I prefer to think of objects as being temporarily misplaced instead of lost. Even though I consider myself to be a very organized person, there are times where my keys mysteriously wonder to a different place in my home from where I swear I put them down. (I think there may be a gnome living in my house moving stuff around as my family insists they don’t move my things when I can’t find them.) So I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to test out Chipolo. Chipolo is a simple to use, Bluetooth-based item finder for iPhone, Android and Windows Phone 8.1 Devices. You do need to make sure that your phone runs Bluetooth 4.0 for it to work.
Chipolo was the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign. Watch their crowdfunding video below:
Chipolo is available in 9 colors. I received a purple Chipolo (my favorite color) to try out. The Chipolo has a replaceable battery (that lasts approximately 6 months) and is small enough to fit inside my wallet.
It also has a pre-drilled hole so that you can attach it to your key ring (which is great for my set of work keys which I don’t want to lose) or even your pets’ collar.
Once the Chipolo app is installed, it is easy to set up and start using within a couple of minutes.
After the set-up, the idea is that you are connected 24/7. If the item that the Chipolo is attached to goes out of range from your phone and disconnects, the app will pinpoint on a map the last location that it had before it got disconnected. It will also send you a push notification letting you know that you are out of range and your item may be lost.
This is useful if you dropped your keys outside and didn’t realize.
Another great feature is if you need to find something within range but don’t know where you last left it. You can tell the app to make the Chipolo ‘chirp’ and then listen for the sound. You can also use the built in distance meter on the app too, to help narrow down the search.
What about if you are holding your keys but can’t find your phone? No problem! Just shake the Chipolo and your phone will start making a noise (provided that it is within range.)
Chipolo also has a temperature sensor that will help you gauge whether your lost item is outside or inside.
I find the Chipolo to be very useful and inexpensive. I have used the Quiet Zone feature to set up areas at work so that I am not bothered with false notifications (i.e. I am going to another area in my building for a meeting and don’t want to receive notifications that my keys may be ‘lost’ when I know that they are in my purse at my desk.)
Overall I have really liked my experience with Chipolo and will continue to use it. The only cons that I can come up with are two; it is not waterproof (since you can open it to change the battery) and if you keep it connected 24/7, depending on your phone’s battery life, it could drain it a bit faster.
Chipolo costs $29 (plus shipping) and you can save more if you buy multiples at once. If you share keys (like a car key) or another item in your house, you can use the same Chipolo on two phones to track it.
Chipolo also sent me an extra black to giveaway to one of my lucky readers. To enter to win the Chipolo leave a comment below telling me a funny / interesting story about a time when you lost something. After the contest closes I will pick the best story and they will win the Chipolo. (It is a merit based contest.)
This contest is open worldwide. Limit to 1 entry per person/Twitter . If it is discovered that you tried to enter under multiple Twitter handles, you will be disqualified. The contest will run from March 2nd until March 8th 23:59 ET. I will select a winning story on or after March 9th. Once I select a winning story and you, you will have 24 hours to respond otherwise another entrant will be selected. The prize consists of 1 Chipolo in Black (Approximate retail value of $29) and cannot be substituted. Void where prohibited by law. By entering this contest, you agree to have your name publicized if you are selected as the winner.
I received a Chipolo of my own for this review. Good or bad, my reviews are honest with my readers best interest in mind.
Photo credits: Pixababy, Chipolo
