Apple and Google "Find My" technologies and supported modules

[droberson]

Hello,

We are in the feasibility stage of a product that requires integration of both the Apple "Find My" and Google "Find My Device" technologies.

Based on my research, it looks like the only Nordic BLE modules that support both of these technologies are:

• nRF52832
• nRF52840
• nRF54L15

Some BLE modules support one or the other, but not both. Such as:

• nRF5340 (Google Find My Device)
• nRF52833 (Apple Find My Network)

Source for Google "Find My Device": https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Technologies/Find-my-Device

Source for Apple "Find My": https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Technologies/Apple-Find-My-network

I have a few questions:

1. What is the limiting factor that allows the nRF5340 to support Google's "Find My Device" but not Apple's "Find My" technologies?

2. As long as the module has BLE support, the only limiting factor should be flash and RAM, correct? If not, what are the other limiting factors?

3. What is the minimum flash and RAM required to implement a simple tracker that supports both Google "Find My Device" and Apple "Find My" technologies? Ie, what is the minimum memory footprint (flash and RAM) of enabling support for these technologies in the nRF Connect SDK?

4. Is there anything stopping someone from implementing both of these technologies on a nRF52820 for example (Something not on the supported products list)? If so, what?

Thanks,

Derek

[SwRa]

Hi Derek,

Sorry for the delay..

1. What is the limiting factor that allows the nRF5340 to support Google's "Find My Device" but not Apple's "Find My" technologies?

Apple has some additional requirements that the nRF5340 doesn't meet and that is described in the FMN spec and in the FMN SDK, basically you need a FEM to use the nRF5340 for FMN. The device itself supports it and the code for implementing it available, just add the FEM (PA is what is needed).

As long as the module has BLE support, the only limiting factor should be flash and RAM, correct? If not, what are the other limiting factors?

Yes, Memory is the primary restriction for using FMN and/or FMD. Other limiting factors might be there which can only be evaluated once we have a clear idea on the application.

What is the minimum flash and RAM required to implement a simple tracker that supports both Google "Find My Device" and Apple "Find My" technologies?

Minimum device for a simple single network tracker is the nRF52832 with 512kB flash.

Is there anything stopping someone from implementing both of these technologies on a nRF52820 for example

The nRF52820 can not run FMD or FMN due to lack of memory (flash and ram are both too small). For a dual network support without external memory, the current minimum is the nRF52840 but we are looking at other options for later. With external memory you can use the nRF52832 again, external memory will then only be used for DFU. 

Regards,

Swathy

[droberson]

Hello SwRa,

Thanks for your reply! I will use the nRF52840 as a benchmark without external memory. I have also finally found the spec for Apple and Google Find My technologies which also helps. These tracker devices are quite a bit more complicated than I anticipated from a requirements standpoint.

Thanks!

Derek

[pkaz]

Hello Derek,

If you intend to use the stock SDKs - then yes, the nRF52840 is the way to go. You will also need to figure out a cross platform DFU solution and a few other items (like the DULT standard compatibility) if you intend to integrate both Apple Find My and Google's Find My Device in one product.

With the specifications on hand - take a closer look at the requirements and review them in regards to your intended use case, to make sure it will be compliant from the specifications and safety standpoint.

If you want to save yourself significant effort - feel free to shoot me an email or reach out to [email protected]
We may be able to help, as we've already been through that path and we have a few solutions that could make your time to market much faster.

You can also take a look at our profile on the Nordic Partner Program here.

BR,

Paweł

[droberson]

Hey Paweł,

Thanks for the feedback! I will keep this in mind.

Derek

[MagnusPersson]

Hi,

In the list of supported SoC's for Google Find My device at https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Technologies/Find-my-Device nRF52833 is missing.

if I  understand your answer correctly this SoC should also work but may need external memory for dual network support?

Thanks!

-Magnus

[PaKa]

Thanks for notifying us, this was a glitch on the website and we will add it to that page. You can fit a single network solution on the nRF52833 but not a dual one on chip. If you add an external memory then you should be able to do a dual.