[Review] Moto Tag by Motorola: A New Bluetooth Tracker Using Google's Find My Device Network

Review of the New Moto Tag by Motorola: A New Bluetooth Tracker Using Google's Find My Device Network

Moto Tag by Motorola (4 pack). Photos by Flickr/Jep

I was looking at Bluetooth trackers recently to quickly locate my cats in case they manage to get out of the house. Apple's AirTags (and others like it that rely on Apple's Find My app, such as Chipolo One Spot and Ugreen's newly released Smart Tag) were quickly ruled out since I do not own any Apple device that I could pair with. So, that left me with BT tags with their own network (Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag, Tile, Chipolo One) or those that use Google's Find My Device network (Chipolo One Point, Pebblebee Universal Tag, which is actually compatible with both Apple's and Google's networks, and Motorola's Moto Tag). My criteria were simple: I wanted something small enough to track my cats, with long battery life, that can be attached to a pet collar or has a built-in hole to be used as a pendant, and that can be used in the suburbs with a lower population density.

I eventually settled for those devices that used Google's Find My Device network and narrowed my choices to either Motorola's Moto Tag or the Chipolo One Point Tag. I finally chose the Moto Tag mainly due to the better dust and waterproofing rating and the fact that the Moto Tag had latent UWB (Ultra-Wide-Band) capabilities similar to the AirTag, which can do more precise location tracking (I say latent capability since it's not yet implemented in the Find My Device network but Google has promised that it will be incorporated soon). I'm a bit of an optimist, you see, and since I was also slated to upgrade my phone to what I hoped to be the latest Samsung flagship (this didn't actually pan out, but that's another story for another day), I reasoned that I should just go for the additional bells and whistles despite the Moto Tag being a tad more expensive (99.99 USD for a 4 pack at Amazon) than Chipolo's offering (63.00 USD at Amazon).

Motorola introduced the Moto Tag, a new contender in the Bluetooth tracker market, towards the end of the 3rd quarter of 2024, which uses Google's Find My Device network.

Design and Build Quality

The Moto Tag boasts a sleek and compact design, very close to the dimensions of the Apple AirTag. At launch, it was available in two color options, Starlight Blue and Jade Green. The device is lightweight, weighing just 75 grams, and features the recognizable Motorola logo on the front. This side with the Motorola logo also acts as a button that can be assigned as a camera shutter button or as a find-my-phone shortcut button (this functionality can be assigned using Motorola's own app). The rear panel houses a user-replaceable CR2032 battery, which can be easily swapped out when needed.

Setup and Compatibility

Setting up the Moto Tag was surprisingly easy, thanks to its integration with Google's Find My Device network. To get started, users need to install two apps: the Google Find My Device app and the Moto Tag app, both available on Google Play. Once the apps are installed, simply remove the plastic tab from the back of the unit, and the Moto Tag will enter pairing mode. A Fast Pair notification will appear on your phone, guiding you through the setup process. Note that strictly speaking, you just need to install Google's Find My Device app to set up the tracker. You will need the Motorola app to set up what the button on the tracker does (which I have not been able to do since receiving the tags).

Performance and Features

One of the standout features of the Moto Tag is its support for Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) technology, which complements its Bluetooth connectivity. This combination provides a range of up to 100 meters, making it easier to locate your belongings even in larger spaces. Note, however, that there are only a handful of phones in circulation with this functionality, mostly in selected flagship devices and some Pixel models. The Moto Tag also comes with an IP67 rating, ensuring it can withstand dust and water exposure without any issues.

Use Cases

The Moto Tag is versatile and can be used in a variety of scenarios, including:

- Tracking luggage: Ensure your bags are always within reach during your travel.

- Keeping track of your car: Easily locate where you last parked in a large parking lot.

- Pet tracker: Attach the tag to your pet's collar to keep an eye on their whereabouts.

- Attaching to easy-to-lose items: Keep track of keys, small bags, and other belongings that tend to go missing.

Battery Life

Motorola claims the Moto Tag's battery can last up to one year on a single CR2032 battery. This impressive battery life ensures you won't have to worry about constantly replacing the battery, making it a convenient and reliable option for tracking your belongings. Sure, there are rechargeable options out there, but CR2032 batteries aren't that expensive and are readily available.

Pros and Cons of the Moto Tag

Pros:

- Makes use of the Android Find My Device network (not reliant on manufacturer-specific networks). The Philippines, in particular, is an Android-dominated market, so there's a higher chance for the tag to ping some random Android phone than for, say, a Tile tag to encounter another Tile user who just happens to be in the vicinity of the tag.

- Support for UWB technology (not yet incorporated in the Find My Device network functionality at the time of this writing).

- The form factor is almost the same as Apple's AirTags, allowing access to a vast array of readily available accessory markets (pet collars meant to fit an AirTag, for example).

- Very easy to pair and use out of the box (the notification to configure the tag pops up on your phone as soon as you remove the plastic tab that connects the battery).

- The presence of a button for added functionality (configurable via the Moto Tag app, though there were issues with installation on certain devices).

- Available in two color options at launch.

Cons:

- Android's Find My Device Network can't use the UWB feature yet, but this may change with a future update (provided that your phone supports it).

- UWB support in the Android ecosystem is limited to a handful of flagship models and some Pixel handsets.

- Tracking performance may depend on the area's population density. In sparsely populated regions in the Philippines, such as in the suburbs or in the far-flung provinces, this could be a big problem.

Additional Notes

- Although the Find My Device app works for any Android device with Android version 9 or newer, the Moto Tag app had installation issues on older devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and issues on others like the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (the app installed just fine, but the tag couldn't be recognized).

- The initial performance of the Find My Device network was subpar, with tags taking a long time to ring and infrequent location pings. However, recent updates have improved scan frequency, though showing the tags on a map may take forever.

- One tag failed after a few weeks of use. Amazon support reimbursed some of the cost but not the full cost of one tag.

Conclusion

The Moto Tag by Motorola is a solid addition to the Bluetooth tracker market. It offers the standard functionality you have come to expect for a tracker and some additional features that differentiate it from the rest (if and when those additional features actually work). Its integration with Google's Find My Device network, support for UWB technology, and impressive battery life make it a strong contender for Android users.