Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. announced Thursday that its new $40 SmartTag Plus, a slightly more expensive version of the company’s SmartTag device, will launch globally on April 16.

SmartTag is a small tile-like device that can help users find lost items, such as keys. The SmartTag+ uses BlueTooth Low Energy and ultra-wideband technology as well as augmented reality to guide users visually to where missing items are with the smartphone’s camera: no more losing keys and such in futon cushions or underneath the couch.

The Galaxy SmartTag+ can be easily attached to any everyday item, like a backpack or a keychain. The device is shaped like a small tile with a round hole in one side so that it can be tied to another object.

Once activated, an AR-finder in the smartphone can then be used to “see” it using the smartphone’s camera. The AR-finder then guides the user with an easy-to-follow interface on any UWB-equipped smartphone, such as Samsun Galaxy S21 or S21+ Ultra, which will display how far away the SmartTag+ is and points its direction.

Once within its vicinity, a distinct “sparkle” is also visible on the camera and when extremely close by the user can also cause the tag to generate a loud “ping!” so even if it’s hidden under the couch cushions or in the laundry, it will be easy to find.

Image: Samsung

“Ultra-wideband is a true game-changer, making it possible to lock onto the position of an object with much greater precision,” said KJ Kim, executive vice president and head of mobile research and development for office, mobile communications business at Samsung Electronics. “That’s why we’re continuing to expand UWB throughout the Galaxy ecosystem, finding new ways to leverage this technology to help make people’s everyday lives easier and more convenient.”

SmartTag+ can also use the SmartThings Find platform which allows users to locate tagged items on a map, even if it’s misplaced somewhere very far away – for example, outside the home.

Samsung said that’s because the tags use BlueTooth Low Energy connectivity and the constellation of other Galaxy devices in the network, via SmartThings in order to find their way home. Other users can opt into SmartThings Find in order to help other users find their SmartTag+ devices should they lose them.

Once a user reports their tag lost in SmartThings Find, any nearby Galaxy device that has opted in will alert the SmartThings server about its location and a location will be sent. All data in SmartThings is encrypted and protected, so the tag’s location is not revealed to anyone except the registered owner.

As mentioned above, the Galaxy SmartTag+ will become available starting from April 16, with availability in the U.S. in the coming weeks. SmartTags operate using the SmartThings service provided in the Samsung SmartThings app.

Image: Samsung