Xiaomi Tag Ready To Challenge AirTag And Galaxy SmartTag, Carrying UWB And Super Cheap Prices

Xiaomi is preparing to enter the smart tracker arena (photo: x @CeotechI)

JAKARTA - Xiaomi is preparing to enter the smart tracker arena which has been dominated by Apple and Samsung. The latest rumors from Weibo say Xiaomi will release a new device called Xiaomi Tag on December 26, along with Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Watch 6, and Buds 5. If true, this is a new product category for Xiaomi, and they don't seem to want to come empty-handed.

Xiaomi Tag is said to be bringing Ultra-Wideband (UWB), a technology that allows for a much more precise close-range tracking, similar to Apple AirTag. But its main appeal could not be just a feature, but an ecosystem. This smart tracker is rumored to be connected to Google Find My Device Network, a crowdsourced network based on surrounding Android devices, which can detect tag positions even when offline. This combination makes Xiaomi Tag look like an AirTag mixture with Google's own flare.

In the global market, Motorola actually brought Moto Tag first with the UWB package plus Google network support. But Xiaomi has the potential to shake the table through their most classic strategy: price.

Rumors say Xiaomi Tag will be sold under 25 dollars in China. That figure makes him compete directly, even cheaper, than the 25-dollar AirTag, while Moto Tag is around 20 dollars.

The focus of the initial release seems to be still China, but Xiaomi's track record usually shows that successful products will be brought to the global market. If Xiaomi Tag really appears December 26, its presence could shake up the smart tracker segment, which was previously relatively comfortable to control by big brands.

With the joining of Xiaomi, this small tracking device that is often embedded in bags, keys, or suitcases finally has a serious competition from the Android giants. The question is only one: will Xiaomi play an aggressive price card as usual, or do they have another surprise to heat up competition?