Google may soon add built-in Bluetooth tracker detection to Android

Bluetooth tracker has quickly become a hot technology commodity. While companies like Tile have been providing Bluetooth-powered tags for years, it is Apple's AirTags that has helped these tiny devices gain mainstream popularity. If you are using Android, you usually have to download a separate application from the label manufacturer to monitor, scan, and control your device. But it seems that Google may soon let you scan nearby trackers without downloading third-party apps.

9to5Google's recent APK disassembly shows that Google is working to integrate Bluetooth tracker detection directly into Android. This feature will be part of the Google Play service, so it should allow Google to bring it to the public with minimal effort. In the latest version of the Play service, 9to5Google found strings related to "unfamiliar device alerts" and "unfamiliar tag notifications detected" for low-power Bluetooth tags.

Based on the following string, this feature will be able to detect the AirTag, Tile, and Finder tags of the Apple.

ATag Finder tag Tile tag

In addition to testing, Google looks set to allow Android users to tap an identified tag. This will be similar to the way Apple lets you play sound on an unknown AirTag.

Google began working on built-in Bluetooth tag detection in mid-March. It is still under development and has not yet been released to users. It's not clear when Google plans to make it available to Android users. It is also entirely possible that this feature will never appear. If we know any new details about the tag detection feature, we will pay close attention and let you know.

Google is also developing Ultra Wideband (UWB) API for third-party Android applications. The API will improve support for UWB-based trackers and allow developers to use UWB technology to provide new features and use cases in their applications.