Pebblebee Expands Into Personal Safety Tracking Solutions
▼ Summary
– Bluetooth trackers like Apple AirTags have been misused for stalking, prompting initiatives like the DULT standard to combat these issues.
– Pebblebee introduced a free SOS feature called Alert for its Clip tracker, which triggers a siren, flashing lights, and sends an SMS to a pre-saved contact.
– The Alert feature is easy to set up and disable, with the siren and lights designed to attract attention during emergencies.
– Pebblebee now offers a paid subscription, Alert Live, expanding Safety Circle contacts to five and adding live location tracking for $3/month or $26/year.
– A new Silent Mode allows alerts to be sent without sirens or lights, available for both free and paid users, though its functionality hasn’t been tested yet.
Bluetooth trackers are evolving beyond lost keys, with Pebblebee leading the charge in personal safety solutions. While concerns about tracking devices being misused for stalking have dominated headlines, companies are now repurposing this technology to empower users rather than endanger them.
Seattle-based Pebblebee recently introduced Alert, a free SOS feature for its $35 Clip Bluetooth tracker. Compatible with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Device networks, the Clip is built with sustainability in mind, crafted from 30% recycled plastic and powered by a rechargeable battery lasting over a year on a single USB-C charge.
A rapid six-press sequence activates the Clip’s emergency mode, triggering a 105dB siren, flashing LEDs, and an instant SMS alert to a pre-selected contact. Testing confirmed the system’s reliability, our designated safety contact received a precise location pin via Google Maps within seconds, with an option to confirm the user’s safety afterward. Though not as robust as dedicated personal alarms, the Clip’s dual alerts (audible and visual) provide a discreet yet effective deterrent in risky situations.
Pebblebee has also rolled out Alert Live, a premium tier expanding the safety net. For $3 monthly or $26 annually, subscribers gain real-time location sharing and can notify up to five emergency contacts. A new Silent Mode bypasses audible alarms for discreet alerts, ideal for situations where drawing attention isn’t advisable.
The company emphasizes that core safety features, including the siren and single-contact alerts, will remain permanently free. This move positions Pebblebee as a rare player in the tracker market, balancing accessibility with advanced protection, all while addressing growing demand for tech that prioritizes user security.
(Source: Wired)