I’m wanting to replace my four Apple AirTags, since moving back to Android, so I’m closely watching developments around these tracker devices. But rather than buy something that requires a finder to, by chance, have a specific app installed to locate my lost/stolen tracker, I want it to be part of the generic Google Find Device network (like the AirTag works with all Apple devices).
To date, at least two other popular 3rd party brands have announced their Google Find Device trackers, but they don’t seem to be available yet to purchase.
So, now finally Samsung has finally announced their new tracker tag BUT it appears to only work with Samsung’s SmartThings Find service. Even though we have more Samsung phones circulating inside my country than Apple phones, I really don’t want to get locked into a single brand again (even if I have a massive credit available to use with Samsung from buying my Galaxy S23 Ultra phone). I’m going to have to seriously weigh this up against the other Google Find Device offerings.
“The Galaxy SmartTag2 only works with SmartThings Find and won’t be compatible with Google’s upcoming Find My Device network” – this is rather a showstopper for me.
On the plus side, Samsung has dramatically improved the battery life (but I’m actually fine with around 10 to 12 months). I’m also a bit concerned about the size, as I currently carry one AirTag inside my wallet, and Samsung’s tag is looking a bit too large for that.
So, I’m really very 50-50 around the Samsung offering. I’m going to first watch a few reviews about all of these new devices before deciding.
See https://www.androidpolice.com/galaxy-smarttag2-big-improvements-still-limited-to-samsung-devices/