Bluetooth accessories, particularly wireless headsets, have been among the most popular accessories for cell phone users. With a novel use of Bluetooth technology, the hipKey is a crescent moon-shaped dongle that monitors the distance you are from your phone or tablet. When you move past a predetermined distance, then the hipKey triggers an alarm, which can be audible or vibration-based.
According to the Denmark-based company’s website, the device has four modes: Alarm, Child, Motion and “Find Me.” Like the previously discussed Alarm mode, the Child mode sounds an alarm when a person, who is wearing the device, moves outside of the preset range. Motion mode engages the siren anytime the hipKey moves, useful for monitoring valuables, such as a purse or a wallet. Perhaps the most innovative is the “Find Me” mode that uses Bluetooth and the alarm to aid in locating the missing phone, tablet, or hipkey, itself. Lastly, there is a Safe Zone ability that allows the user to establish locations (e.g., work, library, etc.) where the alarm settings are automatically changed.
Currently, this device only works via an app on the following Apple devices: iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPad mini, iPad (4th generation) and iPad (3rd generation). In November 2012, the hipKey was initially introduced in 20 European countries and was met with great success. Currently, the hipKey is available in the U.S exclusively at the online Apple Store for $89.95.
An update to this article will be available after a hands-on review of the hipKey.
