Losing your keys or wallet is the worst! But thanks to new tracking technology, it’s easier than ever to find your lost stuff, no matter what phone you use.
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Apple AirTags vs. Android Options
Apple AirTags are a popular choice for iPhone users, but what if you have an Android? Google recently activated its Find My Device network, opening up new options for Android users to track their stuff. This network leverages the power of over a billion Android devices to help you find your stuff.
To get started, download Google’s Find My Device app. Then, get a tracker. Chipolo offers two trackers compatible with the network:
- One Point: This tracker has a built-in hole, so you can attach it to a keyring without any accessories.
- Card Point: This tracker is thin enough to slip into a wallet.
Chipolo trackers start at $28 and feature loud sounds to help you locate them, plus up to two years of battery life.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2
If you’re a Samsung user, check out the Galaxy SmartTag 2. Although it’s not compatible with Google’s Find My Network, it does have some unique features:
- Tap with any NFC-enabled phone to see owner info – handy for lost pets.
- Use your Samsung phone as a compass to hone in on a nearby tag.
- Double-press the button to ring your phone.
The SmartTag 2 is $30 and often on sale for cheaper.
Kini: A Different Approach to Tracking
A device called Kini takes a different approach to tracking. It doesn’t actively track your stuff, but instead sends you a text when someone moves it. This can be particularly useful for monitoring sensitive items.
Kini was invented by a husband and wife team after their child had an unsettling encounter with a gun.
“The parents were not home and their friends had snuck off into their parents bedroom closet and pulled the gun out of a gun safe,” said Mahboud Zabetian, the item’s inventor.
The device connects to Wi-Fi and sends you an instant text notification whenever the item it’s placed on is moved.
Kini costs $65 with no monthly fees, and the system is private.
“We don’t record anything from you or your location,” said Zabetian.
