Pebblebee unveils a pair of cute Android trackers—here's why I'm not buying them

Pebblebee simply revealed the Clip 5 and Card 5—a cute set of Bluetooth trackers with enhanced security performance and rechargeable batteries. They’re virtually good, and I might most likely purchase them if not for the shortage of UWB precision discovering.

The Clip 5 is actually Pebblebee’s model of an Apple AirTag. It encompasses a small round design with an built-in keychain loop. Extra notably, it is available in three completely different colorways and packs a loud inner buzzer (plus some shiny LEDs) to operate as an emergency panic alarm. It might additionally ship a notification to an emergency contact when the panic mode is triggered, and it guarantees a 12-month battery life with USB-C recharging. You’ll be able to increase the emergency notification system with an Alert Live subscription, too, however all the usual security options are completely free.

Because the identify suggests, Pebblebee’s new Card 5 is a credit score card-sized tracker on your pockets. It measures simply 1.8mm thick and guarantees 18 months of battery with assist for Qi wi-fi charging. It is solely obtainable in a single grey colorway, nevertheless it has a neat design with swirly accents. It is also one of many thinnest card trackers obtainable so far. UGREEN’s FineTrack Slim is a millimeter thinner than the Card 5, nevertheless it makes use of a foolish proprietary charging cable, so the wireless-charging Card 5 might be a greater possibility, not less than when it comes to comfort.

The Pebblebee Card 5 tracker with a full battery indicator.

I must also word that these trackers assist each Android Discover Hub and Apple Discover My. However you may’t use these two networks concurrently, it’s essential to select between one or the opposite.

All of those options sound implausible to me. I am planning on happening a visit quickly, so I am most likely going to refill on some Bluetooth trackers. However the lack of UWB precision finding makes these trackers a complete no-go for me. If my automotive keys fall right into a sofa cushion, for instance, or if my pockets is misplaced in a Walmart, I might like to have the ability to pinpoint their actual location with none waffling. With out UWB, you are solely informed the final location of your trackers, which is not splendid.

After all, Android smartphone producers are additionally fairly neglectful in direction of UWB, so I assume I can not actually blame Pebblebee for this omission. Most Android telephones lack UWB precision discovering performance (even some Google flagships that comprise UWB {hardware} do not assist this function), so the common Android buyer is not actually lacking out.

For those who personal a UWB-compatible cellphone (or in the event you anticipate to purchase one sooner or later—spoiler alert, you most likely will), I strongly counsel shopping for the Moto Tag or one other tracker with UWB precision discovering performance. However in the event you do not actually care about UWB or simply need to avoid wasting cash, you’l most likely love the Pebblebee Clip 5 or Card 5. They promote for $35 apiece, although you may rating a reduction in the event you bundle two or three of the trackers collectively.