Tracking tags like Apple's AirTag or Samsung's SmartTag have become essential items for people traveling abroad and fearing that the airline will lose their luggage. In the summer of 2022, airports experienced overload and suitcases disappeared continuously, and tracking tags achieved great success, as they were snatched from stores and shortages were recorded online.
Apple and Samsung launched their tags in 2021, but they were not the first. Manufacturers like Chipolo or Tile have been trying for years to make this technology popular, but with limited success. The reason for this is that for a tracking tag to work optimally, it requires a large number of users.
A brief explanation of the tracking technology used by tracking tag manufacturers. Samsung and Apple operate in a similar manner: all their smartphones become tracking devices (for their customers) as soon as you lose your Samsung (or Apple) tag, it will communicate via Bluetooth with smartphones passing by, so you can enter the tag's app and look at the map to find it, even though it does not include GPS or cellular connectivity. The idea sounds simple, but the technology manufacturers who launched their products before the American and South Korean giants could not reach such a large number of users.
The Galaxy SmartTag 2 is the third model that Samsung is launching (following the first generation SmartTag and SmartTag Plus). Samsung has worked on several improvements and changes in design to make this item more efficient to use. It is still a product that only works with Samsung smartphones, so if you have an Android smartphone from another company, you will need to purchase a tag from smaller manufacturers.
Still maintains the design advantage
One of the advantages in the design of the SmartTag compared to the AirTag is the slot, which allows it to easily attach to keychains. With Apple, you need to purchase a cover to enable this because the product simply does not have a hole. Samsung kept the slot in the SmartTag 2 and even enlarged it. The design between the previous generation and the current one is different, as it now resembles a disk-on-key. The tag also has water and dust resistance with an IP67 rating, the goal is not to immerse the tag in a pool, but rather to attach it to a cat or dog and not worry that a little water from their drinking bowl will harm the device.
Finding keys under the couch
For using the tag, an application called SmartThings is needed (which also serves to control other smart Samsung products). Upon first activation of the tag, a message immediately pops up on the smartphone, offering to connect to it. The application displays all the tags the user has, including the names given to them (car keys, backpack, suitcase, etc.). If the tag is nearby, you can command it to ring (the ring is not very loud) or use the navigation option.
This feature uses a technology called UWB (Ultra Wideband) that allows you to locate things in close proximity (even in enclosed spaces), and it is aimed at the tag's location using an arrow. Samsung has improved the compass in the new tag. To use this feature, you need a Samsung smartphone that supports UWB, like the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
In addition to using this feature, you can see the location of the tag on a map. There have already been stories of people finding their stolen bikes or scooters thanks to tags like this. You can also see the location history of the tag in the app.
When a user loses the tag, they can choose a new mode in the app called "Lost", which allows them to store personal details such as a phone number. So if someone scans it with NFC, they can view the details in a web browser and return it. Additionally, this mode will alert the user as soon as the tag is located, and you can also set a lock association so it cannot be assigned to other users.
Battery life improvement
Although the SmartTag models use a simple CR2032 button battery, it is still inconvenient to replace the battery every period. The new model offers a 50% improvement in battery life compared to previous models, totaling 500 days of work. There is also a battery-saving mode that extends usage time to 700 days.
Price: 150 shekels per unit or 400 shekels for a package of 4 units.
In conclusion, in my opinion, tracking tags (whether Samsung or Apple) have become a must-have item when traveling abroad with luggage or carrying bicycles/electric scooters. The tag allows for peace of mind, as it enables us to know the whereabouts of our important belongings at all times. The Galaxy SmartTag 2 manages to improve an already good product, mainly thanks to a longer battery life and enhanced water resistance.