Review: Never lose anything again with Lupo
Lupo is here to make sure I never lose anything again. By connecting to a mobile, this Bluetooth controller offers alerts for left items, tracking for lost objects, security to lock computers when out of range, and even a button and accelerometer to control potentially anything.
On the surface the Lupo is very similar to other trackers we have reviewed in the past. It offers a smart method for securing your valuables. I attached the lupo to my bag and when I walked away my M8 alerted me to that fact. It also warned me, when I walked to far away from my phone.
A great feature I found was the ability to link it to my computer. It allowed me to set it so when I walked away from the machine it automatically locked to keep everything on the system secure. It could then be unlocked again when the I walked back.
I was also able control my phone’s camera shutter. This also works as a presentation “clicker”, as the built-in 3-axis accelerometer allows it to be swiped to move the slide show along as if gesture controlling the screen. This, combined with the SDK means there is a whole new world of opportunities.
The one word that will ring for this device is potential. Combined with the SDK, existing features and even the build of the device, there is a massive future for the Lupo. If I left my bag behind in a coffee shop the app on my phone will show where the virtual tether was broken so I can see where I need to go to find where it last was. Now if the bag was then picked up and moved, that last location isn’t much use. This is where the Lupos group feature comes into its own. If you can image a network of apps and Lupo devices in use in your town, city or country, they can each ping one another, allowing for live tracking of the physical units. That way wherever the bag is can be tracked using the app.
After doing some research I found there are in fact a few alternatives to the Lupo out there that offer this “crowd” style feature. But there isn’t different tags using one unifying platform. The CEO of Lupo Raj Sark, hopes that all these companies can agree on one unifying service in the future so they can make the tracking service stronger no matter what tag a person chooses to use. The potential means that no matter what tracking tag you pick up, you’ll be helping other people find their lost things.
I mentioned the potential of the build of the Lupo, it has a removable plastic back cover, which means the potential for future physical mods is astounding. An NFC tag on the back for example could be used to make Lupo a quick payment device. Or even allowing it to be put in a dock, or rubberized holder.
There is room inside the device, which could have a vibration feature added to alert someone with no hearing.
The Lupo is a blue hub of huge potential. From the open software to the modifiable case itself this Bluetooth 4.0 LE device with button and accelerometer is only limited by the imagination of developers.
At writing the price is £39 for one and £95 for three units and as of next week the SDK will be completely free. Lupo will work with iOS and Android phones and tablets.
Grab one below:
http://www.mylupo.com/#!shop/c1jcr
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