Tracker really helps you find your bag: 3 models tested from g1 | Technology guide

Hey Keep track of It helps reduce one of the biggest fears on a plane trip: the airline losing your bags or forgetting them somewhere.

With it, you can monitor your luggage at all times via your cell phone, from the conveyor belt to check-in to the final destination.

The product can also be used to locate other items – it can be placed on a pet's collar, on a house keychain or even in a wallet – and you will never lose any items there again.

These items are slightly larger than a single Brazilian Real coin, but there's a problem: They only work with cell phones apple Or the Samsung.

Hey Shopping guide He evaluated three tracker models launched in 2023. They are:

They use a network of multiple connected phones to help track the object that needs to be located. How it works? Anonymously call nearby mobile phones to determine your whereabouts.

Two of them – Eufy and Geonav – only work with iPhone. Samsung one for use only with Brand devices.

Apple has a similar product, AirTag, launching in 2021 – read the test.

See the evaluation results below and at the end the conclusion.

Hey Eufy SmartTrack link It's a tracker that works in the same way as Apple's AirTag (see test), but it's cheaper.

At the end of January, the Eufy model cost about R$ 250 in the online stores consulted. For comparison, Apple costs R$370.

It is a product with a square design, with rounded edges and a backing for attaching the item to other things. The manufacturer did not provide measurements and weight.

Its battery lasts for one year, according to the manufacturer, and can be easily replaced.

The Eufy tracker is compatible with Apple's search network (“Find My”) – as is the Geonav MyFinder card.

This means that these devices have been certified to use Apple's network of cell phones, tablets and laptops to locate items anonymously as SmartTrack Link. Every nearby iPhone can recognize the presence of the mark.

To activate, simply open the Search app on your iPhone and add it to Items. After that, all you have to do is give the device a name and it will appear in the list, along with its location.

In search, you can activate lost mode. This feature should only be activated if the item is physically lost or out of reach.

It prevents the tag from being associated with other Apple Accounts and displays a message on a nearby iPhone for anyone who finds the item.

The Eufy tracker also has a QR code with the message – in English – “If found, scan the code” to aid in the recovery process.

During testing, the search app always displayed the location of the luggage. The tracker was placed in a designated bag.

As with the Geonav MyFinder card and AirTag itself, it is possible to choose the type of street view – standard map or satellite view.

The manufacturer also has an additional application (Eufy Security) that provides an additional feature: configure the tracker to locate the phone – two clicks on the device button, and after a few seconds, the iPhone starts playing an alert.

Neither Geonav nor Apple's AirTag model can do this.

Hey Geonav MyFinder Card It's also a tracker that works in the same way as the Eufy SmartTrack Link, using Apple's search network to locate the item.

the product, Cheaper to testcosting R $ 230 in the online stores searched in January.

The big difference between it and the Eufy tracker is the design: it has… Credit card size.

Weighing 189 grams and measuring 86 x 54 mm, it can be worn in a wallet or placed in suitcases and backpacks. But it does not have a hole for attaching a belt or chain.

The battery of the MyFinder card, according to the manufacturer, lasts up to Three years – The longest time among the three devices evaluated.

But, unlike competitors in the test, the card format does not allow changing the battery. The consumer cannot even open the card to perform this action.

Its operation is similar to the Eufy product: it uses Apple's search network. Its configuration and features are the same as those built into the iPhone manufacturer's app.

During testing, the MyFinder card initially worked correctly: it indicated the location of the item on a map.

the problem? The item was kept in the wallet throughout the trip, which was in the back pocket of the pants.

Since the MyFinder card has a button on the top, I pressed that button while seated, which caused the device to begin the process of reconfiguring on its own as a new piece of equipment.

This is demonstrated by several non-stop whistles. As a result, the tracker lost its configuration with the paired iPhone.

At the end of the tests, the device “returned” to Brazil with the wallet, but in theory it is still in a California hotel.

Geonave model It does not require the use of an additional applicationas is the case with the Eufy tracker.

Hey Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 It's the latest version of the tracker (see our original SmartTag test) – which uses Samsung's smartphone network to help find your lost item.

But to be able to use one of them you have to do so You have your own brand cell phone. The device does not work with iOS or other Android smartphones.

In online stores, the tracker was sold for R$260 at the end of January More expensive Among the test products.

The main change compared to the first generation of the product is the design. Out comes a square shape and in comes a more elongated shape, with a large opening for attaching a chain or keychain.

The device weighs 13.7 grams and has dimensions of 28.8 x 52.4 x 8 mm (width x height x depth).

All configurations are done through the SmartThings app, which acts as a hub for connected products from Samsung and other brands.

SmartThings indicate battery level that can be changed. Samsung claims so The battery lasts up to 500 days (Almost a year and a half) in normal mode. If power saving mode is activated, It can take approximately two years.

However, it is still short of the Geonav tracker's estimated duration of 3 years.

The tracker is installed via the SmartThings app. It is simple and similar to the Geonav and Eufy models.

The multi-function button can be programmed to control the smart home, such as turning smart lights on and off, or sending notifications, for example. It also locates the phone if necessary.

The Galaxy SmartTag2 was placed in a backpack for testing and carried on the plane.

It worked properly, but gave the same impression as the brand's first model – Locating takes a little longer than trackers compatible with the Apple Search network.

But this may have something to do with there being more iPhones than Galaxy phones nearby during tracking.

The difference is Compass displaywhich allows you to use augmented reality to find a lost object more easily.

But this function is only valid for those who have some of the brand's more expensive devices, such as the Galaxy S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, or the foldable Galaxy Z Fold5.

Since testing was conducted with a tracker attached to the Galaxy Z Flip4, it was not possible to evaluate the feature.

How the tests were done: The three tracking devices have been used since December on a backpack in São Paulo.

In mid-January, the products went to the US: the Eufy product was in a checked bag, the Geonav product was in a wallet, and the Samsung product was in a backpack.

The trackers were chosen because they were launched in 2023 and are the newest options available in online stores.

All trackers were sent on loan and will be returned.

Easier: The Eufy and Geonav models are the simplest and most user-friendly to configure, due to their integration with the Apple Search app.

Configuration is quick and anyone can access its features easily.

More versatile: The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 can be used as a remote control for smart home items, which is an advantage compared to competitors.

Best cost/benefit: The Eufy model is slightly more expensive than the Geonav model, but its appearance and additional features make the product the best choice in terms of cost-benefit ratio among the trackers evaluated.

Can I change the battery? Yes, on Samsung and Juventus models that use CR2032 batteries, those that are in the “coin” shape. When the app (SmartThings or Buscar) indicates low power, simply remove the product cover and change the battery.

Who doesn't have a Galaxy or iPhone?

Shopping guide testing was only conducted with these three products that only work with Galaxy or iPhone devices.

But there are models from other brands — like TileMate — that work in a similar, but more limited way to locate items.

It is also possible to choose Bluetooth trackers that do not use these anonymous cell phone networks, but are limited to the close range of the cell phone, with Gionav discoverers (See test).

*Victor Hugo Silva collaboration

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