Samsung has unveiled the SmartTag 2, an AirTag-like monitoring gadget that is a successor to the unique SmartTag launched in 2021. Not like the unique, which had each Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB) variants, the brand new model will mix each options in a single mannequin. The first disadvantage is that it nonetheless solely works with Samsung smartphones.
The brand new mannequin sports activities an all-new ring-shaped design, with steel on the within of the ring for sturdiness, slightly than simply having a punch-hole as earlier than. That lets it work higher with equipment like clips and keyrings, or connect to baggage and baggage. It is now IP67 mud and water-proof as effectively, letting you do issues like monitor pets outdoors.
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The SmartTag 2 has a brand new longer-lasting battery as effectively, with a 700 day vary when in Energy Saving Mode, or 500 days in Regular Mode — a 50 p.c enchancment over the past mannequin. One other new characteristic is the Misplaced Mode, that lets customers enter contact data by way of a message, in order that anybody who discovers an itemn with a SmartTag 2 can scan the tag and see the proprietor’s message and make contact with data.
As earlier than, the concept is to connect them to necessary belongings like keys, wallets and suitcases, letting you monitor them from shut vary by way of Bluetooth Low Power (BLE) or internationally by way of UWB. The corporate’s augmented actuality (AR) tech can visually information you towards the merchandise by way of the Samsung Galaxy smartphone digital camera. The SmartTag 2 also can management good residence home equipment by way of the SmartThings app.
The draw back to the SmartTag 2 is that it solely works with Samsung gadgets for now, so you would be relying not solely on a Galaxy telephone for monitoring, but additionally for the worldwide monitoring community. Google’s Discover My System community has but to go reside, partly as a result of Google delayed it with private safety in thoughts because it waits for Apple’s proposed spec. Each corporations plan to launch a specification for undesirable monitoring alerts, each iOS and Android, by the top of 2023.
It is unclear if Samsung’s gadgets will assist that spec as effectively — so you could wish to wait a bit earlier than leaping in. The SmartTag 2 launches globally on October 11 for $30 in black or white choices.
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