Google promised that Android users will soon be alerted if they’re being followed by a location tracker like AirTag or Tile.
It’s part of a collaboration between Apple, Google and other companies to keep item trackers from being used by criminals, stalkers and creeps in general.
Android Find My Device app can detect hidden AirTags
Location trackers like Apple’s AirTag are small gadgets that use wireless tech to make them findable. Attach one to your keys or luggage, and it’ll help you locate them if they go missing.
But criminals have found uses for the devices too, by secretly stashing a Tile or AirTag in an unsuspecting person’s pocket or bag. However, the scheme fails if the person being tracked is alerted to the fact that they’ve being electronically followed.
From the beginning, iPhone users were warned if an unknown AirTag was following them. And Apple released an Android app to do this job, but it was up to users to get this on their own. That won’t be necessary for much longer.
“This summer we’re launching unknown tracker alerts on Android — which automatically notifies you if your phone determines that an unknown tracker is moving with you. You can view the device on a map to understand where it has been seen traveling with you, and play a sound on the tracker to help locate it,” says a new post on the Google Blog.
And at Google I/O on Wednesday, Google committed itself to updating its Find My Device app in Android with this functionality.
To be clear, this does not mean that Apple AirTag will be fully compatible with Android’s Find My Device. It only means handsets running Google’s software will be able to detect AirTags if they are acting suspiciously.
Google said the functionality will launch in the summer of 2023, though it didn’t give additional details.
Apple and Google move to stomp out location-tracker abuse
Google’s announcement resulted from an agreement with Apple that fights the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices. They created an industry specification intended to allow any handset to detect the presence of any tracker.
The specification was recently submitted to the Internet Engineering Task Force for comment. After three months, companies will make any necessary changes then start to implement it.
That’s likely the point Google will update its Find My Device software. Apple will probably implement it in iOS 17, expected in September.
