Android
Samsung devices to get ‘power off finder’ feature: Track your Galaxy when powered off
Apple devices can be tracked even when powered off. This crazy feature appears to be coming to Android soon as Google reportedly begins preparation. Samsung Galaxy devices may also receive the ‘Power Off Finder’ feature to let the owner track even when turned off.
According to 91mobiles, Google is preparing to bring the Power Off Finder feature to Android (or at least Pixel phones). The company is said to be building a huge network of all Android devices, including optional support or UWB, and locator tags and these include Google’s own tag codename “grogu” and more.
Ahead of its annual I/O event, Google has shared the early source code of Android 14 with OEMs that are enrolled in the Early Access Program (EAP). The source code includes a new Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) definition, called “hardware.google.bluetooth.power_off_finder.”
Going further with the code content, Android may add precomputed Finger Network keys to the device’s Bluetooth chip. Through this, the Bluetooth function will keep turned on even when the phone is powered off due to low battery or in case of theft.
Since the Power Off Finder feature requires hardware support to keep the Bluetooth chip-enabled all the time, it’s uncertain whether older Android devices may get it or not. It’s also possible that the company may debut this feature with Pixel 8 series and later share it with other Android models.
Samsung devices may also receive the useful Power Off Finder feature so Galaxy users can find their phone even when it’s powered off. At present, there’s no indication from either Google or Samsung regarding the under-development tracking function.
At the I/O 2023 next month, the US tech giant could start Android 14’s Public Beta program. It’s expected that the Beta build of the new OS would bring code content of hidden features alongside the finalized additions. For more information on the topics, stay connected with us via socials.
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Google is working to make Circle to Search functional with messaging bubbles in Android 15. Currently, the unique way to search doesn’t function when a messaging bubble is active, but that will change in a future Android 15 release.
MishaalRahman spotted code in the Android 15 source code that enables Circle to Search to be run when messaging bubbles have been expanded. This development indicates that Google is aware of the limitations and working to address them soon.
Circle to Search won’t activate if you have a messaging bubble active on the screen. It renders the user opt for an alternate way to search like opening Chrome. It becomes frustrating if you have to search for something right from the chat bubble.
It’s worth noting that the required code debuted in Android 15 Beta 4. The company has not used it in Android 15 nor the latest Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 release. Mishaal activated the feature manually by making some changes in the code.
Android currently doesn’t allow the home button or navigation handle to be long-pressed if a messaging bubble is active. Google would simply make improvements in this aspect so the handle/home button to be long-pressed.
Messaging bubbles
Google introduced the messaging bubbles feature in Android 11. This feature allows Android smartphone users to have active conversations floating as bubbles on top of other apps, making it easier to multitask while chatting.
Circle to Search is reportedly coming to more Android devices next month. In an exciting development, Tecno announced that the Circle to Search will be available on its new foldable, the Phantom V Fold 2, starting October 2024.
Samsung debuted Circle to Search with the Galaxy S24 series. It’s developed by Google in close partnership with the Galaxy maker. Google also expanded the feature to all of its Tensor-powered Pixel smartphones with Feature Drop.
We knew Circle to Search wouldn’t be available on non-Galaxy and Pixel phones till this October. Samsung already announced the availability of this feature will remain limited to certain phones made by either Samsung or Google.
It seems Samsung may have reached an agreement with Google. In order to showcase Galaxies supreme in the Android ecosystem, both firms may have restricted the expansion of the Circle to Search for at least 10 months.
Google has been regularly working to optimize Circle to Search for all Android phones. As it’s coming to Tecno phone next month, we expect other leading vendors including Xiaomi, Vivo, OnePlus, and OPPO will also be joined.
Well, Google hasn’t officially announced the expansion of Circle to Search. As Tecno is also a Google partner, this spirited claim couldn’t be untrue. Pay attention, Google has an ambitious plan to fuel 200 million Androids with Circle to Search.
One UI could add an iOS-like Stolen Device Protection feature through Android. Google is developing an Identity Check feature, forcing you to use your biometrics to unlock apps. This addition will significantly reduce the privacy breach concerns.
Samsung brings all Android security and privacy features to One UI. The iOS-inspired Stolen Device Protection is highly likely to come to your Galaxy. As the feature is under development, few details about its functioning have appeared.
Findings suggest that Android could soon implement an Identity Check feature. It will force you to use your biometrics to unlock apps. However, biometrics will only be mandatory if the device is outside of a trusted location.
MishaalRahman discovered a new string within the Settings app. The addition suggests “Identity Check is on.” The Settings app has code to show this “Identity Check is on” string when it invokes Android’s biometric prompt dialog.
It is assumed that the Pixel maker is setting up Android to ignore when apps invoke the biometric prompt dialog with a PIN/password/pattern fallback. The feature is expected to be triggered when you are out of trusted locations such as your home.
It could be added through the Trusted Places feature upgrade. This Android tool keeps your phone unlocked when it’s at a trusted location. Using it, the trusted locations will determine when to trigger biometric authentication of apps.
Google is currently running Android 15’s QPR Beta Program. The company will test various new features and improvements across the OS. The changes will likely be distributed through Feature Drop updates in the future.