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Bluetooth Tracking Tags Ready to Launch for Android
Following an early announcement, Android’s version of tracking tags similar to Tile/AirTags is set to be released. Google has been making preparations on the software front to enable a Bluetooth tracking network on Android, and two hardware partners, Pebblebee and Chipolo, now have shipping dates confirmed. Pebblebee stated that its trackers will be shipped in “late May,” while Chipolo will commence shipments “after May 27th.” Google also published a blog post indicating that “additional Bluetooth tags from Eufy, Jio, Motorola, and more” can be expected later this year.
Device Features and Functionality
Both sets of devices have been available for preorder for one year now, with no apparent changes since then. The companies are offering compact Bluetooth trackers in keychain or credit card formats, with Pebblebee also introducing a stick-on tag format. These devices will be anonymously tracked by Android’s extensive Bluetooth tracker network, and device owners can locate them using Google’s “Find My Device” app.
Chipolo’s “One Point” key chain tag is the only device that requires a CR2032 coin cell battery, while the credit card tracker from the same company is not rechargeable. On the other hand, Pebblebee’s key chain, credit card, and stick-on tracker models all come with rechargeable batteries, including the wallet card, which is a rare feature. None of the devices utilize UWB for precise location tracking, relying instead on a speaker for tracking purposes.
Both companies offer multiple versions of what appears to be the same product, although they are exclusively compatible with either Google’s or Apple’s network, prohibiting users from switching between the two.
Timeline and Collaborative Efforts
The initial launch of these devices was scheduled for 2023. Google implemented the tracking network in Android in December 2022, despite the lack of compatible devices at the time. The delay was attributed to Apple, with both companies jointly announcing a standard for “unknown tracker” alerts in May 2023. Although the two networks are not interoperable, they will work together to notify users if a tracker is being used to monitor them.
Subsequently, the hardware was officially announced, and in July 2023, Google introduced its portion of the joint tracking standard, which allowed Android phones to notify users about unknown AirTags. Google decided not to activate its tracking network until Apple incorporated its section of the standard in iOS. The awaited iOS 17.5, expected to arrive by the end of May, will finally enable the shipment of these tags.
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