Pixel Watch could soon be locatable offline via Find My Device network
Google Pixel Watch Could Soon Gain Offline Find My Device Support
Google may soon introduce a new feature for Pixel Watch users, with references found in the Pixel Watch app indicating that Find My Device network support could be coming to the wearable. Google’s Find My Device network, launched globally for Android devices in April, allows users to locate smartphones and accessories through a crowdsourced network, even without an internet connection. This feature, which has proven helpful in tracking down misplaced or lost items, may soon be extended to Pixel Watch owners, making it easier to find their wearable devices in various situations.
Expected Find My Device Support for Pixel Watch
An APK teardown of the Pixel Watch app version 2.5.0.652251118 has revealed a new ‘Find My Watch’ setting, according to a report by 9to5Google. This setting is expected to allow Pixel Watch users to remotely lock, locate, and even erase their watch, even if the device is offline. Unlike the current version, which requires an internet connection for these functions, the new feature would use crowdsourced networks, similar to how the Find My Device network works for other Android devices, to locate the Pixel Watch.
At present, the Pixel Watch app only offers a shortcut button to the Find My Device app, which limits the watch’s tracking capabilities to instances where it is connected to its paired smartphone or has an active cellular network. This update could greatly enhance the utility of the Pixel Watch by allowing users to find their devices even in offline scenarios, making it a more versatile and reliable option for those concerned about losing their wearable.
Like the existing Pixel Watch 2, the Pixel Watch 3 has been tipped to be backed by a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 SoC alongside a custom co-processor. It is expected to support an ultra-wideband (UWB) chipset. The 41mm and 45mm variants are likely to get 2,000 nits displays with 408 x 408 pixels and 456 x 456 pixels resolution, respectively. The smaller version might carry a 310mAh battery, while the 45mm option can get a 420mAh cell.