Google's device location and tracking primarily rely on the Google Nearby feature and a network of Android devices for positioning. Multiple Telink chips provide support for third-party devices to access this location ecosystem.
When an Android device is online, it can upload real-time location data to Google's servers via Wi-Fi or cellular network. Users can directly obtain the device's precise location through the built-in Google Nearby feature on their phones, without the need to download an additional app. After the device goes offline, it broadcasts signals via Bluetooth. Surrounding Google devices will upload their own locations along with the received signal information of the offline device to Google Cloud. When the user queries the location, the cloud returns the approximate location of the device—this is achieved through positioning network built on a massive number of Android devices.
