With the Put on OS 5.1 replace that was launched final March, Google quietly launched a brand new function known as Channel Sounding for the Pixel Watch 3 that might enhance the accuracy of pinpointing the placement of different units utilizing its current Bluetooth {hardware}. However whereas Channel Sounding is now supported by the smartwatch, it’s not but in use as a result of the wearable is among the first Android units to implement it, according to Android Authority, and also you want a number of units supporting the function for it to work.
The Bluetooth Particular Curiosity Group (SIG) introduced the most recent iteration of its wi-fi communication protocol in September 2024, and one in every of Bluetooth 6.0’s most fascinating upgrades has nothing to do with wi-fi headphones.
Most Bluetooth-based trackers depend on the sign energy between two linked units to estimate their distance, however it’s steadily unreliable because of obstacles or interference. Channel Sounding as an alternative measures the time it takes to ship a number of radio alerts at totally different frequencies between two linked units. In response to Bluetooth SIG, that method permits for “centimeter-level accuracy,” in addition to directional consciousness.
Pinpointing the precise location of a monitoring system like an Apple AirTag utilizing an iPhone is straightforward because of their use of Extremely-Wideband (UWB) {hardware}. The wi-fi UWB protocol offers extra correct spatial consciousness between units, permitting apps like Apple’s Discover My to find out the precise distance to a tracker like an AirTag and supply directional arrows guiding you to its location.
However UWB requires its personal radio and antenna, which will increase the {hardware} prices of a tool. The benefit of Channel Sounding is that it makes use of the Bluetooth {hardware} that’s now frequent in practically each smartphone, smartwatch, and set of wi-fi headphones.
Gadgets will want Bluetooth {hardware} that helps the brand new 6.0 protocol, however given the Pixel Watch 3 is sort of 10 months previous at this level, there are many units obtainable which might be already suitable. We simply want extra firms to launch software program updates that add help for Bluetooth 6.0 so we will really begin making the most of these new options.