What's Happening?
Fi, a company specializing in pet technology, has introduced the Fi Mini, a new GPS tracker designed for small pets such as cats and small dogs. The device is a compact, clip-on tracker that weighs only 0.56 ounces, making it suitable for pets of any size. The Fi Mini offers real-time escape alerts and live tracking through an accompanying app. It is priced at $129 per year for a subscription and can be attached to any collar or harness that is between 3/8 to 1 inch wide. The tracker is slightly larger than an Apple AirTag, measuring 42mm in length and 30mm in width, but remains lighter than similar products like the Cat Mini tracker from Tractive. The Fi Mini boasts a battery life of up to three weeks, extendable to three months with the Fi base, and supports USB-C charging. It is also equipped with an IP68 rating, ensuring it is dust-tight and water-resistant. The device uses Verizon's LTE-M cellular network for location tracking and includes features such as activity and sleep tracking, with plans to add AI-powered behavior detection and Apple Watch integration in the future.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the Fi Mini represents a significant advancement in pet tracking technology, particularly for owners of small pets who require lightweight and unobtrusive devices. This development could enhance pet safety by providing owners with real-time location data and alerts, potentially reducing the risk of lost pets. The Fi Mini's additional features, such as activity and sleep tracking, offer pet owners valuable insights into their pets' health and behavior. The planned integration with Apple Watch and AI-powered behavior detection further positions Fi as a leader in the pet tech industry, potentially influencing competitors to innovate and improve their offerings. This could lead to a broader adoption of smart pet devices, impacting the pet care market and consumer behavior.
What's Next?
Fi plans to roll out additional features for the Fi Mini, including AI-powered behavior detection that will alert owners to specific pet activities such as barking and scratching. The company also intends to integrate the device with Apple Watch, aligning it with its Series 3 Plus smart collar. These enhancements are expected to be available in the fall, potentially increasing the device's appeal and market reach. As Fi continues to innovate, other companies in the pet tech industry may respond with similar advancements, leading to increased competition and further technological developments in the sector.