Google is enhancing the wireless connectivity suite for its upcoming smartwatch, improving location tracking accuracy and enabling remote device unlocking. According to 9to5Google, the latest Play Services app update code hints at ultra-wideband (UWB) functionality for device unlock.
The current Google Pixel Watch 2 already offers a device unlock feature where your smartphone remains unlocked when in close proximity to your smartwatch. This system, based on Bluetooth proximity sensing, establishes a “trusted device” connection to keep your phone unlocked when the watch is nearby.
This feature has been widely adopted for all Wear OS smartwatches and has proven successful, even on devices like the OnePlus Watch 2. However, Bluetooth has its limitations, such as lower bandwidth and imprecise location tracking. Here, ultra-wideband technology comes in, offering accuracy up to centimeter-level for device proximity detection.
While Apple has already integrated UWB functionality into its devices, including smartwatches, AirTags, and older iPhones, Google and Samsung have also deployed UWB technology. However, the Pixel Watch has yet to utilize UWB for keeping phones unlocked.
The upcoming Pixel Watch 3 may incorporate UWB for Active Unlock, offering faster and more accurate unlocking. This feature, known as Watch Unlock, is expected to be part of Android 13 and the Pixel 4a or its successors. The presence of UWB could significantly enhance the Watch Unlock feature.
While the code hints at improved performance with UWB technology, its actual implementation in the Pixel Watch 3 may depend on various factors like performance, market demand, and cost efficiency.
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