The Showdown: Google's recently revamped Find My Device network goes head-to-head with Apple's established Find My network to see which one helps you find your lost gadgets faster.

What's in the Ring?

• Google Find My Device: Tracks phones, tablets, Wear OS devices, and Bluetooth trackers (currently limited to Bluetooth).
• Apple Find My: Tracks iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, AirTags, and some third-party trackers (utilizes both Bluetooth and ultra wideband).

How They Work (Similarities):

• Both use encrypted networks of other devices (phones, tablets) to locate lost items.
• You can see your item's location on a map, play a sound to find it nearby, and share its location with others.
• Setting up Bluetooth trackers is a breeze.

How They Differ:

• Apple's Advantage:

  • Launched in 2010, giving it a head start.
  • AirTags use ultra wideband for precise location and direction finding.
  • "Notify When Left Behind" alerts you if you forget something.
  • Only needs one Apple device nearby to locate a lost item.

• Google's Catch-Up:

  • Just added support for third-party trackers in 2024.
  • "Find My Device with network in all areas" setting helps locate items in less crowded places (similar to Apple).

The Test:

• An AirTag and a Chipolo One Point tracker were hidden at Pier 39 in San Francisco.
• Apple's Find My located the AirTag in under 5 minutes with notifications and walking directions.
• Google's Find My Device took 30+ minutes and only showed an approximate location (no notification).
• The Chipolo was eventually found using the sound function (louder than the AirTag).

The Verdict (For Now):

Apple's Find My network currently reigns supreme due to its wider reach, ultra wideband precision, and faster location updates. However, Google's Find My Device has potential, especially as more users join the network and opt-in for wider area tracking. Let's see how things change in a few months!