Mountain View, California – Google’s tiny radar technology, Soli, has been the subject of anticipation for years. Recent filings at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reveal that Google is experimenting with a new wireless device incorporating Soli radar tech, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a unique “base plate.”
Speculation suggests that the mystery device could potentially be a new Nest Thermostat. Given the absence of additional radios beyond 2.4GHz and 60GHz in the FCC filings, similarities to the 2020 Nest Thermostat, which utilized Soli radar for automatic detection, support this theory. Furthermore, the inclusion of a “base plate” aligns with typical thermostat setups.
However, the likelihood of the device being an update to Google’s 2021 Nest Hub, which integrated Soli radar for sleep tracking, is questioned. Smart home hubs typically require low-power radio technologies like Thread or Zigbee to control other devices, which are not mentioned in the FCC filings. This raises doubts about the device’s intended purpose within Google’s smart home ecosystem.
The absence of battery references in the FCC filings suggests that the device may be hardwired. Testing involved connecting the device to AC power or a USB cable plugged into a laptop, ruling out the use of traditional batteries commonly found in Nest Thermostats. This raises further questions about the device’s portability and potential applications.
While the possibility of the device being a smart speaker is considered, limitations in the device’s Wi-Fi capabilities cast doubt. Google’s existing Nest Mini speakers support 5GHz Wi-Fi bands, making it unlikely that a device with only 2.4GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi could serve as a smart speaker within Google’s product lineup.
Speculation also surrounds the device possibly being the rumored Pixel Watch 3. Early demonstrations of Soli radar technology included applications in smartwatches, aligning with Google’s history of innovation. However, the device’s intended use, measured distance from individuals, and absence of radiation testing for human contact make this scenario less plausible.
As enthusiasts and experts analyze the FCC filings for clues, the true identity and purpose of Google’s mysterious wireless device remain shrouded in secrecy. The ongoing speculation and excitement surrounding the device highlight the persistent curiosity and anticipation within the tech community.