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Ultra-Wideband and AR enhancements coming to Google’s Find My Device, plus easier management of trusted places

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Google

Key Points:

  1. Google is adding Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and AR to enhance indoor tracking in Find My Device.
  2. The Find My Device app may soon offer AR-based directions to locate lost devices with high precision.
  3. Google plans to simplify managing Trusted Places for extended unlock with a new toggle feature.

A few months ago, it was revealed that Google was developing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and augmented reality (AR) support for its Find My Device network. Today, new details have emerged about these exciting features, which aim to improve the way you locate your devices.

UWB Support: Precision Indoor Tracking

Google’s Find My Device will soon incorporate UWB technology, which is designed to enhance precision when tracking lost devices indoors. This improvement would allow Google to compete more directly with Apple’s Find My service, which already uses similar technology. UWB enables highly accurate location tracking, helping you pinpoint devices within close range, even when they’re hidden behind objects like furniture.

AR Directions: Guiding You to Your Device

Another upcoming feature is the addition of ARCore support in Find My Device. This integration could mean that AR directions, such as “turn left” or “the device is behind you,” would guide users to their lost devices in real-time, similar to how Samsung’s SmartTag 2 works with SmartThings. These AR-based cues could make finding misplaced items much faster and more intuitive, using visual overlays on your phone’s display.

While these features were first uncovered months ago, they haven’t gone live in the app yet. It’s important to note that, as with any app update, there’s no guarantee of when or if these additions will be officially released.

Simplified Trusted Places Management

In addition to the updates in Find My Device, Google is working on making its “Trusted Places” feature easier to manage. Trusted Places allows your phone to stay unlocked in secure locations, such as your home, for up to four hours. This feature is part of the Extended Unlock option in Android, but until now, it has been difficult to manage when you want to make temporary changes.

A new beta version of Google Play Services (v24.37.31) includes a convenient toggle that lets users turn the Trusted Places feature on or off without deleting the saved locations. Previously, if you wanted to disable Trusted Places, you had to remove all your trusted locations, which was inconvenient for short-term changes.

This update streamlines the process, making it easier to enable or disable the feature. There’s also a revamped location picker interface to help users set up Trusted Places more efficiently.

What’s Next?

Although these updates aren’t fully rolled out yet, they align with Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance Android’s security and usability. With the new UWB and AR capabilities in Find My Device, and the simplified Trusted Places management, users will have more control and convenience in keeping their devices secure and easy to locate. Keep an eye on future updates for these exciting improvements.

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Android

Android 16 may let you see notifications and settings side by side

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Android 16 Image

A new leak shows that the next big update to Android, called Android 16, might change how you look at your phone’s alerts and controls. Right now, when you pull down the top of your screen, you see either your notifications or the quick settings panel, but not both at the same time. The leak suggests Android 16 could let you see both together, side by side, when you swipe down from the top.

This new look would be helpful for people who want to check their messages and change settings quickly. It would mean less swiping and more info at a glance. The leak comes from someone who looks at Android’s code and shares new features before they are officially announced. The images in the leak show a split view, with notifications on one side and quick settings on the other.

This idea is still in testing, so it might not make it to the final version of Android 16. But if it does, it could make using your phone a bit easier and faster. The update is expected to come out later this year, and more details will be shared as we get closer to the launch. For now, this leak gives us a peek at what might be coming next for Android phones.

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Android

Android Automotive now lets you use video and audio apps more easily

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Android Automotive

Google has made it easier for people to use video and audio apps in cars that run Android Automotive. Now, car makers can let drivers and passengers use more types of media apps, making car rides more fun and useful.

Before, Android Automotive only allowed certain apps for music, podcasts, and radio. With the new updates, car makers can now add video apps like YouTube and other streaming services. This means you can watch videos when the car is parked, such as while charging an electric vehicle or waiting for someone. Google is also letting more audio apps work in cars, so you can listen to audiobooks, news, and other audio content.

To keep everyone safe, video apps will only work when the car is not moving. Audio apps, on the other hand, can be used while driving, as long as they don’t distract the driver. Google is working closely with car companies to make sure these apps run smoothly and safely.

These changes are part of Google’s plan to make Android Automotive a better system for both drivers and passengers. By adding more ways to enjoy music, videos, and other content, car rides can be more entertaining and comfortable for everyone.

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Android

Android Auto gets better music and podcast apps after Google IO 2025

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Android Auto

Google recently announced some big improvements to Android Auto at Google I/O 2025, especially for people who use music and podcast apps in their cars. These changes are meant to make it easier and safer to listen to your favorite songs and shows while driving.

Now, media apps on Android Auto will look and work more like the apps on your phone. For example, you’ll see bigger album covers, better controls, and more helpful information on the screen. If you use apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, or Audible, you’ll notice that it’s simpler to find and play what you want.

Another cool update is that Android Auto will now show suggestions for things you might want to listen to next, based on your habits. This means you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying your drive.

Google also made it easier for app developers to update their apps for Android Auto. This should mean more apps get these new features soon.

Overall, these updates are designed to make listening to music and podcasts in your car smoother and more enjoyable, so you can focus on the road and have a better driving experience.

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