Google is working on adding UWB support to its Find My network for Android users, expanding tracking options beyond Samsung’s SmartTag 2, which currently only works with Galaxy devices. The addition of UWB support to the Android Find My app could lead to future features like AR overlays for precise tracking, similar to Apple’s AirTags. While Apple’s Find My network uses Apple devices for tracking, Google’s Find My network allows other Android devices to ping the location of lost or stolen items, offering broader reach but lacking UWB-enabled precision search.
Devices like Pixel 6 Pro, Xiaomi Mix 4, and Samsung models since the S21 series support UWB but are limited to SmartTag 2 for UWB tracking due to the lack of UWB support in Find My. Recent APK teardowns suggest that Google is working to add UWB support to Find My, potentially opening up a wide variety of new trackers with UWB support in the future. With more Android phones supporting UWB, Google’s Find My network could surpass Apple’s in the future.
The teardown also revealed code related to ARCore, Google’s AR SDK, hinting at a possible feature similar to Google Maps’ Live View for Find My tracking. While Samsung’s SmartTag 2 already offers AR features, Google’s inclusion of UWB and AR capabilities could enhance tracking options for Android users. However, the lack of official mention from Google suggests that broad UWB support may still be in the works. Overall, the addition of UWB support to Google’s Find My network signals a potential shift in the smart tracker market for Android users looking for precise tracking solutions.
Article Source
https://www.androidpolice.com/google-find-my-uwb-support-code/