Globatrac has just announced its newest tracking product called the Trackdot. It is a small device equipped with a quad-band GSM system that will track itself and then provide periodic updates via its website, SMS or its smartphone app.
The device will be powered by 2 AA batteries and should last up to 2 weeks. A business traveller would slide one of these devices in each of his checked bags. The device will then provide the requested location updated and the company has said it will even be able to notify you when your bag hits the luggage carousel.
The device is expected to cost $US49.99, have a one-time $US8.99 activation fee and an annual $US12.99 service fee. Expected availability is March 2013.
It sounds promising and I'm eager to try this out during one of my upcoming trips.
Here is the full press release:
TrakdotTM Luggage Delivers Peace of Mind to Travelers with Affordable Real-Time Airport Baggage Tracking
Los Angeles – January 7, 2013 – According to the SITA, nearly 26 million bags go missing each year from airports around the world. Air travelers concerned about their valuables now have a simple, affordable luggage tracking solution from TrakdotTM. The Trakdot LuggageTM tracker fits into a checked bag and reports city location in real time to any mobile, Apple, Android, or SMS capable devices. For the first time, Trakdot Luggage gives airline passengers unprecedented control at a wallet-friendly price, allowing them to keep track of checked-in luggage anywhere mobile phones work.
Trakdot Luggage is built for travel convenience, with a palm-sized tracker that is ultra-light and fits easily into any size bag. The luggage locator system delivers city-specific information on the whereabouts of checked baggage in real time. Even if the Trakdot protected bag does not reach the desired destination, passengers will still have the reassurance of knowing which city their luggage is in.
Once the device is registered on the Trakdot website and placed inside a checked bag, it will deliver location information directly to the user's mobile phone or SMS device via text or email. Alternatively, travelers can track their luggage on Trakdot.com or use the free Trakdot Luggage app. An additional app alerts passengers as their baggage approaches on the carousel, making it easier than ever for them to find their bag.
"A recent passenger survey from the International Air Transport Association showed that 81% of travelers are interested in tracking their bags in real time," explains CEO Harry Steck. "Trakdot Luggage empowers travelers to do just that, with a revolutionary product that is inexpensive as well as simple and convenient to use."
The retail package includes the Trakdot Luggage device, luggage tag, and batteries. It works globally with any cell phone or SMS enabled device for a low annual price. Each device can be linked to multiple phones, and each phone can track multiple devices (as with family applications). For added convenience, Trakdot Luggage owners can track or locate bags on the web at www.Trakdot.com using a secure log-in.
The product will be available March 2013 for $49.95 MSRP with an activation fee of $8.99 and an annual service fee of $12.99. Media, sales, and distribution inquiries can be made by appointment during CES at LVH Meeting Room MP25639.
About the TrakdotTM Brand
TrakdotTM delivers breakthrough products that empower consumers to keep track of the people and things they hold dear. Providing cutting-edge patent-protected technology at a remarkable value, Trakdot offers innovative solutions that meet global demand. In a world where our assets seem so vulnerable, Trakdot delivers a level of peace of mind previously unattainable. For more information about Trakdot products, please visit www.Trakdot.com.
Trakdot has been created by GlobaTrac LLC , a pioneering innovator in low cost tracking solutions.