A revolutionary feature may be coming to Android 15. The ability to locate lost devices even if they are turned off. Mishaal Rahman, a renowned Android developer, revealed on Android Police that Google is exploring technology to keep Bluetooth controllers partially operational even when the phone is shut down.
Android 15: Find Your Lost Phone Even When It’s Off
This functionality builds upon Google’s existing initiative to create a network similar to Apple’s Find My network. This network relies on Bluetooth beacons – short signals transmitted by devices at regular intervals – that nearby devices can pick. With billions of Android devices globally, this network could create a dense and accurate location grid.
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However, locating a powered-off device presents a challenge. Here’s where Google‘s innovation comes in. The idea is to pre-record these unique and secure identification signals within the Bluetooth controller’s memory before powering down. Even in a deactivated state, the controller can continue transmitting these pre-recorded beacons, allowing for continued location tracking.
It’s important to note that this feature requires compatible hardware. Current reports suggest the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro might be the first beneficiaries. While the Pixel Fold and older models seem to lack this capability, a broader rollout to previous flagships and potentially other devices is likely in the future. The official debut might occur with the upcoming Pixel 9 series expected this fall.
This potential addition to Android 15 signifies a significant advancement in lost device recovery. Users can have greater peace of mind knowing they can locate even powered-off phones, ensuring their misplaced devices are still findable.