Google has introduced the Pixel Tag, an Android-exclusive Bluetooth tracker featuring Channel Sounding technology and an IP67 rating.
Key facts
- •The Pixel Tag is priced at $29 and features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
- •The device uses Phase-Based Ranging to determine distance, which is designed to be more accurate than the RSSI signal used in Apple AirTags.
- •Google's tracker is compatible with any Android phone running Android 9 or later.
- •Channel Sounding technology is intended to improve battery efficiency by limiting the use of power-intensive UWB chips.
- •Full support for Channel Sounding is currently restricted to premium Pixel phones.
Google has unveiled the Pixel Tag, a new Bluetooth tracker designed exclusively for Android devices. Announced at the Made by Google event, the device features an IP67 dust and water-resistance rating, a user-replaceable coin battery, and a retail price of $29. The tracker is compatible with any Android phone running version 9 or later.
Tracking Technology and Performance
The Pixel Tag utilizes both Ultra Wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Channel Sounding technology. While Apple’s AirTags rely on Bluetooth Low Energy and the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) for proximity sensing, the Pixel Tag uses Phase-Based Ranging (PBR) via Channel Sounding. This method is designed to be more accurate and power-efficient than traditional Bluetooth methods, as it is less susceptible to interference from walls or other environmental objects. By incorporating Channel Sounding, the device aims to reduce reliance on Google’s Find My Device network for locating items, which is particularly useful in areas with fewer nearby Android devices. Additionally, the technology is designed to preserve battery life by delaying the activation of the more power-intensive UWB chip until it is necessary for precise tracking.
Device Compatibility and Limitations
The Pixel Tag is restricted to the Android ecosystem and is not compatible with iPhones. While the tracker includes UWB, the effectiveness of its tracking features depends on the hardware of the connected smartphone. High-end devices, such as the Google Pixel Pro series, Pixel Fold, and certain Samsung Galaxy S Plus, Ultra, and Z Fold models, feature UWB chips. For Android phones lacking UWB and Channel Sounding support, the tracker will default to Bluetooth Low Energy, resulting in tracking capabilities similar to those of a Tile tracker. Furthermore, full support for Channel Sounding is currently limited to premium Pixel phones, as the feature requires specific hardware support beyond the standard Bluetooth 6.0 specification.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by ZDNET AI.
