it simpler for users to install apps with detailed information. As the Google Play Store continues to evolve, these changes make the app experience better for everyone.
Google App is updating its bottom navigation bar by bringing back a more modern design called Material 3. This change introduces a new pill-shaped indicator that shows which tab you’re using.
The revamped bottom navigation bar arrives with the latest beta version 15.40 of the Google App, thanks to 9to5Google. With the fresh design, Google aims to make it easier for users to navigate.
Instead of just highlighting the tab icon you’re on, the new design surrounds the icon with a pill shape to make it clearer and more appealing. Google app initially introduced this design in 2023 but later decided to revert to its previous look. Now, after some changes, the app has once again been back with the updated look.
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Aside from the testing new design, the company is also looking into a new verification feature for its Search function. This feature would give verified businesses a blue checkmark, similar to what you see in Gmail to help users easily identify trustworthy sources online.
Not everyone has access to Google App’s latest beta update yet, but users can force-stop the app through their device settings if they don’t see the new look right away. With the return of Material 3 design and new features on the way, users can look forward to a more enhanced experience in the Google App.
Google retracts report suggesting MediaTek chip in Galaxy S25
Google has started rolling out new Theft Protection features for Android devices including Samsung Galaxy devices running version 10 and above. Announced at the I/O 2024 event in May, these new features help to keep your personal information safe if your phone gets stolen.
The trio of Theft Protection features are now becoming available to Android users including those with devices from brands like Pixel and Samsung. You can start seeing these new features if you’re part of the Google Play services beta (version 24.40.33) program.
Google Theft Protection
The Theft Protection is a new privacy and device safety feature added under Google Services. It helps to keep your personal data safe if your device is stolen.
To access the new theft protection features, check the Theft protection in your device’s Settings app. You can also go to the Google Services page and find it under the All Services tab. This feature includes three main options, they are:
1.) Theft Detection Lock
This feature uses your device’s sensors, Wi-Fi, and smart device connections to detect if someone suddenly grabs your phone while you’re using it. If this happens, your phone will automatically lock its screen to unauthorized access to your personal data.
2.) Offline Device Lock
This feature starts its work if someone steals your phone and turns off the internet to stop tracking. For that, Google mentions two conditions – you need to be using your phone while it’s unlocked, and you can only lock the screen up to twice a day.
3.) Remote Lock
If your phone is stolen, you can go to android.com/lock to lock it remotely. You’ll need to confirm your identity with a phone number and answer a security question. This is faster than the Find My Device method.
With these features, Google aims to enhance your security and protect your personal information. The company will soon make these features available to all Android users through a stable update.