Qualcomm launches subsidiary offering pet tracking GPS
updated 08:50 pm EDT, Tue August 16, 2011
Collar add-on alerts owner if pet leaves home
Tagg the Pet Tracker is the first product from Snaptracs, a new Qualcomm subsidiary devoted to using advanced GPS and wireless technology to keep pet owners abreast of where their pets are, with automatic notification if they leave a pre-defined zone. Powered by a rechargeable battery intended to last 30 days, the durable device attaches to a pet's collar and features a "trip" button so that pets can go on walks or rides without sending an alert.
The device not only notifies owners via e-mail or text message if the pet leaves the area it's supposed to be in (typically a home, yard or surrounding area), it can use either GPS or wireless signal triangulation to track the pet. Recharge notifications can be sent to the owner's phone or e-mail when the battery begins to run low.
The Tagg tracker is designed for pets over 10 pounds, so that the small tracking device attached to the collar is not uncomfortable for the pet to wear. According to Snaptracs, hundred of thousands of pets go missing every year, with only 15-20 percent of lost dogs and two percent of lost cats ever being returned to their owners.
Owners simply create an account at tagg.com, register the device, and set up a "geofence" or zone where the pet can roam without triggering the alert. The device is attached to the a collar with a two-piece clip (not recommended to be attached to metal, spiked or jewelled collars).
The Tagg hardware (including docking station) and a subscription for a full year of service are available now for $200. Additional units for pets in the same family can be purchased at a discount, since multiple Tagg trackers can be paired to a single docking station. To track the pet's location, an internet connection via Windows PC, Mac or smartphone is required (most modern browsers supported).
