Developer Kuba Wojciechowski reports that Google is working on a device to locate devices – similar to Apple’s AirTag trackers.
The device received the code name “Grogu” (Grogu is the name of baby Yoda from the series “The Mandalorian”), as well as the alternative names “GR10” and “Groguaudio”. Wojciechowski speculates that the tracker will be released with different panel colors, as well as a built-in speaker that will help users locate a missing device with a sound similar to Apple’s AirTag.
Grogu is also likely to support Bluetooth Low Energy and ultra-wideband UWB communication (both Google’s flagship mobile devices Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro support UWB, but use has so far been limited to features such as Nearby Share).
Google is working on a smart tracker similar to Apple’s AirTag, codename “grogu” – report ?? pic.twitter.com/8K6KO7tfzj
— Kuba Wojciechowski⚡ (@Za_Raczke) January 16, 2023
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Although UWB offers much greater accuracy than Bluetooth for finding lost gadgets (showing both distance estimates and directions to the tag), Wojciechowski says that its support will not be a prerequisite for Google’s Finder Network ecosystem.
Please, Google’s tracker most likely has UWB, it’s no requirement for the ‘Finder Network’ they’re working on — BLE is enough.
— Kuba Wojciechowski⚡ (@Za_Raczke) January 16, 2023
Google may announce the product at the Google I/O developer conference in May 2023, and the trackers could be released alongside the new Pixel devices in the fall.
Source: The Verge
