According to the latest Play System update, Google appears to be launching its own version of Apple’s Find My network for Android devices. The network, will allow users to track their lost or stolen devices even if they are not connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and are powered off.

Tracking your lost Android just got easier with new Google find my device network

Google seems to be preparing to launch its own version of Apple’s Find My network, according to the latest Play System update. The update includes mention of a “privacy centric framework” and encrypted last-known-location reports, which suggest that the company is planning to roll out its Find My Device network for Android devices.

This network would allow users to track their lost or stolen Android devices even if they are not connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and are powered off, similar to Apple‘s Find My network for its products. There were rumors in 2021 that Google was working on this type of network, but there hasn’t been much progress until now.

The updated Play System update includes a number of new features in addition to the Find My Device network. These features include automatic archiving of apps when storage space is low and Digital Car Key support for Xiaomi phones (previously available only on select Samsung and Pixel devices). The update also allows Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 2 users to manage their payment cards linked to the Google Wallet app through their wearables.

Google is improving its ID verification process by checking the quality of ID images that are uploaded. These changes are part of the Google Play Services v50.22 and Google Play Store v33.5 updates. The Google Play Services update was released on December 15, and the Google Play Store update started rolling out on December 12.

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(via)

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The Samsung Find My Mobile app, which was made to help users locate their devices remotely has recently received a major update to its functioning. While the app did offer Galaxy owners a lot of functionality, it could only do so if the device in question had an internet connection. But now, Samsung is rolling out an update that will allow it to work even when the device is offline.

In other words, even if you lose your smartphone in an area with no network coverage, there is still a way to locate it using Find My Mobile app. The latest version 7.1.08.0 of the app added a new ‘Offline finding’ feature that lets users locate their device in the event of it getting lost. It will also let other users use your smartphone to scan for lost Galaxy devices nearby.

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Looks like Samsung just added offline finding to Samsung's Find My Mobile.

Let's you track your phone even if it doesn't have WiFi or cellular by using other Galaxy users. pic.twitter.com/psLl1rcb4X

— Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) August 22, 2020

Furthermore, the function also extends towards Galaxy Watches and earbuds, if they were connected to your device. The feature was spotted by Max Weinbach recently, who also shared screenshots of the images on Twitter. Looking at the images, it can be observed that users can even encrypt the offline location from the settings page which can be accessed via app itself.

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Back in 2016, Apple launched its iPhone 7 series flagship smartphone. While many were excited about the upgrades and new features, one particular function went under most headlines. With iOS 7 the Cupertino-based company shipped smartphones with Activation Lock which made iPhone a lot more secure than before. This small function was a welcomed feature that discouraged thievery against Apple smartphones. Unfortunately, it is also why thousands of iPhones end up in junk and being scrapped for parts.

Although the new feature functions as a great way to secure one’s iPhone it is also the primary reason why a lot of iPhones end up being useless and in the junkyard. Ideally, the function works best when owners use the Find My app which immediately locks the iPhone. The lock can only be disabled once the Apple ID and password of the owner has been input; failing this, the device is nothing more than a fancy paperweight.

According to the renowned hardware repair specialist iFixit, thousands of perfectly functioning iPhones have to be shredded and scrapped for parts every month instead of being refurbished. Many iPhone users are unaware of disabling the Activation Lock and properly wiping their Find My app details on their handsets. So when they upgrade to a new smartphone or just getting rid of their older iPhone, the device becomes useless as it is inaccessible since Find My app is a permanent lock if the iPhone is not wiped clean and reset.

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Peter Schindler, founder and owner of the Wireless Alliance, a Colarado based electronics recycler and refurbisher, stated that he receives anywhere 4000 to 6000 locked iPhones every month. These devices can still be easily refurbished and put back into circulation but “have to get parted out or scrapped” due to the anti-theft feature.

Notably, Schindler stated to iFixit that Apple should implement a bypass that “would allow certified recyclers and refurbishers to unlock donated devices if they’re not reported lost or stolen.” This would be great for many reasons, the foremost being environmental impacts since Apple is the third most popular smartphone brand currently in the market.

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(Via)

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Oukitel A29 Smartwatch presale is set to begin on online from tomorrow the 10th of November, the watch is priced at just $69.99 and works with Android and IOS devices or on its own using a micro sim card.

Judging by the renders it looks to be quite a stylish device and will be available in gold, silver and grey, looking at the provided render you can see what appears to be a Motorolla style flat tyre circular screen.

The Oukitel A29 Smartwatch presale will be available  between the 10th of November through to the 20th of November. 

Specifications for the Oukitel A29 Smartwatch presale device are listed below.

OUKITEL A29 Specs:

SIM Card: Support Micro SIM

Network 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900

Display Size(Inch): 1.22″ IPS capacitive touch screen, 240*206pixels

Languages: Support multi-language(14 language)

CPU: MTK2502C      

Memory: 128MB ROM+64MB RAM

Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0

Supported Operation System: Android , IOS

Sensor: Gravity Sensor

Smartphone assistant: Camera Control; Message Control, Media Control; Hand-Free Calls;

Fitness&Wellness: Community Share, Alarm Clock, Find My Device, Stopwatch, Timer, Sleep Tracker, Activity Tracker.

Please leave comments and questions below, we hope to get our hands on one to review soon.

Kind regards Shanos

Based on article originally posted at gadgetz.tv 

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