One of the key marketing points of the Apple AirTag is "Precision Finding," which shows you the precise location of your tracker beyond what Bluetooth is capable of. That's accomplished using UWB, but that feature is also missing from the vast majority of Android Find Hub trackers, and there are a few key reasons why.
Ultra-Wideband: The Missing Feature
Apple's AirTag has set the standard for item trackers with its Precision Finding feature, powered by Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. This allows users to pinpoint the exact location of their lost items with directional guidance and distance measurements far more accurate than traditional Bluetooth can provide.
However, when looking at the Android ecosystem's Find My Device network and compatible trackers, UWB support is notably absent from most devices. While Android's Find Hub has been expanding with third-party tracker support, the lack of UWB implementation raises questions about why this feature hasn't been widely adopted.
Why Android Trackers Skip UWB
There are several key reasons why Android Find Hub trackers continue to ignore Ultra-Wideband technology:
Hardware Limitations
Not all Android smartphones are equipped with UWB hardware. While flagship devices from Samsung, Google Pixel, and a few other manufacturers include UWB chips, the majority of Android devices in the market lack this capability. This fragmented hardware ecosystem makes it less attractive for tracker manufacturers to invest in UWB support when only a fraction of potential users could benefit from it.
Cost Considerations
Adding UWB technology to trackers increases manufacturing costs. For manufacturers targeting price-sensitive consumers, the added expense of UWB chips and associated components can make their products less competitive, especially when the feature would only work with a limited subset of Android phones.
Software and API Support
While Android has made strides in supporting UWB through its APIs, the implementation and developer tools are still maturing compared to Apple's well-established ecosystem. Tracker manufacturers may be waiting for more robust and standardized UWB support across the Android platform before committing resources to integration.
Market Prioritization
With Bluetooth-based tracking already providing acceptable functionality for most use cases, manufacturers may be prioritizing other features such as battery life, durability, and price point over precision finding capabilities that only a segment of users can utilize.
The Future of UWB in Android Tracking
Despite these challenges, UWB technology is expected to become more prevalent in the Android ecosystem over time. As more mid-range and budget smartphones incorporate UWB chips and Android's platform support matures, we may see increased adoption in third-party trackers.
For now, Android users looking for the most advanced tracking capabilities should check whether their specific device supports UWB and look for the few premium trackers that do offer this feature. However, for the majority of users, traditional Bluetooth-based tracking through Android's Find Hub remains a practical and cost-effective solution.
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Article by Ben Schoon, 9to5Google