Thanks, Lon! I love the 4 Airtags I have. They've saved my bacon more than a few times. The price of these licensed ones is great, and I'll definitely look into them in a few weeks.
I was tired of waiting for Google to release their trackers so I went with Samsung's version. They work great but only if you have a Samsung phone so it's more of the same nonsense. If these companies would finally release a universal tracker, we would all benefit hugely from it.
@@LonSeidman I know my Pixel 7 can detect trackers. Maybe it is a new feature for Android 14? I just saw the setting this morning after my phone was upgraded to Android 14, but don't know if it was there on 13.
Most decent ones only work on one platform, not both. Nothing much he can do about that. Most of the Android trackers are half arsed except the samsung ones which are again only for samsung phones when it comes to ultra wideband.
@@tldr365 I find the trackers that work with Android quite useful. I have receivers all around the house for automation purposes. There is also an entire Android tracking system upcoming. Google has been waiting for Apple to finalize some anti-tracking features in their software before releasing the Android version. They've been working together behind the scenes on the anti tracking stuff so no matter which platform you use you'll know if you're being tracked by the other one. Android won't need a separate app to detect Apple trackers following them anymore.
If you can't detect it, you can't find it. Think it through. A cellular GPS tracker is what you are looking for (with a monthly fee). These are based on Bluetooth, and the fact that anyone walking by can detect it and report the location. A GPS tracker works by getting a location fix itself, and uploading the location via the cellular network.
@@ericB3444 Then the tracker won't work. You need a GPS tracker and will need to pay for the cellular data. These work by being detectable by anyone nearby. These don't know their location, or have any data connection to use to report their location, they strictly work by using any phone nearby to detect the device and report the phone location when detected. A GPS tracker has the ability to determine the location of the device, and uses cellular data to report. It doesn't rely on passing phones to detect and report the location using the GPS and data connection of the passing phone.
Looking for something like this that I can throw in my vehicles and have it integrate into Home Assistant to be able to use my vehicles to trigger automations when they enter/leave zones. Do these do the trick?
Are there any that don't notify? I work for a company that operates a rental bicycle fleet and I'd think we'd rather not tip our hand that there's a GPS on the bike someone just stole from us until we know it's stolen.
Any that operate using Bluetooth (as these do) must be detectable in order to work. People passing in Bluetooth range of the device detect it and report the location. If the device is taken somewhere there is nobody passing by, it doesn't get detected and you can't find it. A more traditional GPS tracker will instead detect its position via GPS, and use a cellular connection to transmit the location. Of course the cellular data it uses will require a monthly payment.
Great video. They way I look at it is if it's important enought to track, it's worth another $8 for a genuine Airtag. Plus security concerns.
Android versions of this video, please. I have Samsung smart things tag 2, but not sure if my parents use it.
Thanks Lon I was just looking at these competitors and you just listed them! So thank you!
How about a video on android trackers, in particular Samsung as they should be the biggest.
Anything for Android?
was going to ask the same ?
Thanks, Lon! I love the 4 Airtags I have. They've saved my bacon more than a few times. The price of these licensed ones is great, and I'll definitely look into them in a few weeks.
I was tired of waiting for Google to release their trackers so I went with Samsung's version. They work great but only if you have a Samsung phone so it's more of the same nonsense. If these companies would finally release a universal tracker, we would all benefit hugely from it.
That’s what needs to happen - especially for the anti stalking stuff - if you don’t have an Apple device you’d never know you have one following you!
@@LonSeidman I know my Pixel 7 can detect trackers. Maybe it is a new feature for Android 14? I just saw the setting this morning after my phone was upgraded to Android 14, but don't know if it was there on 13.
Good report, thanks. Half the price with about half the functions.
Lon! Thanks for posting this video.
Really good review.
I am in the market for something like this! Thank you, Lon.
Any Android alternatives, or is this an iOS channels? 🤪
I second that! I think Lon has at least one Android test device. 😂
Most decent ones only work on one platform, not both. Nothing much he can do about that. Most of the Android trackers are half arsed except the samsung ones which are again only for samsung phones when it comes to ultra wideband.
@@tldr365 I find the trackers that work with Android quite useful. I have receivers all around the house for automation purposes. There is also an entire Android tracking system upcoming. Google has been waiting for Apple to finalize some anti-tracking features in their software before releasing the Android version. They've been working together behind the scenes on the anti tracking stuff so no matter which platform you use you'll know if you're being tracked by the other one. Android won't need a separate app to detect Apple trackers following them anymore.
Why is no one making one for android.semone like Lon could make a lot of money hint hint Lon.
Does Tile still exist? If so, it might be Android-able.
For the trackers, do you need a smart phone or can you track your items on software on a PC or website?
Not everyone has a smart phone
thanks!
Are location updates as often as with airtags?
Are there any a person can’t detect so I can actually use it to keep my car from getting stolen undetected?
If you can't detect it, you can't find it. Think it through. A cellular GPS tracker is what you are looking for (with a monthly fee). These are based on Bluetooth, and the fact that anyone walking by can detect it and report the location. A GPS tracker works by getting a location fix itself, and uploading the location via the cellular network.
@@john_in_phoenix I don’t want them to be informed about it on their phone that they’re being followed by a tracker is the only issue.
@@ericB3444 Then the tracker won't work. You need a GPS tracker and will need to pay for the cellular data. These work by being detectable by anyone nearby. These don't know their location, or have any data connection to use to report their location, they strictly work by using any phone nearby to detect the device and report the phone location when detected. A GPS tracker has the ability to determine the location of the device, and uses cellular data to report. It doesn't rely on passing phones to detect and report the location using the GPS and data connection of the passing phone.
Looking for something like this that I can throw in my vehicles and have it integrate into Home Assistant to be able to use my vehicles to trigger automations when they enter/leave zones. Do these do the trick?
What is the range on these?
Are you really saving money buying junk? The Air Tags are not all that much and have much better quality and QC.
I use a Tile on my TV remote control. The kids lose it every day and it's a huge help.
Are there any that don't notify? I work for a company that operates a rental bicycle fleet and I'd think we'd rather not tip our hand that there's a GPS on the bike someone just stole from us until we know it's stolen.
You’d need a more traditional tracker for that
Any that operate using Bluetooth (as these do) must be detectable in order to work. People passing in Bluetooth range of the device detect it and report the location. If the device is taken somewhere there is nobody passing by, it doesn't get detected and you can't find it. A more traditional GPS tracker will instead detect its position via GPS, and use a cellular connection to transmit the location. Of course the cellular data it uses will require a monthly payment.
Where can one buy the hive?
Link in the description! I've got them all collected there.