Samsung announced a new range of Fan Edition devices yesterday, but the week is not over yet, and it turns out that the company has one more thing to reveal. Enter the Galaxy SmartTag 2.
The company revealed all its latest FE-branded products in one go. However, because the Galaxy SmartTag 2 is not a part of the Fan Edition lineup, Samsung decided to separate their announcements by one day to keep things neatly organized. This follow-up announcement almost feels like a “One more thing” moment for what is essentially a simple tracking gadget.
Although this surprise reveal doesn't have the magnitude of the FE series' launch, it's a nice touch. The company announced the Galaxy SmartTag 2 moments ago, and the device will go on sale next week.
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Two color options, a complete redesign, and new features
The Galaxy SmartTag 2 will go on sale globally on October 11 for $29.99. Unlike the original SmartTag, which had a UWB-enabled SmartTag+ counterpart, the new model combines Bluetooth and UWB into one. A Plus version is no longer needed for this generation because the SmartTag 2 is better than the original SmartTag and SmartTag+ combined.
What's more unusual about the SmartTag 2 is that it was completely redesigned, as if Samsung determined that the original SmartTag look wasn't worth pursuing anymore.
The new model has an oblong rather than rhombus shape, and the only thing the old and new SmartTags have in common is a keyring hole — although even that element got upgraded with a metal insert for the SmartTag 2 to prevent wear and tear. Also, the new design has improved dust and water resistance. The SmartTag 2 comes in black or white.
Other new features include more battery life, a Power Saving Mode, a Lost Mode for pet owners, and a new pet walking mode. And because it's been over two years since the original SmartTag was released, the new model works hand-in-hand with an upgraded SmartThings app.
Users can now track SmartTags through an Augmented Reality view on their phones, re-sync their Tags with new Galaxy phones, and check whether they're being tracked by unauthorized SmartTags.
