Surprise! Google will introduce a new Pixel device on August 12

An unexpected new product might join the Made by Google event on August 12 alongside the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and the Pixel Watch 5. Based on a photo obtained by 9to5Google, we could see an item tracker called "Google Pixel Tag" unveiled.

Will Google announce a surprise product on August 12?

Online listings are beginning to surface for the Google Pixel Tag. The listing shows a model number of GA12506, and the color listed is "Fog Light." We don't know for sure whether the Pixel Tag will use Ultra-Wideband (UWB) precision finding, although we might have stumbled on the answer. First, here's why this is important.

Standard Bluetooth tracking estimates how far away an item tracker is based on the strength of a Bluetooth signal transmitted by the tracker. UWB tracking is more precise as it measures the time it takes radio waves to travel from one device to another. This is a technology known as Time-of-Flight (ToF). As a result, UWB tracking will show an arrow pointing you in the right direction and will also show you how far away the tracker is within 2 to 4 inches of the actual distance.

Why precision tracking and UWB are so important to item trackers

Precision tracking is available on certain iPhone models equipped with the U1 or U2 UWB chip. Samsung Galaxy handsets that feature a UWB chip can also use precision tracking. Considering how much more accurate precision finding is, it is important to know whether Pixel Tag will support UWB. A leaked European listing for the tracker shows that it will be priced at €30 (roughly $34).

What might keep you from upgrading to a Pixel 11 series phone?

We were able to confirm that the Pixel Tag is real and is coming as Google's Gemini AI assistant on my Pixel 6 Pro wrote, "You set up and use the Pixel Tag through Android's Find Hub (Formerly Find my Device) app."

How to pair your Pixel Tag with a Pixel phone

Gemini even gave me directions on how to pair a Pixel Tag with a Pixel phone, which is interesting since the Pixel Tag is not yet an official device. To pair a Pixel Tag with your Pixel phone, you turn the tag on near the handset and use Fast Pair. You then attach it to your keys, wallet, or bag. The Pixel Tag is going to have a built-in speaker, according to Gemini, that you can ring within earshot to find the tracker.

Leaked picture of a Pixel Tag item tracker. | Image by 9to5Google

More importantly, the AI assistant leaked that the Pixel Tag will have UWB tracking, as it told me, "You can ring its built-in speaker when nearby or track its location on a map using Ultra-Wideband and Google's crowdsourced network."

One billion Android devices can help you find your lost or missing items

Speaking of which, the Find Hub network has over one billion Android handsets that will pick up a Bluetooth beacon when they pass by a Pixel Tag, and without the device owner's knowledge, the location of the item tracker is sent to Google's cloud servers. The process does not use much battery power and, to reiterate, the owner of the device that received the Bluetooth signal has no idea whose item their phone found, what the item is, or who received the location report.

Gemni AI assistant leaks Pixel Tag and its use of UWB.

Gemini AI assistant reveals that the Pixel Tag is coming. | Image by PhoneArena

With over one billion phones helping you find a lost or missing object, the odds of your finding something you've attached a Pixel Tag to are pretty good. At the least, the odds are better than if you didn't have those billion Android phones helping you out.

With all of the leaked promotion pages, the leaked photo, and now the confirmation from Gemini, it seems that we should go on Kalshi and bet that the Made by Google event on August 12 will unveil the Pixel 11 series, the Pixel Watch 5, and the Pixel Tag. Who knows, you might be able to make enough money to cover the purchase of a Pixel Tag or two.

If this Pixel leak excited you, check these out:

Pixel Glow stars in new Pixel 11 teaser.

New Pixel 11 marketing images.

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