WEB DESK: An unexpected device might make its debut during Google’s upcoming Made by Google event scheduled for August 12. Alongside the anticipated Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5, the tech giant is also rumored to introduce a new item tracker called the Google Pixel Tag.
Leaked images and listings indicate that the Pixel Tag will be available in a shade named Fog Light and carry the model number GA12506. A European retailer leak suggests a price point of approximately €30, or roughly $34, hinting that Google aims to position it as an affordable accessory.
While initial speculation centered on the hardware features of the tracker, a slip-up by Google’s Gemini AI assistant revealed critical details before the official launch. Early beta testers discovered that Gemini provided detailed instructions for setting up and managing the Pixel Tag through Android’s new Find Hub app.
According to the AI’s hints, the Pixel Tag will include a built-in speaker and support Fast Pair technology, facilitating seamless pairing with Pixel devices. Additionally, Gemini confirmed the presence of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, which allows users to pinpoint the tracker’s location with high precision on a map, utilizing Google’s crowdsourced network.
UWB technology offers a significant upgrade over traditional Bluetooth tracking by using a Time-of-Flight measurement, which calculates the exact time radio waves take to travel between devices. This results in highly accurate location data, providing users with directions and distance estimates within inches—comparable to premium tracking devices from Apple and Samsung.
The Pixel Tag will leverage the extensive Find Hub network, which benefits from over a billion active Android devices globally. This network can detect the Bluetooth signals of the tracker anonymously as people pass by, transmitting the device’s location to Google’s servers while safeguarding user privacy. The system is designed to help users find misplaced items quickly and securely without alerting nearby individuals or compromising privacy standards.
