Nokia just announced the Treasure Tag accessory that we first heard about last summer. Nokia has been working on this accessory for over a year. We're not sure why it took them this long to announce it, but it's here now. The Nokia Treasure Tag is a $30 device that is about the size of a matchbox. You attach it to your keys or other valuables that you don't want to lose. The Tag uses NFC or Bluetooth to pair with a Lumia Windows Phone device and uses a new Treasure Tag app to help users locate the tag if it goes missing. You can connect up to four tags at a time, making it easy to locate not just your keys but also your wallet, headphones, laptop bag, or whatever else you happen to lose all the time.

The Windows Phone Treasure Tag app will also show the sensor on a map using Nokia's HERE service. The Tag works to find your phone, too. If you can't find your phone, you can press and hold a button the device to sound a notification on your phone. This will only work if your phone and device are within range of each other. The battery in the Treasure Tag will last about 6 months, and it is replaceable according to Nokia. The Tag is designed specifically for Lumia users, but third-party apps are in development for Android and iOS devices too. Nokia is not locking this accessory to only their devices, which is nice to see.


We've seen this kind of NFC or Bluetooth tag locator before. HTC's Fetch does exactly what Nokia's Treasure Tag does. There are other locator devices out there, too. We've also seen new uses for NFC beyond just tags, like the NFC Ring that was funded through Kickstarter last summer. NFC technology can be to unlock the doors in your house, toggle settings like your lock screen and Wi-Fi, all just by tapping your phone to an actual tag or other item that has an embedded NFC tag, like the Treasure Tag. Nokia has priced the Treasure Tag at about $30, and it will start shipping sometime in April. The device will come in four colors; black, white, yellow, and cyan.