Samsung’s getting into the object tracking game with a LTE-enabled tracker

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

Are you constantly forgetting your keys/wallet/etc? Samsung’s here to help with an LTE-powered tracker that you can attach from anything like a pet collar, your keyring and anything in-between.

That new gadget is the SmartThings Tracker, which is available now from AT&T and from Verizon later this year.

The pint-sized tracker is $99 with AT&T service included for the first 12 months at no additional charge and will be $5 a month or $50 per year afterward.

SmartThings Tracker Features

The main features of the tracker include LTE-M network technology, which gives a greater range of signal coverage compared to existing Bluetooth trackers. It also allows more accurate tracking when the device is indoors or below street level.

You can push the SmartThings’ power button twice to send a location update to your family through the SmartThings mobile app. You can also use the Live Tracking feature in the app to find out where the item being tracked is at all times, which gives you minute-by-minute location tracking for a period of 10 minutes per use.

By combining the coverage of nationwide carrier networks with the expansiveness of the SmartThings ecosystem, we’re helping families keep track of what matters most to them while also continuing to make it easy to control and manage their smart home, all in one device, said SK Kim, Senior Director, IoT Product Marketing at Samsung Electronics America.

The Samsung tracker is also designed for both indoor and outdoor use, with a IP68 water and dust resistance rating. The battery will last up to a week on a single charge with normal use.

Image: Samsung

Oh, there’s even an app

If you want to dive deeper into the app, you can set geo-fenced zones which will ping you if the tracker moves into or out of that area. That lets you keep an eye on your pets in the yard, or even if your children are home from school.

Samsung also says the tracker can be used as a proximity sensor to trigger smart home automation like changing your thermostat when you leave work so it’s comfortable when you get home.

There’s also a strap pouch to keep the tracker in as a separately sold accessory. The SmartThings tracker is available from Samsung and Amazon.

Does this tracker interest you? Does the price tag scare you away? Let us know in the comments below.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Amazon plans on introducing 8 new products, one of them being an Alexa-enabled microwave
• Gillette has a new razor that heats up your face but it’s hella expensive 
• Just because the new Apple Watch has an EKG reader, it doesn’t mean it’s going to save your life

Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.