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Google Announces Upcoming UWB Integration for Find My DevicePerformance Boost Achieved Since Last YearRecent Testing Highlights Coverage Issues
Last year, Google made considerable enhancements to the Android Find My Device network, increasing support for third-party trackers and enabling offline location access. Now, a crucial update appears to be on the horizon.
In a conversation with The Verge, Android product manager Angela Hsiao indicated that ultra-wideband (UWB) technology support will be available for Find My Device “very soon,” allowing for significantly more accurate tracking capabilities.
With UWB-enabled devices, such as using an iPhone to locate an AirTag, users are guided precisely to the item’s location. This technology provides enhanced specificity, indicating whether the item is behind a sofa or just somewhere within the home.
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Earlier this month, code within Find My Device hinted at the imminent support for UWB, and expectations are building ahead of Google I/O 2025, scheduled to begin on May 20, where further details could be revealed.
The Need for Speed
While Google has yet to launch its own version of an AirTag (Image credit: Future), The Verge conducted extensive evaluations of the current Find My Device network. Their findings suggest that Google’s service performs comparably to Apple’s system but mainly in densely populated areas where numerous devices are active.
In less populated regions, however, tracking and coverage can be suboptimal, depending on the tracker and specific circumstances. It’s noteworthy that Google has not yet rolled out its proprietary version of trackers similar to Apple AirTags, although speculation about such products persists.
According to internal tests conducted by Google, Hsiao reported that the item-locating speed has improved fourfold since the substantial update in 2024. While progress is evident, it still hasn’t completely matched Apple’s efficiency.
For UWB functionality, users require a device equipped with the technology when attempting to locate items. Many current flagship Android smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro, are integrated with UWB capabilities.
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