This Is Galaxy SmartTag, Can Track Any Lost Objects

JAKARTA - Along with the launch of the Galaxy S21 series and Galaxy Buds Pro, Samsung has also introduced a small bluetooth gadget that functions to track lost items. Elizabet Linstrom Global Direct to Consumer Center explained that Galaxy SmartTag is a tool designed to be compatible with Smart Things Find.

"So you can track the whereabouts of things that are easily lost and don't have a Bluetooth connection using the Galaxy SmartTag," explained Linstrom at the Galaxy Unpacked event, Thursday, January 14.

Linstrom explained that this device is designed to be small and easy to apply to various objects. The battery that is implanted can last up to a month. So, users can find things more easily.

“Imagine the moment when your dog suddenly disappeared. You panic because you don't know where it is. And with the Galaxy SmartTag attached to the necklace, you can track its whereabouts using Smart Things Find, ”continued Linstrom.

The illustration above is just one example of implementing the Galaxy SmartTag. Actually, this mini gadget has many functions. Can be used to find vehicle keys, smartphones, wallets, and children.

The condition is, you have to attach this tool to various things that are easily lost. For example, pinning a SmartTag on a dog or cat collar.

Once you feel lost, swipe the Find menu, then select the device you want to find. Wait a few moments for the application to download data.

If the location between the tracking device and the object you want to track is nearby, you can see the approximate distance that appears on the screen. The higher the distance estimate column, the closer it is. And to make searching easier, you can make your SmartTag sound.

If the SmartTag location is far enough away, there's no need to panic. This device can still be found. Later, other Samsung devices in the vicinity of SmartTag will track its whereabouts anonymously.

And through the reflection of the signal, you can tell where it is. This process runs in the background and is encrypted, so that user privacy can be maintained.

Linstrom explained that it launched two variants of SmartTag. The first variant is present in the purchase package for the Galaxy S21 series. This version uses the Bluetooth Low Energy connection standard.

Meanwhile, another variant, namely the Galaxy SmartTag Plus, is sold separately. This version applies Ultra Wide Band (UWB) connectivity technology.

The difference between the two is also reflected in the effectiveness of SmartTag tracking. The variant supplied with BLE cannot show the exact location of the Tag. Just estimating distance. This technology is the same as the technology used to play music from smartphones to Earbuds.

Meanwhile, devices equipped with UWB technology allow cellphones and tags to communicate directly with each other. So, the cellphone is able to get a more accurate Tag location, up to a few inches.

Using short waves that are emitted continuously, UWB devices are able to communicate and estimate how long it will take for each wave to be captured and answered by other UWB devices. In short, UWB is more accurate than BLE.

The launch of the two SmartTag variants is not just a matter of marketing strategy. The reason is, not all Galaxy smartphones support UWB, but equipped with BLE. Only the Galaxy Note20 Ultra, Galaxy S21 Plus, and S21 Ultra support UWB.

For the time being, there is no official price from Samsung Indonesia. It's just that, considering the price the company said when the Galaxy Unpacked, we can estimate a little.

It is known, the price of the Galaxy SmartTag is priced at 29.99 US dollars (US) or around Rp.421 thousand. Meanwhile, the Galaxy SmarTag Plus (which is supported by UWB technology), is priced at 39.99 US dollars or around Rp.562 thousand.