Google is reportedly engaged on a location tracker like Apple’s AirTag

It was solely a matter of time till Google launched its personal location tracker, just like Apple’s AirTags, Samsung’s SmartTag, and naturally, Tile. In accordance with the developer (and well-sourced leaker) Kuba Wojciechowski, Google’s Nest group is creating a tracker codenamed “Grogu.” It will reportedly embrace an onboard speaker, in addition to assist for Bluetooth Low Vitality and ultra-wideband (UWB). Wojciechowski discovered proof of the tracker when he seen that Google added assist for locator tags within the developer hub for Quick Pair, the Android function that allows you to shortly join Bluetooth units. 

Whereas there are no particular particulars at this level, we will count on Google’s tracker to work just like the competitors (connect it to no matter you want, and preserve tabs on its location together with your telephone). It is also unclear if Google can replicate Apple’s admittedly slick AirTag expertise. Wojciechowski says that the Pixel 6 Professional and Pixel 7 Professional each shipped with UWB modules, which might enable them to direct you to close by objects acccurately. However he notes that Google’s “finder” community will not require UWB — BLE needs to be sufficient. 

Whereas Google cannot assure that each Android telephone will ship with UWB, Wojciechowski says Google is working with chipset makers to assist them assist Quick Pair. Which means we may see third-party trackers rounding out the situation community, one thing it is laborious to think about Apple ever permitting. As for availability, Wojciechowski did not discover any particular timing, however he notes that it may very well be introduced at I/O this 12 months. That is sensible, as Google is already far behind the situation monitoring competitors.