Google’s upcoming “Powered Off Finding” feature for Android 15 promises to let users locate their devices even when switched off – a long-standing advantage enjoyed by iPhone owners. Early reports suggest this functionality will arrive on the Pixel 9 series, but recent discoveries indicate the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro could also support offline tracking.
This news offers a glimmer of hope for Pixel 8a enthusiasts. Since the budget-minded 8a is expected to share the same Tensor G3 chipset as its flagship siblings, offline tracking could theoretically make its way to the more affordable device. In fact, Android expert Mishaal Rahman says the Pixel 8a will likely get support for Powered Off Finding to enable offline tracking once Android 15 arrives, perhaps owing to sharing the same Tensor G3 chipset with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. However, Google’s history suggests potential Pixel 8a buyers should temper their expectations, at least for now.
This isn’t the first time Google has rolled out features inconsistently across devices sharing the same chip. The Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a, despite wielding the same Tensor G2 as the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, bafflingly missed out on the Circle to Search feature. Similarly, while the Pixel 8 Pro is on Google’s exclusive Gemini Nano support list, the Pixel 8, sporting the same Tensor G3 chip, was omitted.
These decisions highlight the strange logic behind feature rollouts at Google. Hardware compatibility seems less significant than Google’s desire to differentiate its product tiers. This leaves me wondering if the Pixel 8a will truly receive the same offline tracking love as its pricier siblings, but time will tell.
Of course, it’s possible Google will pleasantly surprise us by granting offline tracking to a wider range of devices. But given their track record, potential Pixel 8a buyers shouldn’t get their hopes up just yet. Google has made it clear that even with shared chipsets, the “most affordable” phone isn’t always guaranteed the most exciting features. So we’ll have to wait and see if the company chooses to be more inclusive this time around.
Featured image: Smartprix
Hillary Keverenge
2119 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.
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