The Moto Tag Now Supports Ultra-Wideband Tracking
In a significant development for Android users, Google’s Find Hub service has recently introduced support for ultra-wideband (UWB) tracking, analogous to the capability offered by Apple’s AirTags. This advancement marks a noteworthy enhancement of the Find Hub, which was previously known as Find My Device.
### Understanding Find Hub
Google’s Find Hub serves as a competent alternative for Android users, enabling them to locate various belongings—from smartphones to headphones and compatible Bluetooth trackers—using a single application. While the service has long provided essential tracking functionalities, its lack of ultra-wideband capabilities has limited its effectiveness in certain scenarios. Users unfamiliar with Find Hub might find it somewhat obscured by more prominent Google applications, but it represents a valuable tool for managing and locating lost tech.
### The Significance of Ultra-Wideband Tracking
Ultra-wideband technology significantly enhances location tracking accuracy. Unlike standard Bluetooth tracking, which can merely indicate proximity to a device, UWB enables precise directional guidance and distance measurement. This results in a considerable uptick in tracking efficiency, allowing users to locate their belongings with much more detail than before. Until the recent update, however, no trackers compatible with the Find Hub offered UWB functionality.
### Introduction of UWB Through Moto Tag
The recent firmware update for the Moto Tag has changed the game. As reported by Android Police, this update, available through the Moto Tag app (currently in the rollout process via the Play Store), activates UWB support. Users can seamlessly access this updated functionality through the Find Hub app to locate the Moto Tag more effectively.
### Device Compatibility and Limitations
To utilize UWB tracking, users will need a high-end smartphone. While some older devices support UWB technology, it is primarily available on premium models, such as the Google Pixel 6 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Ultra. Unfortunately, most standard flagship devices currently do not offer UWB capabilities. This limitation could present a stumbling block, particularly for budget-conscious consumers, although the hope remains that more UWB-enabled trackers will emerge for Android users in the future.
### Future Developments in Find Hub
In addition to the introduction of UWB capabilities, Google is planning to enhance Find Hub further by integrating satellite tracking for certain devices “later this year,” as mentioned in a recent blog post by the company. This upgrade could position the service not just as a rival to Apple’s Find My service but potentially provide users with even more advanced locating features.
### Conclusion
The support for ultra-wideband tracking through the Moto Tag represents a significant step forward for Google’s Find Hub, bringing it more in line with Apple’s competing offerings. By improving the accuracy and efficacy of its tracking capabilities, Google aims to offer users greater peace of mind when it comes to locating their tech. As the service continues to evolve, the potential for further enhancements remains high, ensuring that Android users have reliable tools at their disposal for tracking their belongings.
