Qualcomm shows public face with pet-tracking service

Qualcomm, which launches few consumer products, later this month will launch a pet-tracking service built using proprietary research from its communications business.

Snaptracs, a subsidiary within Qualcomm, will launch Tagg, a pet-tracking system with GPS and wireless communication capabilities for owners to suddenly track lost dogs or cats. The system includes a purpose-built tracking device that looks like a watch and clips on to existing pet collars.

The service allows users to pinpoint the exact location of a pet on a smartphone or tablet via GPS and applications just as Google Maps. The service as well sends SMS alerts or e-mails on the pet's location at given intervals through the built-in communication chip.

What we're doing

"That's what we're doing, completing the last mile for the pet where you as the owner of the pet ... can take control," Vigil said. The tracker and a full year of service is priced at US$199, and SMS notifications are sent through Verizon's wireless network. At that time after the initial year of service, the service costs $5 per month.

Qualcomm taking everything into consideration provides communications and media research behind the scenes to smartphones and tablets, and has already enabled tracking devices like the Little Buddy child GPS tracker. Nevertheless with spending on the rise in the pet industry, Qualcomm decided to establish Snaptracs and go direct to consumers with Tagg, said Vigil, who before was senior vice president of business development at Qualcomm.