Google has launched its Find My Device network. The offline tracking feature will roll out today in the US and Canada as part of Google's Find My Device network, which uses a crowdsourced network of over a billion Android devices to detect misplaced Android devices and everyday items quickly and securely.
Google has finally launched its Find My Device network. The offline tracking feature will roll out today in the US and Canada as part of Google's Find My Device network, which uses a crowdsourced network of over a billion Android devices to detect misplaced Android devices and everyday items quickly and securely.
Google's Pixel 8 and 8 Pro can now be located even when they are powered down or after their batteries have run down. This is due to specialized hardware in the phones that channels reserve power to the Bluetooth chip for several hours.
The offline tracking feature will roll out today in the US and Canada as part of Google's Find My Device network, which uses a crowdsourced network of other people's devices to detect missing or stolen phones.
Google is being mindful of security and personal safety with the enhanced Find My Device system, implementing safeguards like unknown tracker alerts, end-to-end encryption, rate limiting/throttling for location requests.
The new offline tracking feature will be available in May when trackers from Chipolo and other companies that tap into the crowdsourced network are released.
Accuracy
Google's Pixel 8 and 8 Pro can now be located even when they are powered down or after their batteries have run down.
The offline tracking feature will roll out today in the US and Canada as part of Google's Find My Device network.
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title claims that Google's Pixel 8 and 8 Pro can be located even with a dead battery. However, this statement is not entirely accurate as it only states that devices can be located for several hours after being turned off or if they shut off from a low battery.
Google says this offline tracking is made possible by specialized Pixel hardware in its latest two phones.
Fallacies
(70%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(85%)
The author of the article is Chris Welch and he has a history of bias towards Google. The title mentions that the Pixel phones can be located even with a dead battery which implies that they are superior to other smartphones in this regard. This statement could be seen as an example of ideological bias, where one brand or product is favored over another without any evidence to support it.
The title mentions that the Pixel phones can be located even with a dead battery which implies that they are superior to other smartphones in this regard.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Google's Pixel series phones as they are reporting on new features for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. The article also mentions other topics related to Google such as Find My Device network, offline tracking, specialized hardware and Apple's recent iPhones which can be located without a data connection or powered down.
The author reports on new features for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.
The offline tracking feature will roll out today in the US and Canada as part of Google's Find My Device network
Google is being mindful of security and personal safety with the enhanced Find My Device system
The new offline tracking feature will be available in May when trackers from Chipolo and other companies that tap into the crowdsourced network are released
Accuracy
Google is being mindful of security and personal safety with the enhanced Find My Device system, implementing safeguards like unknown tracker alerts, end-to-end encryption, rate limiting/throttling for location requests.
The new offline tracking feature will be available in May when trackers from Chipolo and other companies that tap into the crowdsourced network are released.
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article suggests that Google has finally launched its Find My Device network when it was actually announced in September 2023 and delayed due to concerns about misuse by people with Bluetooth trackers. Secondly, the author claims that Android users will be able to locate phones even if they are offline which is not entirely true as the device must still be connected for the feature to work. Thirdly, Google's new Find My Device network uses a crowdsourced network of over a billion Android devices but it does not mention how many of these devices have already been enrolled in this network and if they are all actively participating. Lastly, the article mentions that users can locate any compatible Android phone or tablet by ringing it or viewing its location on a map which is misleading as only certain phones will be able to use this feature.
The title of the article suggests that Google has finally launched its Find My Device network when it was actually announced in September 2023 and delayed due to concerns about misuse by people with Bluetooth trackers.
The article mentions that users can locate any compatible Android phone or tablet by ringing it or viewing its location on a map which is misleading as only certain phones will be able to use this feature.
Google's new Find My Device network uses a crowdsourced network of over a billion Android devices but it does not mention how many of these devices have already been enrolled in this network and if they are all actively participating.
The author claims that Android users will be able to locate phones even if they are offline which is not entirely true as the device must still be connected for the feature to work.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several logical fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Google's Find My Device network is a new and innovative solution for locating devices. This statement implies that the technology is superior without providing any evidence or reasoning behind it. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by suggesting that users must choose between using Bluetooth trackers made by Chipolo and Pebblebee or not being able to locate their items at all. The article also contains inflammatory rhetoric when discussing concerns about privacy and security on the new network.
The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Google's Find My Device network is a new and innovative solution for locating devices.
Bias
(85%)
The article contains a statement that implies the new Find My Device network is designed to track down missing phones and other devices even if they are offline. This suggests bias towards Google's product over its competitors who may not have similar features.
> With a new, crowdsourced network of over a billion Android devices, Find My Device can help you find your misplaced Android devices and everyday items quickly and securely.
Google promised to wait for Apple to launch cross-platform 'unwanted tag' detection.
The reason for Google's lengthy delay is actually Apple.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that Google promised to wait for Apple to launch cross-platform unwanted tag detection. However, this statement is false as there was no such promise made by Google. Secondly, the article claims that the Android ecosystem had its own version of AirTags by now but fails to mention any progress in developing or launching it despite several mentions of partners being ready with Bluetooth tag hardware since May 2023. Thirdly, the article states that Apple and Google jointly announced a standard to detect unknown Bluetooth trackers and show users alerts if their phone thinks they're being stalked. However, this is not entirely true as Apple only agreed to share information with Google on how it was tracking AirTags while Google did not reciprocate the same level of transparency. Lastly, the article mentions that iOS 17.5 is expected to launch in May and will include a feature for detecting unknown Bluetooth trackers but fails to mention any similar features being developed by Android.
The statement 'Google promised to wait for Apple to launch cross-platform unwanted tag detection' is false as there was no such promise made by Google.
Despite several mentions of partners being ready with Bluetooth tag hardware since May 2023, the article fails to mention any progress in developing or launching an Android version of AirTags.
The article mentions that iOS 17.5 is expected to launch in May and will include a feature for detecting unknown Bluetooth trackers but fails to mention any similar features being developed by Android.
The statement 'Apple and Google jointly announced a standard to detect unknown Bluetooth trackers' is not entirely true as Apple only agreed to share information with Google on how it was tracking AirTags while Google did not reciprocate the same level of transparency.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Google promised to wait for Apple to launch cross-platform unwanted tag detection and then cites a joint announcement with Apple as evidence of this promise. This is not sufficient proof that the partnership was based on this condition, and it also ignores other factors such as regulatory requirements or market conditions. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing AirTags as being used for stalking, which may be true but is not relevant to the discussion of Google's Find My network. Additionally, the article contains a dichotomous depiction of Apple and Google's approaches to tracking devices, with Apple being portrayed as having a larger and more reliable network while Google is only teaming up for stalking detection. This oversimplifies complex issues and ignores other factors such as user privacy concerns or competition in the marketplace.
Google promised to wait for Apple to launch cross-platform unwanted tag detection
The vast majority of Android users have not gotten this email, suggesting maybe it was a mistake
Is that still happening? There's probably time to have made a second-generation device by now.
Bias
(85%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Android ecosystem and Google's Find My network as they are both owned by Google. The article also mentions Apple and their partnership with Google for stalking detection which could be seen as a potential competitor to AirTags.
Google is the owner of Android, which is mentioned in the title of the article.
Google has started rolling the Find My Network with Google Play Service beta version 24.12.14.
The latest Android updates have security and privacy considerations, including a delay in launching due to concerns over tracking networks being used to secretly track users without their knowledge.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(70%)
The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. The author uses emotional manipulation and sensationalism to grab the reader's attention. Additionally, there are instances of selective reporting where only details that support the author's position are reported.
`But it has been held up for security and privacy reasons—fears that it might unleash a new wave of electronic stalking.`
`The latest Android updates have just been revealed, and these have very different security and privacy considerations.`
`Google’s mission to make Android more like iPhone continues`
Fallacies
(85%)
The article discusses Google's latest updates to Android that make it more like iPhone. The first update is the Find My Network with Google Play Service beta version 24.12.14 which enables Apple's iOS FindMy to warn that a non-Apple certified device might be tracking its user, and vice versa. This addresses privacy concerns related to shadow networks built by crowd-linking smartphones for lost devices or tagged items without cellular network access through Bluetooth. The second update is an Android feature that lets users message anyone as long as they have a satellite connectivity add-on to their cell plan, which has security and privacy concerns of its own due to the vulnerabilities of satellite systems and low earth orbit systems. Google's efforts are market leadership on the security and privacy front in recent weeks.
Find My Network with Google Play Service beta version 24.12.14
Satellite connectivity add-on to cell plan
Bias
(85%)
Google is making Android more like iPhone in terms of privacy and security. The latest updates include a new feature that allows users to message anyone with satellite connectivity add-on to their cell plan as long as they have a satellite connection. This has raised concerns about the security of these systems, especially for low earth orbit satellites which are vulnerable to attacks such as denial of service and interception. Google is also working on improving its own defenses against IMSI-catching and network location pings, pushing Android beyond iPhone's current capabilities in this area.
Google has started rolling the Find My Network with Google Play Service beta version 24.12.14.
, The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro can be found by the Find My Device network when powered off or with a dead battery.
Google is working with other OEMs and chipmakers on expanding this capability to premium Android devices.
The new offline tracking feature will roll out today in the US and Canada as part of Google's Find My Device network, which uses a crowdsourced network of other people's devices to detect missing or stolen phones.
Accuracy
The new Find My Device network lets you find Android phones and tablets even if they're offline and not connected to the internet.
, Google is working with other OEMs and chipmakers on expanding this capability to premium Android devices.
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that the Find My Device network can locate Android phones and tablets even if they're offline and not connected to the internet. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that all devices will be able to find their location regardless of connectivity status.
The article states 'The new Find My Device network lets you find Android phones and tablets even if they're offline and not connected to the internet,' which is false. The author does not provide any evidence or clarification on this statement.
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when stating that the Find My Device network will be able to find Pixel phones and tablets if they are powered off or have a dead battery. This is not necessarily true as it depends on various factors such as signal strength, distance from other devices, and the type of hardware used. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when stating that specialized Pixel hardware makes this possible without providing any evidence to support this claim.
The Find My Device network will be able to find the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro if they are powered off or have a dead battery.
Bias
(10%)
The article is biased towards the Pixel 8 and Pixel Buds Pro by highlighting their unique features that are not available on other Android devices. The author also uses language like 'specialized Pixel hardware' to make it seem like these devices have some sort of magical ability.
Google last year said that
Specialized Pixel hardware is credited as making this possible.
The Find My Device network lets you find Android phones and tablets even if they’re offline and not connected to the internet, while the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro lets you take things further.
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