Even the most cutting-edge
technophiles fall victim to the age-old problem of misplacing their keys. One
solution, of course, is for all vehicles to have the technology that the Chevrolet
Volt has: not only a key fob and a blue start button, but also a mobile and
computer app that lets you lock, unlock and check the charge level.
Until all cars get up to speed with
such intuitive offerings, here are some other high-tech devices that will find
your keys—and a whole lot more—long before you’ve finished checking your
pockets, your garage and your refrigerator for the 50th time (it’s always in
the last place you look, right?).
Zomm
All you need to use Zomm is a
keychain and a smartphone. The MyZomm app will find anything you attach the
Zomm key fob to—for example, that crucial set of keys you can’t seem to track
down in times of dire need. When your keys go AWOL, simply give Zomm a ring
from your smartphone. The keychain it’s attached to will activate via
Bluetooth, sounding alerts and casting a blue light until you can unearth your
keys. As efficient as you are, you’ll have to appreciate that Zomm boasts
several other helpful functions—the key fob also turns into a speaker for
hands-free talking, and acts as a panic alarm.
Cobra
Tag
Like the Zomm, Cobra Tag comes in
the form of a key fob and works with your cell phone to locate your lost goods.
The fob will begin to beep when the lost item is within a 100-foot range of
your phone—when it’s farther than that, the fob will show up on the phone’s
GPS. Better yet, Cobra Tag is a two-way street: if you’ve lost your phone
(nightmare of nightmares), you can use your keys to locate it.
Bungee
A Bungee pack includes
boomerang-shaped stick-on tags that affix to both your phone and keys. When
your property goes missing, whoever finds it can use the information on the tag
to notify Bungee. Bungee will then send you a text message and email alerting
you that your property has been found, at which point you can arrange for their
safe return using secure methods. Bungee acts as a middle man, so giving your
contact information to the person who found your keys isn’t necessary.
Stick-n-Find
Bluetooth Sticker
This Bluetooth sticker locates keys
within a 100-foot area—but if you’re farther away from the item than that,
Stick-n-Find will send you a notification when you get within range. It’s sort
of like Marco Polo. The virtual leash feature also tells you when you’re about
to leave the range of the item (like, if you dropped your keys at a coffee
shop). No more wasting time—you’ve got trails to blaze, after all.
The trademarks mentioned in this
story are held by their respective owners.
- Courtesy of Chevrolet
