phillynews215
06-27-2024, 11:16 AM
Rivals have been trying to outdo the AirTag since Apple introduced its Bluetooth tracker in 2021. In those three years, Samsung has gone through two generations of Galaxy SmartTags, Chipolo and Pebblebee have relaunched their lineups to support Googles updated Find My Device network (https://www.androidauthority.com/find-my-device-compatible-bluetooth-trackers-earbuds-headphones-3432496/), and Tile — well, Tile (https://www.androidauthority.com/tiles-response-to-find-my-network-3432797/) keeps trying to do its own thing now that Life360 owns it.
But, as it turns out, theres always room for one more entry in a crowded Bluetooth tracking market. Motorola launched its debut Moto Tag (https://www.androidauthority.com/moto-tag-airtag-alternative-3454558/) alongside the updated Razr and Razr Plus, and it just might be the most capable AirTag alternative of the bunch. I got to check out the tiny tracker as part of the companys June 25 launch event, and heres what you need to know.
Any time, anywhere
https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Motorola-Moto-Tag-on-basket.jpg
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Motorolas late arrival to the Bluetooth tracking party might be its best advantage. Its Moto Tag landed after the relaunch of Googles Find My Device network, essentially putting the tracker on second base with a reliable hitter coming to the plate. Why only second base? Well, its still early days for Find My Device, so the Moto Tag is relying on Googles network expansion to flesh out its data points. However, the existing interface is certainly better than starting from scratch.
On top of the growing network of trackers, the Moto Tag comes with an ultra-wideband chip (https://www.androidauthority.com/what-is-uwb-1151744/) inside — just like Apples AirTag (https://www.androidauthority.com/apple-airtags-alternatives-1222793/). Its an important inclusion, as it means the tracker should support highly accurate directional tracking, again, like the AirTag does, but only once Google brings support for UWB to its Find My Device network. In the meantime, the UWB chip is kind of like the Moto Tag had an ace reliever warming up in the bullpen — good things are coming, but well have to wait a little longer. It also gives the Moto Tag a leg up over Pebblebees trackers and Chipolos updated Card Point and One Point (https://www.androidauthority.com/hands-on-chipolos-one-card-point-3446378/), which skip UWB altogether.
Since Im already comparing the Moto Tag to its Apple-branded opposition, Ill say that the Moto Tag feels almost exactly like an AirTag in the hand. Its about the same size and shape, and Im pretty sure some of the accessories that Motorola used to show off its tracker were just repurposed AirTag sleeves and straps. Its bad news if you were hoping to slip a keychain through your tracker, but good news if you like to accessorize.
Say cheese
https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Motorola-Moto-Tag-push-button.jpg
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Accessories and design inspiration aside, perhaps the most exciting thing that the Moto Tag does is when its not acting as a tracker. Sure, you can press the Motorola logo to ring your phone if you set it somewhere, but the button can also act as a remote shutter for your phones camera. Its a nice little touch that I could see myself using when trying to grab a snap of friends at a run club when there are too many of us to fit into a typical group shot. Even better, the remote shutter feature works with any Android phone, not just a recent Motorola Razr (https://www.androidauthority.com/motorola-razr-plus-2024-hands-on-review-3454133/) or Edge.
Finally, a tracker that does more than, well, track.
Ill admit that I didnt get to try the remote shutter option, as the Moto Tags at the event werent paired to any of the companys phones, but I like the idea. Actually, I like the Moto Tag quite a lot, from the size to the blue and green color options to the fact that you can easily swap in a new CR2032 battery after the year or so of battery life that the company claims. The tracker is also IP67-rated against water and dust, which is more than the company offers on some of its premium smartphones.
Of course, theres still a lot we dont know about the Moto Tag, like when UWB support is actually coming, what ringing sounds it will support, and what first-party accessories Motorola is planning to launch, but its a solid first impression and might be an affordable home run for the brand.
Well have to wait longer to get our hands back on the tracker, as the Motorola Moto Tag doesnt officially launch until August 2. When it does, you can grab one for $29 or a four-pack for $99.
More... (https://www.androidauthority.com/motorola-moto-tag-hands-on-review-3454605/)
But, as it turns out, theres always room for one more entry in a crowded Bluetooth tracking market. Motorola launched its debut Moto Tag (https://www.androidauthority.com/moto-tag-airtag-alternative-3454558/) alongside the updated Razr and Razr Plus, and it just might be the most capable AirTag alternative of the bunch. I got to check out the tiny tracker as part of the companys June 25 launch event, and heres what you need to know.
Any time, anywhere
https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Motorola-Moto-Tag-on-basket.jpg
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Motorolas late arrival to the Bluetooth tracking party might be its best advantage. Its Moto Tag landed after the relaunch of Googles Find My Device network, essentially putting the tracker on second base with a reliable hitter coming to the plate. Why only second base? Well, its still early days for Find My Device, so the Moto Tag is relying on Googles network expansion to flesh out its data points. However, the existing interface is certainly better than starting from scratch.
On top of the growing network of trackers, the Moto Tag comes with an ultra-wideband chip (https://www.androidauthority.com/what-is-uwb-1151744/) inside — just like Apples AirTag (https://www.androidauthority.com/apple-airtags-alternatives-1222793/). Its an important inclusion, as it means the tracker should support highly accurate directional tracking, again, like the AirTag does, but only once Google brings support for UWB to its Find My Device network. In the meantime, the UWB chip is kind of like the Moto Tag had an ace reliever warming up in the bullpen — good things are coming, but well have to wait a little longer. It also gives the Moto Tag a leg up over Pebblebees trackers and Chipolos updated Card Point and One Point (https://www.androidauthority.com/hands-on-chipolos-one-card-point-3446378/), which skip UWB altogether.
Since Im already comparing the Moto Tag to its Apple-branded opposition, Ill say that the Moto Tag feels almost exactly like an AirTag in the hand. Its about the same size and shape, and Im pretty sure some of the accessories that Motorola used to show off its tracker were just repurposed AirTag sleeves and straps. Its bad news if you were hoping to slip a keychain through your tracker, but good news if you like to accessorize.
Say cheese
https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Motorola-Moto-Tag-push-button.jpg
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Accessories and design inspiration aside, perhaps the most exciting thing that the Moto Tag does is when its not acting as a tracker. Sure, you can press the Motorola logo to ring your phone if you set it somewhere, but the button can also act as a remote shutter for your phones camera. Its a nice little touch that I could see myself using when trying to grab a snap of friends at a run club when there are too many of us to fit into a typical group shot. Even better, the remote shutter feature works with any Android phone, not just a recent Motorola Razr (https://www.androidauthority.com/motorola-razr-plus-2024-hands-on-review-3454133/) or Edge.
Finally, a tracker that does more than, well, track.
Ill admit that I didnt get to try the remote shutter option, as the Moto Tags at the event werent paired to any of the companys phones, but I like the idea. Actually, I like the Moto Tag quite a lot, from the size to the blue and green color options to the fact that you can easily swap in a new CR2032 battery after the year or so of battery life that the company claims. The tracker is also IP67-rated against water and dust, which is more than the company offers on some of its premium smartphones.
Of course, theres still a lot we dont know about the Moto Tag, like when UWB support is actually coming, what ringing sounds it will support, and what first-party accessories Motorola is planning to launch, but its a solid first impression and might be an affordable home run for the brand.
Well have to wait longer to get our hands back on the tracker, as the Motorola Moto Tag doesnt officially launch until August 2. When it does, you can grab one for $29 or a four-pack for $99.
More... (https://www.androidauthority.com/motorola-moto-tag-hands-on-review-3454605/)