What you need to know
- T-Mobile has announced the SyncUP TRACKER.
- The item tracker uses LTE instead of Bluetooth to find your lost items.
T-Mobile really came out of left field with their own item tracker.
The company announced today that it is taking on item trackers like Apple's AirTag, Chipolo's ONE Spot, and Tile with its new SyncUP TRACKER. Unlike the other item trackers which use Bluetooth or UWB, T-Mobile's offering actually connects to its LTE network which enables you to find an item even if it is away from other devices. The company says that the device will be available in T-Mobile stores next Friday, May 7.
Matt Staneff, Chief Marketing Officer of T-Mobile, says that the company is moving into item tracking because its network "has the power and reliability customers can depend on."
"SyncUP TRACKER brings peace of mind to customer's most prized possessions and valuables, which is why we're putting the power of our network behind it ... From families to cars to now things, T-Mobile's network is connecting just about anything – because it has the power and reliability customers can depend on."
All of the features of the SyncUP TRACKER are below:
- Location Tracking: Check the last known location on a map and get near real-time location tracking even when miles away.
- Virtual Boundaries: Set virtual geofenced boundaries to get notified when it leaves the selected area so customers can quickly react.
- Ring When Lost: Easily locate an item that's nearby, but not in plain sight.
- Customizable Profiles: Add a name, descriptor, photo – even select how often the device pings back its location to improve battery life and more – all bringing a more optimized tracking experience to fit the customers need.
- Light Sensor: Optional feature can detect change in light (from dark to light) in the event the tracked belonging is moved – out of a locker, a backpack, or other!
- Water and Dust Resistant: IP67 rated stands up to dust, water and drops.
- Rechargeable battery: The 900 mAh rechargeable battery lasts up to 7 days depending on usage.
- Set up is easy. Simply attach the tracker to just about anything that moves, from luggage, to bicycles, to backpacks and create a profile on the free SyncUP TRACKER app, available in the iOS or Android App Store.
Unlike AirTags and other third-party item trackers that work with Apple's Find My network, T-Mobile's SyncUP TRACKER does require a subscription on top of the cost of the device. The company says that the device will cost $60 but can be financed over time with your cell phone bill for $2.50 per month. In addition, it will cost $5 per month (with Autopay) for the cellular service that powers the device.
