InPlay Launches Universal Bluetooth Tracker Powered by IN610 SoC, Supporting Apple's Find My and Google’s Find My Device Networks
As Bluetooth tracking technology advances, InPlay has launched its integrated universal tracker solution, powered by the cutting-edge IN610 SoC. This solution ensures seamless compatibility with both Apple's Find My network and Google's Find My Device (FMD) network. It addresses consumer demand for efficient tracking devices and provides OEMs with a comprehensive reference design platform to quickly penetrate the expanding smart tracking market.
What is Crowdsourced Tracking Technology?
Crowdsourced tracking is central to Bluetooth tracking. It operates by leveraging a global network of smart devices to create a collaborative network that helps locate lost items. Users' devices not only track their personal items but can also assist in locating others’ offline or disconnected items by securely sharing location data.
How Does It Work?
In Apple's Find My and Google's Find My Device networks, any nearby Bluetooth-enabled device can detect a tracker within its range and securely relay the location back to the rightful owner. Even if the detecting device doesn’t belong to the owner, encrypted location data is shared securely and anonymously. This cross-platform functionality ensures equal tracking and protection services for all users, regardless of their device ecosystem.
Figure 1. How Crowdsourced Bluetooth Tracking Works: Secure Location Reporting Through Nearby Devices
For example, if a user loses their keys with an InPlay Bluetooth tracker attached, and the tracker is offline, any nearby Apple or Android device will anonymously relay the tracker’s location back to the owner, allowing them to view the updated location of the lost item in their respective app.
Advantages of Crowdsourced Tracking
Global Coverage, Real-Time Tracking: The crowdsourced network consists of billions of devices globally, enabling users to track lost items in real-time using other nearby devices.
Privacy Protection: Both Find My and Find My Device ensure end-to-end encrypted location data, so no other user can access or view the location or identity of the tracker’s owner. This level of privacy protection is supported by both Google and Apple, adhering to industry standards for secure tracking and privacy.
Cross-Platform Protection: Apple and Google jointly developed a specification to prevent unwanted tracking. This initiative started in May 2023 and culminated in a standard by May 2024 that allows both iOS and Android users to receive alerts about unknown trackers in their vicinity, offering protection against potential misuse. This collaboration strengthens cross-platform privacy and security features for both ecosystems. (Source: Apple Newsroom).
IN610 SoC: The Core of the Universal Tracker
InPlay’s IN610 SoC serves as the powerhouse behind the crowdsourced tracking technology. Featuring a 64MHz ARM Cortex-M4F CPU, it ensures low power consumption while managing complex algorithms and Bluetooth tasks. The IN610 is housed in a compact QFN32 4x4mm package, making it ideal for space-constrained devices like Bluetooth trackers. Fully compliant with Bluetooth 5.0 standards, it boasts remarkable performance in areas such as low power consumption, long-range communication, advanced security, and OTA firmware updates, positioning it as the optimal choice for universal trackers.
Ultra-Low Power Consumption
The IN610 SoC's deep sleep mode consumes only 500nA, allowing trackers to operate for years on a single battery. For example, in InTag and InCard reference designs, the system consumes around 12uA when maintaining a Bluetooth connection, and only 10uA in broadcast mode. This means a CR2032 coin cell battery can power the device for more than 18 months.Exceptional Wireless Performance
With a 102dB link budget, the IN610 SoC provides reliable long-range connectivity and tracking in diverse environments.Advanced Security Features
The IN610 SoC integrates hardware-accelerated encryption, supporting various ECC and SHA algorithms, fully compliant with Apple’s Find My and Google’s FMDN security protocols. These hardware accelerators ensure secure data transmission while maintaining low power consumption.OTA Firmware Updates
In addition to its low power and stable performance, the IN610 SoC supports Over-The-Air (OTA) firmware updates. This feature enables devices to wirelessly receive updates, extending their lifecycle and keeping them up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements.
New Industry Standards: Addressing Privacy Concerns
To combat potential misuse of tracking devices, Apple and Google introduced industry-wide standards. By May 2024, these standards provided cross-platform alerts for unknown trackers, ensuring user privacy and trust. This collaboration among major tech companies enhances consumer protection against unwanted tracking across both iOS and Android ecosystems.
Market Opportunities
Privacy as a Key Selling Point
By integrating privacy features, OEMs can enhance their products’ competitive advantage. Privacy will become a critical differentiator, particularly in consumer markets that prioritize security and data protection.Expanding Market Reach with Cross-Platform Compatibility
InPlay’s universal tracker solution works with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device networks, allowing OEMs to cater to users across both major platforms. This cross-platform design simplifies development and inventory management while significantly broadening market coverage.
InTag and InCard: Fast Integration Reference Design Platforms
InPlay’s InTag and InCard trackers, both powered by the IN610 SoC, provide a turnkey solution that simplifies integration for OEMs while offering users seamless compatibility with Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device networks. Despite sharing the same core technology, these trackers feature distinct design elements tailored to different user needs.
InTag is a compact, battery-operated tracker that prioritizes simplicity and long battery life. It is powered by a CR2032 coin cell battery, allowing up to 18 months of operation. This makes it ideal for users who prefer low-maintenance devices that can be easily attached to personal items like keys or backpacks.
On the other hand, InCard distinguishes itself with an integrated ultra-thin lithium-ion battery that supports wireless charging. This advanced power solution offers more convenient recharging capabilities, making the InCard tracker well-suited for high-end use cases where frequent recharges and modern conveniences, such as wireless charging, are expected. Its sleek, card-like form factor makes it easy to slip into wallets, luggage tags, or slim cases, offering a balance of style and functionality.
By offering two distinct designs, InPlay provides OEMs and users with flexible tracking options suited to different personal and professional environments. Both models offer advanced features such as unwanted location tracking detection to protect user privacy, along with cross-platform compatibility for Apple and Google’s tracking networks.
Conclusion
InPlay’s universal tracking solution, powered by the IN610 SoC, combines global crowdsourced tracking, superior performance, low power consumption, OTA support, and privacy protection. Whether integrated into Apple’s Find My or Google’s FMDN network, InPlay’s solution offers OEMs a comprehensive reference design platform, helping them swiftly enter the fast-growing tracking market.
InPlay is at the forefront of Bluetooth tracking technology. Manufacturers and product leads are invited to request samples and experience these innovative reference designs firsthand by contacting: contact@inplay-tech.com.