Samsung's SmartTags trackers just got a big upgrade to fight Apple AirTags

best samsung galaxy s21 accessories: samsung galaxy smarttag

(Image credit: Samsung)

Samsung is going to make sure people tin can't stalk you using its Galaxy SmartTags tracker devices by rolling out a new feature designed to scan for any unknown SmartTags in the vicinity.

That way, no i can slip a SmartTag into your bag and keep tabs on where you are and what y'all appear to be doing throughout the twenty-four hour period. It doesn't affair who the person tracking you might be or what they want — Samsung is going to make sure you lot can observe and ditch the offending SmartTag.

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Unfortunately, Samsung's proclamation suggests that this anti-tracking feature has to be manually initiated, which kind of defeats the signal. Someone could slip a SmartTag onto you lot at whatever point during the twenty-four hours, and information technology'll be on you to go on manually checking that they haven't. That's bold you even remember to do it, or realize that you may be tracked.

Meanwhile the iOS 14.5 beta has already revealed that Apple'southward anti-stalking system, which detects unknown AirTags that hang effectually too long, will be completely automated.

Of form, you could fence that this point is totally moot if you don't have the SmartTag app or a Samsung phone. Only since these devices run on Bluetooth or UWB rather than GPS or cellular data, they need to ping a smartphone or tablet with SmartThings installed to study their location.

Your would-be stalker could accurately watch you only if the SmartTag was able to utilise your own device to relay that information.

Samsung also used the announcement to remind everyone that Bixby nevertheless exists. Or more specifically, that that bad-mannered stepchild of the virtual-assistant world will be able to communicate with SmartTags. That way, any Bixby users tin can detect their SmartTags past saying something like "Hey Bixby, where are my keys?"

Samsung claims that the SmartThings Find ecosystem is one of the "fastest-growing location services", but obviously it has some stiff contest coming. It's long-been rumored that Apple tree'due south AirTags will be unveiled at today'south "Spring Loaded" upshot.

Given the sheer number of iPhones in the world, they are certainly enough to give Samsung'south ecosystem a run for its money.

More: Apple AirTags: Everything y'all need to know about Apple tree'due south tracking gadgets

Tom is the Tom'south Guide's Automotive Editor, which means he can unremarkably be found knee joint deep in stats the latest and best electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It's long style from his days as editor of Gizmodo Great britain, when pretty much everything was on the table. He's normally found trying to squeeze some other giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or lament that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he really needs online.