Ryan Haines / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Android 15 has a brand new function that enables for finding units even when they’re switched off, however this capability requires specialised {hardware} along with software program modifications.
- The Pixel 9 sequence was anticipated to debut with this function as soon as Android’s upgraded Find My Device community is rolled out.
- The Pixel 8 sequence and the upcoming Pixel 8a could additionally help the function, whereas Pixel Fold, Pixel 7 sequence, and older units might not help the function.
One of the spotlight features of Android 15 is predicted to be the new Powered Off Finding API, which might enable suitable telephones to be situated even when they’re switched off. This new function has some {hardware} necessities, that are anticipated to be fulfilled by units like the upcoming Google Pixel 9. As it seems, you might have already got a cellphone in your pocket with the {hardware} wanted for this function, as Google has seemingly included them in the Pixel 8 sequence, too.
According to a report from Android Police, Android 15’s Powered Off Finding API opens up the capability to find units even when they’re switched off. This is finished by permitting the gadget to retailer pre-computed Bluetooth beacons in the reminiscence of the Bluetooth controller. Thanks to further specialised {hardware}, the gadget can energy the Bluetooth controller even when the remainder of the cellphone is powered off (presuming you have got some reserve battery left). Some software program engineering efforts to help the Bluetooth Finder HAL are additionally wanted to make this attainable, alongside the apparent replace to Android 15 and the rollout of Android’s upgraded Find My Device community.
The Pixel 9 is extensively anticipated to be the cellphone that fulfills these standards, however the Google Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro do, too (as soon as they get up to date to Android 15). By extension, it’s anticipated that the upcoming Pixel 8a can even help the function, as per the report.
However, the Pixel Fold, the Pixel 7 sequence, and the Pixel 6 sequence are unlikely to help the function. The report doesn’t point out whether or not these units are lacking the obligatory {hardware} for this function or whether it is merely a case of lacking software program bits. If solely the software program bits are lacking, particularly on newer and higher-end units like the Pixel Fold, then there’s a likelihood that the function could be rolled out in the future.
Are you enthusiastic about Android 15 and the upcoming capability to find a switched-off cellphone? Let us know your ideas in the feedback under!