GPS tracker: Tack One tracks to Quectel’s ultra-low power BG95 for worldwide coverage
Tack One, a Singapore-based company specializing in next-generation consumer IoT and artificial intelligence products, has selected the Quectel BG95 module to provide LTE-M, narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and GPS connectivity for its GPS tracker, the Tack GPS Device. Tack GPS is an independent GPS tracker that offers a 30-day rechargeable battery life, is compact, weatherproof, and works indoors and outdoors around the globe. With a smart power management algorithm based on artificial intelligence, the US$79 device runs on state-of-the-art, low-power components. The company’s current product is running on Quectel’s BG95 M2 module which supports LTE-M and NB-IoT networks. A new product, utilizing the Quectel BG95 M3 with 2G fallback will be available during Q4 of 2022.
“To suit our GPS tracker product, Tack GPS, we needed an integrated module to achieve lower cost and for ease of control,” explains Eric Yeo, the chief operating officer of Tack One. “Quectel provides this in the LTE-M/NB-IoT module with integrated with GPS. We also required a small footprint due to size of product. The next step for Tack GPS is to use Quectel’s BG95 M3 variant which offers worldwide coverage with 2G fallback and enables us to provide additional coverage in countries without IoT network coverage.”
How the BG95 enables a next generation GPS tracker
The BG95 is a series of multi-mode LPWA IoT modules that support LTE Cat M1/Cat NB2/EGPRS and integrated GNSS which meets the 3GPP Release 14 specification. The BG95 achieves maximum downlink rates of 588 Kbps and uplink rates of 1119 Kbps under LTE Cat M1. The module’s integrated RAM and flash memory enables ultra-low power consumption, and the ARM Cortex A7 processor, which supports ThreadX, enables up to 70% reduction in power saving mode (PSM) leakage and 85% reduction in extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) current consumption compared to its predecessor. The BG95’s highly integrated, cost-effective and compact SMT form factor of 23.6mm × 19.9mm × 2.2mm allows integrators and developers to benefit from its mechanical intensity and low power consumption and design their applications with ease.
In addition to the worldwide availability of the Tack GPS tracker, Tack One is focusing on growing sales within the USA, Europe, Australia, Singapore and Japan. “Using smart AI and an advanced movement detection algorithm to offer an ultralong operating battery life of 30 days is an attractive benefit to consumers,” says Yeo. “The inexpensive subscription cost of US$2.99 per month, which is extremely low, means that more and more clients want the peace of mind that comes from being able to track their loved ones and assets from their phones. Tack GPS works both indoors and outdoors and works independently from your mobile phone.”
Why Tack One chose Quectel for its GPS tracker
Yeo says Tack One selected Quectel's BG95 for its GPS tracker because it was able to provide low power consumption, an integrated modem with GPS, a competitive price and worldwide coverage with GSM fallback, all of which are essential to provide the Tack GPS service. "Quectel's sales and engineering teams have provided excellent and valuable support during the development of the Tack GPS location tracking device," he says. “We are evaluating LTE antenna designs for additional applications such as asset tracking and are in discussions to utilize Quectel's data connectivity in the future.”
Quectel is delighted that Tack One has chosen the BG95 for its GPS tracker. "It's great to see another innovative company using our module to provide the features its stylish range of consumer tracking devices offers," says Michael Wallon, VP Sales APAC + ANZ at Quectel. "We are looking forward to supporting Tack One as it expands its Tack GPS portfolio and grows into new markets."