Why I am waiting for Google's Android tracker

Now this is not a dig at Pebblebee or Chipolo. I believe their initial offerings are about what I was expecting. The specs are very similar although at first glance the Pebblebee seems to be a slightly better option to me. I suggest anyone that's interested in an Android tracker check out each product page for each manufacturer for themselves.

I buried the lead a bit. This past week Google finally announced their Android Find My Device Network is now rolling out to Android users in the US and Canada with global expansion later. With the Android FMDN users will be able to locate their phones, earbuds, headphones and tablets with the help of Android devices contributing to the network. In some cases users will be able to find their lost devices even with them powered off. The Pixel 8/8 Pro will support this feature.

With that, the reason why I am waiting to see if Google is making an Android tracker is simple. I want to see if they're going to incorporate Ultra Wide Band chips in their version for more precise device tacking. The Pixel 8 Pro has a UWB chip and it's not being used for that much right now. This is a much lower barrier of entry due to the suspected cost alone. There is also the chance that Google may add their own special sauce and have a feature the other devices won't have.

Hopefully we will hear something at IO in the next few weeks. What about you? Tell me what your plans are in the comments section.

Comments

I attended a Pixel Superfans event at the new Google Store in Santa Monica, CA

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend a Pixel Superfans event at the new Google Store in Santa Monica. It was a soft launch of the store and a good way to meet like minded people. The staff were very nice and helpful. While I was at the store I was able to finally check out the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and wow that device is extremely impressive. Outside of that, I was able to look around the store and check out other Google products which there are quite a bit to see. I'm looking forward to my next visit to the new Google Store. Take a look at the pictures below including one of some swag I got from Google at the event.

Are we set to see new entry level Pixel Buds at Google I/O?

I'm not one to start a Google rumor but I have to do it this time. Looking at the Google Store website this evening I noticed that the Pixel Buds A series are all but out of stock except for the Sea color way. This lines up perfectly with Google I/O being just around the corner. The Pixel Buds A are coming up on their four year anniversary in June so a refresh is definitely needed. I'm actually hoping Google gets rid of the A series line and make a slightly more premium version with features similar to the Pixel Buds Pro 2s. Of course Google will save some features just for the pros, however, they can add multi point and better battery life just to name a couple of much needed upgrades. I guess we will have to wait and see what Google's plans really are.

YT Music is my new go to Podcast player | The case to make it your podcast app

Believe it or not but YouTube Music did not always have podcasts. As a matter of fact YT Music was not the home for music for Google. That was once Google Play Music but in December of 2020 YT Music took over the music duties for the company. In 2023 YT Music absorbed podcasts from Google Podcasts which brings us to where we are now. For the sake of time I am only going to mention the podcast function within the app/service. What does YouTube Music offer? YT Music is a real basic podcast player that has got the essentials right. The service offers podcasts that are available on the service and the option to add podcasts via an RSS feed. Podcasts can also be downloaded, playback speed can be adjusted, audio/video switching (YT Music podcasts only), sleep timer, trim silence (new), and background play without the need for a YT Music subscription. There is also library support to manage your collection of podcasts, a dedicated podcast section and search and recommendation for podcast...

CorysTechTime

Search This Blog