In this article, we will conduct an in-depth comparison of Apple’s Find My Network and Google’s Find My Device to determine which performs better in real-world scenarios. Using the Chipolo One Point and an AirTag, we tested both systems at Pier 39, a popular tourist destination in San Francisco, to see how effectively each network could locate the trackers.
Google has unveiled an upgraded way to locate lost phones, tablets, and Bluetooth trackers through its Find My Device network. This system is a direct competitor to Apple’s Find My network, which has been assisting users since 2010. Google’s Find My Device, originally known as Android Device Manager, now supports a broader range of devices, including Wear OS gadgets like the Pixel Watch, compatible headphones, and Bluetooth trackers such as Chipolo’s One Point.
How find my device work
Both Apple’s Find My network and Google’s Find My Device utilize encrypted, crowdsourced networks of devices running iOS or Android to find lost items. These networks enable users to:
- View the current and last known locations of items on a map.
- Play a sound to locate nearby items (if the device supports this feature).
- Share items such as Bluetooth trackers with friends, allowing them to see the location.
Setting up Bluetooth trackers on both networks is straightforward. Bringing the tracker close to your phone triggers a pop-up for easy setup. For instance, with the Chipolo’s One Point, a single press on the tracker registers it with Android, prompting the Fast Pair pop-up.
Comparing setup and features of find my device trackers
Apple’s Find My network received significant updates in 2021, enhancing its ability to find third-party items and supporting the launch of AirTags. On the other hand, Google’s Find My Device began supporting third-party devices and trackers earlier this year.
Currently, Find My Device trackers support Bluetooth, whereas Apple’s AirTags use both Bluetooth and ultra-wideband technology. This dual capability allows for precise location pinpointing and distance indicators with directional assistance in the Find My app.
Apple’s AirTags also feature separation alerts, known as Notify When Left Behind. When enabled, users receive notifications when they leave an item behind and it goes out of Bluetooth range.
Apple’s Find My network only requires a single iOS device connected to the internet to pass by a lost item for its location to be relayed. If a Find My device isn’t connected to the internet and passes a lost item, the item’s location is encrypted and passed along from device to device until it reaches one that is connected.
In contrast, Google’s Find My Device settings default to “with network in high-traffic areas only,” meaning multiple Android devices must pass by to detect an item’s location. However, users can change this to “with network in all areas” to enable detection in lower traffic areas with just one Android device.
Real-world test: which find my device tracker is faster?
For this experiment, default settings were used to gauge real-world performance. After marking both the AirTag and Chipolo tracker as lost in Pier 39, the apps on the iPhone and Pixel 8 Pro were loaded to locate the items.
Apple’s Find My network sent the first notification within four minutes and forty-five seconds, followed by another ping five minutes later. Google’s network, however, took longer. While it could display an approximate location of the Chipolo tracker on a map, no notifications were received within the first 30 minutes.
Locating the trackers
Using each app’s location tools, Apple’s Find My provided walking directions to the AirTag, indicating its precise location. In comparison, Google’s Find My Device only showed a map view without detailed directions.
Upon reaching Bluetooth range, Apple’s ultra-wideband technology allowed for precise tracking with directional arrows and distance markers. Conversely, the Chipolo tracker used a filling shape indicator as proximity increased. Although the ultra-wideband was beneficial for pinpoint accuracy, the Chipolo’s louder sound made it easier to locate in noisy environments.
Apple’s find my network is the winner, for now
This informal test revealed that Apple’s Find My network is currently more effective than Google’s Find My Device in locating lost items. However, Google’s network is expected to improve as it continues to expand across Android devices and more users enable the comprehensive tracking option. Future enhancements, such as ultra-wideband support for Android trackers, could further level the playing field.
Anticipation builds for a follow-up comparison in a few months to observe improvements in Google’s Find My Device network, particularly as more devices join the system.
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