All articles tagged with #ultra wideband
The AirPods Pro 3, launching on September 19, will feature an improved Precision Finding capability that is exclusive to iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models, thanks to the new Ultra Wideband U2 chip, offering a 1.5x increase in tracking distance. This feature's full potential appears limited to the latest iPhone models, with unclear benefits for older iPhones.
Apple is expected to launch the AirTag 2 during its September 9th event, featuring significant upgrades such as a new Ultra Wideband chip for extended range, improved privacy features, and better connectivity, while maintaining the same design as the current model. The release might be announced at the event or later in 2025, with current AirTags available at a discount.
Rumors suggest Apple may release the AirTag 2 as soon as June 2025, featuring upgrades like a longer-range Ultra Wideband chip, a tamper-proof speaker, and better integration with Apple Vision Pro, with no major design changes expected. The launch could coincide with WWDC 2025, amidst other upcoming Apple products like smart glasses and iPhone 17.
Despite Tesla's implementation of ultra-wideband technology in its keyless entry systems, Chinese researchers have demonstrated that relay attacks can still be used to steal the latest Tesla Model 3. The attack, which uses inexpensive radio equipment, can unlock and start the car in seconds. Tesla has acknowledged the issue and is working on improvements, but for now, owners are advised to enable the PIN-to-drive feature to prevent theft.
The Tesla app for iPhones now supports ultra wideband (UWB) in its latest version, offering more reliable and secure digital car key support. This technology provides precise tracking, enhancing protection against spoofing attacks and enabling features such as identifying which user is on the driver’s side of the car. While the update is currently available only for iPhones, some Android phones with UWB chips may receive support in the future. Users can enable this feature by granting the app access to Nearby Interactions in their iPhone settings. The feature is currently limited to the newest Model 3 and 2023 Model X, with plans to extend support to other models in the future.
Tesla's latest software update introduces Ultra Wideband (UWB) support to enhance the Phone Key feature in the Tesla app, allowing for more precise tracking and improved communication between the vehicle and iPhone. This update enables Tesla owners with UWB-supported vehicles and iPhones to experience more responsive locking, unlocking, and automatic door opening. To take advantage of the new capabilities, users need to upgrade their Tesla app to version 4.29.5 and follow the upgrade steps in the Phone Key section.
Tesla has added support for the iPhone's Ultra Wideband chip, allowing for improved Phone Key performance on some cars. The update, version 2024.2.3, enables users to upgrade their Phone Key from Bluetooth to UWB in the Tesla app, enhancing communication accuracy for locking, unlocking, and opening automatic doors. However, this feature is currently limited to certain Tesla models and requires an iPhone 11 or newer with UWB technology. Additionally, while the feature is available for iPhone users, it is not yet supported for Android phones with UWB tech.
The Apple Vision Pro appears to lack Ultra Wideband and the latest Wi-Fi technologies, such as Wi-Fi 6E or 7 chips, based on the official FCC filing. This is likely due to the hardware being developed around the M2 chip, while the latest MacBook Pro uses the M3 chip. Despite this, the Vision Pro will ship with Wi-Fi 6 support and not Wi-Fi 6E, and it will not include Ultra Wideband capabilities. However, there are other ways to support location tracking for the Vision Pro, and there is still much to be excited about with the device.
Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy SmartTag 2, a redesigned version of its smart tracker. The new model features a ring-shaped design for durability and offers both Bluetooth and ultra-wideband connectivity. It boasts an improved battery life of up to 700 days in power saving mode or 500 days in normal mode. The SmartTag 2 introduces new features such as Lost Mode, which allows users to add contact information to the tag, and it is now water and dust resistant. However, the SmartTag 2 is only compatible with Samsung phones.