Finding a Tracker Tag That Performs Nearby Separation Alerts

Issue #37

The Problem

While there are MANY device tracker tags on the market, very FEW provide separation alerts when the item being monitored is separated from your smartphone. One device that does give this “left-behind notification” is the Apple AirTag, but unfortunately, it uses Apple’s GPS location-based detection instead of a loss of Bluetooth signal. This can result in you being ¼ mile away before being notified of an item left behind.

The Solution

In 2020, I wrote an article using “Bluetooth Separation Alert as Perimeter Alarm “ using products that as of February 2024, are no longer available. In my research for current devices, I found only two with the capability of nearby separation alerts. These alerts are based on the loss of the Bluetooth connection. They can be used as a “two-way” separation, meaning that not only can the phone be alerted if the device is left behind, but also the device can be alerted if the phone was left behind, This means that you could carry a tag in your pocket to be alerted if you left your phone behind.

While this solution alerts you of the separation and allows you to use the app to “ring” a device to locate it, it does NOT offer device tracking on a map.

Instead of using “Apple Find My,” which relies on GPS location-based tracking, Apple Shortcuts runs the finder app feature based on Bluetooth signal strength.

·      “Hey Siri, find my wallet”

·      “Hey Siri, find my suitcase”

Here are two tracking devices that can perform nearby separation alerts to overcome the “long-distance separation” required by Apple AirTags.

·      A Ruggedized Tag 1.6” x 1.6” suitable for luggage- Nutale Focus key Finder   https://a.co/d/fNNUGnd

·      A small 1.4” x 0.96” suitable for a keychain or wallet-  Nutale Key Finder mini https://a.co/d/eAUtHuR

After installing the Nutale Nut app  on your iPhone, please note that you can add Siri shortcuts for the tags:

My Testing

Please note that the app must be running (background is OK)

·      How long to detect missing- App running 10 seconds (alert on phone and device)

o   Phone silent- App running 10 seconds

o   Phone locked- App running 10 seconds

·      How long to detect it’s back (1-2 minutes)

·      Phone finder button (must be a fast double-click) VERY LOUD – works in silent mode

o   No adjustable range

o   No delay adjustment

·      Silent region at Wi-Fi or location- works

·      Notifications- just in the app, not reported to Apple Notifications