A mystery Google gadget with 60GHz Soli radar just crossed the FCC
How does the inclusion of a "base plate" suggest possible uses for the new Google device?
The inclusion of a "base plate" in the new Google device suggests that it may be a hardwired gadget, possibly designed to be mounted on a wall or placed on a stand. This could potentially indicate that the device is a new Nest Thermostat or a similar smart home gadget. The base plate could serve as a mounting plate for attaching the device to a wall or as a stand for placing it on a flat surface. The presence of the base plate also implies that the device may not be battery-powered and may require AC power or a USB connection for operation.
What specific features does the new "wireless device" from Google include according to the FCC filings?
The new "wireless device" from Google, according to the FCC filings, includes several notable features:
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Soli radar technology: This is a short-range 60GHz radar that has been featured in previous Google products like the Nest Hub and Pixel 4 smartphone.
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802.11n Wi-Fi: The device supports Wi-Fi connectivity, specifically the 802.11n standard, which operates on the 2.4GHz frequency band.
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Bluetooth: In addition to Wi-Fi, the device also supports Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with other devices.
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"Base plate": The FCC filing mentions a "base plate" of some kind, though its specific function or purpose is not clear from the filing.
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AC power and USB connectivity: The device was tested either plugged into AC power (via a "setup box") or plugged into a USB cable plugged into a laptop. This suggests that the device may be capable of being powered through a standard USB connection.
It's important to note that the FCC filing does not provide a clear indication of what the device actually is, but the presence of Soli radar technology and the lack of other radios beyond 2.4GHz and 60GHz suggest it could be a new Nest Thermostat or a similar type of product. However, this is purely speculative at this point, and the true nature of the device remains a mystery.
Why is the new Nest Thermostat considered a likely candidate for Google's mystery device?
The new Nest Thermostat is considered a likely candidate for Google's mystery device because the FCC filings mention a "wireless device" with short-range 60GHz radar tech (Soli), 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a "base plate." The 2020 Nest Thermostat also used Soli radar and had similar light radio features. Additionally, the device in the filing was tested either plugged into AC power or via a USB cable, which also aligns with the Nest Thermostat's power options. The mention of a "base plate" could also indicate a wall-mountable device like a thermostat.