Find My Device: Locating smartphones with empty batteries will no longer be exclusive to the Google Pixel 8

Google's "Find My Device" network finally launched on Monday after a delay. This means that Google is catching up with the Apple iPhone, as lost Android smartphones and compatible AirTag alternatives can now be tracked down from any Android smartphone. As soon as a smartphone comes into Bluetooth range, it informs the owner of the device's location, automatically and anonymously.

The Google Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro are the first Android smartphones that can be tracked when they are switched off or the battery is empty, just like the Apple iPhone. Google has now confirmed to Android Authority that this functionality will also be available on other Android smartphones in the future. According to Google, the feature is currently limited to the Pixel 8 series, as the flagships have special hardware that can supply the Bluetooth chip with power even when there is no longer enough energy to turn on the smartphone.

Google says it is working with manufacturers of ARM SoCs and smartphones to bring this functionality to other "premium smartphones", implying that "Find My Device" with an empty battery will be reserved for more expensive smartphones. It is unclear whether existing smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 have the necessary hardware to add this function via a software update or whether this feature will only be available on next-gen smartphones.