Waiting for a Google AirTag? Chipolo trackers are coming (Update: Delayed)

Update, July 13, 2023 (1:41 PM ET): Chipolo has now delayed its Find My Device trackers. The trackers were expected to ship sometime in mid-July, but now the website says the company expects to ship the trackers by the “end of summer.” According to a statement provided to 9to5Google, Chipolo appears to be waiting on Google to update the Find My Device app for users across the globe.

Pre-orders of Chipolo Point finders will be shipped according to when the updated version of Google’s Find My Device app is released to users across the globe. We appreciate your patience.

Original, May 10, 2023 (6:52 PM ET): Between all the talk of AI (boy, was there a lot of it) and fancy new devices like the Google Pixel 7a and Pixel Fold, it was easy to forget a missing device we expected to see at Google I/O 2023. The Mountain View company’s I/O portfolio was heavily leaked prior to the big day, and those leaks included hints at a bonafide Apple AirTag alternative from the Big G reportedly called the Nest Locator Tag. Sadly, that wasn’t to be, but the newly-revamped Find My Device service won’t go without a compatible location tracker thanks to Chipolo’s Android-centric Chipolo ONE Point key finder and Chipolo CARD Point wallet finder.

The two new trackers are available to pre-order from today on Chipolo’s store page with shipping promised for, “the second half of July 2023.” The ONE Point (the tiny circular model) and CARD Point will retail for $28 and $35 in the US, respectively, with the latter undercutting the AirTag by a singular buck. In the UK and the rest of Europe, the two will cost £30/€34 and £35/€39, again respectively. They come in a new Off White finish which will please fans of Chipolo’s typically colorful designs.

Chipolo’s new trackers are particularly notable as the first location tracking accessories to work with Google’s enhanced Find My Device network. The refreshed service now goes far beyond tracking lost Android phones and will now take advantage of the vast network of Android devices around the world to ping the location of compatible tablets, true wireless earbuds, and, of course, anything attached to a supported item finder device. This operates in a similar way to Apple’s Find My network, as well as similar solutions from Tile and Samsung, though Google’s version won’t be restricted to Google devices, with JBL and Sony headphones already confirmed for future support. According to Sameer Samat, the service will, “be powered by a network of billions of Android devices around the world.” Google’s Vice President of Product Management also took a moment to allay fears about privacy violations, stating that “from the start, we designed the network in a privacy-preserving way.”

Chipolo already makes equivalent Find My-specific trackers called the ONE Spot and ONE Card, so it’s great to see the company offer a similar option for Android users using Google’s expanded network. The devices will be compatible with Android devices running Android 9 or later. The ONE Point will draw obvious AirTag comparisons, but it should be noted the round location tracker only has a one-year-rated battery, though you can replace it. The CARD Point, meanwhile, will last for two years, but you can’t replace the battery. Instead, Chipolo will offer a renewal program.

Both trackers are water resistant and will play a sound on command if you’re in a 200ft range to help locate them, as well as whatever you’ve got them stored in or attached to. The Chipolo ONE Point and CARD Point also have a function that alerts anyone with an unregistered tracker on their person. The Apple AirTag has a similar anti-stalking feature which, as of last week following a joint announcement, will alert Android users if they are being tracked by an AirTag.

It’s great to see Chipolo coming out swinging in support of the new Find My Device feature, as well as confirmation that Tile and Pebblebee won’t be far behind with similar products. But it’s baffling that Google didn’t have its own AirTag competitor ready for prime time. We’ll also have to wait and see the full extent of the promised “privacy-preserving” strategy from Google considering how much controversy has surrounded AirTags and their potential for malicious tracking (much like with any location tracker).

Will you be buying a Find My Device-enabled Chipolo tracker?