Google has been working on enhancing its Find My Device service with ultra-wideband (UWB) capabilities for over a year now, and recent app updates suggest the feature may finally be approaching release. This development would bring Google's tracking service closer to parity with competitors like Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag, offering Android users more precise location tracking for their valuable items.
The UWB Advantage
Ultra-wideband technology represents a significant upgrade over traditional Bluetooth tracking methods. UWB enables much more precise location finding, particularly indoors where GPS signals struggle. While Samsung has offered this capability through its Galaxy SmartTags for some time, Google's Find My Device network has been limited to less accurate Bluetooth tracking. The upcoming precision tracking feature aims to change that, giving Pixel users with UWB-capable devices access to more accurate item location.
Latest Development Signs
The most recent evidence comes from version 3.1.305-1 of the Find My Device app, which contains new code strings and assets related to UWB functionality. These include guidance text instructing users on how to properly hold their phones while scanning for lost items. An animation has also been discovered demonstrating the optimal phone position for precision finding - holding the device upright or slightly tilted back rather than in landscape orientation.
Find My Device UWB Update Key Points
- Feature name: "Precision Finding"
- Technology: Ultra-wideband (UWB)
- Current app version with new code: 3.1.305-1
- Initial code discovery: Spring 2023
- Requirements: Phone with UWB hardware support
- Additional technologies: ARCore for AR guidance
- User guidance: Hold phone upright, not landscape
- Environmental factor: Requires adequate lighting
AR Integration
The code suggests Google is implementing augmented reality features similar to Samsung's Find Using Camera capability. References to Google's ARCore API have been spotted in the app, indicating users will likely see on-screen directional guidance to help locate their missing items. Interestingly, some strings mention that the feature may depend on ambient lighting conditions, with one code snippet stating more light needed to find the device.
Hardware Requirements
One potential limitation of this new feature is hardware compatibility. UWB technology requires specific hardware support that isn't present in all Android devices - not even all current-generation Pixel phones include it. This could restrict the feature's availability to a subset of Android users with compatible hardware. There's speculation that Google might expand UWB support to more devices in future releases, possibly including the entire Pixel 10 lineup.
Potential Release Timeline
While Google has been developing this feature for over a year, with initial code references appearing in spring 2023, there's still no official release date. The increasing detail in recent app updates suggests the launch might be approaching. The upcoming Google I/O developer conference in May could provide an ideal platform for announcing the feature. However, given the extended development time already observed, a release sometime before the end of 2024 seems more realistic.
Enhanced Location Sharing
In related news, the Find My Device app recently added a new People tab for location sharing with trusted contacts. This feature, mentioned in Google's March feature drop but only recently rolling out, allows users to share their current location, device battery status, and other information with family and friends - similar to functionality already available in Google Maps.
Closing the Gap with Competitors
With these updates, Google appears to be working to close the feature gap between its Find My Device network and competing services like Apple's Find My network and Samsung's SmartThings Find. The addition of UWB precision tracking would represent a significant step forward for Google's offering, particularly for users who frequently misplace items around their homes or offices where precise indoor location is most valuable.