Pixel Watch 3 Boasts Bluetooth Precision Tracking – Here’s How
▼ Summary
– The Wear OS 5.1 update introduced Channel Sounding for the Pixel Watch 3, improving location accuracy using existing Bluetooth hardware.
– Channel Sounding measures signal travel time at different frequencies for centimeter-level accuracy, unlike traditional Bluetooth tracking based on signal strength.
– Bluetooth 6.0, announced in September 2024, includes Channel Sounding as a key upgrade, though it’s not yet widely utilized.
– Unlike Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Channel Sounding uses standard Bluetooth hardware, avoiding the need for additional costly components.
– More devices need Bluetooth 6.0 support via software updates to enable Channel Sounding, as compatibility is currently limited despite existing hardware.
The Pixel Watch 3 introduces an advanced Bluetooth tracking feature called Channel Sounding, promising centimeter-level precision for locating devices, without requiring additional hardware. This innovation, enabled by the Wear OS 5.1 update, leverages existing Bluetooth technology to deliver accuracy comparable to Ultra-Wideband (UWB) systems like those used in Apple’s AirTags.
Unlike traditional Bluetooth tracking, which estimates distance based on signal strength, often unreliable due to interference, Channel Sounding measures the time radio signals take to travel between devices across multiple frequencies. This method, outlined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), significantly improves location accuracy while maintaining directional awareness. The catch? Both devices must support Bluetooth 6.0 and the feature itself, which currently limits its real-world use.
While UWB has set the standard for precise tracking, it requires dedicated hardware, driving up costs. Channel Sounding eliminates this barrier by utilizing standard Bluetooth radios already embedded in smartphones, wearables, and headphones. The Pixel Watch 3 is among the first devices to adopt the technology, but widespread adoption hinges on manufacturers rolling out Bluetooth 6.0-compatible software updates.
As more devices gain support, this breakthrough could redefine how we track lost items or navigate indoor spaces, turning everyday Bluetooth into a powerful spatial awareness tool. For now, the Pixel Watch 3 stands at the forefront, waiting for the ecosystem to catch up.
(Source: The Verge)
