Google’s answer to Apple’s AirTag, the Google Pixel Tag, goes on sale starting Tuesday, allowing Android users to track things like their keys, wallet or bag using their smartphone’s built-in Find Hub.
First announced in August, the $29.99 device takes inspiration from the AirTag and other lost object finders by offering connectivity via Bluetooth and ultra-wideband for precision searching. This allows Android device owners, including Pixel Watch wearers, to locate their missing objects using a combination of visual distance and directional guidance.
Additionally, the tag has a built-in speaker to emit a chime that helps you locate your item if it’s nearby. (Or, if you’ve lost your phone, you can also double-tap the Pixel Tag button to make it ring.) You can choose between three different volume levels in the Find Hub settings, with the maximum volume around 80 decibels.
Although the Pixel Tag serves the same purpose as an AirTag, Google opted for a different design. Instead of a small round device, like Apple’s, the Pixel Tag is thinner and more elongated.
Spec by spec, the Pixel Tag measures 1.1 inches wide, compared to 1.26 inches for the AirTag. Since the Pixel Tag is oval in shape, it measures 1.8 inches from top to bottom. In terms of thickness, the Pixel Tag sits at a depth of 0.2 inches, compared to 0.31 inches for the AirTag (which Apple calls its height). The thinness of the device might make it more appealing to some, especially if they add the tag to a small object, like a keychain.
The device weighs just 0.4 oz, with the battery included.
Unlike Apple, Google has opted for a physical button that you can press on the label, making it more obvious how it works.
Google did not initially indicate that the Pixel Tag included NFC when it announced the device in August. NFC is used by Apple’s AirTag to help people who find lost items, as they can tap the side of the tag to launch a web page displaying the owner’s contact information. Google uses the touch gesture to log the user into the device settings.
Meanwhile, for lost items that aren’t nearby, the Pixel Tag leverages Google’s crowdsourced network of over a billion Android devices worldwide. The network, similar to competing offerings from Apple and Tile, leverages connectivity provided by other Android devices, which can identify and share the location of the lost item with its owner. This location information is displayed on a map in the Find Hub app.
Although the person who found the item won’t be able to tap it, as with NFC-enabled devices, Pixel Tags that are put into “Lost” mode will be able to share the owner’s email address, number, and a short message so that the person who finds the tag can contact you. When the tag comes back into range of the user’s phone, the item is automatically marked as found.
The Pixel Tag’s location can also be shared with up to 10 people in the Find Hub app, which can be useful for shared items such as family car keys, which multiple people may rely on.
Like AirTag, the Pixel Tag is powered by a user-replaceable coin cell battery (the CR2032), making the device reusable in the long term. (Google claims the device has a battery life of up to a year to boot.)
Meanwhile, the device itself is made from stainless steel and features IP67 water and dust resistance (maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes). It pairs with devices running Android 9 or later via Fast Pair technology.
The Pixel Tag comes in two shades: silver and pale green, and can be purchased individually or in a four-pack for $99.99.
Along with the launch, the Bellroy company is releasing its own keychain cases in a variety of colors and styles, which will also be sold on the Google Store.
Article updated after publication to note that the Pixel Tag now supports NFC, which was a surprise addition not mentioned at the time of its announcement.
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This does not affect our editorial independence.
Gn tech
