After months of speculation, Google's first foldable smartphone, the Pixel Fold, is finally getting closer to its official launch. The device is expected to be unveiled this week at the I/O 2023 presentation alongside the Pixel 7a and the Pixel Tablet, but it has already received a crucial certification from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States.
The FCC certification confirms that the Pixel Fold will come in two models with the model numbers G0B96 and G9FPL. While it is unclear how the two models differ, the fact that they share the same FCC ID suggests that they will be practically identical. This is consistent with earlier rumors that suggested that the Pixel Fold would be available in only one size.
More importantly, the FCC documentation also confirms that the Pixel Fold will support ultra-wideband (UWB) connectivity. This technology allows for high-precision location tracking and is already used in the iPhone 11 and newer models for AirDrop and other features. The Pixel Fold will be the first Google device to support UWB, but it is likely that other Google products, such as the Pixel Tablet, will also feature this technology.
Google is reportedly working on an AirTag alternative codenamed Grogu, which will also rely on UWB technology. This product is expected to compete with Apple's popular AirTag tracking devices, which have been a huge success since their release last year. By using UWB, Google's tracking device could offer more accurate location tracking and better integration with other Google products.
The Pixel Fold will also support Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth LE, and 5G connectivity, thanks to its Google Tensor G2 chipset. This chipset is also expected to power the Pixel 7a and the Pixel Tablet. The Tensor G2 is a custom-designed chip that Google developed in-house, and it is likely to offer better performance than the off-the-shelf chips used by most other Android manufacturers.
While the Pixel Fold is expected to be unveiled this week, it is not expected to be orderable until June. The device is rumored to start at $1,799, making it one of the most expensive smartphones on the market. However, Google has a reputation for offering excellent value for money, and the Pixel Fold is likely to be no exception. The device is expected to offer a large foldable screen, a powerful processor, and a range of innovative features that set it apart from other foldable devices.
The Pixel Fold is expected to be a game-changer for the smartphone industry, as it will be the first foldable device from Google, one of the world's largest and most innovative tech companies. While other manufacturers, such as Samsung and Huawei, have been offering foldable devices for several years now, Google's entry into the market is likely to spur further innovation and competition.
In conclusion, the FCC certification of the Pixel Fold confirms that the device will feature UWB connectivity and two models. The device is expected to be unveiled this week alongside the Pixel 7a and the Pixel Tablet, but it will not be orderable until June. The Pixel Fold is expected to be one of the most expensive smartphones on the market, but it is likely to offer excellent value for money, with a large foldable screen, a powerful processor, and a range of innovative features. The Pixel Fold is likely to be a game-changer for the smartphone industry, and it will be interesting to see how other manufacturers respond to Google's entry into the foldable market.
