Latest news with #BluetoothTracker
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Gizmodo
The AirTag Has Serious Competition, Tile Bluetooth Tracker Goes for a Freebie-Like Price
Just when you thought the Apple AirTag was headed toward that rarefied status where its name represents an entire category (think Kleenex, or Thermos), the rival Tile Bluetooth trackers have stepped up their game in a big way. Tile by Life360 is their name since being purchased by the makers of the family connection and safety app, and the Mate is one of their latest – and best — trackers. You can decide for yourself when you hit Amazon for a limited-time deal on a Tile by Life360 Mate for just $20. The Mate is also available in 2-packs and 4-packs, but this deal on a single tracker that normally sells for $25 is an opportunity to compare and contrast if you're an AirTag user, or if you've not used a Bluetooth tracker before to keep tabs on your luggage or valuables. See at Amazon The Mate makes a strong case right out of the box. Unlike the Apple-centric AirTag, the Mate pairs and works seamlessly with Apple and Android devices via the Tile app or the Life360 app. It also has a loop built into its unibody design, so you can easily attach it to a key ring, carabiner, or basically anything without having to buy an extra accessory as you would with the AirTag. The Tile Mate's lithium battery can last as long as three years, and it has an incredible Bluetooth range of 350 feet. The AirTag, which relies on the massive Find My network to locate lost items at a distance, only has a Bluetooth range of roughly 35 feet for those nagging little lost-in-the-couch-cushion items like keys or smartphones. One of the best and most unique features of the Tile Mate is its ability to ring your missing phone — again, it can be an iPhone or an Android — even when it's in silent mode. Press the physical button on the Mate (another superior feature) and your phone will call out to be found. We also love the SOS feature that discretely alerts your Life360 circle that you're in a dangerous situation. If you're already a Life360 user for keeping track of your family, now you can add your bags, smartphones, keys, or anything else you track with the Mate and see everything and everyone in the same app. Think of this limited-time Amazon deal on the Tile by Life360 Mate Bluetooth tracker as a $20 test run. Give it a try, and if you're as impressed by its versatility and advanced safety features as we are, come back for another one, or dive in with both feet and grab a 2- or 4-pack. See at Amazon
CNET
2 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Amazon Deals of the Day: Don't Lose Your Keys, Wallet or Phone With the Tile by Life360, Now Only $2 More Than the Record Low
Amazon sells a vast array of products, with new ones arriving daily across categories, including home essentials, tech gadgets and furniture. Lucky for us, the retail giant loves cutting prices as much as it loves adding new products. But deciding which offers are worth grabbing (and which aren't) is a full-time job, so we did all the heavy lifting, hand-picking the top markdowns from the bunch. Today, we spotted the Tile by Life360 Bluetooth item tracker down to just $20. We also found the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus at almost 30% off. And finally, the Anker Prime charger block is $24 off, down to a new low. If you constantly find yourself looking for everyday items, investing in a Bluetooth tracker can't hurt. The Tile Bluetooth tracker is made to be attached to your keychains and bags. It's also perfect to keep track of your luggage when you're traveling. These devices work with both iOS and Android. With the Tile app you can play a ring sound to locate your belongings. If you don't want to play a sound you can still track them on the map. My favorite feature is the built-in SOS buttons that will alert your loved ones in case of an emergency. Plus, they are waterproof and have up to three years of battery life, so you'll be prepared for anything. This item tracker comes in a ton of different colors, and all of them happen to be on sale. Normally $25, they are down to $20 right now. It's not the all-time low but it's only $2 away. Grab yours now. There's no doubt that tablets can come in super handy, especially when your laptop is too big, but your phone is too small. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus is a great option. This tablet has 64GB of storage, 4GB of RAM and a 10.9-inch display. which is a solid offering when you consider the sale price. That midsize display and decent amount of storage are two of the main benefits. It's powered by Android using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, which isn't the newest but it still gets the job done very well. And with four speakers with Dolby Atmos support, you can watch videos in high quality. This tablet would normally cost you $220, which is pretty affordable for a tablet already. But a nice 29% discount knocks that price down to $156. It's available in the graphite and silver colorways. With all the devices we have, it seems like there are never enough chargers to keep them all powered. Having a few extra charging blocks lying around isn't a bad idea. The Anker 100W Prime charging block has one USB-A and two USB-C ports. That means that this small Anker charging block can charge up to three devices at the same time. It has a 100-watt output so it can even handle larger devices like your laptop or tablet. It's quick too -- it can bring the M3 MacBook Pro to 50% in just 30 minutes. It's also extremely compact at just under three inches, making it easy to throw in your bag or backpack and it won't take up much space on the wall either. And the temperature monitor feature helps prevent overheating. This charging block is regularly listed at $70 but this limited-time deal has knocked it down to a record low of $46, don't miss out. With so many deals on Amazon, deciding which ones are worth your money can be difficult. But CNET has combed through what the world's largest online retailer has to offer, and we've gathered the best deals for you to check out.
CNN
6 days ago
- CNN
You should be using AirTags for school bags and more. Here's why
Tons of us here at CNN Underscored have been using Apple AirTags to track our luggage, valuables and even pets for years, but did you know there are also plenty of handy ways to use AirTags for school? Apple's mega-popular item trackers are a great pickup for anyone getting ready to hit the books this upcoming semester, whether you're prone to misplacing your backpack or just don't want to worry about losing your keys while juggling all the other stress that comes with a new school year. Here's why we love Apple's AirTags for keeping your school supplies safe, and everything you need to know about making the most of them so that you can focus more on studying and less on worrying where your stuff is right before a big final. And if you're not in the Apple world, we've also got plenty of recs for the latest Bluetooth trackers that'll work with any device. Apple AirTag This tiny and popular Bluetooth item tracker can be slipped into your backpack, luggage or any other valuable, allowing you to easily keep tabs on your stuff at any time via Apple's Find My our review Apple AirTags, 4-Pack The best AirTag value out there, this bundle is cheaper than the price of buying multiple AirTags separately — especially when it goes on sale, which is often. For the uninitiated, Apple's AirTags first dropped back in 2021 and quickly became a staple among, well, pretty much everyone who uses an iPhone. It's easy to see why they're so popular: Stick one of these tiny aluminum circles in your backpack, wallet or luggage, and you can easily keep track of said item via the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac. They're so easy to set up that even your younger or tech-averse loved ones can figure them out, and they can emit a nice loud beep for when you inevitably lose one of them between the cushions of your couch. We also love how folks with an iPhone 11 or newer can take advantage of Precision Tracking, which provides detailed step-by-step directions to wherever you misplaced your stuff (big surprise, you left your backpack in the chemistry lab again). In the event you can't find your AirTag, you can put it into Lost mode, which locks the device from being used by other people while also giving other iPhone users your contact information for returning it (if you choose to provide it, that is). You can also take advantage of the recently added Share Item Location to let trusted friends or family members view your item's location via the Find My app. You can even use Siri to help you find your stuff by simply calling out whatever you named your AirTag. Just grab your phone and say 'Siri, find my keys/backpack/entire bicycle that I somehow lost.' It's important to note that these trackers don't use GPS and instead ping other nearby Apple devices to send a signal of their location every few moments. So, while you shouldn't expect by-the-second location updates on your belongings, you should be able to get an accurate estimate of where they are considering how common Apple products are in just about every part of the world. Our editors have been buying and using AirTags ever since they first came out. Many of us never travel without them (they're one of our best luggage tracker picks for a reason) and keep one in each of our bags when hopping on a flight, something that's come in handy during at least one unfortunate luggage mixup. Some folks even keep one in their car (you never know), and I personally have one affixed to my dog's harness for some extra peace of mind. And if you're a student who's constantly lugging around lots of valuable tech and books in an almost certainly overstuffed backpack from class to class, you'll want to slap one in there too. Tracking your backpack (and finding an AirTag-friendly bag) The most obvious way to use AirTags for school is to affix one to your backpack, though there are a few ways to go about this. You could simply just throw one in one of your bag's zippered pockets, which conceals the fact that your bag is packing an item tracker to would-be thieves. But AirTags are pretty tiny, so having one bounce around loosely in your bag could run the risk of it accidentally falling out when you're sifting through your textbooks and folders. Realistically, you'll want a dedicated AirTag holder or keychain that'll make it easy to securely attach one of Apple's trackers right to one of your backpack zippers. While some may prefer to hide their AirTag, having one visible in plain sight might make someone think twice before snatching your bag since it's obviously being tracked. Belkin Apple AirTag Secure Holder With Key Ring This popular AirTag holder features raised edges designed to keep your tracker safe from scratches and a handy key ring loop for bags and keychains. Elevation Lab TagVault AirTag Strap Mount This Strap Mount allows you to securely and discreetly affix your AirTag right to you backpack's strap. Bellroy Transit Workpack One of our favorite laptop backpacks, the Transit Workpack has a dedicated AirTag pocket so that you can securely hide one of Apple's trackers our review There are a ton of good AirTag key ring options for those who want to go this route. Apple makes its own AirTag loop, but you can get other good key rings for cheaper — and in bigger quantities. Belkin, one of our favorite accessory brands, makes this very popular $13 AirTag case with a scratch-proof design. I personally use this cheap keychain case I got as part of a $5 four-pack on Amazon Haul, and it's held up well for months. You can also consider a strap mount (such as this popular TagVault option), which allows you to protect and affix your AirTag directly to your backpack strap. Your choice really comes down to your personal style, as well as how many items you're looking to attach AirTags to. If you're in the market for a new backpack, know that there are a handful of modern bags that sport dedicated, discreet AirTag pockets so that you can hide your tracker inside without worrying about it bouncing around. Bags such as the Troubador Apex 3.0 and Bellroy Transit Workpack 26L (one of our picks for the best laptop backpack) offer this feature, and while they don't come cheap, they also save you from having to pick up a dedicated holder for your AirTag. AirTags for college commuters If you commute to and from school (or just ride around campus a lot), AirTags can also be useful for keeping tabs on your vehicle. For those who have a car on campus, putting an AirTag somewhere secure and discreet within your ride can make it easy to find where you parked in a big lot. Our very own product testing editor Suzanne Kattau has used AirTags for this exact purpose and plans on getting one for her son who's currently in college so he can do the same. For the student cyclists out there, you can find tons of AirTag bike mounts all over the web too. As our colleagues at CNN Business reported a few years back, a cyclist was able to track down and eventually recover his bike that got lost during an overseas trip. As such, Apple's tracker should work just fine for helping you find yours when it's just on the other side of campus. You'll need an iPhone to use AirTags, but that doesn't mean that those outside the Apple ecosystem are out of luck when it comes to tracking their stuff. Many of the best Bluetooth trackers we've tested work on both iOS and Android, allowing you to stow them in your bag and keep tabs of them in most of the same ways we've outlined above. Our favorite option for Android users is the Tile Pro, which offers robust, reliable tracking via the Tile app, regardless of what kind of phone you have. We found it to be louder and offer a wider Bluetooth range than Apple's AirTag, making it worth considering even if you're an iPhone user. It even has a built-in key ring loop, meaning you can chain it to your backpack right out of the box instead of having to buy a dedicated key ring holder. That said, we found Apple's Find My network to be a bit more reliable, as there are simply more Apple devices out in the wild for your AirTag to ping. Other good non-Apple trackers we've tried include the Pebblebee Clip Universal and Eufy SmartTrack Link. Apple's AirTags are great for tracking just about anything, and your valuable school supplies are no exception. Heck, even if your studying days are behind you, anyone who regularly carries around a backpack for their day-to-day work should consider tossing a tracker in there for some extra peace of mind. You may even want to consider one for your vehicle. And don't forget that plenty of good AirTag alternatives exist for the non-Apple bookworms among us. Are you allowed to use AirTags at school? Are you allowed to use AirTags at school? Unless your school specifically says otherwise, there are generally no policies against using AirTags for their intended purpose (like tracking your own backpack) in school buildings. Former CNN Business senior writer Samantha Murphy Kelly even put Apple's trackers to the test when sending her son off to school, clipping one to his backpack to see how well it would work at keeping her aware of his location. That said, as Rossen Law Firm points out, certain states do have laws in place to prevent misuse of AirTags. The firm notes that placing a tracker on someone's vehicle without consent can be considered stalking; the same goes for simply tracking someone else's movements without them knowing you're using this kind of device. Apple does have its own safeguards to combat AirTag stalking (you'll get a notification if your iPhone detects an AirTag that isn't your own), but we still recommend staying vigilant and regularly checking your own bag (or that of the young student in your life) for anything suspicious. But if you're just throwing an AirTag in your bag or sending Junior off to school with them (with their knowledge), you're in the clear. Do you have to have an iPhone to use an AirTag for school? Do you have to have an iPhone to use an AirTag for school? You don't technically need an iPhone to use AirTags, though you will need a compatible Apple device. According to Apple's support page, the trackers are compatible with iPhone and iPod touch models running iOS 14.5 or later as well as iPads running iPadOS 14.5 or later. However, these trackers are most practical for folks with an iPhone, as you'll probably want to see where your stuff is from the device you always have in your pocket (and one that always has a cellular connection). What are the best school items to use an AirTag with? What are the best school items to use an AirTag with? The most obvious place to use your AirTags for school would be your backpack, whether you choose to stick your tracker inside your bag or use a dedicated key ring or mount strap to affix it to the outside. Aside from that, consider any other bags you typically bring to school every day, whether it be a lunch cooler or a gym bag. If you commute to school and are prone to forgetting where you parked, you can even throw an AirTag in your car. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and we ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Senior tech editor Mike Andronico has been covering consumer technology for more than a decade, and has tested nearly every major Apple gadget that's come out in this time. For this guide, he pulled from his own experience owning and using AirTags, while also surveying the many CNN Underscored staffers that rely on Apple's trackers.
Digital Trends
24-07-2025
- Business
- Digital Trends
Never lose your stuff again with the Apple AirTag — on sale at up to 21% off
If you're always misplacing your stuff, you need to have Apple AirTags. These Bluetooth trackers are currently on sale from Amazon with huge savings up for grabs — you can get one of them at 21% off, for $23 instead of their original price of $29 for a $6 discount, or you can get four of them at 19% off, for $80 instead of $99 for a $19 discount. We're not sure how much time is remaining on these bargains as Apple deals tend to expire quickly, so you have to hurry with your purchase if you're interested. Apple AirTag — $23 $29 21% off Apple AirTag (4-pack) — $80 $99 19% off Why you should buy the Apple AirTag Apple's Find My network is simply incredible, and the Apple AirTag finds its place among the best Bluetooth trackers by taking advantage of this technology. There are several ways to search for your Apple AirTag — and the item it's attached to — beginning with checking their location in the Find My app. You can also play a sound on the Apple AirTag if it's close, and if you're within 30 feet or inside Bluetooth range, precision tracking activates, and your iPhone will show you directions to the Bluetooth tracker. Lastly, if you activate Lost Mode, the Apple AirTag will update its location once it finds itself within range of one of the millions of Apple devices in the world. Setting up the Apple AirTag is easy, as it's a one-tap setup to pair it with your iPhone. The Bluetooth trackers are powered by a replaceable battery that can last for more than a year before you need new ones, and they come with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance so they'll keep working if they're exposed to the elements. Now's a great time to buy the Apple AirTag — if you just need one, you can get it for only $23 instead of $29 following a 21% discount from Amazon that will save $6. However, if you need multiples, you can get four Apple AirTags for only $80 instead of $99 following a 19% discount that will save $19. You're going to have to act fast though, as these deals may no longer be available tomorrow. Proceed with your transaction right now to make sure that you get the Apple AirTags for a more affordable price than usual. Apple AirTag — $23 $29 21% off Apple AirTag (4-pack) — $80 $99 19% off
Gizmodo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
If You Have a Galaxy Phone, Samsung's AirTag Equivalent Now Costs Next to Nothing on Prime Day
Apple has been really active this Prime Day and lowered AirTag prices so significantly that they've become one of the Top 5 top-selling electronics on Amazon. To follow suit, Samsung has had the response with its own Bluetooth tracker (called Galaxy SmartTag2) which has now reduced in price by 50%. Right now, you can pick up a single Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 for as little as $15, down from the usual price of $30. Samsung's offer is especially good value if you are already part of the Galaxy ecosystem. See at Amazon SmartTag2 is designed to help you keep an eye on your most valuable possessions. The device itself is tiny and light in weight, and it is easy to clip onto pretty much everything you want to track. The Galaxy tracker has been optimized to be more convenient and durable: It's IP67 rated which makes it water and dust-resistant and you can take it anywhere. Battery life is robust with a maximum of 500 days on one charge and you can get 40% more out of Power Saving Mode. That lets you attach it to your bag or pet's collar and not worry about it for more than a year before needing to replace the battery. SmartTag2 is simple to install: Just register it with the SmartThings Find app on your compatible Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet and you're away tracking your things in minutes. The intuitive app experience lets you see your last known position of your tagged item and if you're nearby but can't find it, you can turn on Search Nearby mode. The feature gives you on-screen directions using Compass View to guide you right to where your misplaced item is. If you still can't pick it out, you can ring the SmartTag2 to get it to beep. The SmartTag2 isn't just for finding lost items: it also serves as part of your smart home setup (which is not the case of Apple AirTags). With a simple button tap, you can switch on compatible IoT devices like turning on the lights or adjusting your thermostat directly from the tracker. The tracker is also personalized with lots of case options from fun-colored silicone covers. If you're looking to safeguard your belongings, the Galaxy SmartTag2 for $15 is a deal that's not worth passing on. See at Amazon
