Google is reportedly working on a native Bluetooth tracker detection feature for Android. Bluetooth trackers are becoming increasingly popular, thanks mainly to Apple AirTag, which brought the segment into the mainstream of consumer technology products. However, trackers are not limited to iPhone owners, as Android users also have many options to choose from, including Tile, Chipolo, and more.
While Bluetooth trackers offer great help in finding lost products, they're also reportedly being used for stealing cars and stalking unsuspecting victims, with many such cases coming to light recently. While Apple has long updated its AirTags with multiple anti-tracking measures, Tile also introduced anti-stalking features for its trackers earlier this month, enabling users to check if there's an unexpected Tile tracker nearby.
An APK teardown of the latest version of Google Play Services (version 22.12.13) by 9to5Google has found references to 'Unfamiliar device alerts' and 'Unfamiliar Tag Detected Notification' for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tags. Interestingly, these terms are related to strings mentioning 'Tile' and 'ATag,' which the report believes is a reference to Apple's Airtag. The discovery suggests that a future version of Android will allow users to scan and find unwelcome trackers near them. The report further indicates that the BLE tracker detection feature will also allow Android users to ring an identified tag, similar to how Apple lets users play a sound on unwelcome AirTags.
When Will Google Roll Out Tracker Detection?
The report further claims that Google started working on the tracker detection feature in mid-March, although it's not immediately clear when it will be rolled out to users. It's unclear whether the company will roll it out for all users or reserve it for Android 13, which is scheduled to be released later this year. Of course, as with all under-development features uncovered by APK teardowns, this may also never see the light of day, although it would be a major disappointment if that were to happen.
It is worth noting that there are third-party Android apps for various Bluetooth trackers, including Apple's AirTags. However, Apple's native app for Airtag detection cannot automatically scan for trackers in the background on Android, unlike on iPhone. In addition, the Ultra-Wideband (UWB) sensor found in iPhone is lacking in most Android devices, which means tracking with pinpoint accuracy might be a problem on those devices. That said, devices like the Pixel 6 Pro and the Galaxy S22 Plus/Ultra come with UWB, meaning they could offer better support for tracker-detection features.
Source: 9to5Google