Key Takeaways
- While many tech devices are niche, the Pebblebee Tag is versatile and useful for everyone.
- The app is easy to use and has unique features, such as alerting you when your tag has been left behind.
- Small shortcomings, such as Bluetooth range, are made up for by the functionality and convenience of the app.
Many of these days’ tech gadgets are niche items. Only a handful of people actually use them, and there’s probably only one specific function that concerns you. You’d use a TV antenna if you wanted to cut the cord, but as it stands you don’t watch much TV. You’re interested in a smart sprinkler system, but your yard isn’t big enough to fit one in. There are plenty of gadgets out there that are great in principle, but aren’t widely needed. But if someone is going to buy something, it has to serve some use.
Conversely, some devices and gadgets are useful to just about everyone. Cell phones are a standard choice. Headphones are also a good option. But what about a device that helps you find something you’ve lost? Almost everyone can relate to that scenario. The Pebblebee Tag is a tracker made to solve that problem. This little item finder can be placed in a variety of places, including your handbag, purse, luggage, computer bag, and more.
A while back, I had the chance to try out the Pebblebee Tag. I have one for my Google and Android phone. But I have an iPhone, so I wanted to try it out with the Pebblebee app. I was even more impressed with the Pebblebee than I was with the Pebblebee Clip. Here are a few more of my thoughts:
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Recommendation
Pebble Bee Tag
The latest Pebblebee Tag is extremely lightweight and has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 8 months on a single charge. Use it to track down misplaced items with the help of billions of Android devices connected through Google’s Find My Device network.
- Works with Android and iOS
- Helps you find your phone
- Bright lights and sounds
- No carrying case for the charger
Pricing, Specifications and Availability
The Pebblebee Tag retails for $35. This version, made for Android phones, is only sold on the Pebblebee website. They’re usually on backorder, so you’ll have to order them and wait (mine took a few weeks to arrive). You can order one, two, or a pack of four.
Inside the box you’ll find the Pebblebee Tag, a charging cable that plugs into a uniquely designed USB-C plug that magnetically connects to the tag, double-sided adhesive tape, and a silicone strap or collar attachment. The Pebblebee Tag is incredibly small at 1.02 x 1.5 x 0.18 inches and weighs just 0.23 ounces. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 8 months on a single full charge.
Pebble Bee Tag
- brand
- Pebble Bee Tag
- Connectivity
- bluetooth
- battery
- Rechargeable
- range
- 300 feet
- water resistance
- IPX6
What I like about Pebblebee Tag
The Pebblebee app offers some great features
Pocket Lint
Just because I don’t have an Android phone doesn’t mean I can’t use the Pebblebee Tag. I can use it with Google’s Find My Device or I can download the Pebblebee app. I downloaded the Pebblebee app because I’ve synced my Pebblebee Clip with Apple’s Find My Device before. The app is better than Find My Device because it does too many things.
The magnet has a strong holding power, so you can dangle it from the socket while plugging it in without worrying about it falling off.
Setup was easy and you can choose different settings depending on the level of notification you want. If you want to be notified if you leave your Pebblebee tag at home, you can. I didn’t want that as I often forget my wallet or keys when walking my dog and would get a notification when I forget them. After installing the Pebblebee app, all I had to do was press the button on my Pebblebee tag to sync via Bluetooth. Simple and I was up and running within seconds.
I plugged in the charger to see how it works. The magnets have a strong holding power, so it won’t fall off even if you hang it from the outlet when you plug it in. Thanks to the battery life, you don’t have to charge it often. Plus, the app shows you how much battery life is left. When you open the app, you’ll see a clear map showing your device’s current location, as long as you have location services enabled. It also shows where your device was last seen, and there’s a button to view today’s history. You can also select a date to see where your device was on a particular day. This is very helpful if you think you’ve left something somewhere and you know the exact date you lost it.
Related
Here are all the gadgets that support Google’s Find My Device network
Several brands, including Chipolo, Pebblebee, Sony and JBL, have announced Bluetooth trackers and devices that support Google’s Find My Device app.
The yellow search button can locate and buzz your device. When you press the buzzer, the tag lights up and makes a loud beep. This is extremely useful if you’re looking for your device. But by far my favorite feature is the reverse function which can be used to find your phone. Press the button on the Pebblebee tag twice and your phone will play a jingle.
Not only can you notify your device from your phone, but you can also notify your phone from your device. Other features include the ability to set parameters for where your device can be and get notified if it leaves that area. You can also name your device and add it to Siri or Amazon Alexa and ask the voice assistant to find it. Adding friends to your account also allows you to share the location of your items with them. This is useful if you want to let other people know where your items are.
My favorite feature of this is the reverse engineering that can be used to find your phone.
I attached the Pebblebee tag to the silicone attachment and slid it onto my luggage and it fit perfectly. I will be using this while traveling so I can track my luggage if it gets lost. I had it in my wallet for a few days and it didn’t make my wallet feel uncomfortable in my back pocket.
What I don’t like about the Pebblebee Tag
Little things
Pocket Lint
First, its Bluetooth range is 200 feet shorter than the Pebblebee Clip. Its Bluetooth range is 300 feet, compared to 500 feet for the Pebblebee Clip. Also, the Pebblebee app needs to be running in the background on your phone to work optimally, which can drain your phone’s battery.
The Pebblebee’s charging cable is thin and easy to lose. Since I don’t use it often, I’ll likely just stash it in a drawer and forget where it is. Similarly, if I don’t use the silicone attachment, I’ll lose it. I wish the Pebblebee came with a small carrying case, preferably a small drawstring bag, to store these two items in when not in use.
Should I buy a Pebblebee Tag?
Whether you’re an Android or iPhone user, the answer is yes.
Pocket Lint
I have already factory reset my Pebblebee Clip and installed it on the Pebblebee app instead of Apple’s Find My tool. I decided that using the app would be the best option because the Pebblebee Tag has many advantages: The Tag is small and lightweight so it’s easy to place where you need it. You can also stick it to a remote with adhesive tape to keep track of it.
There are some obvious minor drawbacks, like the limited Bluetooth range compared to other trackers on the market, but the overwhelmingly positive app experience and the bright light and sound that plays when you’re trying to find it make the Pebblebee Tag a tracker that will appeal to a wide audience.
Recommendation
