Fi’s Starlink-enabled pet tracker found my dog when LTE couldn’t

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Fi’s Starlink-enabled pet tracker found my dog when LTE couldn’t

The Verge · 1 month ago

The Verge has published a hands-on review of the Fi Ultra, described as the first Starlink-enabled pet tracker available to buy. Building on existing GPS and LTE trackers, the device automatically switches to T-Mobile's T-Satellite direct-to-cell service — which taps SpaceX's low Earth orbit Starlink satellites — when a dog wanders into a cellular dead zone, allowing owners to locate their pet anywhere in the US. The reviewer confirmed it worked in a genuine LTE dead zone near the Francis Marion National Forest in South Carolina, though the article flags several tradeoffs, chiefly poor battery life.

The Fi Ultra costs $199, plus a $20 activation fee and a $189 annual subscription, and adds always-on dual-band GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi alongside LTE. It carries a 513 mAh battery rated for two days (though the reviewer often had to charge it daily), weighs 68g, measures 75mm × 40mm × 25mm, and holds IP68 and IP66K dust and water ratings, plus a vibration motor and speaker for Fi's shock-free Callback training. In testing, the satellite-connected map refreshed roughly every two to three minutes and occasionally stalled for up to five minutes while reconnecting; by comparison, Fi's other trackers last weeks and offer health and behaviour features, making the Ultra better suited to occasional adventures than everyday use.

  • First buyable pet tracker with Starlink satellite backup for cellular dead zones.
  • Costs $199 plus $20 activation and $189 yearly subscription.
  • Weak two-day battery makes it best for occasional adventures.

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