Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a game-changer when it comes to connectivity. It excels in bringing high-speed data transfer, which opens a lot of opportunities for the devices.
Google introduced a new API in 2021 to pave the way for UWB devices. Around that period, only the system apps could access the API. This means that third-party applications cannot access it.
However, we might see a new adoption soon. The search engine giant is reportedly working on a different public API for the UWB gadgets, allowing third-party app developers to take advantage of the said technology.
Google Prepares to Launch Public API For UWB
According to the latest report by XDA Developers, third-party app developers will now be granted access to the UWB technology. This will later allow them to use various features on several devices.
Google is working on a public API for apps to use ultra-wideband (UWB) on supported devices.
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) February 7, 2022
This will enable new features in Android apps that require precise positioning.
H/T @luca020400 pic.twitter.com/6Rndn6d8eR
Based on Mishaal Rahman's tweet, it is expected that the app can now introduce more features through precise positioning data. Apple used to do the same thing using iPhone and AirTag.
Tracking tags will now be made easier, and indoor location data will now be possible using devices that support it. Before third=-party apps gain access to the API, the supported gadgets should first call its support using "android.hardware.uwb."
Samsung, for instance, relies on the ultra-wideband for its devices, including S21 Ultra, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, and more. However, it relies on the "samsung.hardware.uwb" (custom implementation). At the moment, there's no explanation yet regarding its compatibility with the third-party UWB API of Google.
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Google Job Listing Hints on UWB Stack Engineer
In another report from Android Police, it was spotted over LinkedIn that the tech giant is searching for a qualified individual who will handle Android's ultra-wideband stack.
Particularly, Google is looking for a software engineer who will be assigned to work on the said task. The post also mentioned that he/she would also be assigned to maintaining the Wear OS UWB stack.
The ultra-wideband chip is not yet introduced to Wear OS wearables as of press time. Judging from the latest listing, UWB could be coming soon for the smartwatches.
Regarding its plans on UWB, the company earlier announced that it would incorporate UWB into a device so you can use your smartphone as a digital car key. This means that you can now easily unlock your car using it, thus making it more convenient to share with your family and close friends.
Meanwhile, Tech Times wrote in a report that some Android Auto users still experienced Android 12 glitch wherein Google Maps appeared to be unavailable to some devices.
At that time, some users said that Google Maps was functional but under some restrictions. If their device is not connected to Android Auto, they can access the navigation tool.
Soon enough, Google is expected to release a fix for this issue. Elsewhere, the company's Cloud platform brought Virtual Machine Threat Detection, safeguarding systems against potential cryptojacking cases.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Joseph Henry
