As a tech enthusiast and dog lover, the intersection of the two worlds is a treasure trove of excitement for me. One piece of kit that’s been making a splash in the realm of pet care tech is the Fi Series 3 Collar. This smart dog collar promises to make dog ownership safer, easier, and more connected than ever before. This review aims to offer an in-depth look at this new player in the field, weighing its pros and cons.
At its core, the Fi Series 3 collar is a GPS dog tracking collar, designed to keep tabs on your furry friend’s location and daily activities. It employs an LTE-M network, optimized for low-power, long-distance communications. This device communicates with the GPS when tracking your dog, which is done via a dedicated app on your smartphone. The app, available for both iOS and Android, allows you to track your dog remotely, anywhere, anytime. This convenience is a massive selling point for those of us with particularly adventurous pooches.
Aesthetics & Options
Now, let’s talk about aesthetics and options. The Fi collar is available in four vibrant colors – grey, yellow, blue, and pink – allowing you to choose one that best complements your dog’s personality. It’s also available in a variety of sizes – small, medium, large, and extra-large – covering a neck circumference range from 11.5 inches to a whopping 34.5 inches.
Notable Features
Among its vast array of features, a notable one is the “Lost Dog Mode.” If Fido decides to go on an unsupervised adventure, this mode activates the GPS tracker to provide real-time location updates. Coupled with its waterproof design, the Fi collar is a formidable tool in ensuring the safety of your pet in various situations.
An interesting addition is the sleep-tracking feature, which provides insights into your dog’s rest patterns, a handy tool in monitoring their overall health and well-being. However, it’s worth noting that such insights come with a price. The Fi Series 3 requires a minimum subscription period of 6 months, costing $19 per month if you opt for month-to-month payments.
Drawbacks
The Fi collar’s performance has been largely impressive in urban and semi-urban settings. However, its performance dwindles in more remote areas with poor cellular service. When the cell signal drops, its tracking features become virtually non-operational, making it less useful for wilderness treks or rural living. It’s a glaring weakness that Fi will hopefully address in future iterations.
Moreover, despite its waterproof nature, users have reported concerns over its durability, particularly when subjected to the rough and tumble lifestyle of more active dogs. However, the robust construction does hold up well in most cases, providing excellent value for the price point.
Sharing and Sustainability
In terms of sharing or selling your Fi collar, it’s a straightforward process. You can easily pair the collar with a new base station, and its tracking information can be reset for a new dog, reducing wastage and promoting sustainability.
Wrap-Up
To wrap up, the Fi Series 3 collar brings a host of valuable features to the table. Its advanced GPS tracking, impressive battery life, sleep tracking, and activity monitoring features make it an excellent investment for urban pet owners. However, its dependence on cellular service and questions about its durability in extreme situations are drawbacks that need to be considered. Despite these, the Fi collar is a well-designed, high-tech solution that elevates pet care to new heights, allowing for peace of mind and an enriched pet ownership experience.
