We’ve heard a lot about the internet of things (IoT) over the past few years but the devices keep launching, changing, and now, getting smaller. Samsung’s Connect Tag is just the latest device to join a legion of smart toasters and fridges, but this time Samsung wants you to take it along with you.
Or you could clip it to something that you lose quite often, like your keys, a backpack, a small child (please don’t lose small children regularly — it’s not very nice). Clip the 4.21cm device onto something and you’ll be able to track it almost anywhere, with up to a week’s charge available on the internal battery.
But how is this different from other tracking devices we’ve seen in the past? Well for starters Samsung is giving this one cellular capability, a new network tech “…designed cellular communication standard for small data utilization, low power consumption and the ability to securely connect to the internet for optimal location services.” Basically, it’ll stay connected while there’s a signal, like your phone, without being quite so range-limited the way that something like Bluetooth is. It works with GPS, WiFi-positioning, and also Cell ID, so you should be able to track objects pretty much anywhere.
Which might also be a problem. Internet of Things devices are not known for their security and while Samsung seems confidents in the Connect Tag, we’re going to need some reassuring. And some testing of our own. And then there’s the privacy thing. The downside of tracking people with the Connect Tag is that you’re… tracking people with it. Still, if you choose to sign up for it, you’re unlikely to complain. Your kids might be less impressed about not getting a choice, though.
The Connect Tag is going to be demoed this week at the Samsung Developer Conference before going on sale in South Korea. Pricing and other availability haven’t been announced yet.
Source: Samsung