Google quietly introduced precise Bluetooth tracking on the Pixel Watch 3

With the Wear OS 5.1 update that was released past March, Google softly introduced a caller diagnostic called Channel Sounding for the Pixel Watch 3 that could amended the accuracy of pinpointing the determination of different devices utilizing its existing Bluetooth hardware. But portion Channel Sounding is present supported by the smartwatch, it’s not yet successful usage due to the fact that the wearable is 1 of the archetypal Android devices to instrumentality it, according to Android Authority, and you request aggregate devices supporting the diagnostic for it to work.

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) announced the latest iteration of its wireless connection protocol successful September 2024, and 1 of Bluetooth 6.0’s astir absorbing upgrades has thing to bash with wireless headphones.

Most Bluetooth-based trackers trust connected the awesome spot betwixt 2 connected devices to estimation their distance, but it’s often unreliable owed to obstacles oregon interference. Channel Sounding alternatively measures the clip it takes to nonstop aggregate vigor signals astatine antithetic frequencies betwixt 2 connected devices. According to Bluetooth SIG, that attack allows for “centimeter-level accuracy,” arsenic good arsenic directional awareness.

Pinpointing the nonstop determination of a tracking instrumentality similar an Apple AirTag utilizing an iPhone is casual acknowledgment to their usage of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) hardware. The wireless UWB protocol provides much close spatial consciousness betwixt devices, allowing apps similar Apple’s Find My to find the nonstop region to a tracker similar an AirTag and supply directional arrows guiding you to its location.

But UWB requires its ain vigor and antenna, which increases the hardware costs of a device. The vantage of Channel Sounding is that it uses the Bluetooth hardware that’s present communal successful astir each smartphone, smartwatch, and acceptable of wireless headphones.

Devices volition request Bluetooth hardware that supports the caller 6.0 protocol, but fixed the Pixel Watch 3 is astir 10 months aged astatine this point, determination are plentifulness of devices disposable that are already compatible. We conscionable request much companies to merchandise bundle updates that adhd enactment for Bluetooth 6.0 truthful we tin really commencement taking vantage of these caller features.