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\nMost new RFID tags utilize Bluetooth technology.<\/p>\n
Nothing new<\/h2>\n
RFID technology is nothing new.<\/p>\n
It has been around for over 10 years already.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
However, while it is nothing new, RFID is a technology that people remain highly interested in. It seems that in recent years an entire market for RFID has exploded.<\/p>\n
Why do you need RFID?<\/h2>\n
How many times have you misplaced something? If you are anything like me, more times than you\u2019d care to admit. I have spent more than a few minutes of my life looking for keys, sunglasses, and my debit card (a few times I have even been holding\/wearing the item I\u2019m looking for).<\/p>\n
With RFID tags, you can place a small tag\/sticker on items you frequently misplace, and use the tracking technology (often coupled with a smartphone app) to find your items quickly.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
If you have ever lost your keys, phone, tablet, wallet, or remote; RFID tags can end the frustration. This is especially useful for business professionals always on the go.<\/p>\n
Tag all of the things, even your dog<\/h2>\n
When you tag your phone, briefcase, laptop, or even your luggage, your smartphone will alert you when the item is out of a set range (say 100 feet) and when it returns. If you are at a conference and leave your briefcase in the meeting room, as soon as you get halfway down that long hallway, your smartphone will alert you that you\u2019ve left the item behind and you need to go back for it. Super helpful.<\/p>\n
RFID devices are even used with pet doors.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
If you place a device on your pets\u2019 collar, the pet door reads the chip and allows them to enter, but only your pets. This will keep out those pesky raccoons that try to come in and help themselves to your refrigerator.<\/p>\n
Four RFID options<\/h2>\n
Previously, we discussed<\/a> four RFID trackers and their advantages. Here\u2019s a follow up on those four, plus a couple of new kids on the RFID block. These are all basic, but popular options to get your feet wet with the RFID technology:<\/p>\n
StickNFind<\/a> is one company offering these devices. The device is about the size of a quarter. It costs $25 and you can track anything you tag with a device via your smartphone. You can have up to twenty active stickers (devices) at a time. The smartphone application also allows users to trigger an alert if a sticker moves out of a specified range. This is called the \u201cVirtual Leash\u201d feature; users can set a distance range for each sticker, like I mentioned above.<\/p>\n
Update: They now come in several different colors, including clear so that the sticker is hardly noticeable. They have also expanded out into indoor Bluetooth beacons, as well as enterprise type beacons.<\/p>\n
ItemTrackr<\/a> can track any Bluetooth device such as cars, headsets, low energy tags (like SticknFind) and much more. You can ring your lost Bluetooth device from the app. It will also record the GPS map and time you lost your item. This is especially helpful when you need to remember where you parked your car or left your keys. There is also something called, \u201cseparation alert:\u201d if you are about to walk off without your Bluetooth device, the app will play a reminder so that you do not forget it.<\/p>\n
Update: Trackr has sold over 4.5 million devices. Now, you can also press the Trackr tag if you\u2019ve lost your phone and the Trackr will ring your phone and help you find it, even if it\u2019s on silent. Trackr also offer Amazon Alexa integration allowing you to simply ask Alexa, \u201cAsk Trackr to find my phone\u201d and it will ring.<\/p>\n
InRange<\/a> by Phillips is another Bluetooth enabled leash system. For $49.95 receive the Bluetooth device, a pouch for the tag, batteries and a pin to release the battery door. Items are tracked via the iPhone\/iPad app and can be paired with up to three InRange devices. This device also allows you to still make calls via Bluetooth without any interference.<\/p>\n
Update: While it looks like Phillips still offers support for this device, it also looks as though they no longer sell it.<\/p>\n
Bikn<\/a> Bikn, it seems, has unfortunately terminated their RFID cases.<\/p>\n
Newer options to satisfy your RFID needs:<\/h2>\n
Pixie:<\/a> Just apply the first Pixie Point to the back of your iPhone and the other Points to your most important things to make them quickly discoverable within a 30-50 foot range indoors. Through the magical Pixie Dust Augmented Reality view and the Pixie Pointer distance and direction indicator, Pixie guides you to any item that\u2019s been \u201cPixified\u201d. It shows you what you can\u2019t see, even if it\u2019s between the books on the shelf, inside a drawer or in the next room. It\u2019s basically \u201cx\u201d marks the spot for items you commonly misplace.<\/p>\n