There’s no need to be bummed, the SNIF Tag does have a real-time feed available up to 60+ feet off the base station. A few other things to note for clarity’s sake:

The SNIF Tag, which works on a proprietary wireless protocol, transmits data to the SNIF base station; the base station subsequently uploads information to the secure SNIF website. However, when the dog is out on a walk or further than 60 feet from the SNIF base station, the SNIF Tag continues to collect information on the dog’s state (whether it is running, eating, sleeping etc), energy and encounters with other dogs wearing a SNIF Tag. When the dog is back within range of the SNIF base station, the SNIF Tag then uploads that information to the base station.

The only time the Tag needs to sit on the base station is for charging, which in our current test devices is about once a week.

Of course, the ‘real utility’ of this depends on the user. Some people want to know and see what their dog is doing in real-time, while they are at work; or how long their dog walker really took Fido out for. Our initial reserach of more than 500 individual dog owners also shows that they want to get to know other dog owners in more detail but don’t always feel confortable doing so in person. This is where the social networking element comes in - it’s not just about enhancing the relationship and understanding between man and dog, but helping humans to build relationships online and in person.

One last note about privacy: the SNIF Tag shares basic information about the dog with other dogs encountered wearing the Tag, such as name and breed (this is customizable) and then the owners have the option of sharing more and making the fellow dog owner a ‘friend’ online - in a trusted social network that has one foot in the real world.

We are currently in production with an expected launch date set for the Holiday season.

I am more than happy to discuss how the Tag works in more detail, please drop an email to greg at sniflabs dot com if you’re interested. Otherwise, I look forward to seeing you at the next WebInno!

GPC