Google’s Find My Device network was launched last April, expected to shake up the smart tag market. However, a slow rollout and poor reviews left many disappointed. A year later, we put three of its main competitors – Motorola, Pebblebee, and Chipolo – through our testing rig to see if Google’s network has improved.
After setting up tracking devices from these companies, as well as Apple AirTags and Tile trackers for comparison, we found that Google’s network is indeed better than when it was first launched. In ideal conditions, such as in a busy city with minimal movement, the network performs on par with Apple’s and Tile’s. But when things get tricky – like in rural areas or with moving tags – the gap between Google and its competitors grows.
It appears that this limitation might be intentional, with some suggesting it could be part of a strategy to encourage device manufacturers to invest in their own tracking solutions. While Google’s network has come a long way, there’s still room for improvement.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/google/655319/google-find-my-device-smart-tag-network-one-year-later