Apps
Android Gets Supercharged Find My Device Network: Locate Lost Devices Even When Offline
Android users rejoice! Google has finally launched its highly anticipated Find My Device network, offering a significant upgrade to lost device recovery. This new feature goes beyond the limitations of the previous Find My Device setting, which only worked for powered-on and connected devices.
The key lies in Bluetooth. This new network leverages Bluetooth signals to locate missing phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and even trackers, even if they’re disconnected from Wi-Fi or cellular data. It’s like a digital bloodhound, sniffing out your lost tech.
Here’s what the network offers:
- Offline Tracking: Lost your phone with a dead battery? No problem. The Find My Device network can locate Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones even when powered off.
- Expanded Range: The network finds any compatible Android phone or tablet, regardless of online status.
- Bluetooth Tracker Integration: Starting in May, use the Find My Device app to locate items like keys or luggage attached to Chipolo and Pebblebee Bluetooth tracker tags. These tags are designed specifically for the network and offer additional security features, like unknown tracker alerts across Android and iOS devices.
- “Find Nearby” Feature: (Also coming in May) Can’t find your phone under a pile of laundry? Use Bluetooth tags to pinpoint its location, even if it’s hidden nearby.
- Nest Integration: The Find My Device app will show you the location of a missing phone or item relative to your home Nest devices, giving you a helpful reference point.
- Sharing Device Tracking: Permit trusted individuals to track your device with you.
This launch comes after a delay announced in September 2023. Google prioritized user privacy and addressed concerns about the potential for misuse of Bluetooth trackers. Reportedly, the upcoming iOS 17.5 beta includes security measures that address these concerns, paving the way for Google’s network launch.
While only Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro benefit from powered-off tracking, the network itself works with any Android phone running Android 9 or later.
Apps
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim Comes to PUBG MOBILE
PUBG MOBILE has announced a partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures to celebrate the highly anticipated theatrical release of New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Animation and Wingnut Films’ The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. This epic collaboration combines the battlegrounds of Middle-earth with lore-inspired events and skins, available for a limited time.
Starting today through January 7, players will be able to join the Allies of the Realm, standing in steadfast defence of the famed Hornburg. Through daily tasks, players will prove their mettle by selecting Normal or Elite challenges, each victory advancing the glory of the realm. As they progress in their noble endeavours, players earn points toward generous rewards, with Elite challenges offering the most coveted treasures. The Allies of the Realm event is a true test of courage and honour, celebrating the unwavering spirit of those who rise to the challenge!
PUBG MOBILE players can also claim items inspired by legendary myths, such as the formidable Skadiwynn Sentinel character set, the powerful Gungnir M24 sniper rifle skin, and the iconic Gjallarhorn Double Barreled Shotgun skin. For thrill-seeking players, an epic adventure awaits those bold enough to explore.
“We strive to bring immersive content that complements the excitement PUBG MOBILE players have come to expect,” said Anthony Crouts, Senior Director of Marketing for PUBG MOBILE. “By blending the lore of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim with the winner-takes-all action of PUBG MOBILE, we’re giving fans the best of both worlds. We can’t wait to transport players back to Middle-earth with our lore-inspired in-game challenges and skins.”
“Our partnership with PUBG MOBILE brings an exciting new dimension to our theatrical campaign for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, merging the worlds of immersive gameplay and movie storytelling to bring richer experiences to key audiences,” said Cameron Curtis, Executive Vice President of Global Digital Marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures.
Set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy of films, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim movie tells the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan. A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg— a mighty fortress that will later come to be known as Helm’s Deep. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, Héra, the daughter of Helm, must summon the will to lead the resistance against a deadly enemy intent on their destruction.
The PUBG MOBILE x The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim collaboration is available until January 7, 2025.
Apps
Google Maps Integrates Waze Incident Reports for Enhanced Navigation
Google Maps has started to display Waze incident reports during navigation, allowing users to contribute by confirming road conditions via prompts. This integration follows Google’s July announcement that both apps would share more data, including Waze-sourced road closures, construction updates, speed cameras, and police presence information.
Over the holiday weekend, a Reddit user shared a screenshot of a prompt indicating “Police reported ahead” based on Waze driver reports, as reported by 9to5Google and Android Authority. Users can update these reports to reflect current conditions, similar to other incident notifications in Google Maps.
This is the first confirmed sighting of the feature in action, but more reports are expected. Despite merging the teams behind Maps and Waze, Group Project Manager Can Comertoglu told The Verge that the apps will continue to operate separately. Waze’s 500,000-plus contributors prefer some features of Waze over Google Maps, and vice versa.
This new feature enhances Google Maps’ functionality by leveraging Waze’s real-time incident reporting, providing users with more comprehensive and up-to-date information on their routes.
Apps
Yango Maps Launches Live Public Bus and Marine Transport Tracking in Dubai
Yango Maps, the popular navigation app, has introduced a significant upgrade for Dubai users. The app now offers real-time tracking of public buses and marine transport, providing a more efficient and convenient commuting experience.
Thanks to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)’s open data policy, Yango Maps can now display accurate and up-to-date locations of public transportation vehicles. By switching to the “Transport” tab, users can easily view the real-time movement of buses and ferries on the map.
The app also allows users to search for specific bus numbers and view their routes, stops, and estimated arrival times. This feature is particularly useful during peak hours or in extreme weather conditions, as it helps users plan their journeys efficiently and avoid unnecessary waiting.
Yango Maps continues to evolve with innovative features that aim to simplify urban navigation. By incorporating real-time public transport data, the app empowers users to make informed decisions and optimize their daily commutes.
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