- Google is reportedly working on its own smart tag, akin to the Apple AirTag.
- The company is said to unveil this new location sharing device at Google I/O later this year.
- It will need to address potential exploiting of the tag, which we have seen with the Apple device.
Last year smart tags became a bit of a divisive topic as the Apple AirTag was being exploited in order to stalk people without their knowledge. It became such a problem that Apple had to updates its policies regarding the tag’s use, as well as refining the software to make them more easily discoverable.
We bring this up as Google is reportedly working on its own smart tag, which is codenamed Grogu, according to those with knowledge on the matter. Anyone who has watched The Mandalorian, will know the codename is a reference to a character from the Star Wars series, also known as Baby Yoda.
Well known, and reputable, leaker Kuba Wojciechowski detailed the new product’s development in a tweet thread, noting that the smart tag will feature an small onboard speaker, as well as the ability to help guide users to its location.
As for when Google would reveal such a device, it is believed that its annual I/O developer conference is the ideal venue. No date for the event has been mentioned just yet, but it normally happens in May. The I/O conference seems an apt location, as it will offer developers the chance to interact with the device, as well as giving Google the opportunity to hammer home how the technology and smart tag should be ethically utilised.
Thankfully though, there are a few ways to find out if a smart tag is secretly tracking you, such as the Tracker Detect app found on most mobile app stores. Apple also has measures that have been baked into its AirTag since the stalking claims have surfaced, so Google will likely build in its own countermeasures.
Smart tags are indeed a handy gadget to have available, and one from Google should sell well, but we’ll have to wait until its officially announced by the company before we start checking just how safe it is.
[Image – Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash]
