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YC-Backed Bluesmart Raises $2M for Its Self-Tracking Suitcase

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Re: YC-Backed Bluesmart Raises $2M for Its Self-Tracking Suitcase

#5
post #2

Here one of the co-founders. Happy to answer any questions about our company and technology

Few questions. First off, also a Startup Chile alum that was building a service in the travel industry. Congrats on WeHostels.

This technology obviously has use cases outside of tracking luggage, I'm curious if those use cases were included in your YC app and/or if it came up during the interview.

Will the carry on need to be turned off during takeoff and landing?

Do you have an SLA? Like, what if I take it somewhere there isn't cell service?

Are you concerned your luggage will become targeted by criminals expecting valuables?

Re: YC-Backed Bluesmart Raises $2M for Its Self-Tracking Suitcase

#6
post #2

Here one of the co-founders. Happy to answer any questions about our company and technology

Are there recurring costs for 3g/4g connectivity? What's the coverage area?

What is "37 Watts lithium ion battery"? Is it 37 watt-hours?

Could I achieve similar tracking ability to dropping an old Android phone into my suitcase, with a tracking app installed on it? How would this hack fall short compared to your product's tracking feature?

Re: YC-Backed Bluesmart Raises $2M for Its Self-Tracking Suitcase

#8
There are at least a half dozen other suitcase tracking devices. Here's one you can buy right now: http://www.amazon.com/Trakdot-Luggage-Tracker/dp/B00KL3ZA4M

One that connected to Uber might be useful. If your luggage comes in on a different flight, it automatically calls a Uber slave to deliver it to wherever you are.

Re: YC-Backed Bluesmart Raises $2M for Its Self-Tracking Suitcase

#9
post #2

Here one of the co-founders. Happy to answer any questions about our company and technology

Say your luggage is misrouted or mishandled. Does knowing the GPS coordinates actually help? In the end you still need to get the airline / airport to properly process and return the luggage. I somehow don't imagine that there exists a process now to get that information to the right places. Knowing that your luggage is stuck in London when you're in Tokyo doesn't really un-ruin your vacation, so I'm not sure about how that aspect is being marketed.

Re: YC-Backed Bluesmart Raises $2M for Its Self-Tracking Suitcase

#10
post #6
post #2

Here one of the co-founders. Happy to answer any questions about our company and technology

Are there recurring costs for 3g/4g connectivity? What's the coverage area? What is "37 Watts lithium ion battery"? Is it 37 watt-hours? Could I achieve similar tracking ability to dropping an old Android phone into my suitcase, with a tracking app installed on it? How would this hack fall short compared to your product's tracking feature?

Initially there will be no additional cost for the basic level service. We might offer a premium version down the road. Still defining coverage but aiming to have a practical global coverage. The battery's capacity is 10,000 milliamps per hour. Yes, there are many hacks you can do to achieve a similar tracking ability. We want to provide a comprehensive solution in which the location tracking is just a part of it.
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