Google is developing a location tag of its own
Apple and Samsung launched location tags, and now Google is looking to join their company. According to a Kuba Wojciechowski and Mishaal Rahman's investigation of the developer's console of the Fast Pair feature it now has “locator tag” as a listed device. The codename of the product is “Grogu”, “Groguaudio” or “GR10”.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag
The product is developed by the Nest team, but that does not necessarily mean it will be a Nest product. The gadget has an onboard speaker, and comes with support for UWB (ultra-wideband) and Bluetooth Low Energy - technologies used for radio-based communication for short-range usage scenarios.
The Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro both have a UWB module which hasn’t been utilized so far. It could be used for turning on and off Nest speakers, but the feature is still in development. Google is also working with chipset manufacturers to enable Fast Pair support for Android products, allowing every manufacturer to develop their own trackers.
An eventual Google Grogu tag could be announced as early as Google I/O, traditionally taking place in May.
Reader comments
- 0odle-noodle
- Tbx
and what would google track that info for? you're acting like they're going to come kidnap their users or something, when in reality, singular users aren't worth much to google.
- Tigolebitties
- PIL
They can release the feature universally as soon as Android 14, similar to Fast Pair so at least the current 2-3 y/o phones will receive it. It's up to each of the manufacturers whether they'll implement the technology into their tracker or...
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