OnePlus 13 Could Let You Track It Even When Powered Off: The New “Powered Off Finding” Feature

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The OnePlus 13 is shaping up to be one of the most innovative flagships in 2024, with a host of new features aimed at elevating user experience. Among these, a potentially game-changing feature has emerged: Powered Off Finding, which could allow users to track their device even when it’s turned off.

This feature isn’t entirely new—Google’s recent Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 models have already introduced it, but the big news is that it may soon land on the OnePlus 13, thanks to the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite platform that powers it.

What is Powered Off Finding?

In short, Powered Off Finding extends the functionality of Google’s Find My Device service beyond the phone’s power state. Traditionally, Find My Device only works when your phone is powered on and connected to the internet. But with Powered Off Finding, even when the phone is switched off, it continues to broadcast its location via Bluetooth. This feature gives users a much better chance of locating their device if it’s lost or stolen, even in situations where you might expect the device to be undetectable.

OxygenOS 15 Beta Hints at Powered Off Finding

The possibility of this feature arriving on the OnePlus 13 gained traction when Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority discovered a reference to it in the OxygenOS 15 beta changelog. The note mentioned, “You can now locate your device even when it’s switched off, improving the likelihood of retrieving it if lost.” This raised hopes that OnePlus would integrate Powered Off Finding into their latest flagship.

However, just as quickly as it appeared, the feature reference was removed in the stable OxygenOS 15 update. This raised questions—was it an accidental inclusion, or is OnePlus simply testing the waters before rolling it out in the official launch?

Given the capabilities of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is expected to power the OnePlus 13, the likelihood of the feature making it to the final version of the device is high. Qualcomm has already confirmed that the chipset supports FastConnect 7900, which enables Powered Off Finding. However, it is ultimately up to the device manufacturer—like OnePlus—to activate this functionality.

Snapdragon 8 Elite: The Power Behind the Feature

The Snapdragon 8 Elite, the chipset behind the OnePlus 13, is a powerhouse with several key enhancements over its predecessor. It offers improved AI performance, faster connectivity, and better energy efficiency, all of which are crucial for features like Powered Off Finding. The Bluetooth functionality required for the feature runs even when the device is powered off, ensuring that it can still communicate with nearby devices and relay its location to the Find My Device network.

Other Features to Expect from the OnePlus 13

The OnePlus 13 is not just about tracking your device when it’s off—there’s plenty more to get excited about. The phone has already launched in China, showcasing a set of impressive specs that elevate it to flagship status.

  • Battery Life: The OnePlus 13 is equipped with a massive 6,000mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting performance, even with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset at its heart. This large battery, combined with AI-driven optimizations in OxygenOS 15, promises impressive endurance.
  • Camera System: OnePlus is stepping up its camera game with a 50MP triple-lens setup that includes a Sony LYT-808 primary sensor, a 3X telephoto lens (LYT-600), and a 120-degree ultrawide lens. Paired with Oppo’s improved image processing from the Find X8 series, the OnePlus 13 is expected to deliver professional-grade photos across various shooting scenarios.
  • AI and OxygenOS 15: OxygenOS 15 brings AI-powered features and system refinements that promise smoother performance, faster app launches, and enhanced battery management. The interface has been fine-tuned for an intuitive, fluid experience, aligning with OnePlus’s commitment to delivering clean, user-friendly software.

The Future of Device Tracking and Security

The integration of Powered Off Finding on the OnePlus 13 could mark a significant shift in how manufacturers approach device security. With smartphones becoming an essential part of our daily lives, ensuring they can be tracked and recovered—even when switched off—adds a crucial layer of protection. If OnePlus does include this feature in the final release of the OnePlus 13, it will give users peace of mind knowing their device is traceable, whether it’s lost at home or taken by someone else.

Though there is no official confirmation yet, the strong hints within OxygenOS 15 and the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s capabilities suggest that the OnePlus 13 could lead the charge in making “Powered Off Finding” the new standard for flagship smartphones. If this feature makes it to the global market, it will undoubtedly give OnePlus users an extra sense of security in an increasingly connected world.

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