Google‘s hardware portfolio may be getting a new category of products in the form of a smart tracker that’s similar to Apple’s AirTag. The AirTag is one of the most popular Bluetooth trackers, despite not being the first of its kind. Last year, Huawei announced its own version called the Huawei Tag which works with its network of Huawei phones and tablets, as well as select Honor smartphones.
A handful of details about a Bluetooth location tracker in development by Google has surfaced. The device, which will be Google’s answer to the AirTag, is reportedly codenamed “grogu,” according to developer Kuba Wojciechowski. Previously, the source had discovered that Google was working on adding support for locator tags that support Google Fast Pair. At the moment, this feature doesn’t exist, but that may change once Google announces its tracker.
Google’s Finder Network Is A Find My Alternative
The tracker, which is also referred to as “grogaudio” or “GR10,” is being developed by the Nest team, but that doesn’t mean it will launch as a Nest product, as Google may decide to release it under the Pixel line. There are no details on what the device looks like. However, since most location trackers are either round, square, or rectangular, Google’s tracker may adopt a similar form factor.
The source also says that the device will be available in multiple colors, unlike the AirTag which is available in a single white option. It may not be far-fetched to expect Google to unveil first-party accessories such as cases and keychains for the tracker. Google’s tracker will have an integrated speaker that will play a sound to make it easier to find the device it is attached to. The device will also have support for Ultra Wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
Google’s location tracker does sound exciting for Android users, but the more interesting part is that Google is also working on its own version of Apple’s Find My Network. First reported by Mishaal Rahman and Wojciechowski back in October 2022, the service will be officially known as the “Finder Network,” allowing users to find their devices even when they are not connected to the internet. Finder Network should be bigger than Apple’s Find My Network, considering there are more Android devices than iPhones.
A launch date for the location tracker is yet to be revealed. Although there are speculations it may be unveiled at Google I/O 2023, if the Finder Network isn’t ready, users might have to wait until Google announces the Pixel 8 series in the Fall. There is also a possibility that Google may want to get the tracker into the hands of users earlier than that. For example, the Pixel Buds Pro were announced at Google I/O in May 2022 and were available to buy in July 2022. This is all just speculation, as Google may have an entirely different release schedule planned.
