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Channel Sounding uses Phased-Based Ranging (PBR), which is more accurate in determining the distance between two devices, such as your Google Pixel 11 and your Pixel Tag. RSSI signals are easily obstructed by objects, walls, and environmental interference from other devices on the Bluetooth network.
For general device location, Apple relies on its vast Find My network of Apple devices to securely and privately ping your device and use device chimes to make a sound when you're close enough to it.
Google's Pixel Tag will work the same way with Google's expanding Find My Device network of Android devices. But Channel Sounding promises you won't need to rely as heavily on the network to locate your tracker, which would be ideal if you're not near other Android devices.
Channel Sounding also promises not to engage the even more accurate but power-intensive UWB technology until absolutely necessary, which should extend the Pixel Tag's battery life.
Which devices are compatible?
Google's Pixel Tag is only compatible with Android devices, so iPhone users will have to stick to AirTags or other iOS-friendly Bluetooth trackers. Google's Pixel Tag uses Bluetooth Channel Sounding and UWB for device tracking and positioning. However, unlike iPhones, not all Android phones are equipped with UWB chips. Google Pixel Pro series and Pixel Fold phones, Samsung Galaxy S Plus, S Ultra series, and Z Fold phones have UWB.
My guess is that devices without UWB will be able to default to Bluetooth Channel Sounding for device tracking. The caveat is that your Android smartphone must support Bluetooth Channel Sounding, which is in the Bluetooth 6.0 standard. Not all phones with Bluetooth 6.0 support Channel Sounding, so for now, full support is limited to premium Pixel phones.
My second guess is that Android phones without UWB and Channel Sounding support will default to Bluetooth Low Energy for device tracking, making their tracking capabilities comparable to a Tile tracker.
Originally published on August 22, 2026 by ZDnet.
