In a recent comparative test between Apple's Find My network and Google's Find My Device, Apple emerged as the clear winner in locating lost items. The test took place at the iconic Pier 39 tourist destination in San Francisco, where trackers were hidden outside of Bluetooth range.

Both Apple and Google's systems rely on encrypted, crowdsourced networks of iOS and Android devices to assist in finding lost items. Setting up Bluetooth trackers on both networks was found to be relatively easy, with a simple pop-up notification appearing when the trackers were brought close to a phone.

However, Apple's Find My network had an advantage with its extensive support for third-party devices, including the popular AirTags. Google's Find My Device, on the other hand, only supported Bluetooth trackers at the time of the test.

Another notable difference was the use of ultra wideband technology by Apple's AirTags, which helped in pinpointing precise locations and providing distance indicators with direction assistance in the Find My app. Apple's AirTags also offered separation alerts called "Notify When Left Behind," which alerted users when an item was left outside of Bluetooth range.

Additionally, Apple's Find My network required only a single iPhone or iOS device connected to the internet to pass by a lost item and locate it. In contrast, Google's Find My Device relied on multiple Android devices passing by to detect the item's location.

During the Pier 39 test, Apple's Find My network quickly notified the user of the AirTag's location, taking only four minutes and forty-five seconds to do so. In contrast, Google's network did not provide any notifications within the 30-minute wait period, though an approximate location of the Chipolo tracker was visible on the Find My Device app's map.

When it came to locating the trackers using the built-in location tools, Apple's Find My provided walking directions on a map, while Google's Find My Device merely displayed a map view without directions.

Furthermore, the test revealed that Apple's AirTag utilized ultra wideband technology to offer precise tracking options with distance markers, while the Chipolo tracker relied on a shape that "filled in" as the user got closer.

Overall, the test concluded that Apple's Find My network outperformed Google's Find My Device in locating lost items faster and more effectively. However, it should be noted that Google's network has the potential to improve over time as more Android devices join the network and if ultra wideband support is introduced for Android trackers.

In the coming months, it will be interesting to revisit this challenge and observe how Google's Find My Device evolves, especially with the inclusion of more devices in the network and possible advancements in technology.