Expanding Offline Capabilities
The Pixel Watch is set to receive an update that will significantly enhance its ‘Find My Device’ network capabilities, even when the watch is offline. This update aims to ensure that users can remotely locate, lock, and erase their watch without needing a direct internet connection.
New Feature Details
The latest version of the Pixel Watch app introduces a setting named « Find My Watch. » This feature will allow users to manage their watch’s location and security settings even if the watch is not connected to a phone or standalone cellular service. This is achieved through a crowdsourced network powered by Google Play services, making the feature hardware-independent and potentially available on other Wear OS devices in the future.
How It Works
Currently, the Pixel Watch needs to be connected to its paired phone or have its own cellular connection to be discoverable by the ‘Find My Device’ feature. The upcoming update will change this by leveraging a broader network, similar to how other devices in the ecosystem like Android phones and tablets already function.
Future Integrations
In addition to the Pixel Watch, Google is also working on expanding these capabilities to other devices, including the Pixel Buds Pro. This integration will help users keep track of their devices more efficiently, adding an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
Implementation and Availability
The new setting will be available in the Pixel Watch app, where users can toggle the offline ‘Find My Device’ feature on or off. This update follows recent APK insights and decompilations that have revealed lines of code hinting at these new functionalities.
This development marks another step in enhancing the connectivity and security features of the Pixel Watch, ensuring that users have more control over their devices even in challenging situations.
Stay tuned for more updates as Google continues to improve the functionalities of its wearables and other devices.
