The new ‘People’ tracking functionality within the Find My Device app for Google Pixel devices aims to enhance user convenience, but raises significant privacy issues.
In March 2023, a significant update was rolled out for Google Pixel devices, particularly the Google Pixel 9, as part of the latest Pixel Feature Drop coupled with an Android update. A notable addition to this release is the new “People” tracking functionality within the Find My Device application, which has been met with mixed reactions.
Find My Device serves as Google’s counterpart to Apple’s Find My network, offering users the ability to locate their connected Bluetooth devices and signed-in Android products. Users can trace their gadgets’ last known locations or prompt them to emit a sound, facilitating the process of finding misplaced items.
The newly introduced People tab, currently in its beta phase, allows users to share their location with friends and family. This new feature enables individuals to be tracked by those they authorise, reminiscent of functionalities found in Google Maps. According to a Tech Radar contributor, “speaking to Tech Radar, the quoted individual noted that being able to quickly share my location will be great when trying to organise, say, a meetup.” This aspect is anticipated to streamline coordination for gatherings or provide reassurance to loved ones after night outings.
While the utility of this feature is apparent, concerns surrounding digital privacy and safety have also been raised. The proliferation of tracking applications—such as Life360, Glympse, and Google Maps—has prompted discussions about privacy vulnerabilities, especially in light of recent reports regarding potential exploits in competing services like Apple’s Find My. The contributor highlighted the potential for digital stalking, acknowledging that “all of these tracking apps… make it clear how easy it is for us to be found by our phones.”
In response to privacy concerns, Google has implemented several safeguards. Users must manually enable location sharing with their chosen contacts, and Find My Device provides alerts when tracking is active. This feature serves as a reminder that location data is being shared, allowing users to maintain control over their privacy preferences. Furthermore, Android technology can automatically detect and alert users to unknown tracking devices, enhancing security measures.
Ultimately, the newly introduced People feature within Find My Device leans towards enhancing user convenience and functionality while maintaining mechanisms for user protection. As users navigate the balance between connectivity and privacy, this feature may serve varying purposes for different individuals, fostering collaboration among authorized users while addressing insecurities about unwanted tracking. For those looking to explore the recent feature drop further, Tech Radar highlighted seven additional tools that have been integrated into Pixel phones and watches.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10311201/ – This URL does not directly relate to the article but provides context on digital evidence and privacy concerns, which are relevant to discussions about tracking apps.
- https://www.91mobiles.com/hub/google-pixel-9-livestream-different-angles-connected-cameras/ – This article discusses a different feature of the Google Pixel series but highlights Google’s ongoing updates and innovations in their devices.
- https://acf.gov/orr/policy-guidance/unaccompanied-children-program-policy-guide-section-2 – This URL is unrelated to the article’s content but is included as it represents a government policy document, which might be relevant in broader discussions about privacy and security.
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/22/2024-07496/guidance-for-federal-financial-assistance – This URL provides information on federal guidelines and could be relevant in discussions about privacy and security regulations.
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-A/part-18 – This URL offers information on administrative procedures and could be indirectly relevant to discussions about privacy and security regulations.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative references an update from March 2023, which might be considered somewhat outdated given the current date. However, the information is still relevant and not entirely recycled from older content.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The quote appears to be original to this narrative, as there is no readily available earlier reference online. This suggests it might be the first use of the quote.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from Tech Radar, a well-known and reputable technology publication, which generally enhances the reliability of the information.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the Find My Device feature and its implications for privacy and convenience are plausible and align with known technological advancements in the field.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is generally reliable, coming from a reputable source and discussing plausible technological updates. While the information might not be entirely fresh, it remains relevant and well-supported.
