Recent developments in the world of Android technology have revealed a significant limitation for users of older Pixel phones. The Moto Tag, a cutting-edge Bluetooth tracker featuring Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, offers precision finding capabilities that unfortunately do not extend to the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro. Despite both models being equipped with the necessary UWB hardware, a Google support page has confirmed that this functionality is exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro and later models.
The precise technical reasons behind this incompatibility remain somewhat of a mystery. The omission of precision finding features on the older Pixel models raises questions, especially since their hardware specifications suggest they should be capable of supporting such technology. An update from Google has solidified this information, confirming that UWB precision finding is limited to the Pixel 8 series and newer, including the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
The choice of a Bluetooth tracker can significantly impact your experience, particularly if you wish to leverage your Android phone’s UWB capabilities. The Moto Tag stands out as the sole UWB-equipped tracker compatible with Android, allowing users to accurately locate it using the Find Hub app. However, the widespread lack of UWB support across most Android devices limits the tracker’s effectiveness. Currently, only select devices from Motorola’s Edge and Razr series, Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S and Z series, and Google’s Pixel lineup feature this advanced technology.
User feedback from the Pixel support forums has highlighted frustrations regarding the inability of the Pixel 7 Pro to utilize precision finding with the Moto Tag, even with updated firmware. A Google product expert confirmed that UWB precision finding is limited to the Pixel 8 series and above, leaving Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro users without access to this feature. Unfortunately, the support page does not elaborate on the reasons behind this limitation, and Google has yet to provide a comprehensive explanation.
Initially, one might speculate that the absence of support for determining the angle-of-arrival (AoA) of a UWB signal could be a key factor. This feature enables devices to ascertain the direction of the UWB signal, which is crucial for precision finding. However, analysis using Android’s UWB API indicates that while both the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro share similar UWB capabilities, the only notable difference is the lack of background ranging support on the Pixel 6 Pro. This feature allows applications to utilize UWB technology while running in the background, but its necessity for precision finding remains unclear.
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential for users to stay informed. While Google has not yet provided detailed insights into the specific requirements for enabling precision finding on older Pixel models, anticipation remains high for future updates. For now, users with the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro will need to explore other options for Bluetooth tracking until further developments are announced.
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