BluetoothtrackerThe market has been divided by system ecology for a long time, and choosing a device is often equivalent to choosing a camp. but,MilletUpcoming Xiaomi Tag seems ready to change this situation. The biggest feature of this new product is that it also supports Apple’s “looking for” with Google’sFind Hub”, allowing both iPhone and Android users to join the Xunxun Network.
Coupled with about one year of battery life, self-replaceable battery and affordable price positioning, it has triggered a lot of discussion before it has been officially released globally. When positioning devices are no longer limited to a single platform, the daily methods of retrieving lost items may also usher in new changes.
▲Picture source:Xiaomi
AirTag’s new rival is here! Xiaomi Xiaomi Tag appears, it’s affordable and supports both Apple and Google
When it comes to Bluetooth trackers in the past, the first thing most people think of is usually Apple. AirTag , but there is an obvious threshold for this type of product, which is that it is highly dependent on its own ecosystem. If you use an iPhone, choosing AirTag is almost an intuitive decision; Android Users often have to rely on smaller or fragmented search networks, but that may be about to change.
Xiaomi officially unveiled its new Bluetooth tracker Xiaomi Tag on its official websites in France and the UK, focusing on a cross-platform experience. Judging from the specifications currently exposed, its core concept is not to be more advanced than anyone else, but to try to break down system barriers so that more devices can assist each other in finding lost objects. For people who often forget where they put their keys or worry about leaving their backpack in a coffee shop, this change is actually quite crucial.
▲Picture source:Xiaomi
Supports both Apple and Google, the biggest highlight is this
The most popular aspect of Xiaomi Tag is that it supports Apple’s “Find My” network and Google Find Hub. This is quite rare in current technology products, because most brands will choose to stand in one camp. When the device joins the dual network, the positioning range is equivalent to expanding to a large number of iPhones and Android phones around the world. In other words, as long as any mobile phone passes by, it may become a node to help report the location.
Imagine that you accidentally left your bag on the bus. No matter which system the nearby passengers use, there is a chance that the positioning signal will be detected. This concept of cross-platform collaboration is the most attractive thing about Xiaomi Tag.
▲Picture source:Xiaomi
In terms of connectivity technology, the device uses Bluetooth 5.4 and NFC to maintain stable and low-power connection quality. Unfortunately, it currently does not support UWB ultra-wideband technology, so it cannot provide precise direction guidance like AirTag, such as “a few meters away” or arrow guidance. However, from a strategic perspective, the omission of UWB may also be to reduce costs and maintain cross-system compatibility. It remains to be seen whether an advanced version that supports UWB will be launched in the future.
Practical design for everyday use
In terms of hardware design, Xiaomi did not pursue excessive avant-garde, but chose configurations that are closer to daily needs. The Xiaomi Tag is about 7.2mm thick and light, so it won’t be a burden when hung on a keychain, backpack or wallet. The appearance adopts a monochrome simple style, low-key but attractive.
▲Picture source:Xiaomi
In terms of battery life, the device uses a common CR2032 button battery, and official data indicates that it can be used for up to about 1 year. This is actually a plus for many users, because the battery can be replaced by itself when it runs out of power, and there is no need to throw away the whole battery or send it back for repair. If you have ever been troubled by the inability to replace the battery of a tracker, you will know how practical this design is. Overall, Xiaomi clearly focuses on “ease of use” and “easy maintenance” rather than simply stacking specifications.
▲Picture source:Xiaomi
Active pricing strategy, targeting multi-device groups
According to European channel information, the recommended price of a single Xiaomi Tag is about 17.99 euros, and a set of 4 is about 59.99 euros.
▲Picture source:Xiaomi
This price point is quite competitive, especially for users who want to add locators to multiple items at once, such as keys, luggage, camera bags, laptop bags, and even pet accessories. When costs decrease, the barriers to use will naturally decrease. Trackers are no longer just high-priced accessories, but may become part of more people’s daily lives. From the perspective of market strategy, Xiaomi obviously hopes to use “high cost performance” to enter the segment that was originally dominated by high-priced products.
▲Picture source:Xiaomi
Xiaomi has not yet held a global launch event, but its products have appeared on multiple European retail websites, including official French stores, which usually means the launch is not far away. Many industry observers speculate that Xiaomi Tag has the opportunity to debut with the next generation of flagship mobile phones or tablets. The time may be around March, and it is not ruled out that it is close to the MWC exhibition. If the news is true, this accessory is likely to become one of the “low-key but practical” focuses of the new product launch.
Conclusion
Judging from the current information, Xiaomi Tag is not a product that pursues top specifications, but attempts to redefine the way Bluetooth trackers are used. When devices are no longer restricted by a single ecosystem, but are connected to Apple and Google networks at the same time, every user will actually benefit. Coupled with the replaceable battery, about 1 year of battery life and a relatively affordable price strategy, it has the conditions for rapid popularization.
Competition in the Bluetooth positioning market has heated up significantly in recent years, and cross-platform support is likely to become the next key battlefield. If more brands follow suit in the future, consumers may finally no longer have to worry about “choosing a system” and can simply choose the product that best suits them. As for whether Xiaomi Tag can truly change the market structure, it will be verified by its actual performance after its official launch.
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Source: KOCPC Chinese