Buddy, the smart dog collar developed by Squeaker, monitors your pup’s daily activities through GPS tracking and uses LED light technology to keep your dog bright and visible from potential collisions with cyclists, cars, pedestrians, or other hazards.
The collar, 1.2 in (3 cm) wide, weighing an estimated 1.3 lb (600 g), will come in three sizes: small (13 to 18 in/35 to 45 cm), medium (18 to 21.5 in/45 to 55 cm) and large (21.5 to 25.5 in/55 to 65 cm), and feature a D-ring for attaching a leash.
The GPS feature on the collar can be managed through a smartphone app called companion, available for both iOS (including Apple watches) and Android, and allows owners to set up a geofence that sends alerts if their dogs wander beyond defined boundaries. If you return to a familiar location where you have setup a geofence, the app will automatically re-activate it. To find your dog if he or she steps out of the boundaries, the app provides step-by-step instructions to reunite the dog and owner.
Companion will require a SIM card to operate, and Squeaker is looking to partner with telecommunication companies around the world, making the collar compatible for any provider. Other than tracking, the app will allow you to setup appointments and important dates for your pup, such as regular vet appointments or medicine treatments.
Another feature found on the collar is a temperature sensor, which instantly provides a notification if your dog is too hot or cold. If you have a Nest thermostat, the collar can be connected to it, so you can adjust the temperature if you are away from home.
Your dog’s movement may be tracked via a 3-axis accelerometer found on the device, allowing you to determine if he or she is getting enough exercise. The collar calculates steps moved, sleep, and calories burned, helping the owner to determine how to alter diet and exercise routine.
The collar’s app also has a built-in database of popular dog foods and features barcode scanning. The database and collar are automatically kept up to date via a Bluetooth connection with the user's mobile device.
Buddy’s most electrifying feature is its LED lighting. Through the companion app, the colors can be customized to almost any number of combinations and flashing effects. The collar also assimilates a light sensor that allows the brightness to be set to change automatically based on the amount of ambient light.
Aside from the companion app that presents any needs and concerns you may have on your smartphone, many settings can be displayed on the OLED display built on the collar. You can cycle through the readings by pressing the button next to the display.
Buddy is waterproof and can be fully charged within an hour using an induction-based Wi-Fi charging dock (available for purchase) or Micro USB cable, with a full charge lasting seven to 14 days.
The smart collar is currently being funded on Kickstarter, and with a pledge of $245, you can receive Buddy and the Wi-Fi charging dock. Squeaker plans to start shipping the device by July 2016.
Via Gizmag
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