The Android world has been working hard to catch up to Apple’s AirTag ever since it bet on privacy vs. defaulting users into the tracker network like Apple and not offering global support between devices. This caused Android’s tracking capabilities to fall behind. However, things are slowly changing and it won’t be long before Androids can do all the same. To kick things off, Samsung has launched its new Galaxy SmartTag 2 tracker.
Samsung’s new tracker comes with a whole new design and much-improved battery life. The latter supports between 500 and 700 days of use depending on if power saving mode is enabled or not. A much-needed upgrade in order to keep up with Apple.
Sadly, for now, it will only work with Samsung Galaxy devices until global support becomes a thing within Android (Android’s Find My Device network that is “coming soon”). But Samsung users can scan a lost tag via NFC to discover a message from the owner if it has been set as lost. Allowing for contact information or other useful information to be shared so that the tag can be reunited with its owner.
They support both Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for connectivity (tracking/pairing) and come with a number of enhancements. Such as IP67-rated water/dust resistance and its new compact design with reinforced ring. Making it easy to attach one to something, regardless of whether it is a pair of keys or your pet’s collar.
The new trackers will be available this month, starting October 11th, and will feature an MSRP of $30. A reasonable price as long as it supports the new Android Find My Device network when it properly rolls out (a bit expensive if it doesn’t). So keep your eye on Samsung’s website or its Amazon store for when it drops.
