Samsung’s SmartThings division has announced a new GPS tracking device today called the SmartThings Tracker. Think of it as a Tile competitor. The device can be used to monitor the location of anything. It does that by using GPS and LTE. It’s shaped like a small puck and can be easily attached to a set of keys, backpacks, pet collars, and more.
There’s a GPS tracker inside the device which also features an LTE-M modem and a battery. LTE-M is a network standard for the Internet of Things devices. It can use LTE-M to relay its GPS coordinates from anyplace it receives an LTE signal.
This allows for a greater range of signal coverage as opposed to Bluetooth. Customers will have to go through a carrier for the LTE-M service, though. AT&T will begin selling the tracker on September 14th while Verizon will get it later this year.
The tracker can be used with the SmartThings app for geofencing, location sensing in real time, and automation. It’s a durable product as it has an IP68 water resistance rating while the battery is said to be good for up to one week on a single charge.
Samsung will be selling the SmartThings Tracker for $99.99 with shipments starting September 16th. LTE-M service from AT&T will cost $5 per month or $50 per year after the first 12 months which are free.
Filed in . Read more about Connected Objects and Samsung. Source: samsung