Google plans an AirTag clone and will track devices using 3 billion Android phones
January 18, 2023 By Raulf Hernes
(Image Credit Google)
A Google first-party Bluetooth tracker code named "Grogu" was discovered by a researcher. UWB is a radio technology that can locate an object physically. The Nest team, which creates the popular Nest thermostats, is most likely working on it.
A "locator tag" option for third-party Bluetooth devices has been discovered in Google's Fast Pair developer console. Fast Pair is an API that detects and pairs to the nearest Bluetooth devices quickly and displays a pop-up on the monitor rather than requiring users to navigate through the settings menu. It appears that Google intends to create a Bluetooth tracker ecosystem for Grogu. Otherwise, why would it include Bluetooth tracker options in its public developer tools?
Tile Bluetooth trackers are an excellent way to locate misplaced car keys, luggage, and other items. Tile has been around for ten years, but it wasn't until Apple replicated the concept with AirTags that it caught on with Big Tech companies. Since then, Samsung and, it appears, Google have chosen to enter the market. Apart from Samsung, Tile, and other non-Apple competitors, Google has a trump card that could propel it to the top of the Bluetooth tracker market.
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Bluetooth trackers cannot determine their location. As people go about their daily lives, these apps are constantly scanning for everyone's Bluetooth trackers. As a result, if your luggage is accidentally transported to the wrong part of the country, you will never be able to see the tag.
When it comes to searching for missing items over long distances, Apple's AirTags outperform Tile. AirTags make use of Apple's vast "Find My" network, which is built into iOS and Mac OS. The more people who use the same tracking system, the more likely it is that a lost item will be discovered by someone's phone. Lost Tiles will only be found by people who have purchased a Tile, which will never be as popular as the iPhone.
Apple's AirTags are much more effective than Tile at locating lost items over long distances. AirTags make use of Apple's massive "Find My" network, which is built into iOS and Mac OS. Users of the same tracking system raise the chances that a misplaced item will be discovered by someone's phone. Lost Tiles can only be found by individuals who have bought a Tile, which will never achieve the scale of iPhone sales.
AirTags have been abused for stalking and spying, so will Google's Bluetooth trackers suffer the same fate? Probably! Rahman discovered messages in Google's system that, like Apple, detect and alert someone if it detects a foreign tracking device traveling with them.
There is no statement on when any of this will be available. As is customary, we'll keep an eye out during Google I/O in the mid-year.