Posted 3/14/2024, 10:19:23 AM
Android 15 to Add Powered Off Phone Tracking, Raising Privacy Concerns
- Android 15 will introduce a Powered Off Finder API that allows compatible devices like the Pixel 9 to be tracked when powered off.
- The API enables devices to keep sending Bluetooth beacons after Android shuts down if there's reserve battery power.
- This would rely on an upgraded Find My Device network that Google announced but that Apple has not yet adopted to enable unwanted device tracking alerts.
- Code suggests the Pixel-specific branding will be "Pixel Power-off Finder" and that it could optionally support UWB technology.
- The feature would help Android match iOS's Find My ability to locate iPhones when they are powered off rather than just disconnected.