Pixel 8a Can Be Located Using Find My Device Even When It Is Switched Off
Now, reports suggest this feature is also available on the newly launched Google Pixel 8a.
Last month, Google unveiled its new Find My Device network, a handy tool allowing Android users to locate their lost devices. Currently, it's accessible only in the US and Canada, but Google plans to extend its availability to other markets shortly. An exclusive feature for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro enables Find My Device functionality even when the devices are turned off or have no battery power. Now, reports suggest this feature is also available on the newly launched Google Pixel 8a.
Find My Device Works Even When Phone Is Out Of Battery
According to a report by Android Authority, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro reserve power for the Bluetooth chip, which remains active for several hours even after the phone shuts down. This feature proves beneficial as Find My Device uses Bluetooth to broadcast a beacon signal, allowing nearby Android devices to detect it and relay the location of the lost device.
Also read: Google Pixel 8a Vs. Pixel 7a: We Have A Clear Winner
While Google has not officially announced this feature for the Pixel 8a, Android Authority first discovered evidence of its presence. This was identified through the activation of Android's Powered-Off Finding feature on the Pixel 8a, which uses the same Android API used for Find My Device.
This also means that the Pixel 8a shares the same hardware as the Pixel 8 and Pro, allowing it to support the Find My Network feature even when the phone is out of battery. The report further suggests that since the Pixel 8a uses the same Tensor G3 chipset and Bluetooth technology, it's highly probable that this feature is indeed available on the device.
Also read: Google Pixel 8a Launched: Price In India, Specifications, Offers, More
Reportedly, Google is in the process of extending this feature to other Android devices. Its implementation will prove invaluable, particularly in instances of lost or stolen devices. Once the Pixel 8a becomes available to users, they can easily use this feature by activating Find My Device feature.
Google Pixel 8a Price In India
The Google Pixel 8a is priced at Rs 52,999 (MRP) for the 128GB variant, while the 256GB version costs Rs 59,999 (MRP). The handset is currently available for pre-order in India on e-commerce site Flipkart, with sales starting at 6:30 AM IST on May 14, 2024.
Running on the Google Tensor G3 SoC and equipped with the Titan M2 security chip, the phone operates on Android 14. The company has said that the Pixel 8a will receive seven years of software support, encompassing security updates and Android OS upgrades.