Samsung Reportedly Developing 'Galaxy Smart Tag' Rival to Apple AirTags

[MacRumors]

Samsung is reportedly developing an item tracker called the "Galaxy Smart Tag" that appears to be positioned as a rival to Apple's long-awaited AirTags product (via SamMobile).

In August, alongside the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20, the South Korean company explained how its SmartThings Find feature can locate compatible Galaxy products with greater accuracy. It is now being alleged that Samsung is using this software for a tag-like item tracker.

SamMobile spotted a new device with the name "Galaxy Smart Tag" and the model number EI-T5300 in Indonesian Telecom Certification filings. Based on the name, it is assumed that the product will integrate with Samsung's SmartThings Find feature and offer location tracking.

The parallel to Apple's rumored AirTags is striking. There has been an overwhelming amount of evidence, including extensive patent filings, design leaks, premature placement in Apple support materials, and iOS code, that Apple is preparing to launch an ultra-wideband item tracker. For some time, it has been believed that Apple is on the brink of announcing AirTags, but after repeatedly failing to appear leaks are now suggesting a March 2021 launch.

Samsung previously launched an LTE-enabled item tracker with GPS under its SmartThings brand in 2018, but it since appears to have been discontinued.

SamMobile suggests that Samsung could be looking to base its item tracking tag on ultra-wideband technology. AirTags are rumored to be based on the U1 ultra-wideband chip, which Apple is reportedly seeking to make the bedrock of its ecosystem.

If the speculation around Samsung's filing is correct, item tracking appears to be set to become another front of direct competition between Samsung and Apple. After Apple's push into consumer lending with Apple Card, earlier this year Samsung followed with Samsung Pay Card. Yesterday, it was reported that Samsung may be withholding patented periscope camera technology from Apple in order to maintain a competitive advantage with its Galaxy smartphones.

Article Link: Samsung Reportedly Developing 'Galaxy Smart Tag' Rival to Apple AirTags

 

[Whathappened]

Of course they are

 

[ouimetnick]

At any rate, Samsung’s Tags will be out before Apples. 😂

 

[SBlue1]

is anybody surprised?

 

[jz0309]

gee, what a surprise ... now, Apple, get them out finally!

 

[calstanford]

Can't wait for the Google one. If there's three companies that keep copying each other it's SamGoogApple

 

[roar08]

They'll have defective batteries and you track them using the Wildfires app.

 

[Moakesy]

B..b..b..but how will they design it without having Apple's version to copy from?

🤣

 

[toph2toast]

B..b..b..but how will they design it without having Apple's version to copy from?

🤣

Let's not pretend like Apple was the first company in this market.

 

[Paul_a]

You mean they're planning on duplicating and stealing Tile? Or is that only when Apple creates a competing product?

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Hope they don't just copy the same exact design as Apple's.

 

[IsaacM]

I really don't get the need for Airtags. The only thing I ever lose is my iPhone and I ping that with my Watch. 😂

 

[dwd3885]

They aren't really rivaling AirTags if AirTags don't exist yet.

 

[ericwn]

Hope they don't just copy the same exact design as Apple's.

Copy the design of a not existing product is gonna be tough.

 

[toph2toast]

Copy the design of a not existing product is gonna be tough.

They could probably glean enough info off of patents if they wanted to. Though lets be honest, these products just don't pop out of thin air, so they've likely been working on it just as long as Apple has.

 

[SigEp265]

I like my Tiles a lot ... but it will be interesting to see Apple and Samsung's implementation. It would be neat if they utilize other Apple and Samsung phones to help find your missing tag.

 

[12643]

I really don't get the need for Airtags. The only thing I ever lose is my iPhone and I ping that with my Watch. 😂

The idea is that Apple will use a form of assisted gps, pinging nearby Apple devices to get and transmit a highly accurate location when a tag is found, even if the tag itself has no network connection. In remote locations, passing iPhones can ping tiles, and send the information in the background whenever they regain a network signal. I know Samsung sells a lot of phones too, but I doubt they’ll copy Apples implementation. Will probably be much less accurate, like tile. And they’ll sell them too, because people won’t know the difference, as long as they look the same.

 

[DocMultimedia]

Apple AirTags, the replacement for the Apple TV rumors.

 

[trip1ex]

The product that doesn’t exist that no one needs. Coming soon!

 

[Skullbussa]

More disposable garbage from Samsung...

 

[Jimmy James]

And Galaxy Tags will send your location to the cloud. Which will send it to ad outfits. And government. And app servers. And anyone who will pay for it. You don’t get that range of service from Apple.

 

[TrueBlou]

Well smack my butt and call me Susan

Seriously though, why is it they are copying Apple, and not any of the other similar products that have been available for years.

 

[GeoStructural]

Can't wait for the Google one. If there's three companies that keep copying each other it's SamGoogApple

Well said. They ALL copy each other. In both software and hardware, many “new” features in iOS are usually present in Android for about 3 years on average. On the hardware side Apple has copied competitors numerous times as well.

I have to add that the “tracker” market was not originated by Apple, they haven’t even released their implementation yet and some people here already say Samsung copied Apple. 🙄

 

[zombierunner]

Remember the Galaxy Home?

 

[willzyx]

Nothing beats tile.