It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything about smart homes from Google, but a recent new FCC listing for the company suggests something is coming in the near future.
9to5Google report FCC Listing The report was submitted by Google and is simply titled “Wireless Devices”, and most of what’s available at the link includes test results and documentation for the devices’ various wireless connections.
There is mention of 2.4GHz LAN capabilities (used typically for long-range internet connections for smart home devices) and Bluetooth (to help sense the proximity of other devices like smartphones, smartwatches, and other smart home gadgets). But most notably, “wireless devices” include 60Hz connection spectrumThis suggests that Soli is part of this device.
Google Sleigh Radar Technology Pixel 4 Announced more than five years ago, Soli debuted at the company’s 2015 developer conference as a way to pan the screen on a smartwatch. Now, Soli is being released in 2020. Nest Thermostat Sleep Tracking in 2021 Nest Hub.
There are a few theories about what this “wireless device” might be and why it might have a Soli radar. 9to5Google, the originator of the Nest thermostat theory, has: Nest Learning ThermostatIt hasn’t been updated in nearly a decade, so it would be great to see Google re-release the thermostat that started it all with a model that includes all the latest technology it’s built into its ecosystem. The Verge He also shares the theory that this is probably not another Nest Hub, which I agree with In recent months, the hidden enthusiasm surrounding the term “smart home” has been fading as everyone struggles to adapt to the advent of AI.
