It has been nearly a year since Google introduced its Find My Device network, enhancing it with features like encrypted location sharing and alerts for unknown trackers.However, it has yet to include a key feature that allows for precise tracking of items, which is available in Apple’s competing Find My network.
Upcoming Changes in Google’s Tracking system
Recent comments from Angela Hsiao at google suggest that this may soon change. In an interview with The Verge, she indicated that the company plans to announce UWB integration within the Find My device system shortly.
Hsiao mentioned that more data would be shared “very soon.” While there have been hints about UWB support before, hearing confirmation from a company executive is encouraging.
Understanding UWB Technology
UWB stands for Ultra Wideband. It is a method used for detecting locations and proximity through pulse-based signals across a wide frequency range.This technology allows devices to communicate wirelessly over short distances while providing highly accurate location data—often within centimeters.
In simpler terms, UWB offers superior tracking compared to Bluetooth. It also consumes less energy and performs well indoors. since the iPhone 11 series was released, Apple has included UWB chips in all its main smartphones and AirTag trackers.
With UWB technology, apple created the Find Nearby feature in its Find My app. This tool helps users locate lost items nearby by using signals to determine both distance and direction on their screens.
The latest iPhone 15 introduced an advanced version of this chip along with Precision Finding capabilities. This feature not only helps users find lost objects but can also guide them toward friends using directional cues. Android users can expect similar benefits from Google's ecosystem later this year as they integrate UWB technology into their devices.
future developments on the Horizon
In mid-2024, developers discovered references to UWB within Google’s Find My Device app codebase. Additional mentions regarding how it will facilitate directional tracking appeared later on as well.
Recently, Android Authority uncovered further details about how Google's tracking app will utilize precision finding powered by UWB technology. Additionally, extensive documentation about Ultra Wideband interaction is now available on Google's Android developer resource site—indicating significant advancements are forthcoming.
Tho, implementing UWB requires compatible hardware in both object trackers like Moto Tag and smartphones themselves; not all phones currently have these chips installed—including Google's own Pixel 9 model.
This situation is expected to improve later this year for flagship models equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC chipset featuring FastConnect 7900 modem technology—a combination of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and UWB capabilities all integrated into one unit.
Smartphone makers no longer need separate components for adding UWB functionality; however, it's up to them whether they choose to activate these features on devices powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite processors or not.
As we approach Google’s I/O developers conference soon after this article's publication date expectations are high regarding announcements related specifically towards enhancements planned for the Find My Device platform along with potential upgrades involving Ultra Wideband support as well!
