Google Pixel Tag Officially Announced With Bluetooth 6.0 and UWB

Google Targets Apple With 35-Euro Pixel Tag

Google is entering the personal tracking market with the Pixel Tag. Priced at 35 euros and built with Bluetooth 6.0 and ultrawideband technology, the device is positioned to compete directly with Apple’s AirTag.

The hardware arrives November 11. Designed to help users locate misplaced items like keys, bags, and backpacks, it operates through the Google Find Hub network.

Hardware Design and Accessory Needs

The tracker features a slim, elongated housing paired with rounded corners.

There is a catch for daily carry.

The device lacks a built-in attachment point. Users must purchase a separate case or accessory to secure it to a keychain.

Bluetooth 6.0 and Find Hub Integration

For location tracking, the device relies on the Google Find Hub network. This infrastructure leverages nearby Android smartphones via Bluetooth to relay a missing item’s location, functioning similarly to Apple’s Find My network.

Alongside UWB, the tracker incorporates Bluetooth 6.0. This inclusion introduces Channel Sounding, a technique that allows for more precise distance measurement between devices, enabling accurate tracking even on hardware that lacks an integrated UWB chip.

Battery Life and Reverse Tracking

Power comes from a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery. Google estimates this energy source will last approximately one year.

Functionality extends beyond finding lost items. The Pixel Tag includes a physical button on its side, and pressing this button allows users to trigger an alert sound on their smartphone if the phone is misplaced while the tracker is still in their possession.