Google’s Android version of Tile/AirTags is set to launch after an early announcement. Partnering with Pebblebee and Chipolo, Google has been preparing the software for a Bluetooth tracking network on Android. Pebblebee anticipates shipping its trackers in “late May,” while Chipolo plans to ship “after May 27th.” Google also promises additional Bluetooth tags from Eufy, Jio, Motorola, and more later this year.
Both Pebblebee and Chipolo offer Bluetooth trackers in keychain or credit card formats, with Pebblebee also offering a stick-on tag. These devices will be tracked anonymously by Android’s vast Bluetooth tracker network and can be located using Google’s “Find my device” app.
Chipolo’s keychain tag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery, while the credit card tracker is not rechargeable. Pebblebee’s trackers feature rechargeable batteries, including the wallet card—a rare feature. None of the devices use ultra-wideband (UWB) for precise tracking; instead, they rely on a speaker. Additionally, the products are locked to either Google’s or Apple’s network, with no option for switching.
Originally scheduled for 2023, the delay was due to Google waiting on Apple. In May 2023, Google and Apple announced a joint standard for “unknown tracker” alerts. Although the networks are not compatible, they will collaborate to notify users if a tracker is being used to stalk them. Google shipped a custom implementation for AirTags in July 2023 but delayed enabling its tracking network until Apple’s joint tracking detection standard is ready, expected with the release of iOS 17.5 at the end of May.
