Android 15's Latest Feature Helps Locate Phones Even When Off
In the relentless quest to alleviate the frustration of locating misplaced or powered-off Android devices, Google unveils a groundbreaking solution with its Android 15 update: the Powered Off Finding API. This innovative system, revealed in a recent exposé by Android Police, promises to revolutionize device tracking even when gadgets are dormant.
The mechanics behind the API are intricate yet promising. By embedding pre-calculated Bluetooth beacons into the Bluetooth controller's memory, Android 15 equips devices with the capability to be detected even in a powered-off state.
However, there's a caveat: to enable this feature, specialized hardware is imperative. This mandates a continuous power supply to the Bluetooth controller, necessitating a reserve of battery juice. Consequently, devices must meet specific hardware prerequisites for seamless integration.
Initial speculations hinted at the Pixel 9 as the potential pioneer of this technology. However, fresh insights from the Android Police report suggest that the Pixel 8 could also join the ranks of beneficiaries upon upgrading to Android 15.
Yet, beyond hardware compatibility, substantial software engineering endeavors are essential to support the Bluetooth Finder HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer). Users must ensure their devices are equipped with Android 15 and have the latest iteration of Google's Find My Device system for optimal functionality.
Regrettably, older models like the Pixel Fold, Pixel 7 series, and Pixel 6 series may not be eligible for this enhancement. Whether due to hardware insufficiency or software constraints remains uncertain.
Nevertheless, there's a glimmer of hope for owners of older devices, particularly recent flagship models like the Pixel Fold. The prospect of extending this feature to select legacy devices lingers on the horizon, promising a more inclusive approach to lost phone recovery in the Android ecosystem.