Samsonite announces the suitcase that will always tell you where it is

Samsonite has introduced the Track&Go suitcase that is likely to reduce luggage theft by ensuring the suitcase can always be identified, similar to the way prank calls disappeared after caller ID was introduced. 

The suitcase contains a Bluetooth beacon which uses Eddystone Ephemeral Identifiers (EIDs), an open privacy/security protocol by Google. Designed and manufactured by Accent Systems, the beacon enables the Track&Go suitcase. It has to be registered by the owner through the Travlr by Samsonite app, which is available free of charge. The app was launched in September 2015 to offer flight tracking, tips and reminders when travelling. 

The new Track&Go feature will soon be built into the existing app, allowing users to easily check the location of the suitcase within a distance of 70m, and also be notified if it is being moved closer or further away from the user. Should the suitcase go missing, the owner can easily flag it as lost in the app. Once flagged as 'lost', the app leverages its user base to help the suitcase's owner find it. Should anyone else, using the app, pass within 70 m of a lost suitcase, an EID-based signal is picked up and triggers a notification with location and time details of the suitcase to be sent out to the owner. 

According to Accent's web page, its Bluetooth low energy beacons can last up to about 100 months depending on the model and what it is used for.

"We're excited to work with Google on this project to make sure that our beacons support Eddystone EIDs. Missing or permanently lost luggage is the nightmare of every traveller. As the world's largest luggage manufacturer, we wanted to find a way to make this issue a thing of the past," says Ramesh Tainwala, CEO of Samsonite. "As Samsonite is known for its innovative and reliable luggage and bags, we also wanted to work with an equally as innovative and reliable technology partner.By leveraging Google's robust, secure and cross-platform approach, we feel confident that our customers will welcome this new solution."

Interested?

Samsonite aims to launch the first suitcases featuring the Track&Go solution in the European market at the end of 2016, followed by other international markets.

There's a new affordable Lumia about to hit the shelves

Source: Microsoft. The Lumia 430.

Microsoft has introduced Lumia 430 Dual SIM, now its most affordable Lumia smartphone that is eligible for an upgrade to Windows 10*. With an estimated retail price of S$119, the Lumia 430 joins Microsoft's affordable smartphone portfolio, which also includes the Lumia 435 with Lumia Camera.

Built with Windows Phone 8.1, a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor featuring a dual-core CPU running at 1.2GHz, and with Microsoft Office, Skype and OneDrive pre-loaded, the Lumia 430 Dual SIM is designed to help people achieve more at work, at play and on the go. 

The Lumia 430 Dual SIM features a compact, durable design with a 4" WVGA display. Users can access up to 30GB** of free cloud storage on OneDrive. Apps like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Instagram are available on the Windows Phone Store.

“Given the success of our affordable Lumia range, it is clear that people are looking for a smartphone that is good value for money, but still works smoothly and easily,” said Bruce Howe, General Manager, Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales for Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. “The Lumia 430 Dual SIM is optimised to bring price points even lower, while offering features that are capable of fulfilling business and personal demands.” 

The Lumia 430 Dual SIM will be available in Singapore at Microsoft Authorized Mobile Resellers in Funan DigitaLife Mall and GadgetWorld, 3Mobile and Handphoneshop outlets from 9 May. It is available in bright orange and black.

Need background? Read the TechTrade Asia blog post on the launch of the Lumia 640 and 640XL.

*Like any upgrade to a new operating system, not every phone will support all possible Windows 10 features. Certain features and experiences will require more advanced future hardware.

**Up to 30GB free when camera backup is activated.