Thursday, Samsung has announced plans to launch an updated version of its Galaxy SmartTag smart trackers, aptly named SmartTag +, globally on April 16, with the US launch expected sometime “in the coming weeks”.
These smart trackers attach to keys, wallet or anything else you frequently lose to help you hunt them through an app. The design was first popularized by Tile a few years ago and while rumors had it much circulated about Apple developing a similar device called the Apple AirTag, Samsung punch them with the Galaxy SmartTag announcement powered by Bluetooth in January. At the time, Samsung teased that a version powered by ultra-wideband technology, one of the the newest keywords In consumer technology, it could be on the horizon. And now we finally have a release date.
On a Samsung Press release, SmartTag + will provide support for both UWB and Bluetooth Low Energy, a variant of traditional Bluetooth that does not consume as much battery and is already included in the original SmartTag. The SmartTag + is slightly more expensive than its predecessor, at $ 39.99 compared to the $ 29.99 SmartTag.
In addition to the ability to identify more accurately lost objects, the enhanced spatial awareness functionality offered by SmartTag + ‘s UWB technology means it can use augmented reality to visually guide users to lost chips using their smartphone camera if they have a UWB – equipped smartphone. You can also choose to make the tracker sound with a sound as you approach its location, or to cause other users to join your search with a feature similar to Community finding network announced for Tile’s next UWB-powered tracker. However, location data remains protected, Samsung said on Thursday:
“All data in SmartThings Find is encrypted and protected, so the location of the tag is not disclosed to anyone but you.”
G / O Media may receive a commission
You can see an example of how AR function for SmartTag + works in the chart below. (It reminds me of that bit of The story of toys where Mrs. Potato Head loses an eye under the couch, but since it is removable and what not, she can still see through it).
Similar to Bluetooth, UWB technology allows devices in a range to talk to each other, but what sets it apart is its superior ability to identify exact locations and broadcast data with minimal interference. It does this by transmitting data over a higher frequency than “narrowband” wireless technology, the disadvantage of which is that it suffers from a shorter overall interval. Technology has has been around for decades, but only recently have UWB chips become cheap and small enough for companies to justify introducing them to smartphones and other consumer gadgets.
This year is shaping up to be an important one for UWB with both Plates and Apple it is supposed to work on UWB powered trackers.