Keeping track of tech

07 Dec Keeping track of tech

Theft in England and Wales has seen it largest annual rise in a decade, according to the office for National Statistics. In the last year there has been 118,774 thefts reported – an increase of 7% from 2017.

Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking was originally developed by the US government for military navigation. It works by using multiple satellites to triangulate the position of items and objects on Earth.

In recent years the technology has evolved, and it is now commonly used in mobile phones and even fitness equipment. Despite its capabilities GPS tracking is not widely used to track personal items.

Tracking stolen goods

The soon-to-launch Nutale GPS tracking device is one of the most compact and accurate trackers in the world. Weighing less then 10g, the Nutale is one of the smallest non-invasive GPS tracker designs and can be clipped onto bags, fixed to laptops, or even attached onto loved one’s clothing. Compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems, the device works in conjunction with mobile phones to provide real-time tracking updates.

Vodafone has recently released several connected devices as part of their V by Vodafone range that also track belongings, including the V-Camera – a high-definition mobile security camera that automatically connects to Vodafone’s IoT network. This enables users to set up continuous remote video monitoring of any location. The V-Pet, a location and activity tracker for pets; V-Bag is a briefcase, handbag and schoolbag tracker that helps users reduce the risk of theft or loss. Users can set up a smartphone alert to notify them if any belongings leave a designated area.

Bluetooth

Another tracker is Tile. Instead of using GPS, Tile is a Bluetooth-connected tracker. When users are out of Bluetooth range with their own Tile, other Tile users may be able to pick it up. That information is then shared back with users over the Tile’s network to find missing belongings. Using Bluetooth as opposed to GPS means battery life lasts up to a year.

GPS tracking technology has come a long way from its inception, consumers are now less likely to lose their precious belongings any time soon and just like other technology, it is still undergoing massive innovation.

Nutale GPS is due to be released at the end of 2018. Find out more about its tracking capabilities here.

Leila Hrycyszyn