After nearly a year of delays, Google is finally rolling out its Find My Device network. Travelers now have another option to consider when shopping for Bluetooth tracker tags for their luggage on upcoming trips. Additionally, some existing noise-canceling earbuds, such as the Sony WF-1000XM5, will come with this feature built-in for added convenience.

How does it work?

Similar to other tracker networks, Google’s system relies on Bluetooth scanning. Picture this: You attach a Bluetooth tracker tag to your luggage and pair it with your phone. When you’re close to your luggage, the tag sends its location via Bluetooth to your phone. This location data is then end-to-end encrypted, meaning only you or those you share it with can access it. But what happens if your luggage moves out of Bluetooth range, like when you check it in? Well, that’s where other Android devices participating in the Find My Device network come in. They help update your luggage’s location, which is then aggregated and encrypted for privacy. If your luggage goes missing, you can log into Google’s Find My Device website or app to see where it was last spotted by another Android device.

Here are my thoughts on this

With Android devices dominating 74% of the global market, I anticipate the Find My Device network to provide robust coverage, perhaps even surpassing Apple’s Find My network with AirTags. And when you factor in other Google smart home products like Nest, the network’s reach expands even further.

Ideally, I’d love to see Google and Apple make their networks compatible with each other. This would offer the broadest coverage, though there are valid privacy concerns to address. Despite this, I believe the benefits, including deterring theft, outweigh the risks.

I’m also curious about the potential impact on the used electronics market. Many users may forget to unlink the tracker from their Find My profiles, particularly for devices with built-in trackers.

I also have a question about Samsung and their Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2. Will Samsung join the Google Find My Device network, or will they stick to their own network? I believe Google has a strong incentive to bring Samsung into the fold, similar to how they’ve integrated smartwatches with Wear OS.

Now, where can you get your hands on one of these trackers?

You can start preordering from Chipolo and Pebblebe. And just to clarify, these aren’t affiliate links. Later this year, keep an eye out for devices from eufy, Jio, Motorola, and more. Exciting times ahead!

Read more about the Google Find My Device implementation on Google’s blog