Two years ago, the Tile Bluetooth tracking device raised over $2.6 million in a crowdfunding campaign, thanks in part to an expansive ad run that seemed to blanket the entire Internet. Elegantly designed with a square plastic housing, Tile paired a low-energy Bluetooth chip with a battery, letting you track any attached item using a Bluetooth 4-enabled iPhone. Each Tile can track keys, a purse, or even a roaming pet for a year before the battery dies, at which point you are supposed to replace it. The first Tiles shipped last year, and can now be had for $20 each versus their standard $25 retail price.
I skipped Tile because I don’t like products that need to be replaced when their batteries die. Over the course of reviewing thousands of Apple accessories, I’ve watched some companies waste vast quantities of plastic, metal, magnets, and packing materials, and I try not to buy things that are designed to be worthless after a short period of time. (Note: Users are encouraged to recycle Tiles by buying discounted replacements and mailing old units back to the company.) So a new Tile competitor called TrackR Bravo ($29) appealed to me. Made partially from anodized aluminum, it’s shaped like a dog tag and designed to be kept rather than tossed away. The core functionality is the same as Tile’s, but Bravo’s battery can be replaced with ease. You can also use Bravo to locate a misplaced iPhone, and optionally sound a separation alarm whenever your iPhone and Bravo get too far away from one another…
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Although Bravo is similar to Tile in basic features, it’s clear that TrackR wanted to make something nicer — and not just for aesthetic reasons. The 1.2″ diameter circle is metallic on the front, back, and top where a loop attaches to an included key ring, with plastic at the core where the battery compartment’s located. A quick prod with a paperclip swings the compartment open to reveal a CR1616 cell, which can be effortlessly replaced for about $1 after a year of use.
Bravo’s silver, copper, black or blue metal back is featureless unless you want to have it laser-engraved by TrackR for an additional $10 — a novel idea that lets it actually double as a “return to owner” dog or cat tag rather than just sitting next to one. The front has a small blue light that only occasionally flashes to indicate pairing status, and there’s a tiny speaker inside that can squeal to make Bravo’s presence known if triggered by the iPhone. Reciprocally, holding Bravo’s button will trigger the iPhone to play an alert sound, signaling its location. If you tend to misplace your iPhone as often as your keys or purse, you can imagine why having the ability to trigger sounds on both sides would be handy.
The key to Bravo’s functionality is TrackR’s free app, which is pretty robust. On first launch, the app asks you to sign up for a free service called TrackR Crowd GPS — more on that in a moment — then lets you pair and label each Bravo for easy reference. Icons for pets, cameras, backpacks, wallets, and tons of other potentially losable items are included in the list. Once a Bravo is added, the app will attempt to re-pair with it whenever you launch the app. It also saves each Bravo’s last known location so you can see it on a map, and easily request directions to locate it. The app isn’t perfect: at home, the map’s display view didn’t look quite right, and I found that it did nothing to help me locate a Bravo lost inside a house or building. But if your object’s far away, the Apple Maps-assisted directions will point you in the right direction.
My gut feeling is that most people will use Bravo primarily to find misplaced items within their homes, and that’s where TrackR’s package excels. Pressing a speaker button on the screen lets you trigger Bravo’s squealing speaker, while a phrase indicates whether it’s “close by,” “near” or distant. An editing menu lets you choose the sound or song that will play on your iPhone when Bravo’s “locate the iPhone” button is pressed, and the app automatically turns your iPhone’s speaker volume up to help you find it. This part works quite well.
The editing menu is also where you choose whether or not to activate the aforementioned separation alarm — actually two alarms — both of which could use additional development time. First, there’s a switch labeled “iPhone Alert,” which can automatically trigger a sound on your iPhone when the distance between your iPhone and Bravo increases. On a positive note, this alarm does work, typically at a 10-foot or greater separation. Second, there’s a slider marked “Device Alert,” which is supposed to make Bravo squeal when it gets separated from your iPhone. Unlike iPhone Alert, I couldn’t get Device Alert to work reliably.
Both of these Alerts depend on your iPhone to maintain a more consistent (and potentially power-draining) Bluetooth connection, and yet they might not go off until Bravo and your iPhone have been separated for 30 seconds. If Bravo has only been misplaced, a delay isn’t a problem, but if it’s been stolen, the thief could be far away with Bravo by the time the alert goes off on your iPhone. On the other hand, if your iPhone’s been stolen, you might actually hear the alarm going off, assuming you’ve chosen a distinctive sound and your iPhone hasn’t been muffled.
Two of TrackR’s other features are designed to make the most of Bravo’s Bluetooth 4 wireless capabilities, which are naturally distance-limited to a 100-foot range. Crowd GPS forms a mesh network from all opted-in TrackR customers, enabling you to find a lost item whenever another TrackR user comes within 100 feet of your Bravo. A map on TrackR’s site shows where the TrackR app has been used recently and has better Crowd GPS “coverage.” This is a nice feature, and competitive with something Tile offers, though it obviously depends on TrackR to become more ubiquitous, and other TrackR users to opt into supporting Crowd GPS.
In partnership with Nest, Bravo can automatically disable the previously discussed separation alerts whenever Nest senses you’re at home. While I wouldn’t call the Nest feature a pure gimmick, the TrackR app also has a feature called Wifi Safezones that disables alerts whenever you’re connected to one of your specified Wi-Fi networks. Since Nest is Wi-Fi-dependent, you get the same functionality by specifying a Wifi Safezone, and don’t need to authorize with Nest to use that feature. Perhaps the Nest integration will become more useful (say, for automatic temperature adjustment when your keys arrive at home) in the future.
My feelings about TrackR’s Bravo are mixed but generally positive. On the plus side, I really appreciate the fact that it’s been designed to last — including that replaceable battery — and that its two-way communication ability enables Bravo to trigger an alert on your iPhone, and vice-versa. The industrial design isn’t as elegant as Tile’s due to the separate key ring, but the added functionality and engravability Bravo offers are non-trivial additions, both worthy of the small price premium. On the other hand, Bravo’s software could still use a little work, as features ranging from mapping to separation alerts to Nest integration are all technically “working” but not quite where they could be. So if you want a cheaper, disposable, and less functional solution, Tile is a viable alternative; TrackR also sells StickR as a cheaper $25 model made entirely from plastic. But if you value longevity and added features with some neat future potential, Bravo delivers a good experience for its slightly higher price.
| Manufacturer: TrackR |
Price: $29 |
Compatibility: iPhone 4 or later, iPad 3 or later, iPod touch 5G |
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I don’t know. Maybe it’s me, but I have 3 of the original Trackrs. None of them work. They don’t connect when I turn on the Trackr app on my iPhone. When I push the little button on the Trackr itself which is supposed to make my phone beep, nothing happens. The never worked, at least not for long, right from day one, so it can’t be the battery. And God forbid you should have to take it apart to replace the battery. If you’re like me, you’ll never get the two halves together again. I gave up.
I can’t speak to the original model, but this is basically the third-generation product. Battery replacement is super easy, the back-and-forth between iPhone and Bravo definitely works (is your app set up with a sound and a volume level to make the beep audible?), and are you using a compatible iPhone with Bluetooth 4?
Yes, Jeremy. i have the iPhone 6 and everything’s up to date. I got mine at around Christmas, so it’s only a few months old. It worked at first. Then after about a day the tracker would beep for no reason when I was only about 5 feet away. Then it just wouldn’t connect to my iPhone at all. I have 3 and none will connect most of the time, but when they do they don’t stay connected. I sent an email telling the initially that the thing kept beeping all the time. They said to align the Trackr so the 2 little nubs, one on the top and one on the bottom were aligned with each other. But once you try to spin it the top half separates from the bottom half, the little string comes out, and it’s impossible to get the string back in and then fasten the top to the bottom half. They are a nightmare.
I had the original too and was disappointed. For me, the battery compartment opened up a lot (they were on my keychain), and the whole thing exploded onto the floor.
That said, this design looks A LOT better, so I ordered one and hoped for the best. Mine should be shipping any time now so hopefully it’ll be a much better experience.
How the TrackR connects to a key ring and the battery compartment and bluetooth connectivity were key areas where we focused to improve upon with bravo. Thanks to your feedback, we were able to create a much better product. We can’t wait to get bravo in your hands and I think you’ll be delighted.
Did you ever get yours? I ordered mine Nov 2014 and they still haven’t shipped mine. Keep telling me stories when I email them asking where my product is.
I bought a Protag awhile ago, it has most of these features. Replaceable battery, crowd source tracking, etc. It kept going off if my iPhone was more than 2 feet from my keys. Took it off my keychain. Misplaced it. Tried to track it a day later and couldn’t. If someone wants to disable the TrackR can’t they just pop the battery out?
It takes a tool (at least, a paperclip) to pop the battery out. The software for Bravo defaults to “off” for the proximity alarm so you avoid chiming/battery drain/etc unless you need it.
I don’t see anything about iPod Touch compatibility on their web site — only iPhone and iPad. Where did you see that it’s compatible with 5th generation iPod Touch?
The 30 second delay is a key indicator that it’s using the built in iBeacon API, and is an unfortunate implementation choice Apple imposes on developers. Lots of people would love to have that lower or even customizable.
This would be much more useful to me if it could be tracked by multiple members of my family.
Call me when they’re 1/4th the size, 1/10th the thickness, $2.50 for a pack of 3, and WORK!
Hi thinkman12345 , were calling you from 2025 we know have $2.50 for a pack of 3, and they WORK!
let us if youre interested
Terrible customer service from Trackr, delivery date pushed back and now no news, a lot of unhappy people. I think,we can say goodbye to our money.
Did they pay you to write this? This company is nothing but broken promises. I ordered 10 in july never got them. They felt bad because they did not receive any colors I ordered so they send me 1 complimentary tracker. It is junk. I get 15 feet away and it stops working. Where is this 100 feet they say. Then when you are in the same room it will not connect again until you are right next to it. How are you supposed to find something if you have to find the tracker and put it next to the phone to connect. Total disappointment.
I ordered 3 TrackR Bravos in Nov 2014. It is now June 2015 and I have yet to see my order. I email them every month and get told the same thing “it should be the beginning of next month”. Or check our website for shipping status. Which always says Jan 2015. Terrible customer service and a waste of my money because it’s been a huge disappointment. I have 3 dogs that I purchased this product for. Did research online to see what I wanted to order and decided to go with this company only to continue to be let down. 8 months and being brushed off every email I send is a terribly way to run a company.
I just received my (3) trackr Bravo and went through the pairing with an iphone 6 as well as the set up,VERY disappointed,not at all as described,I’m sitting 20 feet away from the keys with the trackr device and my phone is reading connecting?When the button is hit to find my keys….NOTHING!!!! Boy was this a waste,hopefully this is fixed soon????
I ordered and paid for 3 engraved Tacko Bravos in March 2015. Still waiting for them. There are numerous complaints on the Indiegogo site from people who have also paid and received nothing. Some claim it’s a big scam. My hope is that the actual product and production are as good as their videos!
Anyone thinking about should so some research. Trackr is full of broken promises. They can’t seem to ship anything they promise. Look at their Indiegogo page and their Facebook page/ads. Nothing but complaints.
Always losing things. Checkbook, wallet, keys. So I ordered 7–over 2 months ago. The first one paired. Second and third no. First one in checkbook–it can’t find it Wish I had my money back. Hey. I bought with a credit card. Maybe they can get it back. Big disappointment,
I also had issues with the Trackr delivery being constantly pushed back. All things put together, I think Track Bravo is better than Tile but take note, to find distant objects, the number of users of the respective apps in your local area is very important. Read here.
I purchased 3 or 4 bravos late last year and only took them out of package last week. Only one of the 4 paired and the other 3 would not even make a sound when I pressed while trying to pair. I went to their website for support and did locate FAQ on trying to pair. it said something opening to check battery but neither website nor enclosed directions showed or told me HOW to open to get to batter. I pulled up on one side thinking it was like a cap and two trackrs broke into 4 or 5 pieces. I have a right hand injury and am a girl so it’s not like I’m very strong and used a lot of strength. I sent in a support request but did not hear back from anyone. a few hours later I took pics of the broken bravo and emailed them again. I still have not heard back from anyone at support. I now have 3 of the silver trackrs (think they’re called “wallet” and are a little flatter than the bravo) and only 2 of those work. it’s like the battery is dead on the 3rd but I’ve only had it about a month and just opened its package last week as well, so why should the battery be dead? Their trackrs MAY be good but their support SUCKS big time!!!
Do not Order from these people. I helped to fund their startup over a year ago with the promise of getting a order when production started. It has been months and I have gotten nothing but a run around. Do NOT trust them with your money.
Okay so lets say you put one on your beloved dog who then goes missing well beyond within 100ft of your home. We’re talking a lost dog or child who had it on a braclet. Not some keys under the sofa. Then what happens? Can you go online and see it’s location in real time? Updated periodic locations? I mean the marketing says over and over “never loose . . . again.” “Find something in seconds . . .Lost it Find it” – but from how far away?? Your telling me strangers come out of nowehere to help me as I frantically try to find my dog somewhere in 3 mile radius or my son’s glasses case or my son himself wearing a braclet with a trackr on it? Doesn’t sound realistic. Please explain. It sounds like an incredible thing to have many of. My son, our dog, another pair of expensive glasses, my car. Please help me understand.
If you want real time location you have to buy a GPS tracker with gsm. Its like a phone without screen and enables you to see its location on a map whenever you like. The problem is on those devices battery usually last for no more than a day since GPS and 3G/4G drains battery fast. The advantage of devices like trackr is that the battery last much longer and they are smaller. The batery on my Trackrs tend to last for several months. If you loose a tracker possibly no stranger will actively help you locate it. But if someone passes close to your trackr with the app running and with bluetooth enabled their app will update you the location automatically. So, its a mater of luck.
This stuff is awesome. I am waiting my own bravo trackr. Not sure why would take it long to ship the trackrs for those who supported them on Indiegogo but perhaps they had a production delay or so, feel free to check out my review about their product http://www.trackrbravoreview.com
I purchased two TractR earthly this year but I could never get them to work and there are no customer service to help me
Purchased the Track R on 12/19/15. Email confirmed shipping within 72 hours. Contacted customer service 10 days later. received reply promising shipment within 5 days. It been more than 3 weeks now, No Track R or any response from company.
Can anyone share what is the distance that the bluetooth device can maintain connection with the Iphone, because at the official site is stated 100 feets but at this review: http://smartitbuy.com/s/?p=247410 is written 50 feets while they test it – which the half.
From what I can see, not many people have actually managed to get this product to WORK. I was one of the original backers, and cannot even get the app to find my keys when they are sitting less than 10 feet away, in plain sight. NONE of the Trackr’s I received from the company are working any better (and we sent in enough money as backers to get 10 of them!!!). I’ve complained on the company’s Indegogo page repeatedly – to no avail. At one point, I complained on the main Facebook page for the company and a rep contacted me. He said that the problem was that the original batteries weren’t strong enough to run the product, and that they’d send me out some new ones … that was months ago, and I’ve received nothing. (New batteries do not seem to last even two weeks after being installed … and that’s *without* using the product to try and track any of your things AT ALL during that time frame.)
It’s disheartening when you were psyched enough for a product that you financially backed its creation, only to be completely ignored by the company you helped when the finished products that they shipped to you don’t work.
Oh … and I’m apparently blocked from being able to comment on their main Facebook page now, since I complained before. I don’t WANT to be complaining! i just want the product to work, or for them to send me ones that DO if this batch was defective!!
I ordered 4 approximately 2 months ago and haven’t received them yet. I like to have one to track where my money went or to find them
!!!!!
Oversold. Finally the order arrived but the preset volume is far too low. I can hear “lost” keys from 5 ft away but not farther, in my wallet the sound is completely muted. Very disappointing. But the “lost” phone can be found because the sound from it can actually be heard. I wander why the reviews do not mention this fundamental flaw? If you forget your keys in the kitchen and search for them in your living room you will not hear the beep. Junk.
I order 10 TrackR Bravo’s to use for myself and as gifts for Christmas. The shipment was late, but did arrive before I needed them. I opened and set up the three for me very easily. The app is easy to use. However, the alert sound that is supposed to be 82db is barely audible when it’s sitting in your hand and not at all when my keys are more than 3 feet away. I emailed the company twice asking for assistance to get the volume up, but their response was to tell me they were “all tested by a third party and are rated at 82db” . I filed a complaint through PayPal hoping for a better response, to date TrackR has had no response.
Any idea if you guys will be making this Android compatible?