Google Pixel Tag tracker is now available

Google has officially released its new Pixel Tag, a tracking device designed to compete with Apple’s AirTag, which became available for purchase on Tuesday. First announced in August, the device is priced at $29.99 for a single unit, while a four-pack is available for $99.99. Users can manage their items through the Find Hub app, which was renamed from Google's previous tracking network last year.

The Pixel Tag features an elongated, oval design that is 1.1 inches wide, 1.8 inches high, and 0.2 inches thick. Weighing 0.4 ounces, the tracker is slimmer than the AirTag and includes a physical button that can be pressed twice to ring a misplaced phone. The device is powered by a user-replaceable CR2032 coin battery, which Google claims will last for over a year. It also features an IP67 rating, making it dustproof and capable of surviving a shallow dunking for up to 30 minutes at a maximum depth of 1 meter.

According to Google, the tracker uses Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for precision finding. Android phones equipped with a UWB chip can display the exact distance and direction to the tag within the Find Hub app, while Bluetooth Channel Sounding is limited to distance. The device is compatible with smartphones running Android 9 or later and utilizes Google’s crowdsourced network of over a billion Android devices globally to locate items that are not nearby.

Google confirmed that the Pixel Tag now includes NFC capabilities, which can be used to connect users to device settings. While the tag does not have a hole for attachments, it can be paired with accessories such as keychain cases from the company Bellroy. Additionally, the location of a tag can be shared with up to 10 people in the Find Hub app. The device is available in two colours, silver and a pale green, and features a built-in speaker that can reach a maximum volume of around 80 decibels.