Trax personal tracker integrates u-blox GNSS and cellular technologies

World's smallest tracking device locates children and pets both outdoors and inside

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Mar 27, 2014, 07:00 ET

STOCKHOLM, Sweden and THALWIL, Switzerland, March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Swedish WTS (Wonder Technology Solutions) and u-blox, the global leader in wireless and positioning semiconductors today announced that WTS has launched Trax, the world's smallest and smartest personal tracking device for children and pets. Based on u-blox' GNSS smart antenna and cellular module, the tiny tracker can be located anywhere, anytime via a free Android or iPhone mobile phone app.

In addition to real time tracking, Trax provides flexible geofence alerts, and can even monitor how fast your teenager is driving. It also works indoors thanks to a proprietary dead reckoning algorithm that delivers a position even when satellites are out of sight. Accurate down to 1.5 meters, the robust, water-resistant device also provides an "augmented reality" mode that helps users locate their trackers using a Smartphone's built-in camera view.

To achieve the smallest possible size, Trax takes advantage of u-blox' CAM-M8Q GNSS receiver module which has a built-in antenna. CAM-M8Q (Chip Antenna Module) provides both small size (9.6 x 14.0 x 1.95 mm) and multi-GNSS capability. It is based on a u-blox M8 chip and incorporates a chip antenna, SAW filter, LNA, TCXO and RTC crystal. The surface-mount module is also extremely low in height making very thin customer designs possible.

"Trax is the world's smallest and most versatile personal tracking device available, packed with features designed to provide peace of mind to parents and pet owners almost anywhere in the world," said Fredrik Danelius, managing director at WTS. "By combining the leading GNSS and cellular technologies from u‑blox, we have designed a tiny, reliable, low-cost device that protects our most valuable family members: children and pets."

Trax comes with an integrated SIM-card and two years of free data and roaming in 33 countries. It is charged via USB and typically lasts between two and four days on a full battery. For wireless connectivity, the device contains u‑blox' SARA-G3 GSM/GPRS module which is footprint compatible with u-blox' 3G SARA-U2 module for easy 2G to 3G upgrade.

"Trax is an elegant and sophisticated example of our embedded GNSS and cellular modules combined to protect people's loved ones", said Pasi Alajoki, area sales manager at u-blox. "It is an important application of our mobile communications and global positioning technology where performance, size and power consumption play a critical role. We are proud WTS chose u-blox for Trax."

Click here for a high-resolution photo of Trax.
Click here for a high-resolution photo of the CAM-M8Q GNSS antenna module.
Click here for a high-resolution photo of the SARA-G3 GSM/GPRS module.

For more information about u-blox cellular and positioning modules, visit www.u-blox.com

For more information about the Trax GPS tracker, visit www.traxfamily.com

About u-blox
Swiss-based u-blox (SIX:UBXN) is the global leader in wireless and positioning semiconductors for the automotive, industrial and consumer markets. Our solutions enable people, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and wirelessly communicate via voice, text or video. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules and software solutions, u-blox is uniquely positioned to allow OEMs to develop innovative solutions that enable mobility quickly and cost-effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, u‑blox is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia and the USA.

www.u-blox.com

About WTS
WTS, Wonder Technology Solutions, is committed to improving the lives of people by providing products and services with a high customer value that are reliable, fun, intuitive and smart. WTS seeks to revolutionize location-based services through smart technology and innovative design. WTS has innovated, designed and developed Trax, a small personal GPS-tracker that can be monitored on an App or web interface. Trax is specifically designed for children 2-7 years old and pets. These users require a product that is small in size, lightweight and doesn't get in the way of play. Parents and pet owners require reliable products. Trax is designed with high quality components and smart technology that meet all the above requirements. Its appearance features and functions are unique on the market.

www.traxfamily.com

SOURCE u-blox