All articles tagged with #uwb
Motorola's new Moto Tag 2 offers a significant battery life improvement, lasting over 500 days on a single charge, and features enhanced durability and precise UWB tracking, making it a more reliable and long-lasting item tracker. The product will be available in North America soon, with more details to follow.
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy reviews Aqara's U400 smart deadbolt, the first to support Apple's hands-free Home Key unlocking using UWB technology, offering a faster and more reliable way to unlock doors without physical interaction, especially useful when hands are full or in a hurry.
Aliro, the new open standard for smart locks that enables NFC-based tap-to-unlock and UWB hands-free unlocking, is set to launch in early 2026, allowing Android and other smart device users to access smart locks seamlessly, similar to Apple's Home Key feature, through collaboration among major tech and lock manufacturers.
Rivian has introduced the Rivian Digital Key, which uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and Near-Field Communication (NFC) to enhance security and convenience for vehicle access, allowing precise, secure, and backup-enabled entry even if the device is low on battery.
Google confirms that older Pixel models, specifically the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro, do not support the precise UWB tracking feature for trackers like Moto Tag and Find Hub, despite having the necessary hardware, with support only available on Pixel 8 and newer models.
Google's Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro, despite having UWB hardware, cannot utilize the new UWB-based Find Hub tracking features, which are limited to newer devices like the Pixel 8 Pro and above, due to unspecified hardware or software restrictions.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is the first Android device to support Bluetooth Channel Sounding, enabling centimeter-level distance tracking, which could significantly improve item finding accuracy. Although supported after its Wear OS 5.1 update, the feature isn't yet in use, likely awaiting the release of the Find Hub app and Android 16, which will enhance tracking capabilities. This development offers a low-cost alternative to UWB for precise location tracking.
Google's Find My Device app is preparing to support AR and UWB for enhanced directional tracking of devices. The latest app update includes code references to AR Core and UWB, suggesting future features like an AR overlay for finding nearby trackers and improved location history. These updates are not yet live, but indicate potential upcoming functionalities.
Google has finally rolled out Android's Find My Device network, but it also highlights the neglect of UWB technology in Android devices. UWB has potential for short-range communication and proximity detection, but Google and Android have not fully utilized it, despite some upcoming features like "Tap to Cast" on the Pixel Tablet and support for Pixel Watch 3. While UWB is used in Apple's AirTags, none of the trackers announced for Android's Find My Device network currently support UWB. The future of UWB on Android remains uncertain, but there is hope for its integration into more devices and applications.
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 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.
Samsung has released the Galaxy SmartTag 2, an upgraded version of its smart tracker. The new design features an oblong shape with a larger keyring, making it easier to attach to various objects. The SmartTag 2 is compatible only with Samsung devices and offers improved performance, including seamless setup and enhanced location tracking through the SmartThings Find network. It also has a longer battery life and additional features such as programmable buttons, a speaker for finding the tracker, and a Search Nearby feature powered by Ultra-Wideband technology. Overall, the SmartTag 2 is a significant improvement over its predecessor and is recommended for Samsung device owners.
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy SmartTag 2, a competitor to Apple's AirTag, priced at $30. The SmartTag 2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 500 days, extendable to 700 days, along with features such as an IP67 rating, UWB, Bluetooth Low Energy, and an augmented reality feature. Available from October 10.
A retail listing has revealed new details about the upcoming Galaxy SmartTag 2 tracker from Samsung. The listing confirms the device's new design, available in black and white, as well as its support for UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology. The SmartTag 2 is expected to only have a model with both Bluetooth and UWB connectivity. Additionally, the listing mentions the use of Samsung's SmartThings Find network, which allows users to track the location of their Galaxy devices. It remains uncertain if Samsung will support Google's "Find My Device" network, which would provide better support for all Android devices.
Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, which offers high-speed data transfer and precise location tracking, is being tested for integration into Chromebooks. UWB has the potential to replace technologies like Bluetooth, NFC, and RFID, and could enable a wide range of applications such as secure wireless payments, indoor location tracking, and smart home accessories. While the specific use cases for UWB on Chromebooks are still being explored, possibilities include seamless connections with peripherals like phones and watches, wireless extended displays, and high-speed file transfers. The integration of UWB into Chromebooks could mark a significant shift in the tech landscape in the coming years.