Tech can be key to finding lost items
Are you always losing your keys? Blayne Slabbert tests some gadgets that can help ease your woes.
TRYING to find your misplaced keys, wallet or phone is a battle everyone has experienced. This simple task can often result in swearing, false accusations and sometimes even tears.
But there are a few new pieces of tech on the market that may help ease your lost property woes, and even help in other situations too, such as keeping track of your luggage while travelling.
The two items I tried are tracking tags – Trackr and Tile. A third device, Pixie Points, is due to be released soon.
TILE
Tile has been around for a while and you’ll even find them as part of products you buy, such as Blunt umbrellas which now include them in some of their models.
It’s simple to set up and use. Download the Tile app to your phone and then turn on Bluetooth to link it to your Tile.
Then give your Tile a name. I’d suggest whatever it’s attached to and your phone number (eg keys_ 027123456) so if you lose it or your item then someone can give you a call.
Each time you want to find your Tile, open the app and your phone will find it for you. The Tile will beep, which is handy if it’s close.
The app will also show its location on a map or give you directions such as ‘‘Hint: it’s probably a few steps away’’.
It has a range of about 30m but if you’re beyond that the Tile app will display where it was last seen on a map.
It works via Bluetooth connection, which has limitations. Tile gets around this by having a ‘‘crowd GPS’’ feature that links together other Tiles as part of a network to help you find things at a longer range.
This would work great at a large airport where many people may have a Tile attached to their luggage.
Your app would use other people’s phones to boost the range. This works anonymously without anyone doing anything.
While I found the Tile easy to use, I found it a bit bulky to put in my wallet. But for keys and other items it’s fine. Size: 37mm x 37mm Range: 30 metres Battery life: One Price: US$25 each from thetileapp.com App: Free, Android and Apple
x
5.3mm,
year,
nonreplaceable Trackr works in a similar way to the Tile but it’s about half the size. That’s its first advantage over the Tile. The second is that you can replace the battery, which means your device will last a lot longer. Also, the noise it makes has a higher pitch which makes it easier to find.
It works the same way as the Tile – pair it to your phone and when activated it will make a noise and appear on the app’s map. It also has a similar ‘‘group GPS’’ feature that uses other Trackrs and phones to increase the range.
THE DETAILS
Size: 25mm x 5mm Range: 30 metres Battery life: One year but can be replaced Price: $39.95 each from Farmers, Harvey Norman and Noel Leeming App: Free, Android and Apple
PIXIE POINTS
This is the next generation of tracking devices that uses augmented reality to locate lost items. It works in a similar way to the others, but instead of making a noise you use your phone’s screen to scan the area and your Pixie will appear as a cross.
It also uses a wireless connection instead of Bluetooth so they have a longer range.
They are due to go on sale later this year.
THE DETAILS
Size: 47mm x 35mm x 3.2mm Range: 50 metres Battery life: 18 Price: US$17.50 each App: Free, Android and Apple
VERDICT
months,
nonreplaceable I’m surprised more people don’t have these. They are incredibly handy and easy to use.
The next time I travel I’m going to attach one to my suitcase as a backup. Other potential uses would be if you’ve got a child who often misplaces their school bag or maybe a partner who often wanders off while at the mall.
Trackr said its device was safe for pets, but I think the noise would be too irritating for them when the sound is activated.
While the Pixie Points sound cool, I think the Trackr is the best buy at the moment.