Tracking Tags: Keeping Tabs on Your Belongings with Ease
- Tom
- June 4, 2023
Have you ever worried about the safety of your belongings or assets, like your car, for example? Whether it’s theft, vandalism, or simply misplacing your keys, these concerns can be stressful and time-consuming. That’s why I’m here to tell you about a solution that can help you put your mind at ease: tracking tags.
I’m going to give you a comprehensive overview of tracking tags and how they can be the ultimate solution for asset protection, how to choose the best devices for your needs and how to start using them. So buckle up and get ready to become an expert on tracking tags!
What are exactly tracking tags?
Tracking tags are compact and convenient devices that help keep track of the whereabouts of objects or individuals (with their consent!). By sticking the tag to the object or person, one can monitor their location in real-time. The technology behind tracking tags includes GPS and Bluetooth, which accurately determine the location.
In addition to providing location information, some advanced tracking tags have audio monitoring capabilities that can provide a more in-depth understanding of the environment surrounding the tracked asset. This makes it ideal for businesses looking to monitor their assets or for parents looking to keep track of their children.
To access the information provided by the tracking tag, one can use a smartphone app or a web-based interface.
What types of tracking tags are available in the market?
Tracking tags can be divided into two main categories based on the technology they use for location determination: GPS tracking tags and Bluetooth tracking tags.
Tags with Bluetooth trackers
Bluetooth tracking tags use Bluetooth Low Energy technology to determine the location of an object or person. These tags are ideal for indoor tracking and are often used to track personal items such as keys, wallets, and laptops. Bluetooth tracking tags use a smartphone or a nearby device to determine the location and provide updates on the movement of the tracked object.
The range of tracking depends on several factors such as the strength of the Bluetooth signal and the presence of obstacles, but typically it oscillates between a few tens of meters to a range of a hundred meters.
Tags with GPS trackers
GPS tracking tags use Global Positioning System technology to determine the location of an object or person. This technology provides highly accurate information and is ideal for outdoor tracking. GPS tracking tags are commonly used in logistics, transportation, and fleet management to monitor the movement of vehicles and shipments.
The range of GPS tracking tags can be considered global, as they are capable of providing accurate location information anywhere on the planet where there is an unobstructed line of sight to at least four GPS satellites. GPS signals can penetrate most building materials and can be received indoors, but the accuracy of the location information can be affected by factors such as the presence of tall buildings or other obstructions.
What is a tag tracker useful for?
Tag trackers can be useful for a variety of purposes, depending on the type of tag and the specific application. Some examples include:
Key Tracking or wallet tracking: Many people have experienced the frustration of losing their keys. With a Bluetooth tracking tag, you can attach the tag to your keychain or wallet and track its location using a smartphone app or web-based interface.
- Tracking equipment and assets: GPS Tag trackers can be used to track the location of expensive equipment and assets, luggage, tools, and even laptops and other electronics.
- Monitoring children and pets: tag trackers based on GPS technology can be placed on people or pets to monitor their location and movements, which can be useful for safety and security purposes.
- Elderly Care: Tracking tags can be used to monitor the location and movements of elderly family members or individuals with dementia, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
- Asset Tracking: Businesses can use tracking tags to monitor the movement of valuable assets, such as vehicles, equipment, and shipments. This can help optimize logistics, reduce theft, and improve overall efficiency.
- Tracking vehicles: GPS Tag trackers can be placed on vehicles to monitor their location and movements in real-time. This can be useful for fleet management, logistics and delivery companies, and even personal use.
- Bike Tracking: Cyclists can use tracking tags to monitor the location of their bikes, reducing the risk of theft.
What to pay attention at when choosing the best tracking tag?
When choosing the best tracking tag, there are several factors to consider:
- Battery life: Consider the battery life of the tag and how often it will need to be charged or replaced. Most of tracking tag are charged wirelessly. Some of them have replaceable battery.
- If considering using Bluetooth tracking tags, it’s important to keep in mind that they have a limited tracking range. This makes them best suited for indoor tracking, where the range limitations are not as critical. If you need to track an object over a larger area, GPS tracking tags may be a better option
- GPS accuracy: Look for a tag that has a high level of GPS accuracy, to ensure that the location information is as accurate as possible.
- Communication: Consider the type of communication that the tracker tag uses (cellular, satellite, etc.) and whether it will work in the area where the tag will be used.
- Durability: Make sure that the tracker tag is built to withstand the environment it will be used in, especially if you are planning to use it in an outdoor setting. Often it’s useful when the tag is water resistant.
- Additional features: Some tags may have additional features such as motion detection, geofencing, and two-way communication or audio monitoring. Consider whether these features are useful for your specific application.
- Cost: Compare prices and features of different tags to find the best one for your budget.
- Brand reputation: Consider the reputation of the manufacturer, and read reviews from other users to get an idea of their experiences.
My picks of the best tracking tag brands in the US market
When selecting a tracking tag, it’s important to consider not only the intended use, which will determine whether GPS or Bluetooth technology is the best choice, but also compatibility with your phone.
Tile tracker
Tile is a company that specializes in creating smart trackers for helping people keep track of their belongings such as keys, wallets, backpacks, and more. These trackers use Bluetooth technology to connect to a user’s smartphone, allowing them to locate their misplaced items.
Tile trackers come in various sizes and shapes, including small key-sized units and larger units meant for tracking backpacks and luggage. They can be attached to an item or placed inside of it, and users can then locate the item using the Tile app on their smartphone. If an item with a Tile tracker goes out of range of the user’s phone, the Tile app will show the last known location of the item on a map.
In addition to the traditional tracking capabilities, Tile also offers a community find feature which enables users to anonymously locate their lost items through the help of other Tile users. If you can’t find your item, you can simply use the Tile app to put the tracker in Lost Mode. This is accomplished through the app, which allows Tile users to securely share their location data with each other. If a Tile user comes within range of a lost item, the owner of the lost item will receive smart alerts with an updated location of the item through the Tile app.
Tile trackers are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. The Tile app is available for free on the App Store for iOS and on the Google Play Store for Android. Once the app is installed on a user’s smartphone, they can use it to locate their Tile-tracked items and take advantage of other features such as the community find feature.
Some popular models of Tile’s trackers include:
Tile Sticker – the smallest tracker offered by tile, that you can stick to any object directly after unboxing
Tile Slim- a thin and compact tracker designed to fit easily into tight spaces, such as wallets, passports, or slim laptop sleeves.
Tile Mate – a compact and versatile tracker that due to the hole can be easily attached to key ring, luggage, backpacks, or anything else that you need to keep track of.
Tile Pro– the most powerful tracker in Tile’s lineup, with a longer range and a louder ringtone than other Tile models.
Chipolo
Chipolo is a company that specializes in creating Bluetooth trackers for helping people keep track of their belongings. The Chipolo Bluetooth tracker is typically a small, circular device that can be attached to an item or placed inside of it, allowing users to locate their misplaced items using the Chipolo app on their smartphone.
The Chipolo app, available for both iOS and Android devices, uses Bluetooth technology to connect to the Chipolo tracker and display the location of the item on a map. If the item goes out of range of the user’s smartphone, the Chipolo app will show the last known location of the item. Additionally, the Chipolo app allows users to ring their Chipolo tracker remotely, making it easier to locate mislaid items.
In addition to these traditional tracking capabilities, Chipolo also offers a community find feature, allowing users to anonymously locate their lost items through the help of other Chipolo users. When another Chipolo app user comes within range of a lost item, the owner of the lost item will receive an updated location of the item through the Chipolo app.
Importance of operating system compatibility
It’s important to ensure that the tracking tag you choose is compatible with your operating system, whether it’s Android or iOS. Not all tracking tags are compatible with both platforms, so it’s crucial to check the device specifications before making a purchase.
For example, Tile tracker is a popular tracking tag that offers dedicated apps for both Android and iOS devices. On the other hand, the AirTag is a tracking tag that is only compatible with iOS devices and utilizes the “Find My” feature for tracking.
When choosing a tracking tag, make sure to check the device specifications and compatibility to ensure that you select a tag that works with your specific device and operating system.
Best tracking tags for Android users and Samsung Galaxy phones
The Samsung SmartThings Tracker is a GPS tracking device designed specifically for Android devices. It is designed to provide real-time updates on the location of your assets and personal items. The SmartThings Tracker can be used to track a wide range of objects, including keys, wallets, backpacks, vehicles, and equipment.
This tracking device is integrated with the SmartThings platform, which allows for advanced location tracking and management. It provides features such as geofencing, which sends alerts when the tagged object enters or exits a designated area, and a history of the object’s movements.
The SmartThings Tracker is compact, lightweight, and long-lasting, making it a convenient option for tracking on-the-go. It also connects seamlessly with the SmartThings app, which provides real-time updates on the location of your tagged items.
If you are an Android user, the SmartThings Tracker is an excellent solution for tracking your assets and personal items.
Best tags for iPhone and another iOS devices owners
Apple’s AirTag is a tracking tag that is specifically designed for use with Apple devices. It utilizes Apple’s “Find My” network and the Find My app to provide real-time updates on the location of the tagged object. AirTag features a compact design and long battery life, making it an ideal option for tracking personal items such as keys, wallets, and backpacks.
One of the key benefits of the Apple AirTag tracker is its integration with the “Find My” network, which allows for real-time location updates and tracking even when the tagged object is outside of Bluetooth range. This makes it a highly effective tracking solution for personal items that may be lost or misplaced.
The Precision Finding feature in Apple’s AirTag is a feature that uses augmented reality technology to help users locate their lost items. When a user loses an item attached to an AirTag, they can use the Find My app on their iPhone to locate the item. The Precision Finding feature utilizes the camera on the user’s iPhone to provide an augmented reality view, showing the direction and distance to the AirTag. This makes it easier for users to locate their lost items, especially in complex environments such as cluttered rooms or outdoor areas.
The Precision Finding feature works by overlaying the camera view with graphics and sound, indicating the direction to the AirTag. As the user moves closer to the AirTag, the sound will get louder and the graphics will become more accurate, helping the user pinpoint the exact location of the item.
Is it legal to use a tag with GPS tracker or Bluetooth tracking tag?
In the United States, the use of GPS and Bluetooth tracking tags is generally considered legal as long as it is done in a responsible and ethical manner. There are, however, some restrictions and considerations to keep in mind when using these devices.
For example, under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), it is illegal to use GPS tracking devices to track a person or vehicle without their consent. Similarly, the use of audio monitoring capabilities in tracking tags may be subject to state and federal wiretapping laws, which restrict the recording of private conversations without the consent of all parties involved.
Additionally, some states have specific laws and regulations regarding the use of GPS and Bluetooth tracking devices, so it’s important to check the specific laws in your state before using a tracking tag.
In general, it’s always best to be transparent and communicate with the person being tracked to ensure that everyone is aware and comfortable with the use of the tracker. By following the laws and ethical guidelines, you can use tracking tags to help keep track of your assets and protect your personal property and loved ones.
How to set up a tracking tag?
The steps to set up a tracking tag will vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer, but here are the general steps you can follow:
- Download the app: Most tracking tags come with a companion app that you need to download from the App Store or Google Play Store. The app will guide you through the setup process.
- Charge the tag: Before setting up the tag, make sure it’s fully charged. Some tags come with a charging cable, while others have a built-in battery that can’t be replaced.
- Pair the tag: Once you’ve downloaded the app, follow the instructions to pair the tag with your smartphone. This typically involves turning on the Bluetooth feature on your phone and pressing a button on the tag to put it into pairing mode or scanning relevant QR code.
- Set up the app: After pairing the tag, you’ll need to set up the app with your personal information, such as your name and email address. You’ll also need to create a password and select any preferences you have for notifications and other features.
- Attach the tag: Once the app is set up, you can attach the tag to the item you want to keep track of. Some tags come with adhesive tape or a keyring, while others can be attached using a loop or other accessory.
- Test the tag: After attaching the tag, use the app to test that it’s working correctly. You should be able to see the location of your item on a map and make the tag ring if it’s within range.
These steps are general and may vary based on the specific tracking tag model and manufacturer. Be sure to read the instructions that come with your tag for more information on how to set it up.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tracking tags have become a popular and effective way to keep track of valuable items, such as keys, wallets, bags, and more. There are different types of tracking tags available, including GPS trackers and Bluetooth trackers, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a tracking tag, it is important to consider your specific needs and choose a device that will meet those needs.
Some popular tracking tag brands include Tile, Chipolo, TrackR, and Pitaka, each offering their own unique features and design available on both – Android and iOS smart devices. At the same time we have AirTags compatible only with Apple devices and Samsung SmartThings tracker, designed exclusively for Android phones.
Overall, bluetooth trackers can provide peace of mind and help you easily locate lost items, making them a valuable investment for anyone who wants to keep their possessions secure. With the right tracking tag, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to quickly find your lost items and get back to your day.
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