The Gemini AI assistant leaked some important information to me about this new Pixel device.
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Online listings are beginning to surface for the Google Pixel Tag. The listing shows a model number of GA12506, and the color listed is "Fog Light." We don't know for sure whether the Pixel Tag will use Ultra-Wideband (UWB) precision finding, although we might have stumbled on the answer. First, here's why this is important.
Standard Bluetooth tracking estimates how far away an item tracker is based on the strength of a Bluetooth signal transmitted by the tracker. UWB tracking is more precise as it measures the time it takes radio waves to travel from one device to another. This is a technology known as Time-of-Flight (ToF). As a result, UWB tracking will show an arrow pointing you in the right direction and will also show you how far away the tracker is within 2 to 4 inches of the actual distance.
Why precision tracking and UWB are so important to item trackers
Precision tracking is available on certain iPhone models equipped with the U1 or U2 UWB chip. Samsung Galaxy handsets that feature a UWB chip can also use precision tracking. Considering how much more accurate precision finding is, it is important to know whether Pixel Tag will support UWB. A leaked European listing for the tracker shows that it will be priced at €30 (roughly $34).
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We were able to confirm that the Pixel Tag is real and is coming as Google's Gemini AI assistant on my Pixel 6 Pro wrote, "You set up and use the Pixel Tag through Android's Find Hub (Formerly Find my Device) app."
How to pair your Pixel Tag with a Pixel phone
Gemini even gave me directions on how to pair a Pixel Tag with a Pixel phone, which is interesting since the Pixel Tag is not yet an official device. To pair a Pixel Tag with your Pixel phone, you turn the tag on near the handset and use Fast Pair. You then attach it to your keys, wallet, or bag. The Pixel Tag is going to have a built-in speaker, according to Gemini, that you can ring within earshot to find the tracker.
Leaked picture of a Pixel Tag item tracker. | Image by 9to5Google Phone Arena