Google Nest Team Developing AirTag-Like Location Tracker, Codenamed ‘Grogu’

Google Nest Team is reportedly working on its own location tracker that will include an onboard speaker, Bluetooth Low energy, and ultra-wideband. This will be similar to existing trackers like Apple's AirTags, Samsung's SmartTag, and Tile.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: The San Francisco Bay Bridge is seen reflected on the entrance to a Google office on April 26, 2022 in San Francisco, California. Google parent company Alphabet will report first quarter earnings today after the closing bell.

Codename 'Goru'

Tech giants are releasing smart location trackers one by one. Google adds to that list, as the company is reportedly working on a smart tracker similar to the existing ones in the market. Developer and well-known leaker Kuba Wojciechoswki revealed that the tracker's codename is "Grogu."

Grogu is an alternative word for "groguaudio" or "GR10," named after baby Yoda from "The Mandalorian" Star War series. While the device is currently in development by the Nest Team, this does not guarantee that the tracker will launch under Google Nest.

Evidence was found when Wojciechowski noticed that the company added support for locator tags in the developers' hub for Fast Pair. This Android feature lets users connect rapidly to Bluetooth devices.

Tracker's Offerings

Engadget reported that Grogu will include an onboard speaker that will help users to track and locate their missing devices. This feature is very similar to Apple's AirTags. Aside from this, it will also include support for Bluetooth Low Energy and ultra-wideband (UWB).

"It's worth mentioning that Google is currently working with multiple chipset manufacturers to bring support for the new Fast Pair-based technology to their products to enable OEMs to develop their own trackers without much hassle," the leaker stated.

Despite having no specifications and details regarding this device, Google's tracker will work like its competition. The device remains unclear on whether the trackers can replicate Apple's slick experience for AirTags.

As per MacRumors, AirTags requires an Apple device to set up. Android users can also use this product especially since Apple does have a "Tracker Detect" application in the Google Play Store. This will allow users to scan AirTags and Find My-enabled devices that have been missing..

Tracker Detect is designed to decrease concerns and fears regarding AirTags as a malicious location tracker for individuals.

Trackers on Flights

October last year, AirTags was the talk of the town in the aviation industry. Lufthansa released several statements regarding the device on whether the tracker is safe on flights. At first, they banned these devices during flights as it was considered "dangerous goods" due to their transmission function.

This confused travelers as the airline released contradicting measures, not until the Federal Aviation Administration stepped up.

The FAA allows Apple AirTags on checked baggage, as they found out that there is nothing harmful with it on flights. Any trackers with under 0.3 lithium batteries are safe for flying. AirTags met this threshold, with only 0.1 grams of lithium.

Hopefully, Google will comply with this measurement as other luggage tracking devices exceed the requirement.