Just two years after the launch of its predecessors, the Galaxy SmartTag2 has returned with a design upgrade and substantial feature enhancements based on user feedback.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Dalwon Kim and Kiyoung Kwon, Product Planners of the Galaxy SmartTag2 at Samsung Electronics, to discuss key aspects of the product and its improvements.

▲ (From left) Dalwon Kim and Kiyoung Kwon, Product Planners of the Galaxy SmartTag2

Rugged Design: IP67-Rated Usability With Metal Loop

Building off valuable user insights gathered during the launch of the Galaxy SmartTag and Galaxy SmartTag+, the Galaxy SmartTag2 was developed with a focus on the user experience to improve comfort and increase satisfaction.

The most noticeable change with the Galaxy SmartTag2 is its design — reducing the product size and thickness resulted in a more portable device. The new metal loop improves functionality and adds an air of sophistication to the product.

▲ The Galaxy SmartTag2 Silicon Case (sold separately) allows users to carry their devices safely and conveniently.

“After analyzing thousands of reviews of the previous iterations, we noticed some feedback about minor inconveniences that affect the user experience,” explained product planner Dalwon Kim. “Our goal for this version was to create a design that is smaller, lighter and attachable anywhere. We also wanted to make sure the battery was not easily removable. We took outdoor activities into account and made specific improvements to enhance the product’s durability, such as adding IP67-rated water- and dust-resistant features.”[1]

Added Convenience With Compass View and Lost Mode

Improving the features of the all-new Galaxy SmartTag2 began by asking how the company can allow users to make the most out of their Galaxy SmartTags in any environment. By harnessing the global network of Galaxy products, Samsung was able to strengthen Galaxy SmartTag’s versatility and utility through two features — Compass View and Lost Mode.

“The Galaxy SmartTag2 has evolved significantly to make it applicable in a wider variety of scenarios,” said Kim.

▲ Dalwon Kim explains the features of the Galaxy SmartTag2.

The Galaxy SmartTag2 still operates with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, a feature originally adopted for the Galaxy SmartTag+.

Taking a deeper look at what’s new, Compass View is an upgraded feature available on the Galaxy SmartTag2 and takes the Find function to the next level.

When using Compass View on the Galaxy SmartTag that relied solely on BLE, users had to physically move closer to lost items to strengthen the signal. However, the new Galaxy SmartTag2 builds upon the innovations of its predecessors and introduces a more intuitive way[2] for users to locate their belongings by displaying both the direction of and distance from the misplaced object.

“With the Galaxy SmartTag+, users had to monitor the signal strength to gauge their proximity to items and then tap Find Using Camera before turning the mobile device around,” explained Kim. “Through Compass View on the Galaxy SmartTag2, the direction and distance to the lost item are automatically displayed when you reach a certain distance — an arrow icon appears on the screen, pointing in the direction of the item. It’s as simple as using a compass.”

▲ The Galaxy SmartTag2 can also be attached to bags and luggage.

The Galaxy SmartTag2 also introduces Lost Mode,[3] a new feature powered by near-field communication (NFC) technology that will be handy in a variety of situations. If Lost Mode is activated and someone with a NFC-compatible device discovers a lost item, they can scan the Galaxy SmartTag2 — allowing them to access the owner’s contact information and any personalized messages.

Extended Battery Life: Up to 500 Days of Usage

The Galaxy SmartTag2 boasts an impressively long battery life[4] — offering approximately 500 days of continuous use or more than double that of its predecessors. When the new Power Saving Mode[5] is activated, the battery life can stretch to 700 days or more than four times that of the previous versions. “Although Galaxy SmartTags are designed to track both locations and lost items, most users primarily utilize them for location tracking. We introduced the Power Saving Mode to cater to this preference,” said Kim.

▲ Kiyoung Kwon explains the product features of the Galaxy SmartTag2.

“One of the most common points raised in user feedback was related to battery life,” said product planner Kiyoung Kwon. “Our primary objective was to extend battery life — ensuring it could span several months or more.”

Compared to the Galaxy SmartTag+, the Galaxy SmartTag2 offers a longer battery life at a more affordable price point. “This achievement was made possible by implementing a new chipset solution and improving software mechanisms,” he emphasized.

Strong Security Features and Unauthorized Tracking Detection

The main goal of the Galaxy SmartTag2 is to assist users in locating their cherished belongings. However, it is crucial to recognize that location-tracking services can be exploited.

To prioritize user safety and privacy, the Galaxy SmartTag2 incorporates robust security features through Samsung Knox. “Galaxy SmartTag2 location data cannot be accessed without the user’s consent, and all user data is encrypted and safeguarded by Samsung Knox. Furthermore, location data is shared only with individuals designated by the user,” explained Kim.

▲ Using the “Unknown tag alerts” feature can prevent misuse of the Galaxy SmartTag2.

The Galaxy SmartTag2 can also detect unknown Galaxy SmartTags in the vicinity to alleviate concerns about unauthorized tracking. “Unknown tag alerts,” a feature within SmartThings Find,[6] identifies any unregistered Galaxy SmartTags nearby and sends a notification[7] to alert the user against unauthorized tracking.

“This feature offers assurance and an added layer of security,” said Kwon. “Regardless of the device, users are provided with transparency to help avoid misuse of the Galaxy SmartTag.”

Why 23% of Users Opt for Multiple Galaxy SmartTags

Users familiar with the Galaxy SmartTag recognize its practicality. For every 100 people who own a Galaxy SmartTag, 23 people own two or more. This number has more than doubled since last year and continues to grow.

The upgraded Galaxy SmartTag2 is expected to be adopted by an even larger user base for a wider range of applications. Kim and Kwon, the minds behind the product, underscore the Galaxy SmartTag2 as a mobile accessory that offers “peace of mind.”

▲ (From left) Product planners Dalwon Kim and Kiyoung Kwon

“We’ve improved the product’s features with a strong focus on enabling users to conveniently locate their lost valuables from a distance,” said Kim. “I’ve heard of cases where the Galaxy SmartTag was used to catch thieves and prevent other crimes, which made me very proud as a product planner. We will continue to do our best to create products that users can continuously rely on wherever they go.”

“I hope that the Galaxy SmartTag2 can become an integral part of people’s lives,” said Kwon. “I want the Galaxy SmartTag to be the first solution that crosses people’s minds when they need to find their lost belongings.”

Summary

• Determine location of nearby Galaxy users through Galaxy SmartTag regardless of distance
• Battery life extended to 500 days
• Find lost items from a short distance with UWB technology-based Compass View feature
• Newly added Lost Mode feature
• Discover unregistered Galaxy SmartTags and prevent unauthorized location tracking
• 23% (23 out of 100) of Galaxy SmartTag owners use more than two

[1] The Galaxy SmartTag2 is rated as IP67. Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach, pool use or soapy water. Water and dust resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time.

[2] For the Galaxy SmartTag2, Samsung account log-in and registration on SmartThings Find is required. The Galaxy SmartTag2 needs to be paired with ultra-wideband (UWB)-enabled Galaxy smartphones with Android 11 or higher to fully function. Accuracy may be reduced if there’s an obstacle between you and the tag, such as when the tag is inside a drawer, behind a wall or in a car.

[3] Contact information and message shown on Lost Mode must be registered beforehand on the SmartThings app.

[4] Battery life is based on results from internal lab tests for typical usage pattern scenarios conducted by Samsung. Tested with results from a pre-release version of the device using inbox CR2032 battery. Actual battery life may vary depending on different usage patterns, environmental conditions, the replacement battery manufacturer, and other factors.

[5] Non-Power Saving Mode, expected battery life under typical usage conditions is up to 500 days. Power Saving Mode is limited to basic Bluetooth finding functions (for example, Search Nearby signal indicator and map).

[6] Non-Galaxy users can access the “Unknown tag alerts” feature in the SmartThings app’s settings.

[7] Users must have the “Unknown tag alerts” feature activated to receive notifications of unregistered Galaxy SmartTags.

Read on to learn about some of the main innovations covered at SDC23 that are enhancing users’ lives.

Enriching Customer Experiences: Innovating Platforms and Enhancing Ecosystems

Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, kicked off the event by highlighting how the growing number of Samsung devices around the world drives innovation within the company.

“Over 500 million Samsung products are sold every year, and the number of people using Samsung accounts exceeds 600 million. To us, this is both a huge asset and a profound responsibility,” he stated. “Samsung’s innovations connect countless people, products and services. I believe that if you join this journey of innovation, we can create greater opportunities and a brighter future together.”

Touching on the main advancements to Samsung’s suite of devices and applications — including the SmartThings ecosystem, Bixby virtual assistant, Samsung Knox security platform and more — Han expressed how collaboration has helped bring many of the company’s products to life.

“The possibilities we can realize together are endless because as developers, we share the engines of innovation and collaboration,” he said.

Building Meaningful Home Experiences Through Enhanced Partnerships

Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Device Platform Center at Samsung Electronics, discussed Samsung’s ongoing commitment to increasing interoperability between devices and expanding the SmartThings home ecosystem — focusing on the company’s support for open home standards such as Matter and the Home Connectivity Alliance.

“We are building experiences that promote the whole family’s well-being by keeping us all connected during the busyness of everyday life,” she said.

Through Multi Hub Network and SmartThings Home API, Jung showcased the newest additions to the SmartThings platform that provide access to a growing list of devices, apps and services. By utilizing its wide network of partnerships and tapping other industry leaders, Samsung aims to enable users to live more digitally integrated lives – both inside and outside their homes.

Bixby: Setting a New Standard for the Samsung Ecosystem

Enhancing at-home experiences means using the most advanced technologies to tailor them to each user’s needs and tastes. Anil Yadav, Head of Bixby Lab at Samsung Research[1]  America, underlined Samsung’s future vision for Bixby and how the company is working to create more intelligent and comfortable spaces for the future.

Thanks to deeper home integration, Bixby will intuitively respond to users’ commands based on their unique preferences — making smart homes that much smarter for individuals and their families. Additionally, Bixby will seamlessly route user commands to the appropriate device, creating a harmonious multi-device home ecosystem.

“This combination of personalization and adaptation ensures that every interaction with Bixby will be optimized, easy and convenient,” he said.

Providing a Safe, Secure and Convenient Cross-Device Environment

Since multi-device networks can be prone to hacks and breaches, forward-thinking security solutions are more necessary than ever. With this in mind, Samsung has been reinforcing its security solutions to anticipate evolving digital threats.

Shin Baik, Engineer of Security Team, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, emphasized the need for comprehensive security solutions in an expansive and highly connected device network.

“It’s time to look beyond today’s solutions and start building a better-protected future,” he said.

Baik spotlighted the company’s proprietary security innovations containing the latest features. These include:

Samsung Knox Matrix — which comes with updates to Credential Sync — enabling end-to-end encryption to backup or restore data on the Samsung Cloud. If a server is compromised or account details are stolen, user data is protected as data can only be encrypted or decrypted through the user’s device.

Mobile devices with One UI 6 will have access to passkeys — a digital credential technology that uses biometric recognition as authentication on websites and applications — marking a significant step towards a password-less future.

Beyond flagship mobile devices, Samsung Knox Vault is being expanded to Samsung Neo QLED 8K TVs in 2023, and Galaxy A series smartphones that launch with One UI 6 or later[2] in 2024 — protecting more customers and their devices.

Tizen Reboot: Paving the Path for the Decade Ahead

Hobum Kwon, Vice President of Platform Team at Samsung Research, unveiled advancements to Tizen, Samsung’s Linux-based open-source operating system, and how the company is rebooting it for a new generation of devices.

“We’re always thinking of how to expand the Tizen Ecosystem — and as a result, the platform has a reliable and adaptable architecture built on our commitment to open innovation,” he said.

Recently, Samsung expanded Tizen to operate on new home appliances with larger displays, such as washing machines and ovens, to enrich the user experience by providing graphic information, convenient UI and useful video content. Alongside the expansion of applicable product lines, Samsung will boost developer support through a unified Tizen Software Development Kit (SDK) that includes a 2D and 3D combined graphics engine and a new Samsung Experience Services feature.

Tizen Screen: Your Window to a World of Possibilities

Bongjun Ko, Executive Vice President of Application Software R&D Group, Visual Display (VD) Business, revealed how Samsung is elevating the Tizen TV experience for users in their day-to-day lives.

“Whether it’s through a TV or smartphone while you wait for your train, these screens are part of our daily lives,” he said. “This is why we, at Samsung, are always innovating to deliver best-in-class experiences with Tizen, starting with the biggest screens in your home.”

Ko shared that Samsung Gaming Hub is now available on a variety of Tizen-supported screens such as The Freestyle 2^nd Gen and Odyssey Neo G9 as well as 2022 and 2023 Samsung Smart TVs. Taking social interaction to new heights, Chat Together connects users with friends in chat rooms while they are watching their favorite shows, movies and sports. What’s more, the platform is adding Relumino Mode to Samsung TVs to create a more accessible and immersive viewing experience for those with low vision.

Tizen is opening its doors to a broader ecosystem of partners and developers, offering robust support and a dynamic environment to revolutionize how people connect, play and interact via screens.

Expanding the Galaxy Experience With One UI 6

One of the main highlights was the reveal of One UI 6, a transformative user experience designed for Galaxy devices. Sally Hyesoon Jeong, Vice President of Framework R&D Group, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, introduced this innovative upgrade, focusing on enhanced usability and intelligent photo and video editing. One UI 6 includes a fresh, intuitive look and feel with a revamped Quick panel, redesigned app interfaces and a stylish, exclusive typeface: One UI Sans.

Additionally, One UI 6 will analyze photos in the Gallery using AI features — such as Photo Remaster and Object Eraser — to suggest the most relevant editing options, helping users enhance their photos quickly and more precisely. Likewise, with Samsung Studio and its multi-layer video editing features, users have greater control when editing their content to freely add effects such as text, stickers and music with the video editing timeline.

Jeong also announced the highly anticipated Galaxy SmartTag2. With a compact design, improved battery life and IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, the SmartTag2 is set to redefine how users keep track of their belongings — giving more people greater peace of mind.

Building a Digital Health Ecosystem Through Connected Care at Home

Hon Pak, Vice President of Digital Health Team, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, highlighted the importance of fostering strong connections among devices, data, consumers and services for more optimized digital health experiences.

“Our vision for Samsung Health is to build a healthier future for everyone,” he said. “It starts from the same place where many of you started your day today — at home.”

Samsung’s vision is recognized through strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening the digital health ecosystem. Samsung Privileged Health SDK provides access to the Samsung BioActive Sensor, giving partners increased flexibility to develop powerful, health-sensing capabilities in their applications. Samsung Research launched Samsung Health Stack 1.0 to support researchers with critical tools to advance their studies. The App SDK included in Samsung Health Stack 1.0 provides developers with the building blocks to streamline participant data collection, and Web portal provides researchers with a dashboard to monitor and manage research progress in an organized and easily readable way.

Additionally, Samsung partnered with the MIT Media Lab to focus on cutting-edge research in sleep and mental health monitoring. Together, they will develop novel, scientifically validated and accessible solutions that help people sleep better and improve their health, well-being and daytime performance. The collaboration highlights Samsung’s commitment to bolstering the wellness industry and enhancing the lives of users.

Savoring the Future of Cooking With Food AI

Nick Holzherr, CEO of Whisk, Head of Samsung Food Platform, expressed how new AI-enabled customer experiences will help people not only eat better but also make “Food Your Way.”

Samsung Food makes it easier for users to share their favorite dishes with the community and follow their favorite food content creators. With the app, users can explore new levels of customization and convenience in the kitchen, from grocery shopping and personalized recipe recommendations to automated cooking settings.

“Over the coming year, we’ll continue to grow our device connectivity across Samsung’s appliances, watches and phones,” he said. “I’m super excited about how we can bring software and hardware together to create value for our Samsung customers!”

Smarter Living, Every Day

To close out the presentation, JH Han returned to the stage to offer a final word on the company’s vision for the future of hyper-connected living. Leveraging its industry partnerships, Samsung is committed to redefining how individuals interact with technology — striving to make daily life more connected and convenient for users everywhere.

“Samsung’s new products and technologies need to be anchored by a solid ecosystem,” he said. “We are committed to fostering mutual growth with all the developers and partners here.”

Watch the video below to see the complete recording of the SDC23 keynote.

[1] Serving as Samsung Electronics’ advanced R&D hub, Samsung Research leads the development of future technologies for the company’s Device eXperience (DX) Division.
[2] Samsung Knox Vault availability may vary by model.

“We are constantly looking at ways to make people’s lives more convenient through Samsung Galaxy’s industry-leading innovations,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Device Platform Center at Samsung Electronics. “With the Galaxy SmartTag2, we set out to make sure Samsung Galaxy users can find their belongings in an easy and intuitive way. With an enhanced finding experience and a longer battery life, Galaxy SmartTag2 will provide users with greater peace of mind for longer and in more situations.”

Intuitive Features Make Finding Lost Items Easier Than Ever[1]

Galaxy SmartTag2’s brand-new Lost Mode[2] allows users to input their contact information via a message. Then, anyone who discovers an item with a Galaxy SmartTag2 attached can use their smartphone to scan the tag and see the owners’ message and contact information. This means a Galaxy SmartTag2 attached to a pet’s collar is now a convenient way to ensure the pet owner’s phone number is always there, in most places where the pet might wander. Lost Mode works with any mobile device with NFC reader and web browser.

Galaxy SmartTag2 now provides an improved Compass View feature, enhancing the user experience by providing arrows to show the direction and distance of the Galaxy SmartTag2 in relation to the user. This mode is available on any UWB-supported Galaxy smartphone, such as the Galaxy S23 Ultra[3].

The SmartThings Find app has also been upgraded, with newly registered Galaxy SmartTags that now installs a shortcut to the app on the user’s smartphone, allowing users to launch SmartThings Find more quickly. Additionally, the app now features a full screen map view and an intuitive interface, making the user experience even more seamless.

Finally, when switching Galaxy smartphones, SmartTag2 now automatically re-syncs your Galaxy smartphone using your Samsung account.

New Modes Mean Longer-Lasting Battery[4]

Users can now enjoy Galaxy SmartTag2 for longer with the brand-new Power Saving Mode, available alongside an improved Normal mode. For users who rely on SmartTag to continually track items, Power Saving Mode is the perfect option to maintain battery life while ensuring you can keep an eye on your things. With Power Saving Mode, Galaxy SmartTag2’s battery now lasts up to 700 days, more than twice as long as previous Galaxy SmartTag models. Even in Normal Mode, battery life is now extended to 500 days, a 50% increase on previous models. With the flexibility to switch between two modes, users can track their valuables – from car keys to bikes – for longer.

Sleek Design Adapts to Even More Conditions and Brings More Use Cases

Galaxy SmartTag2’s new compact size and ring-shaped design was created with ease of use in mind. The large metal loop enhances product durability by using metal on the inside of the ring for greater resilience that can support accessories such as clips and keyrings. These accessories can also attach to bags and luggage.

Galaxy SmartTag2 also supports a new pet walking mode, making it easy for users to log walks with their furry friends.

Peace of Mind, Repackaged

Galaxy SmartTag2 retains many of the popular features from Galaxy SmartTag and Galaxy SmartTag+. It takes advantage of both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and UWB capabilities, leveraging Augmented Reality (AR) Find technology to visually guide users toward their item using their Samsung Galaxy smartphone camera. In addition, Galaxy SmartTag2 works within maximum Bluetooth range of 120 meters.

Samsung remains committed to securing the privacy of Samsung Galaxy users, with the device’s location only to be made available with the user’s permission. SmartThings Find also encrypts user data and is supported by Samsung Knox for an extra layer of security. Furthermore, disabling Lost Mode immediately hides the owners’ contact information and wipes the message left by the owner from the device.

For Samsung Galaxy users, SmartThings Find can also provide security through its “Unknown tag alerts” feature. This feature alerts users of any unauthorized tracking by sending them a notification if SmartThings Find detects an unknown SmartTag following them. This helps protect users and prevent against the abuse of location tracking services.

Galaxy SmartTag2 also works seamlessly with SmartThings Station, which is integrated with SmartThings Find – serving as an always-at-home device scanner – helping users keep track of valuables that have a SmartTag attached. SmartThings Station will notify users of the location of their tagged item – from personal items like TV remotes, wallets, keys and registered devices like smartphones, tablets, watches and earbuds. Pet owners will also receive an alert when a tagged collar moves too far from the SmartThings Station, helping them keep furry friends close to home.

For more information, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/mobile-accessories/galaxy-smarttag2-black-ei-t5600bbegww

[1] For Galaxy SmartTag2, Samsung account log-in and registration on SmartThings Find is required. Galaxy SmartTag2 needs to be paired with ultra-wideband (UWB)-enabled Galaxy smartphones with Android 11 or higher to fully function. Accuracy may be reduced if there’s an obstacle between you and the tag, such as when the tag is inside a drawer, behind a wall, or in a car.

[2] Contact information and message shown on Lost Mode must be registered beforehand on the SmartThings app.

[3] Current Galaxy products that support UWB include Galaxy Note20 Ultra, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold2, Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Z Fold5

[4] Battery life is based on results from internal lab tests for typical usage pattern scenarios conducted by Samsung. Tested with results from a pre-release version of the device using inbox CR2032 battery. Actual battery life may vary depending on different usage patterns, device model, or the battery manufacturer.