Google Enters Tracker Market with Slim Pixel Tag

Google has finally joined the tracker market with its Pixel Tag, designed to help users find lost items. The tag is smaller than Apple's AirTag, measuring 1.8 inches tall and 1.1 inches wide, and weighs only 0.4 ounces with its battery inside.

The Pixel Tag is made of stainless steel and polycarbonate, with a simple design that includes a speaker opening on the metal face. The tag accepts a CR2032 coin cell battery, which Google estimates will last over a year in normal use. Users can replace the battery themselves if needed.

Setting up the Pixel Tag is easy: users simply pull the battery tab and bring the tag near any phone running Android 9 or later to link it via Fast Pair. Once linked, the tag displays in the Find Hub app, where users can name it to distinguish between different items.

The Pixel Tag uses Bluetooth Low Energy to connect to devices, but when it leaves range, Google's Find Hub network takes over to help locate the item. The network includes over a billion Android devices that quietly listen for the signal and send the owner an encrypted position.