I’m a self confessed techn-lover and an avid traveller too, so naturally whenever possible there’s nothing better than combining the two and totally indulge in the latest gadget, gizmo and geeky product that will help me travel better. I’m a true believer that tech can enhance our lives and make it easier. So with that in mind I bring you the latest in tech-wizardry raising funds for production and launch via Indigogo. The Smart Suitcase!
Bluesmart suitcase
When I first heard about this product I have to admit I did wonder if there was really a need to tech-up a suitcase? After all it’s usually just that thing I keep on top of a cupboard or in the attic and then cram things in to the night before a flight. Does my suitcase really need to be smart? Then I took a look at the features and weighed up whether any of them would actually make my trips any easier.
Lets take a look at the main features.
- Lock and unlock from your phone
- Built-in digital scale
- Built-in battery to recharge your devices
- Distance alerts
- Location Tracking
- Handy access to electronic devices
- Cool trip data at your fingertips
- Highly resistant and lightweight
- Waterproof zippers and polyurethane covering
- Anodized aluminium
- 4 Spinner Wheels
Check out more of the features here
Recharge my devices from my suitcase
Hold on, I can charge my devices from my luggage? OK now that is useful! The amount of times I’ve drained my battery at airports or been caught out in a hostel or hotel without my charger. I do have a rechargeable external battery for my devices but I’m always losing the damn thing. So that feature on a suitcase would be very useful for me.
Built in Digital Scales
I’m the kind of traveller who likes options. This means extra clothes, extra gadgets, extra cables and chargers. Better to have and not need than need and not have! That’s always been my travel motto. Unfortunately this means pushing the weight limits to the absolute max and on more than one occasion I’ve had to repack at the last minute and a couple of times at the airport check-in counter! I’ve bought cheap scales in the past but ironically they’ve broken due to lifting too much weight! The Bluesmart suitcase weighs itself when you pick it up so I could squeeze in every last gram of extra clothing, shoes and chargers and easily weigh every time. That is pretty cool.
Distance alerts and Location tracking
When I heard about this I was quite skeptical that I’d be able to track a suitcase after a flight. We’ve all heard nightmare stories of losing luggage when flying overseas but could this suitcase actually help? Well there’s two modes that might do just that. The Distance alerts works via bluetooth, yes this suitcase is wirelessly capable of talking to your smartphone! The suitcase can be used for carry on and checked luggage. So if you’re waiting at the baggage carousel you can set the BlueSmart App to notify you when your suitcase is nearby. No need to stand and wait, looking at every case, just take a seat and when your case is within about 30 metres you’ll get a notification. Genius! 
As for location tracking, lets say you’ve lost your suitcase, be it at the airport, hotel or somewhere else. Your suitcase can ping any other Bluesmart owners via the app and send location information back to Bluesmart HQ where they can notify you of its location. The suitcase has a GPS tracker built in and can pass on the exact coordinates to you via another user. So this feature is very useful once there’s enough Bluesmart suitcase owners. That could take a while but eventually I can see this being very handy when you suddenly realise you’ve lost your case. Of course another method of finding it would be to re-visit the locations where you think it might be and scan of a distance alert. If you’re within 30 metres or so you should get a notification.
Lock and unlock my suitcase via a smartphone app
This I like! The case is fully locked without a keyhole and opens via bluetooth connection from your smartphone with the Bluesmart app. A very handy security feature that ensures all your valued travel possessions stay safe. They’ve even thought about what happens if your battery goes flat! There’s a smart looking key card that you can keep in your wallet or purse and open with a quick swipe. I’ve often bought extra mini padlocks and locking devices for suitcases but never found a solution I was that comfortable with using (and not losing my key!) so this security feature appeals to me too.
Where can I get a smart suitcase?
Now that the Indigogo campaign has raised the funds for production the Bluesmart suitcase is now in pre-sales and you can order yours today. Just head to the Bluesmart website here and place your order.
Check out their video too for a good overview of all the features.
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