Do you find that finding your wallet or backpack is sometimes a superhuman task? That's why we've delved into the world of smart locators and previously entered Find My, Apple's global search network. Not only FIXED Tag works on its technology, but also our novelty in the form of Tag Card.
In the second half of last year, we brought you a story about how the FIXED brand got into the production of smart locators (smart trackers), and that everything originally started with the FIXED Smile tracker. Thanks to this, anyone could easily find stolen items - from a wallet to a purse to keys.
However, when Apple introduced its global Findy My search network in 2021 and subsequently made it available to other manufacturers, we were clear: we will build other smart locators on this technology, because it also uses available iOS devices in the vicinity of the locator to update the location. And so FIXED Tag was born.
Would we end this? Not by chance. Our team worked hard on the further development of the smart tracker, and this year the FIXED Tag Card saw the light. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary card, but don't be mistaken.
What is a Tag Card and how does it work?
Before we reveal to you the behind-the-scenes development of the FIXED Tag Card, it is necessary to introduce it first.
It is a smart locator certified by Apple, working on the same principle (ie it uses the Find My network for its operation) as the FIXED Tag smart tracker. Unlike it, however, the Tag Card – as the name already suggests – took the form of a card , in the dimensions of a classic credit card. As a result, it can easily fit into any wallet or anywhere else where a normal FIXED Tag could not be inserted due to its thickness.
The Tag Card also works on the principle described in the blue box above. Not only does the Find application automatically find its position (and therefore also the position of the item you are looking for), but the card can also ring a bell. Activating the card is also easy, as all you have to do is pair the card with the Find app on your iOS device. You can see the location of the Tag Card on the map in the application , so even if, for example, you forget your wallet tens of kilometers away from home, you will know exactly where it is.
If you buy this new product from the FIXED portfolio, you can also look forward to wireless charging of the Tag Card , which can last up to 3 months on one charge. So you don't have to think about whether your locator has enough energy every other day. In the Find app, there is a battery indicator icon that turns red when the battery is low.
We also thought about safety during development. IP67 protection against dust and water takes care of the physical part - if your locator falls into water or falls into the mud and remains there for hours, it will not stop working. Data and data security is then ensured by coding (encryption) . Tag Card generally uses all Apple security. There is no risk of someone else gaining access to the location of your smart tracker.
5 advantages of the FIXED Tag Card
- minimalist dimensions of a regular card (85 x 54 x 2.6 mm)
- endurance of up to 3 months on a single charge
- certified by Apple
- you can ring the card if necessary
- resistance to dust and water
We addressed the dimensions and the impact on the environment
When developing the Tag Card, our developers were primarily interested in developing a thin, compact locator that can be easily placed in a wallet, but also in other places where a classic FIXED Tag cannot fit. The card turned out to be the best way to go in this regard. Another important criterion for us was the impact on the environment. At the time we started development, there was already a similar locator in the form of a card on the market, which had a disposable battery. After it was discharged, the user had no choice but to throw away the locator. However, we did not like this solution. We wanted to come up with a product that would serve the user as long as possible.
That's why we came up with the idea of wireless charging. The development took more time, but the wait and effort definitely paid off. The development process included, among others:
- prototyping
- modifications (e.g. internal arrangement of individual card components)
- choice of colors, transparency and correct card thickness
- testing
The Tag Card has undergone rigorous testing
Above, we briefly touched on testing, which of course played a crucial role. First of all, it was important for us that the card withstands demanding conditions, especially water and dust.
The testers tested the durability of the card under all conditions – in summer heat and winter frost. They carried it in the back pocket of their pants, in their wallet, in their purse, in their cell phone case, and in a lot of other places. One of the best tests was the accidental loss of the card of one of the testers. Although the Tag Card had been lying in the snow and mud for three weeks, it still worked when it was found.
It passed the resistance tests with flying colors and we were sure that we could put it on the market.
Finally, we waited for the approval of the product itself and its packaging by Apple
There was one more step missing from introducing the new smart locator to the general public: it had to be approved by Apple. Fortunately, this process was quite easy as we had experience with it thanks to our FIXED Tag approvals in the past. Testing takes place via the testing application from Apple.
In addition to the product itself, Apple revised the packaging and also certified physical samples of the card directly in the United States.
Result? The approval took more time because the individual steps of Apple's certification follow each other. This means that if one step is not fulfilled, it is not possible to move on to the next. However, patience paid off, today you can find the Tag Card in the FIXED menu and you can order it right now.
Did you know that the FIXED Tag Card works without fees ? Once you buy it and pair it with the Find app, it starts working right away.
The development of Tag Card has taught us a lot
We are most happy that the FIXED Tag Card already helps many of you find misplaced things. At the same time, however, we gained additional valuable experience during development, which we will 100% apply in the future . If you are interested in any other details about the Tag Card, please do not hesitate to ask. All you have to do is write to us in the live chat here on the website .