Without knowledge or consent, android devices capture the MAC addresses of nearby wifi devices and transmits the data to Google. Nearby wifi devices include laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones and routers.
The wifi devices do not need to be connected to the internet. MAC addresses are visible regardless whether connected to the internet. Air gapped computers that are not online are nonetheless geolocated via their wifi's MAC address unless the wifi chip is removed or destroyed.
No use of a browser is required. Merely by turning on the phone or tablet, MAC addresses are captured and transmitted. Disabling location in settings does not disable this.
Google's MAC database is 'shared' with information brokers, private investigators and nation-states.
http://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052748703778104576287401134790790
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-20070742-281/exclusive-googles-web-mapping-can-track-your-phone/
http://community.spiceworks.com/topic/143800-public-tracking-of-your-phone-tablet-by-mac-address