Google Appears To Be Designing Its Own ‘AirTag’ With A ‘Star Wars’ Codename
After Apple released its AirTags to much fanfare, it seems like Google is looking to join in on the fun with its own version.
The news was first spotted by Android developer and leaker Kuba Wojciechowski. Under the findings, it is said that the same team that developed the Nest will also be responsible for the tracker’s development.
Funnily enough, the tracker has apparently also been given the codename ‘Grogu’, after Baby Yoda from the Star Wars series, The Mandalorian. Other nicknames include ‘GR10’ and ‘Groguaudio’.
Google is working on a smart tracker similar to Apple's AirTag, codename "grogu" - report 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/8K6KO7tfzj
— Kuba Wojciechowskiâš¡ (@Za_Raczke) January 16, 2023
Wojciechowski also suspects that, like the AirTag, the proposed ‘Grogu’ will come in multiple colors and might even host a speaker on board to emit a sound when its user is trying to locate it, just like what Apple has done for its version.
Furthermore, the trackers could support wireless protocol and Bluetooth LE to give their precise location. Google’s Pixel Pro 6 and Pixel Pro 7 both support Ultra Wideband, which will play right into supporting the trackers’ wireless protocols.
Ultimately, the devices will be for Android users out there looking for an answer to the AirTag. Currently, Apple’s version can work with Android phones through a Play Store app called ‘Tracker Detect’, which allows users to scan nearby for any tags. Though, the app’s main purpose is to put Android users’ minds at ease about the fact that an AirTag is not following them.
Having had enough time, Google has had the opportunity to learn from Apple’s early blocks and may come up with a more foolproof method for people to keep an eye on their belongings without worrying about being stalked.
A formal announcement of the currently-titled ‘Grogu’ is yet to be seen, although it is believed that it could be showcased alongside the new Pixel phones at the I/O Developer Conference in May.
[via MacRumors and 9to5Google, cover images via various sources]
