Where’s my wallet? Where are my keys? These are all questions that have surfaced at some point in your life. For some, it’s a matter of checking underneath the sofa or coat pocket, while for others, they are left scrambling around the house, looking for that lost item. That has all changed.
Initially launched as an Indiegogo project last year, the TrackR Bravo is a small coin-sized Bluetooth-enabled device that can easily be attached to almost any item, so that it can be located using the TrackR app. For me, I put one in my wallet, and it was a great fit as it did not take up too much space and was easy to pair and configure on my iPhone. I also put one on my keychain, and have already used it a couple of times to locate them. This latest device in the TrackR series is small enough to fit anywhere, yet a great solution for finding misplaced items. They also offer waterproof-based cases, so that you can use them outdoors, as well as on your pet’s collar. Powered by Bluetooth 4.0 technology, the TrackR Bravo has a 100-foot range and works with the free mobile TrackR app. Once activated, you simply add the device by pairing it with your mobile phone. It can support up to 10 devices and the Bravo emits a pinging sound to track the lost item. It also has an interactive map display of the location of the item.
Given the fact that it’s working with a limited range, it’s best suited for finding a lost item in your home, where the roaming is limited to a confined space. It does display the last known location of the device, and I would recommend enabling the feature to alert you if the TrackR Bravo and your iPhone become separated. TrackR also has a Crowd GPS network, enabling you to locate items outside of the Bluetooth range, as it can tap into other users with the TrackR app installed.
Overall, it’s not a bad product, but I still think they have to look for a way to extend the range of the device, as it does rely on Bluetooth technology, which has some limitations. In addition, the pinging sound is barely audible, so the map locator is a better way to track down that lost item. I also tested Amazon Tile and although similar, it does NOT have a replaceable battery, making the TrackR the better option, as it uses a small CR1616 battery.
To learn more about the TrackR device, visit https://www.thetrackr.com, and if you use the promo code “trackr10”, you will receive a $10 discount from the price.
2 comments
I have a Trackr and agree that the limited range is a factor. I also think the alert needs to be louder. It would be cool if it could pair with a Bluetooth speaker.
Author
Yes, the ping alert is barely audible, especially if it’s in a wallet or hidden beneath something. As far as hooking it up to a Bluetooth speaker, I never thought of that, but it’s using the same technology, so that approach would be limited, as you would have to be in close proximity to the Trackr device. Having used the device, the refresh times need to be fine-tuned as it does not refresh the location immediately – you have to do a force refresh. I see that as a bigger fix.