Watch Djuro demo SmartTag2 on Sky News above
Samsung Galaxy users can now track their belongings with a tag that rivals, or in some areas, surpasses Apple’s AirTag for iPhone users. Galaxy SmartTag2 launched globally this week with product available in Australia from 12th of October 2023.
“We are constantly looking at ways to make people’s lives more convenient through Samsung Galaxy’s industry-leading innovations,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Device Platform Centre at Samsung Electronics.
“With an enhanced finding experience and a longer battery life, Galaxy SmartTag2 will provide users with greater peace of mind for longer and in more situations.”
Bluetooth trackers rely on other devices to report their location via the Internet. Samsung’s vast network of Galaxy devices definitely makes the SmartTag2 the clear winner for users over Tile – if you use a Galaxy phone. So, if you’re in the Samsung family, the SmartTag2 makes sense for you. But remember .. Tile works with both Android and iOS.
DESIGN
The first thing you notice is the design. The previous SmartTag was closer in shape to the Tile tracker while the new SmartTag2 is a ring-shaped design. The large loop uses metal on the inside of the ring for greater strength and durability. Right out of the box, it’s ready to be attached to keyrings and clips. Avoid the temptation to clip your SmartTag to the outside of your check-in baggage. It will be stolen! Always place your tracking device inside your bag. It will work fine.
Galaxy SmartTag2 is IP67 rated for water and dust resistance. This helps for outdoor use, like on bikes, back of utes or on pets. The new tag also supports a pet walking mode, making it easy for users to log walks.
LOST MODE
Galaxy SmartTag2 has a new Lost Mode. It allows users to input their contact information via a message. Anyone who discovers an item with a Galaxy SmartTag2 attached can use their smartphone to scan the tag and see the owner’s message and contact information. This means a Galaxy SmartTag2 attached to a pet’s collar will ensure the owners phone number is attached to the animal virtually. Lost Mode works with any mobile device with NFC reader and web browser.
COMPASS VIEW
Compass View is an improved feature with arrows to show the direction and distance of the Galaxy SmartTag2 in relation to the user. This mode is available on any UWB-supported Galaxy smartphone, like the Galaxy S23 Ultra. UWB meaning Ultra Wideband.
BATTERY LIFE
In Normal Mode, battery life is now extended to 500 days, a 50% increase on previous models. But to extend that even further, a new Power Saving Mode lasts up to 700 days, more than twice as long as previous Galaxy SmartTag models. The SmartTag2 uses a typical button battery but parents should know it’s locked in tight. Access works like removing a SIM from a smartphone. Without an ejection tool, you’ll have to break it to get the battery out. Nice child safety touch from Samsung.
SMARTTAG IS SMART
The SmartThings Find app has also been upgraded, with newly registered Galaxy SmartTags that now installs a shortcut to the app on the user’s smartphone, allowing users to launch SmartThings Find more quickly. The app also features a full screen map view. When switching Galaxy smartphones, SmartTag2 now automatically re-syncs your new Galaxy smartphone using your Samsung account.
Galaxy SmartTag2 also works with SmartThings Station, which is integrated with SmartThings Find. It helps users keep track of valuables that have a SmartTag attached. SmartThings Station will notify users the location of their tagged item — personal items like TV remotes, wallets, keys and registered devices like smartphones, tablets, watches and earbuds. Pet owners will also receive an alert when a tagged collar moves too far from the SmartThings Station.
SmartTag2 takes advantage of both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and UWB capabilities, leveraging Augmented Reality (AR) Find technology to visually guide users toward their item using their Samsung Galaxy smartphone camera. The new tag works out to 120 metres and can control smart home appliances through the SmartThings app.
PRIVACY
The device’s location is only made available with the user’s permission. SmartThings Find also encrypts user data and is supported by Samsung Knox for an extra layer of security. Disabling Lost Mode immediately hides contact information and wipes the message left by the owner from the device.
To help prevent stalking, SmartThings Find can also provide security through its “Unknown tag alerts” feature. This feature alerts Samsung Galaxy users of any unauthorised tracking by sending them a notification if SmartThings Find detects an unknown SmartTag following them.
AVAILABILITY
Galaxy SmartTag2 and Galaxy SmartTag2 cases will be available in Australia from October 12 from Samsung.com/au and select retail partners.
If you order the latest Galaxy S23 FE you’ll receive a bonus 4-pack Galaxy SmartTag2 and battery pack via redemption.