Google is making a smart tracker called “grogu” that works like Apple’s AirTag

Apple introduced its Bluetooth-enabled AirTags trackers a few years ago, allowing users to track items that don’t have internet access. AirTags took advantage of Apple’s huge number of iPhone users by letting these phones send anonymous pings with location information to the owner of the object being tracked.

Meanwhile, Samsung has released its own, similar tracker, and Google is rumoured to be working on an AirTags competitor under the intriguing codename “Grogu.”

Innovation Village gave a similar report in March last year after it learnt (via 9to5Google) that the Tech giant was working on a built-in tracker detection capability for Android. We noted the technology will be built into Android and would allow users to detect and locate unknown trackers in their immediate vicinity.

Kuba Wojciechowski, a developer and trusted source of leaks, claims that the company is developing a smart tracker to compete with Apple’s AirTag. The device is currently known by the code name “grogu,” which was most likely inspired by the baby Yoda character from Star Wars.

‘I have recently found references that show that Google’s working on support for locator tags in Fast Pair,’ he tweets. If he is to be believed, the Google Nest Team is already hard at work on the gadget.

Google’s alleged tracking device, like the AirTags, has a built-in speaker that plays a sound to help locate its attached object. The device “seems to support UWB as well as Bluetooth Low Energy.” When compared to Bluetooth, UWB, or ultra wideband, connectivity allows for more accurate ranging. Furthermore, it claims to support showing directions to the tag and provides accurate distance estimation.

Although the source was unable to provide further details, it seems that Google’s location tag will be available in a variety of colours. He does, however, claim that Google is working with several chipset manufacturers to integrate the new Fast Pair-based technology into their products, which will make it easier for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to create their own trackers.

It is currently unknown when exactly Google’s upcoming tracking device will be released. Google may announce the technology in June at Google I/O and roll it out in the fall alongside new Google Pixel devices.

When discussing smartphone ecosystems, everyone always seems to compare Google’s Pixel phones to Apple’s iPhones, but nobody ever seems to talk about the accessories for either.

Both companies sell a wide range of products—from smart speakers and headphones to wearable trackers like Apple’s AIrTag, which saw unexpected success after its release in 2021.

AirTags are convenient because they can be attached to a wide variety of items, including those that are frequently lost, such as bicycles, scooters, bags, wallets, keys, and even luggage. AirTag trackers can be attached to nearly any object imaginable, guaranteeing their visibility in your Find My network.