No, Google does not produce a device explicitly named "Google AirTag." However, Google has developed and is rolling out a new Find My Device network for Android that offers comparable item-tracking capabilities, akin to Apple's AirTag system, but for the Android ecosystem.
Google's Equivalent: The Find My Device Network
While Google doesn't offer a first-party tracker branded as "AirTag," it has launched a robust framework that allows third-party Bluetooth trackers to function similarly. This is achieved through the upgraded Android Find My Device network. This network aims to help Android users locate misplaced or lost items by leveraging the vast network of Android devices globally. The rollout of this new network has commenced, with a significant expansion anticipated in the near future, bringing "AirTags for Android" functionality to a wide user base.
How Google's Find My Device Network Works
The core idea behind Google's Find My Device network is to create a vast, crowdsourced location network. When a supported item tracker is lost, any nearby Android device connected to the internet can anonymously detect its Bluetooth signal and securely report its location to the owner via Google's Find My Device app.
Key features and benefits include:
- Offline Tracking: The network can locate devices even when they are offline, by using the Bluetooth signals detected by other Android devices.
- Third-Party Integration: It supports a range of third-party Bluetooth trackers from manufacturers like Chipolo and Tile, allowing users to choose from various designs and features.
- Precision Finding: For devices close by, precise location finding using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology is also supported by some compatible Android phones and trackers, guiding users directly to their lost items.
- Privacy Protections: Google has emphasized built-in privacy features, such as end-to-end encryption for location data and unknown tracker alerts to prevent unwanted tracking.
Comparing Tracking Solutions
To better understand Google's approach, here's a brief comparison of how it stacks up against Apple's established AirTag system:
| Feature | Apple AirTag (System) | Google Find My Device (Network) |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Apple | Google (for Android) |
| Core Device | Apple AirTag (first-party) | Third-party trackers (e.g., Chipolo, Tile) |
| Tracking Network | Apple's Find My network (iOS devices) | Android's Find My Device network |
| Primary Operating System | iOS, iPadOS, macOS | Android |
| Network Size | Billions of Apple devices | Billions of Android devices |
| Rollout Status | Fully established | Actively rolling out |
Devices Supporting the New Network
Instead of a single Google-branded tracker, the new Find My Device network is an open platform designed to be compatible with various Bluetooth trackers from different manufacturers. This approach gives consumers more choice in terms of form factor, features, and pricing. Users will be able to purchase these third-party trackers and connect them to their Android devices via the Find My Device app, allowing them to locate keys, wallets, bags, and other personal items with ease.
