Samsung announces SmartTag2 with new design, features and longer battery life

Following its Galaxy Fan Edition devices, Samsung announced its updated SmartTag2 device with a new more durable and versatile design, longer battery life and extended set of features. The design now incorporates a metal ring inside so it can be used for more things.

One of the new functionalities of the SmartTag2 is the so-called Lost Mode. The owner of the SmartTag2 can input their contact information and whenever it"s lost, the person who finds the tag can scan it using the phone"s NFC and it will automatically show the owner"s contact information.

A new Compass View makes it easier to find your belongings as it points to the exact direction of the SmartTag2. This feature works only with UWB-enabled devices, like the Galaxy S Ultra series.

A new Power Saving Mode can boost battery life up to 700 days, which is twice as long as the previous SmartTag generation, while the Normal mode can last up to 500 days, which is again 50% longer than before. Samsung didn"t clarify what features the Power Saving Mode axes, but it said it"s mostly useful for people who use the device to track belongings.

The SmartThings Find app has been updated alongside the SmartTag2 release and it now displays a full-screen map view with refreshed interface. Also, SmartTag2 can automatically sync with your new Galaxy phone when using the same Samsung account.

Additionally, the app allows you to locate your SmartTag2 devices using the phone"s camera by leveraging Bluetooth LE, UWB and Augmented Reality technologies.

Samsung also worked on securing your privacy. For instance, if an unknown SmartTag device is following you, the SmartThings Find app will send you "Unknown tag alerts" and you"ll know that someone has planted the tracking device on you. It"s a way to prevent abuse of the SmartTags.

The Samsung SmartTag2 is launching globally on October 11 for $30.