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Galaxy S21 Ultra has UWB. Here's how ultra wideband tech will make your life easier
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Ultra join Apple's iPhone 11 and 12 with support for ultra wideband wireless technology to precisely pinpoint your location.
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Apple has patented the use of UWB, or ultra wideband, to recognize when you're approaching your car, unlock its doors and govern when you can turn it on.
Apple via US PTO; Stephen Shankland/CNET
You've heard of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 5G. Now it's time to learn another wireless communications term: ultra wideband, or UWB. Smartphone leaders Apple and Samsung have built it into their high-end models, including the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and now the Galaxy S21 Plus and S21 Ultra. (Here's our review of the Galaxy S21 Ultra.) The Apple Watch Series 6 also has UWB built in. The technology lets you pinpoint the exact location of phones, key fobs and tracking tags, helping you find lost dogs or automatically unlock your car.