In today’s hyper connected world, tracking devices have become an essential part of our daily lives, helping users locate and manage personal and valuable items through a combination of advanced technologies. Bluetooth, particularly Bluetooth low energy and Bluetooth 5.1, enables these small, battery-operated gadgets to communicate with nearby smartphones and devices, providing improved range and accuracy. Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology offers highly accurate location tracking, especially indoors, with features like precision finding to guide users to lost items. Near field communication (NFC) facilitates easy set-up and interaction, enabling quick information sharing when tags are found.
Community find networks leverage crowdsourcing to locate lost items, even beyond Bluetooth range, significantly improving recovery chances. Integration with ecosystem-specific apps provides a unified tracking platform with features such as disconnection alerts and community find, making these devices highly effective and indispensable in today’s connected world.
Advancements in internet of things (IoT) are revolutionising tracking technology by providing real-time location detection capabilities. IoT-enabled tracking devices, such as Jio Tag, Apple AirTag and Samsung SmartTag, leverage advanced technology and seamless connectivity to deliver convenience and security.
Tracking devices offer a wide range of applications, making them useful in various scenarios. A tracking device can be attached to everyday items such as keys and wallets to ensure they are easily locatable. It is particularly useful for people who frequently misplace their personal items. Users can play a sound on it or use precision finding to locate their items. In addition, placing a tracking device in bags or luggage while travelling helps prevent loss or theft during transit. Parents can use these devices to keep track of their children, particularly in crowded or busy places like amusement parks, shopping malls, or public events. Attaching a tracking device to a child’s backpack or clothing provides an added layer of security, allowing parents to quickly find their children if they get separated. Other use cases include tracking vehicles, pets, etc. Businesses are also leveraging tracking devices for asset management, fleet tracking and supply chain optimisation.
Popular tags in the market
Apple AirTag
Apple AirTag is a small puck-shaped tracking device designed to help locate misplaced or stolen items using the Find My app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Seamlessly integrated into Apple’s ecosystem, it leverages the extensive Find My network for precise tracking. AirTag uses Bluetooth for general location tracking and UWB for precision finding, providing accurate location data and guiding users to their items with on-screen directions, sound and haptic feedback. The device also includes NFC for easy set-up and interaction, allowing anyone who finds the lost item to tap the AirTag with an NFC-enabled device to view the owner’s contact information. Privacy and security are prioritised with encrypted location data and history. The device discourages unwanted tracking by alerting users if an unknown AirTag is detected travelling with them.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 is a compact and durable tracking device with a sleek pill-shaped design and a metal-reinforced cutout for easy attachment to items such as keys, bags and pet collars. With an IP67 rating, it is both dustproof and water resistant, making it suitable for various environments. The device offers an enhanced user experience with its improved compass view, displaying directional arrows on UWB-supported Galaxy smartphones, and integrates seamlessly with the SmartThings Find network for precise location tracking. A programmable button adds versatility, allowing the SmartTag 2 to control smart home devices. It has a battery life of up to 700 days in power-saving mode, with a user-replaceable battery, making it a convenient and reliable choice for Samsung Galaxy users who want to keep track of their valuables.
Jio Tag
Reliance Jio introduced Jio Tag as an affordable alternative to international tracking devices, aiming to make tracking technology accessible to a broader audience in India. Competitively priced, it integrates with both the Apple Find My app and the JioThings app, providing versatile tracking options and leveraging a network of Jio devices for enhanced tracking capabilities. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.1, the Jio Tag offers improved range and accuracy for tracking items, while the JioThings app provides additional features such as disconnection alerts and community find. Similar to Apple’s Find My network, Jio Tag leverages a community of devices to help locate lost items. It offers a long battery life of up to 12 months, with an extra battery and lanyard included for convenience.
Key considerations
Addressing privacy concerns and mitigating the risk of unauthorised tracking are crucial for the widespread adoption of tracking devices. Manufacturers are prioritising privacy and security by implementing robust data security measures, encrypting location data and equipping devices with anti-stalking features that alert users if an unknown device is detected traveling with them.
Further, since tracking devices attached to frequently used items are prone to wear and tear, there is an increasing focus on durability, ensuring resistance to environmental factors such as water, dust and extreme temperatures to withstand daily use.
Tracking devices are often designed for specific ecosystems, limiting their functionality for users without compatible devices. Integration with other systems can also pose challenges, requiring additional set-up and configuration.
The way forward
The future of tracking devices is set for remarkable advancements, driven by emerging technologies and innovations. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning will enable predictive analytics and smart alerts, enhancing user experiences with personalised and security-focused features.
Augmented reality will offer immersive navigation aids and interactive experiences, while 5G technology promises faster data transmission and broader coverage for real-time updates. Indoor positioning systems will improve accuracy for indoor tracking, and wearable technology will seamlessly integrate with tracking devices for real-time updates and health monitoring.
Blockchain technology will enhance security and privacy through decentralised and tamper-proof data management, while environmental sustainability will be prioritised with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient components. Together, these trends will revolutionise tracking technology, making it more intuitive, reliable and integral to daily life.
