Android's Find My Device simplifies the process of staying connected and secure.

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      Google is rolling out several new features for Android with the March Pixel (Feature) Drop. These Spring 2025 updates include two enhancements aimed at user safety.

      The new functionality allows you to share your location with trusted contacts via Find My Device. This feature lets you check your friend's estimated time of arrival for dinner, confirm if they made it home safely, and more. You have control over who can view your location and for what duration. To use this feature, location services, Google Location Sharing, and an internet connection are required.

      Android’s Find My Device is a Google service designed to protect your Android devices and personal information. It enables users to locate, secure, and erase lost or stolen smartphones, tablets, and accessories remotely. The service can pinpoint the location of missing items on a map, even without internet access. Additionally, it offers features like playing a sound for misplaced devices, locking them with a PIN, and wiping data to protect sensitive information. Recent updates have broadened its capabilities to include locating compatible accessories, enhancing offline functionality, and improving overall security for Android users.

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      Moreover, we highlighted last month that Google is launching new tools for scam detection. The AI-driven Scam Detection feature in Google Messages recognizes text patterns commonly associated with scams. This helps you identify messages that may seem benign but can pose risks over time.

      Google explains that if the Messages app detects a potential scam, you will receive a real-time alert, which allows you to easily block and report the conversation. This feature aims to protect you from losing money or sensitive information.

      Other new features include gaming apps for Android Auto, enabling games to be played while waiting in the car. Parked games include Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing.

      Android users can look forward to receiving the new updates soon, if they haven't already.

      It has been a bustling day in the tech industry, with announcements beyond Android. Apple surprised us with the launch of the next-generation iPad Air. Similar to its 2024 predecessor, the iPad Air (2025) is equipped with an M3 chip, which is anticipated to improve efficiency and facilitate smoother video playback.

      Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer, focusing on mobile topics.

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