GOOGLE UNVEILS PIXEL TAG TRACKER TO RIVAL APPLE AIRTAG

Google unveiled the Pixel Tag on Wednesday at its "Made by Google '26" livestreamed event, introducing a tracking device priced at $29 designed to compete with Apple's AirTag. The Pixel Tag integrates with Google's Find Hub network, which uses Android devices worldwide to locate lost items, mirroring the functionality of Apple's Find My system built into iPhones. Android users can add the tag to their phone's built-in Android Find Hub, the same tool already used to track lost Android smartphones and other devices.

The announcement came alongside Google's reveal of its new Pixel 11 smartphone lineup and other hardware. The event, hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, featured appearances from NBA player Stephen Curry, podcaster Alex Cooper, Indian cricketer Shubman Gill, and Japanese actress Ayami Nakajo. Reports ahead of the event had suggested Google would announce a Pixel Tag tracker alongside next-generation Pixel Fold and Pixel Watch 5 devices in multiple colour options and finishes.

Google's preorder window for new devices opened on its website with a countdown ending on 12 August at 10:00 AM Eastern Time, eight hours before the livestream began at 6:00 PM Eastern Time. The company's Made by Google livestream last year drew 8.4 million viewers on YouTube, significantly higher than the 1.4 million viewers from the 2024 event.