Bluetooth Channel Sounding is poised to become a significant technology for tracking devices such as phones and earbuds. Currently, the Pixel Watch 3 is the only device that supports this innovative feature. This limitation presents a challenge, as Bluetooth Channel Sounding is intended to provide an alternative to Ultra-Wideband, which is renowned for its precision in locating lost or stolen Android devices. Fortunately, resolving this issue may not be overly complex, although it is not something end-users can address.

Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority reported that Bluetooth Channel Sounding is a feature of Bluetooth 6.0. Beyond the Pixel Watch 3, however, it appears that no other Android devices on the market currently support Bluetooth 6.0 or its Channel Sounding functionality. The potential solution lies in updating existing devices to align with Bluetooth 6.0, which would enable them to utilize Channel Sounding for enhanced tracking capabilities akin to those of the Pixel Watch 3. Notably, the Pixel Watch 3 incorporated Bluetooth 6.0 support through a recent update, specifically the Wear OS 5.1 enhancement issued by Google.

The significance of the Pixel Watch 3 supporting Bluetooth Channel Sounding is underscored by the limitations of existing Bluetooth tracking standards. While Ultra-Wideband is recognized for its accuracy, it is costlier to implement and is effective primarily in specific contexts. In contrast, Bluetooth Channel Sounding could streamline the process by requiring merely an update to Bluetooth 6.0, which many devices—including smartphones, earbuds, and wearables—already have. By enabling a broader range of devices to adopt this technology, users could benefit from precise tracking within centimeters, greatly improving the chances of locating lost items.