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What is Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag+? (Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB)

In April Samsung launched Galaxy SmartTag. What is Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag+? The idea behind the diminutive device with a big backup, is to provide a means to more easily track your every day items should you lose them. Shoulder back, ruck sack, car keys all come to mind as contenders for this smart service. The SmartTag+ itself  looks like a small plastic disc with a key ring hole but it’s a lot more.

Working in conjunction with Galaxy SmartThingsFind service which in turn provides the SmarThingsFind APP,
the device provides a way to easily track an item even if its been off line for 30 minutes. Read on to ‘find’ out more.

In plain English if you’ve opted in to the service, once your device has been off line it omits a ‘BLE’ signal that can be received by other devices. If you report your device lost or stolen that very signal will in theory find its way to a nearby Galaxy smartphone or tablet that has opted into helping find lost Samsung devices and beam the info to the Samsung server about its location. Samsung, in turn, will then let you know where your lost item (with the Galaxy SmartTag attached to it) is.

The AR Finder on your phone’s APP, then guides you with an easy-to-use interface to the item. Easy to follow arrows and an alarm can be set to make they system next to foolproof.

What is Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag+? (Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
What is Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag+? (Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB)

What is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)?

‘Bluetooth Low Energy’ is a wireless standard that allows for the transmission of information over short distances. It is designed to work with wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smart watches, which need to have a battery life of up to 1 year or more.

Bluetooth Low Energy (read a full description here) provides an alternate approach for developers who want to build apps for these types of devices without having access to their source code or hardware among advantages. The important factor for smart phone makers like Samsung is it uses relatively little battery power compared with regular bluetooth.  It is already used in many mobile devices including Apple Watches. BLE was originally called Wibree.

What is Ultra Wideband (UWB)?

Ultra Wideband (UWB) is a wireless technology that operates at lower frequencies than most other wireless technologies. It has been used for many purposes, including in military applications and to track animals. UWB technology provides “spatial awareness,” which in practice is a way for your phone to recognize its surroundings and cleverly, the objects in it.

Galaxy SmartTag+ and SmartTag don’t just locate lost possessions. They can be used for other smart functions
using the SmartThings app (just make sure you have room for APPS on your phone) like remotely switching off your lamp of turning on your coffee maker at the press of the button.

What is Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag+? (Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
What is Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag+? (Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB)

Conclusion

For around the $30 mark and with the Samsung service being free, Galaxy SmartTag offers an excellent way to zone in on lost items which are tagged with the SmartTag. The other benefit is you can help other Samsung SmartTag owners who have lost a possession simply by registering for the service.

What are the Drawbacks if any?

If you need real time tracking this is not the device for you. The system often provided historical times, when tested, where other Samsung devices made a record of the SmartTag’s whereabouts.

If you are not a Samsung user or you would like to check out the less high tech tracking devices or explore trackers with other interesting nuances read: The Best Car Key Trackers 2021 (they’re not just car key trackers).

Alternatively, you may like: 9 Best Bluetooth Key Trackers

Born in London, Eddie is a tech blogger and passionate writer. He enjoys creative and factual writing about tech. Digging out interesting facts to convey to the reader is something he takes pride in. He loves to try new devices and gadgets that entertain or improve lives.

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