Hardly bigger than a coin, Bluetooth trackers promise to help you track down your lost keys, stolen bicycle and even your missing cat. But how well do they work in practice? — Photo: Zacharie Scheurer/dpa
BERLIN: Lost luggage is one of the many frustrations of flying. Many passengers are now solving the problem themselves by putting small, Bluetooth-based trackers in their bags. If a suitcase goes missing you can track it down using your phone.
The trackers can also be used for keys, wallets, bicycles and even pets. They’re only slightly larger than a coin, rectangular or round, and usually have an eyelet for attaching to things. Tile, Chipolo, Samsung (Galaxy Smart Tags), and Apple (Airtags) are the best-known providers.
They work by connecting primarily using Bluetooth with smartphones or tablets in the vicinity. "If the tracker and smartphone are within range of each other, they recognise each other based on the previous pairing," explains technology journalist Patrick Bellmer.
Once connected, the devices can exchange data. This means that if you’ve misplaced a key or wallet that’s fitted with a tracker, your smartphone can find the item – provided it’s nearby.
"Bluetooth offers a range of about 100 metres under ideal conditions, and usually between 10 and 20 metres indoors, depending on the nature of walls and ceilings," Bellmer says.
Track anything If the connection works, you can display the tracker on a map or have it beep. In theory, users can attach a tracker to anything, from car keys to the collar of a cat that tends to stray.
You don’t have to spend a lot on a tracker either. According to Bellmer, there are no major differences in quality. At most, workmanship and details such as water resistance differ.
Simple Bluetooth trackers are available for as little as US$10 (RM44) to US$15 (RM66). Trackers from Apple, Tile, and Samsung also use ultra-wideband technology (UWB), which, in simplified terms, is comparable to radar and makes searching easier. They are more expensive, starting at US$30 (RM133).
But what if you've lost your wallet on the road and are now miles away? To compensate for the short range of Bluetooth, trackers recruit other smartphones in the vicinity to help in the search. In principle, any device on which the respective app is installed can locate a tracker.
The data is then transmitted in encrypted form and ultimately ends up with the owner of the tracker. The more users have the app, the greater the likelihood that an item will be found.
Is it legal to use trackers? Technically you can track anything but legally it depends on your jurisdiction. "The use of Bluetooth trackers to locate objects and animals is legal," says lawyer Niko Härting. He was speaking about Germany, but said he is not aware of the situation being different in other countries.
However, an issue arises when you want to track people, such as your own child. This is only possible with the consent of all parties involved, including the child, Härting says.
It becomes really problematic when people use trackers to monitor or spy on acquaintances, partners, ex-partners or strangers. This violates personal rights and disregards data protection, says Härting.
Manufacturers are aware of the potential for stalking and other abuses. For this reason, Apple and Tile now warn users on the screen or by means of a signal tone if there are trackers in your vicinity that don’t belong to you.
Anyone who wants to purchase a tracker should bear a few things in mind. Your smartphone or tablet must support Bluetooth and, if the tracker has it on board, also UWB radio.
The operating system also plays a role. The app for Samsung's Galaxy Smart Tag only works on Android devices, while Apple's Airtags require iOS. Chipolo and Tile are compatible with both operating systems. – dpa
