Google's Project Soli Gets FCC Approval for Radar-Based Motion Sensing
Google's Project Soli earns FCC approval to operate its radar-based motion sensors at higher power levels, clearing a major regulatory hurdle for consumer integration.
Google's Project Soli receives official FCC approval to operate its radar-based motion-sensing technology at higher power levels than currently allowed. The FCC grants this crucial waiver for the miniature radar sensor developed by Google's ATAP division, which uses the 57-64 GHz band to detect fine hand gestures without physical contact.
This regulatory approval significantly improves the accuracy and range of the technology, clearing a major hurdle for Google to integrate Project Soli into consumer devices. Because the radar chip is incredibly small, it fits easily into wearables, smartphones, and various IoT devices.
Facebook previously objects to the waiver by raising concerns about potential interference with other devices in the same spectrum band, but the FCC ultimately determines that Project Soli coexists safely with existing technologies. This vital green light paves the way for the technology to appear later in consumer products like the Google Pixel 4 phone as the Motion Sense feature.