Pixel phones are getting 10 new custom icon styles

Google's answer to Apple's AirTag, the Google Pixel Tag, has hit stores at a price of $29.99. This $30 Android-compatible item enables users to track everyday items such as keys, wallets, or bags using their smartphone's integrated Find Hub. Introduced in August, the Pixel Tag functions similarly to AirTags, employing Bluetooth and ultra-wideband technology for accurate tracking.

The Pixel Tag can be accessed via Bluetooth and ultra-wideband connections, which allow nearby Android device users to pinpoint the location of their missing item using both visual distance and directional cues. Additionally, it includes a built-in speaker that emits a sound to help locate the item if it's within proximity. Alternatively, by pressing the Pixel Tag's button twice, it can also be used to ring the tag if the user has lost their phone.

Design-wise, the Pixel Tag differs from Apple's AirTag. It is slimmer and elongated, measuring 1.1 inches in width and 1.8 inches in height, as opposed to the AirTag's 1.26-inch width and 1.26-inch height. The Pixel Tag's 0.2-inch thickness is significantly less than the AirTag's 0.31-inch thickness. The device weighs just 0.4 ounces, including the battery. In contrast to Apple, Google chose to incorporate a physical button on the tag for easy identification.

However, Google excluded NFC (Near Field Communication) technology from the Pixel Tag. NFC allows users to tap the side of the tag to reveal contact information for the device's owner. Instead, the Pixel Tag utilizes Google's extensive network of over a billion Android devices to share the location of lost items that are not in close range. The location data is showcased on a map within the Find Hub app.

In "Lost" mode, Pixel Tags can share the owner's email, phone number, and a brief message, enabling the finder to contact the owner once the tag is back in range of their phone. The tag's location can also be shared with up to 10 people in the Find Hub app, proving helpful for shared possessions like family car keys. Like AirTag, the Pixel Tag utilizes a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery, providing an estimated one-year battery life upon activation.

The device is constructed from stainless steel and offers IP67 water and dust resistance, capable of withstanding depths of up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The Pixel Tag is compatible with Android versions 9 and above through Fast Pair technology. It is available in silver and a pale green shade, with the option of purchasing it individually for $29.99 or in a four-pack for $99.99.

Bellroy, alongside the Pixel Tag's release, also introduces keychain cases in diverse colors and styles, which are sold on the Google Store.