Google recently expanded and renamed its Android Device Manager to Find My Device, joining the 11-year-old Find My network to help users locate a variety of devices, including phones, tablets, and wearables. On the other hand, Apple’s Find My network has been around since 2010 and has the capability to find Apple products as well as third-party devices compatible with the network.
In a comparison of Apple’s Find My network and Google’s Find My Device in 2024, a test was conducted using the Chipolo One Point and an AirTag at Pier 39 in San Francisco. Both systems utilize an encrypted network of devices to help find lost items, allowing users to view locations on a map, play sounds to locate items, and share locations with friends. Setting up Bluetooth trackers on both networks is simple, requiring proximity to the phone.
Apple’s Find My network has an edge with support for third-party items and ultra-wideband technology in AirTags, providing precise location information and separation alerts. The network only needs one connected iOS device to locate lost items, utilizing a collaborative network to transmit location data. On the other hand, Google’s Find My Device relies on multiple Android devices in high traffic areas to triangulate locations, but can be adjusted to locate items in all areas with just one device.
In a simulated lost item scenario at Pier 39, the AirTag was located within minutes by Apple’s Find My network, while Google’s Find My Device did not provide any notifications within 30 minutes, despite showing an approximate location on the map. Apple’s network guided the user with directions while Google’s network only displayed a map view. Ultra-wideband technology in AirTags allowed for precise tracking options, while the Chipolo tracker used sound cues for proximity.
The test concluded that Apple’s Find My network was more effective in locating the lost item compared to Google’s Find My Device. However, improvements in Google’s network are expected as more devices connect to the network and ultra-wideband support is added to Android trackers. The test may be repeated in the future to evaluate the progress of Google’s Find My Device network.
Article Source
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/i-compared-apples-find-my-network-and-google-find-my-device-heres-the-clear-winner/