CES 2013: Hipkey - a 'Bluetooth Smart' Proximity Sensor for iOS Devices

[MacRumors]

We've closely covered the emerging class of Bluetooth Smart (4.0) low energy devices that have been slowly coming to market.

Hippih was showing off Hipkey at CES 2013. Hipkey is their version of the digital leash application that allows you to keep your iPhone from getting left behind. The device was already put on sale in the European Online Apple Store in December and quickly sold out. The device will make its debut in the U.S. Apple Online store on January 15th.

Hipkey comes as a small aluminum device that you are meant to attach to your keychain or other personal item. The device will pair up with your iPhone and then provide a digital leash for your device. You can set it to detect between small (2-5m), medium (15-20m) and long (30-50m) distances between the devices and then trigger a sound and vibration alarm. The primary intent is to avoid leaving your iPhone behind. The free to download software seems very well designed and also offers other related functionality.

- Alarm Mode: Warns you if you forget your iPhone or iPad or if someone attempts to steal it.
- Child mode: Alerts you if your child wanders too far away from you.
- Motion Mode: Put hipKey in your bag and you are alerted if someone moves it.
- Find Me Mode: Quickly find your iPhone, iPad or your keys at any time.

Additionally, a "Safe Zone" can be established at any location which prevents the device from triggering automatically at any of the shorter proximities. The device will still trigger if you exceed the longest range. Hipkey incorporates a rechargeable battery that lasts 2-4 weeks and recharges in 4 hours. It will be available on the Online Apple Store on January 15th for $89.99.

Article Link: CES 2013: Hipkey - a 'Bluetooth Smart' Proximity Sensor for iOS Devices

[iforbes]

Can't wait till these devices are a bit more affordable!

Great idea...too many $s

[Kwill]

Originally Posted by iforbes

Can't wait till these devices are a bit more affordable!

Great idea...too many $s

I am ecstatic that someone has managed to build a $90 keychain. (Won't exactly end TJ tourism.)

[praetorian909]

Originally Posted by iforbes

Can't wait till these devices are a bit more affordable!

Great idea...too many $s

Actually they already have something that works just like this HipKey (from what I can tell), and for ~$40 less. But less cool looking...

http://cirago.com/wordpress/products...s/ialerttag-2/

[fiddlestyx]

I'd be interest in these once the prices come down, seems like a fun gadget to help not lose your gadgets.

Now if only I could remember where I left my keys ...

[CodeJingle]

Awesome

[STiNG Operation]

Just have to wait awhile for the new innovations to come down in price...

[tomegun]

This is a device that isn't for me.

1. I hate keys...that I have to remove from my pocket. It is 2013, I have two cars that allow me to keep my keys in my pocket and one that doesn't. I have garage door openers, keypads and an alarm for my house.
2. I take my keys out of my pocket and put them in a location in my house. How would this work when I'm moving around the house with my phone?

My wife could use this though. She could put it in her purse and she would be set - when she leaves the house with her purse, she can be sure she has her phone.

[xraydoc]

Originally Posted by tomegun

This is a device that isn't for me.

1. I hate keys...that I have to remove from my pocket. It is 2013, I have two cars that allow me to keep my keys in my pocket and one that doesn't. I have garage door openers, keypads and an alarm for my house.
2. I take my keys out of my pocket and put them in a location in my house. How would this work when I'm moving around the house with my phone?

My wife could use this though. She could put it in her purse and she would be set - when she leaves the house with her purse, she can be sure she has her phone.

The description said that it can be automatically disabled at a specific location (like home) where your keys and phone may be separated.

But, yes, this is something my wife could use as well.

[mabhatter]

Originally Posted by xraydoc

The description said that it can be automatically disabled at a specific location (like home) where your keys and phone may be separated.

But, yes, this is something my wife could use as well.

HOME is where I lose my keys most often!

[polterbyte]

If I understand this correctly, the device uses low consumption bluetooth tech, correct? But it would still rely on the iPhone's traditional bluetooth tech, which still uses quite a lot of juice, right?

So the trade off is between smaller time between charges and not forgetting your phone (or being alerted it's being robbed).

Can someone confirm/dispute this? How much less battery time are we talking about if bluetooth is permanently on?

[spillproof]

Originally Posted by polterbyte

If I understand this correctly, the device uses low consumption bluetooth tech, correct? But it would still rely on the iPhone's traditional bluetooth tech, which still uses quite a lot of juice, right?

So the trade off is between smaller time between charges and not forgetting your phone (or being alerted it's being robbed).

Can someone confirm/dispute this? How much less battery time are we talking about if bluetooth is permanently on?

The iPhone 5 uses 4.0, the same low power operation.

[rdlink]

Originally Posted by spillproof

The iPhone 5 uses 4.0, the same low power operation.

As does the 4S.

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

4 hours to charge? That's a really long time for something that has such a small battery and draws so little power.

[gatearray]

Finally, a new product that allows me to shirk my parental duties and rely and "Child Mode" BT to watch my 4 year old at the mall.

Question: In this usage case, which end is my child holding, my iPhone 5 or my car and house keys???

_____

Brilliant idea building this into a keychain, thank god people never misplace and/or lose those things!

[CodeBreaker]

If Apple had been named Orange, would that key be its logo?

[needfx]

Originally Posted by CodeBreaker

If Apple had been named Orange, would that key be its logo?

strategic design to appeal subconsciously to apple fans

[FrizzleFryBen]

I've had iPhones since the 3 first came out and have only "forgotten" or "left" my phone once....ONCE. It was in a cab and this wouldn't have helped anyway as it was driving off.

I dig the child walking away thing, but why the hell would a child young enough you'd be worried have an iPhone?

[D-a-a-n]

Damn that is expensive..any cheaper alternatives?

[Sayer]

Originally Posted by gatearray

Brilliant idea building this into a keychain, thank god people never misplace and/or lose those things!

I bet that you can also move your iPhone around to locate the missing key fob, just as you move your key fob away from your iPhone to trigger the alerts.

Or you could clip the thing to your man purse, sorry, messenger bag, and have that trigger either by your iPhone moving away or your "messenger bag."

Not trying to be snarky, just pointing out the obvious here.

[sulpfiction]

In "child mode" would I have to clip the unit on my kid and my phone would sound the alarm? Think I just answered my own question since other then my kid carrying my phone (which I'm sure wouldn't be the case) there is no other option. Lol.

[ConCat]

Hipkey: For the hipster in all of us.

[Cougarcat]

Kensington's Proximo looks better. $30 cheaper and 6-month battery life.

[r00fus]

Although this hipkey looks nicer, I must admit.
http://www.connectedevice.com/cookoo-keyfob/

Pros for Cookoo:
1) remote camera trigger feature
2) standard replaceable battery, 1 year standby
3) $40 - half the price

Pros for HipKey
1) looks hipper
2) geofencing capabilities sound more mature
3) rechargeable battery

[tod]

Apple R&D needs to buy a few of these... might prevent any more prototypes from getting lost in bars!