![]() ![]() It couldn’t help me when I misplaced the headphones or notebook. ![]() ![]() While Tile has built its technology into things like SkullCandy earphones, HP’s Elite Dragonfly and even a loss-proof mouth aligner case made by Smile Direct Club, Samsung is a one-trick pony with just the basic tags. Unlike Tile’s software, there’s nothing for PCs, iPhones or iPads nor can tags help find things using Mac systems. At the moment, the SmartTags only work with recent Samsung Galaxy flagship devices, like the S21 and Note 20 phones as well as the Tab S7 tablet. The tag not only helped me find my Samsung Galaxy Note 20 phone, but my keys and backpack as well. To find out how well a SmartTag fit into my careless and forgetful lifestyle, I lived with it for a month of daily use. Happily, it works the other way around to use the tag to find a misplaced phone. Once the tag’s signal has been acquired by the phone, it shows up on its screen and allows the user to trigger the tag to play one of those aggravating tunes from the Find section. However, Samsung goes a step further, encrypting the code and changing it every 15 minutes for safety and privacy. The tag sends out a unique coded Bluetooth signal that identifies the device. SmartTag has similar functionality to Tile. Fortunately, the phone automatically downloads and installs it. After unboxing the device, it’s time to register it with the Samsung SmartThings app, but first, you’ll need to download and install the Find portion of the app. Still, the SmartTag worked fine in a raging snowstorm and when I accidentally splashed water on it. That means they are impervious to dust and will likely survive a water spray. By contrast, the Tile Mate and Pro models are surprisingly rugged with an IP55 rating. The SmartTag’s IP52 rating means it will likely stand up to some water dripping onto it. That said, Samsung plans to add additional models to catch up, but more on that later. While Tile products can also be had in black or white, some, like the Pro model, are available in bright colors and striking patterns, like bright red with chevron stripes. It’s much more appropriate hanging from a handbag, briefcase or even an umbrella that’s always hiding during a rainstorm. While the SmartTag fits comfortably on a keychain, it’s a little thick for a wallet. The SmartTag has a hole for attaching to a key chain, backpack or dog collar. By contrast, the Tile Mate is also 1.5 x 1.5 inches but is only 0.2 inches thick and weighs 0.3 ounces, making it a little easier to hide. Both plans include a free first month.Īt 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.4 inches, the SmartTag is smaller than a car’s key fob and weighs just 0.4 ounces. It costs $100 a year and will reimburse you for up to $1,000 for a tagged computer, headphones or backpack but not a runaway pet. Tile’s Premium Protect adds insurance for losing a tagged item. The premium plan costs $3 a month or $30 a year. My favorite is Smart Alerts that warn you that you’re about to leave an item behind. To start, Tile’s free service is on a par with Samsung’s, but Tile Premium adds things like free replacement batteries and a 30-day history of where the tag has been that looks a lot like Google Map Timeline. Tile has upgraded service plans that make Samsung’s offerings look rudimentary. The tags range in price from $17.50 to $35. Finally, Tile has a thin card that’s a better fit for a wallet. There’s one that’s a little smaller than the SmartTag, one with a longer range, and another one with an adhesive backing for attaching permanently to an item, like a favorite pair of headphones or an independently minded pet tortoise. It should beep when it’s ready.įinish up by snapping it all back together.Īll told, it took less than a minute and my tag is now ready for a full year of use.īy contrast, Tile, which has been selling tracking devices for about eight years, has four different tags. Press the new one in place, making sure that the positive side is facing up. Then, pop the CR2032 battery out by prying it free with the end of a paperclip. Changing the tag’s battery starts with prying the case open with a quarter or screwdriver and removing the lid. ![]()
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