“Finally,” Android fans are screaming as Google plots a life-saving free upgrade

GOOGLE is reportedly eyeing the upcoming Pixel 9 launch to unveil a new, life-saving feature that will make Android devices trackable even when they’re turned off.

If you thought this concept sounds familiar, it does: Apple’s iPhones have had access to this feature in the Find My app for years.

Google has its own Find My Device service, which can help you find a lost Android phone.

But the company has been working on upgrading its own Find MY Device feature since August last year.

This feature allows your phone to be located even when it is turned off.

Mishaal Rahman

Last summer, Google announced that Android owners will soon be able to use Bluetooth and offline services to locate phones.

But both features have yet to appear on Pixel devices.

And the tech giant has remained tight-lipped on an official launch date.

However, trusted Android source Mishaal Rahman has noted that Google could roll out the feature alongside its Pixel 9 handset in October.

Rahman added that the feature will be available to Pixel 8 owners once it arrives.

“I have good news for Pixel 8 owners: your phone should support Android’s Powered Off Finding feature when Google’s Find My Device network launches,” he wrote in an after.

“This feature allows your phone to be located even when it is turned off.”

It combats every thief’s first job: disabling the device to prevent tracking.

“Finally,” said the spectator tweeted in response to the new feature.

Another added: “This is a great feature, especially if the phone is stolen.”

Although it appears that only Pixel 8 and 9 owners will be protected by the feature.

Rahman added: “Unfortunately, it appears that neither the Pixel 7 Pro nor the Pixel Fold currently support this feature.”