Find My Device on Android • Hacker News Board

Re: Find My Device on Android

#51

Post by lotsofpulp » Mon, Apr 08, 2024, 6:07 PM UTC

nemothekid wrote: post #43

XargonEnder wrote: post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My wife and I had this exact same sort of situation and now we're both logged into each other's accounts. We never have trouble finding our phones now but it does introduce other problems. Such as not knowing if some sort of security alert is being generated by my spouse and now we have to communicate about it.

Does Android have an equivalent of the "Find my Friends" feature? I assume that would be easier/more secure than logging into each others accounts.

I have no idea why they sunsetted Latitude. I feel like there was nothing on Android after that, and everyone I know switched to Find my Friends and iOS.

Re: Find My Device on Android

#52

Post by wolverine876 » Mon, Apr 08, 2024, 6:07 PM UTC

CobrastanJorji wrote: post #41

Scene_Cast2 wrote: post #11

Would anyone have details on how Pixels can be found even when out of battery?

Same question here. I have to assume this would either work by the device sending out a last gasp "I'm about to die" GPS location call home (for finding it when it's far away), or else there's a mostly passive RFID-like thing in the phone that makes it findable by nearby devices (for finding it when it's somewhere in the house/car/office with you).

How much energy would be needed to power a minimal wireless network node, of some sufficient capability, for let's say 1 day? Any IoT devs out there?

Re: Find My Device on Android

#53

Post by spurgu » Mon, Apr 08, 2024, 6:07 PM UTC

nemothekid wrote: post #50

spurgu wrote: post #48

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Seems like that's what was just released.

The article mentions sharing accessories, but not the device. I assumed that maybe sharing the device feature already existed, but judging by GP's comment that doesn't seem to be the case.

Yeah I'm just assuming that it includes devices as well.

Re: Find My Device on Android

#54

Post by add-sub-mul-div » Mon, Apr 08, 2024, 6:07 PM UTC

I've never needed this feature before but if a chance of losing my phone once per decade is the price to pay for not having my phone tracked at all times, then I'm cool with it.

Re: Find My Device on Android

#55

Post by bnc319 » Mon, Apr 08, 2024, 6:08 PM UTC

MarkusWandel wrote: post #19

Ironically, yesterday my wife couldn't find her phone while we were at a restaurant. Is it at home? Well, let's try this. Google it, go to http://android.com/find Ah, but it only shows devices logged into my account. Well, let's log into hers. Which required 2FA from... her device. Sooo useful.

With Apple's Find My solution, when logging in via iCloud.com there is a 2FA bypass link to the Find My web app. If you want to access other iCloud web apps, 2FA is required, but not for Find My. A nice quality of life feature that has probably gotten thousands of people out of a bind.

Re: Find My Device on Android

#56

Post by nikeee » Mon, Apr 08, 2024, 6:08 PM UTC

This is not compatible with AirTags in any way, no? Wouldn't this be a great opportunity for a common standard? Or is there one?

Re: Find My Device on Android

#57

Post by ianburrell » Mon, Apr 08, 2024, 6:08 PM UTC

saurik wrote: post #29

accrual wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Agreed. I bought a couple Tiles before AirTags were available. They worked fine, but AirTags are just better in every way.

AirTags only come in a single size and shape that only makes sense for larger container objects. Tile makes a flat credit-card sized variant that you can slide in your wallet, and the adapters required to put an AirTag on a keychain is pretty ridiculous in comparison to the tiny variants you can get from Tile with a built-in hole for this purpose. (Also: AFAIK the "large"--not really, in comparison to the AirTag + ad…

AirTags really should have a hole on the edge. Then could attach a lanyard for keychain or strap without needing an adapter.

Re: Find My Device on Android

#58

Post by graiz » Mon, Apr 08, 2024, 6:08 PM UTC

Seems like the type of thing that would benefit from a joint iOS/Android W3C protocol between Apple/Google/Samsung. Perhaps a find my Matter device?

Re: Find My Device on Android

#59

Post by encom » Mon, Apr 08, 2024, 6:09 PM UTC

wolverine876 wrote: post #46

> thanks to specialized Pixel hardware, Pixel 8 and 8 Pro owners will also be able to find their devices if they’re powered off or the battery is dead. This suggests there is separate hardware with its own power and network capabilities, designed for location tracking, designed to be always on. Is there a way to disable it?

I was considering a Pixel 8a when it's released, now I'm not so sure. Not really keen on a mobile botnet.

Re: Find My Device on Android

#60

Post by accrual » Mon, Apr 08, 2024, 6:09 PM UTC

nikeee wrote: post #56

This is not compatible with AirTags in any way, no? Wouldn't this be a great opportunity for a common standard? Or is there one?

I don't know the answer but I agree this tech should be standardized. Over time there will be a massive network of phones and tags capable of finding each other, but it's silly to bifurcate it such that you might not find your device because nobody on the "correct" network is nearby.