Samsung is closing the week with a dual product launch in the U.S. Today (Nov. 6), the company announced that its latest tracker and earbuds are available for purchase. Samsung says its next-gen tracker, the Galaxy SmartTag 3, features a “slimmer design” and long-range tracking, while the Galaxy Buds On open-ear earbuds also officially launch in the U.S., Android Central reported. The new devices signal Samsung’s continued push into personal tracking and audio accessories.
The SmartTag 3’s Expanded Reach and Geofencing
The Galaxy SmartTag 3 represents a significant leap in hardware capability over its predecessor. Samsung states the new tracker’s Compass View works up to 60 meters away, providing “distance and directional guidance.” This is a substantial improvement, representing around 3x farther than the Galaxy SmartTag 2’s range, a detail confirmed by SamMobile. This enhanced precision is achieved through a combination of Bluetooth Channel Sounding and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) connectivity.
Beyond simple “find my keys” functionality, the SmartTag 3 introduces two software-centric features that elevate its utility. Place Notification alerts users if “a tagged item moves in or out of a predefined area that they set,” effectively creating a geofence for tagged items. The Movement Detection Alert is a simpler, yet powerful, warning system that informs users if their tagged item is in motion. These features likely work in tandem with the Location History log, which allows users to review where their tagged item has been over the past seven days.
What This Means for Device Compatibility
A critical shift in strategy is the SmartTag 3’s expanded compatibility. While earlier generations of Galaxy SmartTag worked exclusively with Galaxy phones, this new model is designed to break out of the Samsung ecosystem. The device is compatible with non-Samsung Android devices as well as iPhones, albeit with select feature limitations for non-Galaxy handsets. This cross-OS support is powered by the Galaxy Find network, through which users can track items attached to car keys, luggage, backpacks, bikes, or pet collars.
For the U.S. market, the SmartTag 3 is available in Black and White for $29.99 for a single tracker, or in a four-pack for $99.99, as noted by SamMobile. This pricing structure encourages multiple-tag use, a practical consideration for users who want to track everything from car keys and luggage to pet collars.
Galaxy Buds on: Samsung’s Open-Ear Audio Bet
Alongside the SmartTag, Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Buds On in the U.S., priced at $229. These clip-on, open-ear buds mark a new direction for the company’s audio lineup. “Because they do not block your ear canals, they let ambient sound in so you can stay aware of your surroundings and things happening around you,” SamMobile explains. This design choice directly targets users who prioritize situational awareness.
Samsung has invested heavily in the ergonomics of the Buds On. The company states it uses “over 119 million ear data points” to refine the fit of the earbuds, with each bud wrapping around the user’s ear for comfort. The audio technology is centered around the TwinBoost Speaker, an automatic volume adjustment feature that alters your audio to match your surroundings. To manage the inherent audio leakage of open-ear designs, the buds also feature Audio Leakage Reduction tech to keep what you’re listening to private.
The AI and Gesture Layer
Software is where the Buds On truly differentiate themselves. The earbuds are deeply integrated with AI. They support Google’s Gemini Live with voice commands, allowing for natural, hands-free interaction. Samsung’s head gestures add another layer of intuitive control: users can shake their head to decline calls, nod to answer them, or swipe through notifications. The microphones are equally strong, with each earbud including three microphones and a Voice Pickup Unit (VPU) to isolate the user's voice and filter out background noise during calls.
A standout feature is the ability to record Quick Voice Memos through the earbuds’ microphones, which are then saved alongside text transcriptions. This functionality requires a Galaxy AI-supported device with Bixby and the Samsung Voice Recorder app, bridging the gap between audio capture and digital organization.
Expanding the Galaxy Ecosystem
At its core, the SmartTag 3 launch is a masterclass in balancing hardware innovation with ecosystem lock-in. The SmartTag 3 uses both Bluetooth Channel Sounding and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) connectivity, positioning Samsung as a viable alternative for Android and even iOS users.
For the Galaxy Buds On, the strategy is one of market expansion. By stepping into the open-ear category, Samsung is targeting consumers who prioritize awareness of their surroundings. The focus on comfort, powered by a dataset of ear shapes, is central to the clip-style design.
The 30-Second Verdict on Price and Positioning
The Galaxy SmartTag 3’s hardware upgrades are meaningful, and its $29.99 price point is competitive for a UWB-enabled tracker. The four-pack offer makes it an accessible system for whole-family use. The Galaxy Buds On, however, enters a new market for the company. At $229, it’s priced at a premium.
The timing of this launch, as the week closes, suggests Samsung is treating these as significant products. For tech consumers, the choice is now clearer than ever: a smarter tracker for your belongings and a more aware, AI-infused audio experience for your ears are both officially on the table.
