“Where did I put it?” It’s a thought most people can relate to after losing their belongings. Samsung Electronics puts an end to the search and the stress with the Galaxy SmartTag2 – a mobile accessory released in October that provides an easy and convenient solution to finding items.
Just two years after the launch of its predecessors, the Galaxy SmartTag2 has returned with a design upgrade and significant feature improvements based on user feedback.
Samsung Newsroom sat down with Dalwon Kim and Kiyoung Kwon, Galaxy SmartTag2 product planners at Samsung Electronics, to discuss key aspects of the product and its improvements.
Robust design: IP67 rated usability with metal loop
Using valuable user insights gathered during the launch of Galaxy SmartTag and Galaxy SmartTag+, Galaxy SmartTag2 was developed with a focus on user experience to improve comfort and increase satisfaction.
The most noticeable change with the Galaxy SmartTag2 is its design – reducing the size and thickness of the product resulted in a more portable device. The new metal loop improves functionality and adds a sense of sophistication to the product.
“After analyzing thousands of reviews of the previous iterations, we noticed some feedback about minor inconveniences affecting the user experience,” explained product planner Dalwon Kim. “Our goal for this version was to create a design that is smaller, lighter and can be attached anywhere. We also wanted to ensure that the battery was not easily removed. We took into account outdoor activities and made specific improvements to improve the product’s durability, such as adding IP67-rated water and dust-resistant features.”1
Extra convenience with compass view and lost location
Enhancing the capabilities of the all-new Galaxy SmartTag2 began by asking how the company can allow users to get the most out of their Galaxy SmartTags in any environment. By leveraging the global network of Galaxy products, Samsung was able to enhance the versatility and usability of the Galaxy SmartTag through two features – Compass View and Lost Mode.
“Galaxy SmartTag2 has been significantly developed to make it useful in a wider variety of scenarios,” said Kim.
The Galaxy SmartTag2 still works with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB), a feature originally adopted for the Galaxy SmartTag+.
Taking a deeper look at what’s new, Compass View is an upgraded feature available on the Galaxy SmartTag2 and takes the Find feature to the next level.
When using Compass View on the Galaxy SmartTag that relied solely on BLE, users had to physically move closer to lost objects to strengthen the signal. But the new Galaxy SmartTag2 builds on the innovations of its predecessors and introduces a more intuitive way2 for users to locate their belongings by showing both direction and distance from the misplaced item.
“With the Galaxy SmartTag+, users had to monitor the signal strength to gauge their proximity to objects and then tap Find with Camera before turning the mobile device over,” explained Kim. “Through Compass View on the Galaxy SmartTag2, the direction and distance to the lost object is automatically displayed when you reach a certain distance – an arrow icon appears on the screen pointing in the direction of the object. It’s as easy as using a compass.”
Galaxy SmartTag2 also introduces Lost Mode,3 a new feature powered by NFC (Near Field Communication) technology that will come in handy in a variety of situations. If Lost Mode is enabled and someone with an NFC-compatible device discovers a lost item, they can scan the Galaxy SmartTag2 — allowing them to access the owner’s contact information and any personal messages.
Extended battery life: Up to 500 days of use
The Galaxy SmartTag2 has an impressively long battery life4 — offers approximately 500 days of continuous use or more than double that of its predecessor. When the new power saving mode5 is enabled, the battery life can extend to 700 days or more than four times as long as the previous versions. “Although Galaxy SmartTags are designed to track both locations and lost items, most users use them primarily for location tracking. We introduced the power saving mode to accommodate this preference,” said Kim.
“One of the most common points raised in user feedback was related to battery life,” said product planner Kiyoung Kwon. “Our primary goal was to extend the life of the battery – make sure it could span several months or more.”
Compared to the Galaxy SmartTag+, the Galaxy SmartTag2 offers a longer battery life at a more affordable price. “This achievement was made possible by implementing a new chipset solution and improving the software mechanisms,” he emphasized.
Strong security features and unauthorized tracking detection
The main goal of the Galaxy SmartTag2 is to help users locate their cherished belongings. However, it is important to realize that location tracking services can be exploited.
Prioritizing user security and privacy, the Galaxy SmartTag2 incorporates robust security features through Samsung Knox. “Galaxy SmartTag2 location data cannot be accessed without the user’s consent, and all user data is encrypted and protected by Samsung Knox. Additionally, location data is only shared with people designated by the user,” explained Kim.
Galaxy SmartTag2 can also detect unknown Galaxy SmartTags nearby to alleviate concerns about unauthorized tracking. “Unknown Tag Alert”, a feature of SmartThings Find,6 identifies all unregistered Galaxy SmartTags nearby and sends a message7 to warn the user against unauthorized tracking.
“This feature offers security and an extra layer of security,” Kwon said. “Regardless of device, users are provided with transparency to avoid misuse of the Galaxy SmartTag.”
Why 23% of users choose multiple Galaxy SmartTags
Users familiar with the Galaxy SmartTag recognize its practicality. For every 100 people who own a Galaxy SmartTag, 23 people own two or more. This number has more than doubled since last year and continues to grow.
The upgraded Galaxy SmartTag2 is expected to be used by an even larger user base for a wider range of applications. Kim and Kwon, the brains behind the product, highlight the Galaxy SmartTag2 as a mobile accessory that offers “peace of mind.”
“We have improved the product’s features with a strong focus on enabling users to conveniently locate their lost valuables from a distance,” said Kim. “I have heard of cases where the Galaxy SmartTag was used to catch thieves and prevent other crimes, which made me very proud as a product planner. We will continue to do our best to create products that users can continuously rely on wherever they go.”
“I hope Galaxy SmartTag2 can become an integral part of people’s lives,” Kwon said. “I want the Galaxy SmartTag to be the first solution people pass when they need to find their lost belongings.”
1 The Galaxy SmartTag2 is rated IP67. Based on laboratory test conditions for immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Not recommended for beach, pool or soapy water. The device’s water and dust resistance is not permanent and may decrease over time.
2 Galaxy SmartTag2 requires login and registration of a Samsung account on SmartThings Find. The Galaxy SmartTag2 must be paired with ultra-wideband (UWB)-enabled Galaxy smartphones running Android 11 or higher for full functionality. Accuracy may decrease if there is an obstacle between you and the tag, such as when the tag is inside a box, behind a wall, or in a car.
3 Contact information and message displayed in Lost Mode must be registered in advance in the SmartThings app.
4 Battery life is based on results from internal lab tests for typical usage patterns conducted by Samsung. Tested with results from a pre-release version of the device with inbox CR2032 battery. Actual battery life may vary depending on different usage patterns, environmental conditions, replacement battery manufacturer and other factors.
5 Non-power saving mode, expected battery life under typical usage conditions is up to 500 days. Power saving mode is limited to basic Bluetooth search functions (such as signal indicator for Find Nearby and map).
6 Non-Galaxy users can access the “Unknown Tag Alert” feature in the SmartThings app settings.
7 Users must have the “Unknown Tag Alert” feature enabled to receive notifications about unregistered Galaxy SmartTags.
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