Google is reportedly gearing up to launch its own Bluetooth trackers to rival Apple’s AirTags. According to rumors, the device is codenamed “Grogu” and will be announced at Google I/O 2023, which starts on May 10. The trackers are expected to operate on a global network and could be integrated with Android 14, which would allow nearby Android phones to detect the location of lost objects, even when they are offline.
While location trackers have been praised for helping people find lost objects, they have also been the source of controversy, with concerns over privacy and the possibility of stalking. However, Google is said to be laying the groundwork for its own AirTag-like system that would be equivalent to Apple’s “Find My” network. If the system is opened up to third-party manufacturers, it could become a must-have accessory for the forgetful.
The launch of Google’s AirTag rival could create a powerful new way for Android users to find lost possessions. While Tile Pro and Samsung Galaxy SmartTag Plus are already available, the addition of Google’s network could take Bluetooth trackers to a new level. If Google’s network is successful, it could be integrated with third-party accessories, making it an indispensable tool for millions of Android users.
Despite the potential benefits of such a system, privacy concerns are likely to be a key issue. Google would need to be able to guarantee that the system would not be used for stalking or other nefarious purposes. Nonetheless, the introduction of a global object-finding network would be a significant development in the world of Bluetooth trackers, and it will be interesting to see how the rumors pan out.
