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Google's new Pixel Tag tracker has a big advantage over AirTags (and they cost the same)

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Why This Matters

Google's new Pixel Tag introduces Bluetooth Channel Sounding technology, offering more stable and secure device tracking compared to traditional Bluetooth-based trackers like Apple's AirTags. This advancement positions Google to better compete with industry leaders by enhancing tracking accuracy and reliability for Android users. The integration of UWB and Channel Sounding signifies a push towards more precise and interference-resistant tracking solutions in the consumer tech space.

Key Takeaways

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ZDNET's key takeaways

Aside from all the new Pixel phones, Google announced a new finder tag called Pixel Tag.

It uses Bluetooth Channel Sounding and Ultra Wideband for precision tracking.

Channel Sounding promises more stable, accurate, and secure device tracking.

Google's Made by Google event features a hardware newcomer this year: the Pixel Tag. Google's Android-exclusive Pixel Tag Bluetooth tracker debuts with a $29 price, user-replaceable coin battery, an IP67 dust and water-resistance rating, and compatibility with any Android phone running Android 9 or later.

However, the most interesting aspect of the Pixel Tag is its inclusion of Bluetooth Channel Sounding device-tracking technology. Google isn't the first to incorporate Channel Sounding into an Android-only tracker; Motorola's Moto Tag 2 has the same technology.

Also: Pixel 11 XL Pro: Google's big flagship is more Pro than ever, but the camera is no big thing

But is Google's tracker any better? Based on the specs alone, not necessarily. But Google needs to keep adding peripheral devices to its catalog to keep up with Apple and Samsung. Based on the specs, if we pit Google's Pixel Tag to Apple's AirTag and Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag2, there's one technology that sets it apart: Bluetooth Channel Sounding.

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