Samsung announced Galaxy SmartTag2, for what is apparently the first Australian launch of the product. While the original SmartTags were never officially released here, the new SmartTag2 is a notable upgrade from the first iteration, but there is still room for growth when it comes to safety.
This model comes with improved battery life, better durability, and new Compass View and Lost Mode. Battery life is up from 165 days to 500 days in normal mode, or up to 700 days in Power Saving Mode. While the IP rating has jumped from IP53 to IP67.
The new Tags also include Compass View, which shows the direction and distance the user is from their Galaxy SmartTag2. However, this functionality is only available when paired with an ultra-wideband-enabled Galaxy smartphone with Android 11 or higher. Currently, only 11 devices in the Galaxy smartphone range will be able to use Compass View.
Lost Mode on Galaxy is reminiscent of AirTags Lost Mode. Users can set up a contact card that becomes available when the Tag is switched to Lost Mode, and scanned by another Samsung device. Any Samsung mobile device with NFC, and a web browser can scan the SmartTag2.
Samsung devotees can also use the in-built smart control in SmartTags2 to connect with select SmartThings-enabled home appliances. The clicker on the tag can be configured through the SmartThings app to complete functions like turning TV and lamps on, and off. Only Samsung devices with Android 9 or newer are compatible with the smart control, and they must work with and be connected to the SmartThings app.
As it stands, SmartTags and SmartTags2 exist wholly within the Samsung ecosystem, even where safety is concerned. Samsung users will be alerted if an unknown SmartTag is travelling with them, and have the ability to manually search for Tags closeby, but users of other phone brands won’t be able to see if a Tag is tracking them. For comparison, Apple released a tracking app for Android for users to be able to be notified if an unknown AirTag is with them.
Galaxy SmartTag2 will be available from select retailers from October 12, and will retail for $55 per Tag, or $169 for four.
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