Tech Report: Device Finds Lost Car Keys, Phones

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – A new device is offering people help when they misplace their car keys or smartphones.

KCBS Technology Analyst Larry Magid said the new device is called Cobra Tag, a sensor the size of a key fob or clicker, which people can attach to their keychain. The sensor and phone communicate via Bluetooth and it only takes seconds to pair the phone and the fob and a few minutes to download and install the app.

KCBS Technology Analyst Larry Magid:

Magid said that when keys go missing, one can launch the app to make the sensor chirp. The tag can use GPS to send its location. If one's smartphone is lost, a button on the key fob will ring that person's phone.

The tag comes to life with an app from Phone Halo, a Santa Barbara-based company that developed the software behind the product. It sells for $59.95 and is available from Amazon and other online retailers.

You can hear Larry Magid's Tech Report Monday through Friday at 3:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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