I was recently privileged enough to get my hands on a nio demo unit made by Tenbu Technologies, based in the UK.
What is a nio? A nio tag is a compact security device that connects to your phone via Bluetooth and allows you a multitude of security options and settings. Once that connection is broken due to distance or motion, the nio tag will sound an alarm and so will your phone, thus protecting whatever you have chosen to attach it to. With the assistance of a good friend, we were able to try this unit with many different devices and give it the best testing possible.
“It’s easy to forget just how much confidential data is stored on your phone or laptop, and it’s also easy to forget just how easy it is to lose these items.†said Ben Hounsell. “nio not only saves users the time, cost and stress of replacing a lost item, but also offers peace of mind that belongings are not going to wander off.â€
With 50 cell phones lost or stolen every second around the world, the nio tag is tapping into a potentially lucrative market that could solve a significant and growing problem.
Let’s get to it with some photos of the unboxing.
In the box you will find your nio tag unit, a USB lead for charging the unit on a PC, and your quick start guide. As you can see the unit itself isn’t overly large. It fits nicely in my hand as well. The quick start guide gives you everything you would need to know in a small handy pamphlet with no overly complicated procedures. The USB cord is definitely sufficient in length to attach to a front USB port and still reach your desk while charging. Since everything you could need is in the box, there is no fear of having to buy any accessory items later.
Londoners leave 10,000 mobiles in taxis every month, plus 1,000 other handhelds, laptops, iPods, and memory sticks.
Features of nio include:
- Smart silencing, by walking back into range, rather than having to turn the device off separately.
- Flashing LED light.
- Built in motion sensor which allows a motion sensing mode and shake-to-activate feature.
- Adjustable range- up to 60 feet.
- Battery life – two weeks with regular use.
- Optional vibrate-only alert.
- Connect multiple nios to one device.
- Customizable scheduler function allowing the user to set timetables for when the app should automatically be active, for example, during the daily commute.
- Locate – nio will give off an “SOS” series of beeps.
- Security Zones – Choose from three security zones that vary the perimeter between 2 to 20 meters.
- Man Over Board – A low cost, portable alternative for MOB systems.
A few suggested uses for the nio security tag would be –
- Attached to your toddler so they can never get too far away from you.
- Attached to your dog’s collar. I did this one while camping, worked perfectly when I wasn’t paying attention.
- Attached to your travel luggage or bags to ensure you are never separated from your belongings.
- Attached to your camera, laptop bag, purse, iPad or anything else you never want stolen or misplaced.
Here’s a quirky little video they made that is pretty fun.
We ran our primary tests on a rooted Nexus One running CM6. The nio connected quickly and easily. Once connected we tested distance outside. While I held the nio, my testing companion walked across the street. Once the connection was lost, both the phone and the nio sounded their alarms. Next we shortened the distance in the application by changing the security from low to high and tried again with no issues. The alarms sounded as the application and nio were designed for. The Nexus was able to successfully use all the varying settings in the application, all with consistent results and without any issues.
I conducted the same tests using my wife’s Blackberry 9700, all with the same results. No issues or failures of any kind. A very rewarding feeling to have an external device connected and not have any unwanted alarms or complications.
We tested this unit for approximately 2 weeks straight with no deliberate charging. By that, I mean we never had to charge the nio on purpose. In order to sync the device with a different phone it needs to be connected to the USB plug. That confirms the battery life of the device.
Currently the unit is said to be supported by Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Windows Mobile, Java/J2ME devices, Android and BlackBerry. Â We can personally confirm the device working for a Blackberry 9700, Nexus One and a My Touch Slide. I have confirmation on the device functioning on a Xperia X10 mini and the I9000 (Galaxy S Europe).
Currently the application will not work with a G1, My Touch 3G original, Samsung Vibrant or HTC Desire. This did cause a bit of a hiccup for me since I currently use and own the first three devices. They are working on a resolution for the Vibrant and for the Desire. I was informed that the G1 and My Touch 3G have limited memory which kills the application when the screen goes black or when you switch applications. We did attempt to install a task killer and force the application to stay running but were unable to switch to the task killer with out the application shutting down. This may not seem too terrible but let me explain, as soon as the app is killed the alarm on the nio goes off. I was not a popular person in my house that day. I also tested it with a variety of stock and customer ROMs ranging from 1.6 – 2.2 all failed. So a word of warning; if you happen to own one of those devices, there currently is no solution to allow the nio to operate for you.
All in all, I would highly recommend this device to anyone who has experienced a lost or stolen item of value or importance. It is a very cost effective way to keep those items in check. The nio is currently available on www.bluenio.com for $59.99. The applications for your devices are available from there as well as on your respective application markets for your phones and is free.
Keep an eye on their Facebook account HERE and Twitter HERE for updates and information on current issues, resolutions, newly supported devices and new features added to the software.
