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

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).

samsung smartthings tracker

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.

Top Rated Comments

roar08 Avatar
43 months ago
They'll have defective batteries and you track them using the Wildfires app.
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ouimetnick Avatar
43 months ago
At any rate, Samsung’s Tags will be out before Apples. ?
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Whathappened Avatar
43 months ago
Of course they are :D
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Moakesy Avatar
43 months ago
B..b..b..but how will they design it without having Apple's version to copy from?

?
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dwd3885 Avatar
43 months ago
They aren't really rivaling AirTags if AirTags don't exist yet.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jimmy James Avatar
43 months ago
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.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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