Apple "Find My Network" and Google "Find My Device": Who is better?

Both Apple and Google offer network-based services to help you locate your lost or misplaced smartphone: Apple's Find My Network and Google's Find My Device. Here's a comprehensive breakdown to help you understand their strengths, weaknesses, how do they work, and which one might be better for you.

Core Functionality:

• Locate Your Device: Both services allow you to pinpoint your device's location on a map through an app or web interface. This can be helpful if you've misplaced your phone somewhere nearby.
• Play a Sound: If your device is nearby but out of sight, you can make it play a loud sound to help you find it.
• Remote Wipe: As a last resort, you can remotely erase all data from your device to protect your privacy in case it falls into the wrong hands.

Key Differences:

How do they work.

Network Technology:

• Apple's Find My Network: Utilizes a vast network of Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, etc.) to anonymously and securely relay location data. When an Apple device is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi, it sends out secure, Bluetooth beacons that can be picked up by other Apple devices nearby. These beacons don't contain any identifying information about the owner or the lost device. The data is then relayed to Apple's servers, which update your device's location on the Find My app.
• Google's Find My Device: Primarily relies on GPS and internet connection for location tracking. It can also leverage Bluetooth to locate nearby Android devices, but this network is currently smaller than Apple's Find My Network. Recently, Google has begun integrating Bluetooth tracker support, potentially expanding its network in the future. Extending reading: What is the latest Bluetooth version?

Offline Tracking:

• Apple: Find My Network can still locate your device even if it's offline (powered off or not connected to cellular data or Wi-Fi) for up to 24 hours, as long as it was within range of another Find My Network device before going offline. This can be crucial if your phone is lost or stolen while powered off.
• Google: Find My Device becomes significantly less effective when your phone is offline.

Precision Tracking:

Apple: With Ultra Wideband technology (UWB) chip in newer iPhones, Find My can offer very precise indoor location tracking for nearby devices. Some rugged Android phones such as Blackview BV8900 Pro also comes with UWB feature.

Additional Features:

• Apple: Offers features like "Lost Mode" which displays a custom message and contact information on the lost device's lock screen, and "Activation Lock" which renders the device unusable if wiped remotely.
• Google: Integrates with other Google services like Google Assistant, allowing you to locate your device with voice commands.

Privacy Considerations:

Both Platforms: Emphasize user privacy. Location data is encrypted and anonymized when relayed through the networks. However, some users might be concerned about the vast network of devices constantly searching for Bluetooth signals.

Choosing Between Them:

• Apple Users: If you're an Apple user heavily invested in the ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Macbook etc.), Apple's Find My Network offers a more robust solution with offline tracking and potentially more precise location data due to the larger network.
• Android Users: Google's Find My Device is a good built-in option, especially if you primarily use Google services. However, offline tracking and location precision might be limitations. With the introduction of Bluetooth tracker support, Google's network might improve in the future.
• Cross-Platform Users: If you use a mix of Apple and Android devices, neither network offers a perfect solution to locate all your devices. However, Tile or other third-party Bluetooth tracker services can be a good option for cross-platform tracking.

Conclusion

Both Apple's Find My Network and Google's Find My Device offer valuable tools to locate your lost phone. The best option depends on your specific needs and device ecosystem.