Android 15’s New Wi-Fi Ranging Feature Revolutionizes Indoor Positioning

GPS often struggles with accuracy indoors due to blocked signals. Android 15’s new Wi-Fi Ranging feature is set to change that, offering a more precise way to track location inside buildings. Wi-Fi access points (APs) are key to this, as they allow for more accurate positioning than GPS when used with modern technology.

The Evolution of Wi-Fi Positioning

Early Wi-Fi positioning was based on signal strength, which could only provide 10-15 meter accuracy—far from ideal for indoor navigation. 

The introduction of Wi-Fi Round Trip Time (RTT) improved accuracy to 1-2 meters by measuring signal travel time between devices and nearby APs. While Android has supported Wi-Fi RTT since version 9, it hasn’t been widely implemented.

Now, Wi-Fi Ranging (802.11az) takes accuracy to the next level, achieving precision within less than 1 meter. It doubles the bandwidth, works on the 6GHz band, and is scalable to many devices, making it ideal for crowded areas like malls or convention centers. 

Android 15 fully supports Wi-Fi Ranging, allowing devices to switch between older Wi-Fi standards (802.11mc) and the new 802.11az for better indoor location tracking.

Why Wi-Fi Ranging Feature Stands Out

While Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth 6.0 with Channel Sounding are also emerging for precise location tracking, Wi-Fi Ranging holds its own due to better range, scalability, and cost efficiency. It’s compatible with previous Wi-Fi generations, and with the huge spectrum available, it meets the growing demand for more precise indoor navigation. Although slightly less accurate than UWB, it’s more practical for large-scale use cases.

Wi-Fi Ranging: What’s Coming Next?

Google sees many possibilities for Wi-Fi Ranging. 

It could revolutionize retail, helping customers find products in stores or enhancing smart home automation by allowing devices to know exactly where you are.

While most phones don’t yet support Wi-Fi Ranging, new chips like Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7900 will bring this feature to future devices. 

However, many Wi-Fi 6 access points will need firmware updates to support this new standard.

Wi-Fi Ranging Feature : Conclusion

Wi-Fi Ranging in Android 15 is a leap forward in indoor positioning technology, offering accurate, scalable, and secure tracking. While it may take a bit of time for devices and infrastructure to catch up, this innovation is set to transform how we navigate indoor spaces.