Samsung Electronics has announced the launch of what it claims to be the first consumer smart tag that uses narrowband network technology (NB-IoT, Cat.M1) for tracking pets, children and personal items. The Samsung Connect Tag works with GPS, Wi-Fi-based positioning (WPS) and Cell ID to receive accurate location information both indoors and outdoors, said the company, adding that the 4.2cm wide and 1.2cm thick device is also IP68 water and dust-proof.
It comes with an attachable ring so that it can be tied to bags and key chains and can be synced to the SmartThings ecosystem so that smart home appliances including lights and the TV can be turned on when users come home. It also has a geo-fence feature to notify users when it has left or re-enters a specified virtual zone. As a result, the user will get a notification “when a child enters the schoolyard or a dog jumps the backyard fence,” said Samsung.
The company added that the device will be will be showcased at its developer conference in San Francisco on 18-19 October. It will be available for purchase starting in South Korea – where it will use operator KT's nationwide NB-IoT network – before expanding to select countries in the coming months.
