The operative word here is “Bluetooth.” Billions of Android devices that opt into the network will silently communicate with each other, creating a massive web of location tracking. Each participating phone or tablet will send out a kind of encrypted location beacon, which nearby devices receive and pass on to Google. Only the owner of the ‘lost’ device will then be able to see where it is.
Image Credit: Android Authority
The feature is reportedly called “Bluetooth auto-on.” Basically, if you try to turn off Bluetooth, it’ll offer to pop itself back on the next day. This keeps features like “Find My Device” working but lets you conserve battery during the hours you need it. This seems like a reasonable trade-off.
Let’s keep in mind, though, that digging into preview code isn’t a guarantee these features will see the light of day. Also, some devices just might not support the auto-toggle Bluetooth feature. We’ll have to wait for the official Android 15 release to know for sure, but it’s a sign that Google’s taking the privacy and battery life concerns around “Find My Device” seriously.
