Google thinks Apple’s Find My network is so clever it “borrowed” the idea. After announcing the system last year, Android’s Find My Device network is ready to locate misplaced handsets, tablets and tracking tags.
Aside from an opportunity to mock Google for its “innovation,” the new system is relevant to iPhone users because Rolling Square unveiled a pair of tags that support both Google’s and Apple’s system.
Android Find My Device is very familiar
Apple’s Find My system allows a lost tracking tag, Apple device or compatible third-party product (like this backpack) to be located by any iPhone that passes near it. That means the lost item’s location can be determined almost anywhere on Earth. Google’s Find My Device system allows a lost tracking tag or similar accessory to be located by any Android that passes near it, yadda yadda yadda.
Apple implemented its version years ago and launched its AirTag trackers in 2021. Google unveiled the Android knockoff in May 2023, and the system is finally available.
Rolling Square AirThingy Pro supports Apple and Google Find My systems
Photo: Rolling Square
Chipolo and Pebblebee announced tracker tags that support Android’s Find My Device network, but these will only be for devices running Google’s operating system.
That’s where Rolling Square AirThingy Pro stands out: It will work with both. It will be loaded with other features as well.
“AirThingy Pro will have the loudest speaker ever seen in similar devices, it will be extremely durable, with a CNC machined aluminum and ABS structure with IP68 rating, so it can be used even in extreme environments,” explains Carlo Ferraris, cofounder of Rolling Square. “Lastly, it will have a 50% longer battery life than competitors, and feature photo-luminescent inserts for easier findability in the dark.”
The accessory will cost $29. It’s expected to launch before the end of June.
Rolling Square is also working on AirCard Pro, a card-shaped wallet tracker also compatible with Apple’s and Google’s systems. It will have Qi wireless charging and come in at 2.2mm thickness.
The price for this version is also $29, but there’s not yet an estimated release date.
Apple and Google try to hinder stalkers
Tracking tags like AirTag and the Android equivalents prove ideal for keeping track of keys, bags and more. But there’s also the potential for abuse by criminals, creeps and stalkers.
Apple built antistalking features into AirTag and its associated Find My system. But there’s a weakness. While iPhone users get a warning if an unknown AirTag is following them, Android users must install a separate app for that.
To make the whole process better, Apple and Google collaborated on a cross-platform system so users of one platform will be alerted if they’re being followed by a location tracker that uses the rival platform.
“The standard means that both Android and iOS users will receive unknown tracker alerts if the on-device algorithm detects that someone may be using a Find My Device network-compatible tag to track them without their knowledge, proactively alerting the user through a notification on their phone,” promises Google.