Nordic Semiconductor partners with Google for enhanced device tracking

Nordic Semiconductor, a provider of low-power wireless connectivity solutions, has announced its collaboration with Google, geared towards integrating support for Google's "Find My Device" network and "unknown tracker alerts" into the nRF Connect Software Development Kit (SDK). This aligns with Google's own release of these technologies aimed at native Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE) tracking using Android mobile devices. The support via the SDK is now readily available, coinciding with the consumer introduction of the "Find My Device" initiative and "unknown tracker alerts".

Kjetil Holstad, EVP of Strategy and Product Management with Nordic, commented on the collaboration with Google, stating: "As a proud design partner with Google, we are excited that our collaboration has ensured we can unveil support in the nRF Connect SDK for Google's Find My Device network and unknown tracker alerts at launch."

"This is a key development because it allows Nordic's nRF52 and nRF53 Series customers to build innovative device finding products for the global Android ecosystem. Some of our key partners have already taken advantage of the embedded support in the SDK and are ready to introduce commercial solutions, and other customers can soon follow suit."

Several key Nordic partners have already demonstrated the functionality and adaptability of this collaboration, having built commercial nRF52 Series-based device locating products that are compatible with Google's launched services.

Jure Zdovc, CTO at Chipolo, acknowledges the benefits of this partnership: "Leveraging the power and efficiency of Nordic's nRF52 Series SoCs, we were able to seamlessly integrate our products with Google's Find My Device network. The Nordic nRF52 Series ensures Chipolo finders optimal performance and reliability, helping our users to seamlessly locate their belongings with Chipolo finders and Google's Find My Device network."

The other partner to have shared the advantages of this integration is Pebblebee. Daniel Daoura, Founder and CEO at Pebblebee, spoke enthusiastically about the joint efforts: "Together with Nordic Semiconductor we are changing the future of the tracking industry, one device at a time. Our technology, designed to seamlessly integrate with Google's Find My Device network, signifies more than just a partnership; it represents a leap towards creating an ecosystem where virtually anything can be embedded with our tracking technology and the possibilities are endless. We envision a world where you can find everything that matters."

This innovative collaboration provides the foundational software within the nRF Connect SDK, enabling third-party manufacturers to create products that are comfortably accommodated by Google's services. The "Find My Device" network caters to Android users by enabling them to locate crucial everyday items, including keys, luggage, and pocketbooks. The built-in "unknown tracker alerts" works as a safety measure provided by Google's "Find My Device", alerting users whenever an unfamiliar Bluetooth tag appears to be moving in sync with them, contributing to improved user security.