Google has officially announced Pixel Tag, its first item tracker. Equipped with UWB and priced below AirTag, it launches in Japan in November at ¥5,010 for one unit and ¥16,940 for a four-pack.
Google has announced Pixel Tag, an item tracker, and released its pricing: it is scheduled to launch in Japan in November and in the U.S. on 11 November, at $29 for one unit and $99 for a four-pack. In Japan, the prices are ¥5,010 for one unit and ¥16,940 for a four-pack. Users can check the location of keys, wallets and suitcases from their smartphones. Pixel Tag is the company’s first branded item tracker and includes features such as a button that allows users to locate their smartphone from the tag.
The device has a slim stainless-steel body with IP67-rated water and dust resistance, as well as resistance to bending and cracking. It has a built-in speaker that can be used to make the smartphone ring, while pressing the button on Pixel Tag can also make the smartphone ring in reverse. Its coin-cell battery can be replaced by the user and is designed to last for up to one year.
Pixel Tag uses the Find Hub network, centered on its UWB capabilities, to guide users to its location from a distance of up to approximately 50 m. It also supports Bluetooth Channel Sounding, improving searchability in places where narrowing down the location by sound alone is difficult, such as between sofa cushions or under a pile of laundry. The device also supports end-to-end encrypted location sharing, which can be shared with up to 10 people.
In the Japanese market, Pixel Tag is positioned as slightly less expensive than AirTag, although its price is considered to be within the market range for UWB-compatible tags. Integration with other devices was also described, including the ability to make Pixel Tag ring through Android devices’ Find Hub feature, Gemini and Pixel Watch. The actual user experience may be affected by UWB regulations in Japan and the extent to which Bluetooth 6-compatible devices have become widespread.