Occassionally someone will ask about using something like an Airtag as a security device for a caravan. Opinions in replies vary.
I've just been given a Third Party Samsung Tag to review which is the first opportunity I've had play with something like this. The device itself is just like a credit card but a bit thicker and while its marketed to fit into your wallet there's no reason why you can't use it elsewhere.
So, does it work and is it off any use. Not surpisingly that depends. I didn't want it for my caravan but I thought I might be able to use it in my camera bag which has a few grand of stuff in it I wouldn't like to lose. The most important feature I wanted was the ability to get a notification on my phone should I walk away, leaving my camera bag in a coffee shop for example - which I did once.
Is it any good at this - no. Its equally possible that other types, Airtags etc have similar problems.
Firstly it only work with Samsung phones using the SmartThings apps.
Secondly its only Bluetooth, so limited range. No inbuilt GPS
Thirdly to find where it is at a distance needs someone else with a Samsung Phone and the app nearby to the tag.
Forthly, it requires a connection to the internet - either Wifi or Mobile Data.
While the tag is ok the App is particularly lacking - whoever designed it didn't think it through properly.
I loaded the app which is the only way the phone can 'see' the tracker. Although Bluetooth it will not pair without the app. and doesn't appear in the Bluetooth device list. The app is crowded with other stuff that Samsung would like you to use to run your life and give them more money.
First test was to see if it could show on the map where the tracker was. At this point it immediately failed because the app needs access to the GPS network and indoors I get no visible satelitte signals. So its not going to work if the phone is in a building. It does however try and approximate your location using the mobile phone signals and even wifi. At this point it identified that my phone and tracker where in the middle of a Loch some 20Km away.
Second test was to walk away from the tag and see if it notified me. Another fail because I went out of the house and there's no wifi or mobile data and the only way it can tell me I'm out of range is via the internet. Rather a stupid assumption that every one always has an internet connection. Also its not hard to know when a Bluetooth device loses connection - no signal equals no connection.
I have some more tests to run out doors but its throwing it down with rain and I'm not going out it it now. So part two another day when its drier.
I've just been given a Third Party Samsung Tag to review which is the first opportunity I've had play with something like this. The device itself is just like a credit card but a bit thicker and while its marketed to fit into your wallet there's no reason why you can't use it elsewhere.
So, does it work and is it off any use. Not surpisingly that depends. I didn't want it for my caravan but I thought I might be able to use it in my camera bag which has a few grand of stuff in it I wouldn't like to lose. The most important feature I wanted was the ability to get a notification on my phone should I walk away, leaving my camera bag in a coffee shop for example - which I did once.
Is it any good at this - no. Its equally possible that other types, Airtags etc have similar problems.
Firstly it only work with Samsung phones using the SmartThings apps.
Secondly its only Bluetooth, so limited range. No inbuilt GPS
Thirdly to find where it is at a distance needs someone else with a Samsung Phone and the app nearby to the tag.
Forthly, it requires a connection to the internet - either Wifi or Mobile Data.
While the tag is ok the App is particularly lacking - whoever designed it didn't think it through properly.
I loaded the app which is the only way the phone can 'see' the tracker. Although Bluetooth it will not pair without the app. and doesn't appear in the Bluetooth device list. The app is crowded with other stuff that Samsung would like you to use to run your life and give them more money.
First test was to see if it could show on the map where the tracker was. At this point it immediately failed because the app needs access to the GPS network and indoors I get no visible satelitte signals. So its not going to work if the phone is in a building. It does however try and approximate your location using the mobile phone signals and even wifi. At this point it identified that my phone and tracker where in the middle of a Loch some 20Km away.
Second test was to walk away from the tag and see if it notified me. Another fail because I went out of the house and there's no wifi or mobile data and the only way it can tell me I'm out of range is via the internet. Rather a stupid assumption that every one always has an internet connection. Also its not hard to know when a Bluetooth device loses connection - no signal equals no connection.
I have some more tests to run out doors but its throwing it down with rain and I'm not going out it it now. So part two another day when its drier.
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