Google's Find My Device to Integrate Ultra-Wideband and AR for Enhanced Tracking Capabilities

It has been reported that Google's Find My Device application might soon incorporate ultra-wideband (UWB) and augmented reality (AR) capabilities, enhancing the ease of tracking down misplaced or stolen devices. This advancement aims to facilitate the location process for Android device owners through Bluetooth scans of nearby gadgets. These anticipated additions have the potential to significantly refine the precision in pinpointing devices' whereabouts, as inferred from early indications found in an Android app APK teardown.

In details unveiled by a combined effort from Android Authority and Assemble Debug, an investigation into the APK files of the Find My Device application, specifically version 3.1.078-1, uncovered references to UWBAdapter libraries within the code. This suggests a forthcoming integration of ultra-wideband technology to deliver highly accurate location tracking within the application.

With Apple already leveraging UWB in its AirTag trackers to offer users precise location details, Google appears poised to follow suit, mirroring this approach to enhance device recovery capabilities. This technology could help users locate and receive directional cues for their lost or stolen gadgets with substantial accuracy.

The exploration also highlighted the possible incorporation of AR technology into the Find My Device service, pinpointing the app's code references to ARCore. This is Google's toolkit for creating augmented reality functionalities, relying on the device's physical sensors and application interfaces to interact with digital information.

Despite these teasings, the exact usage of UWB and AR technologies within the Find My Device framework remains undisclosed. Once a device is located through UWB, the integration of AR could allow users to visually navigate to their device using augmented reality directions overlayed through their camera's viewfinder.

Current updates suggest that these features are under development without a clear release schedule. There is anticipation that Google may introduce these enhancements in a forthcoming beta version of the Find My Device app, providing a select group of users an early glimpse at these new functionalities.