Developer Cuba Wojciechowski says Google is working on a device-finding device similar to Apple’s AirTag trackers.
The device was codenamed “Grogu” (Grogu is the name of baby Yoda from the series “The Mandalorian”), as well as alternative names “GR10” and “Groguaudio”. Wojciechowski suggests that the tracker will be released with different panel colors, as well as a built-in speaker that will help users find a missing device with an Apple AirTag-like sound.
Apple AirTag
It is also likely that Grogu will support Bluetooth Low Energy and ultra-wideband UWB connectivity (both of Google’s flagship mobile devices, the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro, support UWB, but usage has so far been limited to features like 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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While UWB offers much more accuracy than Bluetooth for finding lost gadgets (shows both an estimate of distance and direction to a waypoint), Wojciechowski argues that its support won’t be a requirement for Google’s Finder Network ecosystem.
Even though Google’s tracker most likely has UWB, it’s not a requirement for the «Finder Network» they’re working on — BLE is enough.
— Kuba Wojciechowski⚡ (@Za_Raczke) January 16, 2023
Google may announce the product during the Google I/O Developers Conference in May 2023, and trackers may be released alongside new Pixel devices in the fall.
Source: The Verge
