14 DAY TRIAL // Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia is reportedly gearing up for the release of a new accessory for the Lumia phones, one that would take advantage of a device’s sensor, and which is supposedly called "Treasure Tag."
According to a recent article on The Verge, the company would combine Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC capabilities inside the new accessory to pair it with Windows Phone devices, while also being set to ship it with a loop strap, so that it could be attached to a set of keys.
Basically, Windows Phone 8-based Lumia handsets will be able to track the device via a dedicated application, providing users with the possibility to manage the sensor and locate it if it’s lost.
Furthermore, the application will be able to show the location of the sensor on the map, while also being built using Nokia's LiveSight augmented reality view.
The feature will also provide support for locating a smartphone that has been paired with the sensor, by simply holding down a key on the device, it seems. However, it appears that a notification sound will be triggered on the handset only if it is within range.
The new Treasure Tag was supposedly developed to be an “always on” accessory, and should arrive on shelves with a battery capable of offering around six months of use.
Given that the sensor will be based on Bluetooth 4.0, Nokia will make it compatible only with phones that also include the capability. It will roll out to Windows Phone 8 Lumias as part of the Amber update (supposedly set to arrive in the next few weeks).
Apparently, the Treasure Tag will be among the first accessories that will make use of the new Low Energy support, but Nokia is also said to plan the launch of some more such Bluetooth 4.0 devices to expand the features of its Lumia smartphones.