New high-tech dog tag tracks Fido's movements

(The image above was provided by SNIF Labs.)

Think of it as a wireless leash of sorts, a small device that allows you to monitor your dog's movements while you're at work --- and also gives you a chance to make friends with fellow dog owners.

That's how SNIF Labs of Boston describes its pet accessory called the SNIF Tag.

The SNIF Tag combines wireless sensing and social networking technologies to "give dog owners peace of mind to supervise their dog's activities plus a means to socialize and develop relationships online with like-minded owners," according to a company press release out today.

About a year ago, the Globe featured a story about SNIF Labs beta-testing its product. To read that story, please click here. Today's release notes that the SNIF Tag is now available to consumers for $299, a starter price that also includes a one-year subscription to the company's online monitoring service and social site.

SNIF Labs said of its product in today's release: "The small, stylish and comfortable tag attaches to a dog's collar and records its daily movements and social encounters and then uploads them to the Internet. A secure area of the SNIF website then allows the dog owner to monitor if their dog has had a walk, played and/or napped while they are away from home."

The information recorded by the SNIF Tag is sent wirelessly to the SNIF base station and then uploaded to the SNIF website where users can securely log in and access the data, said the firm, which also noted that it was founded in 2005 by four MIT Media Lab graduates.

Please click here to read the SNIF Labs press release.

The press release also said, "The Tag allows users to make new friends, expand their social networks, and stay connected with other SNIF Tag owners."

The theme of making new friends is developed further on the company's website. (The photo at right was taken from that website.)

Some text on the website says: "Having your best friend at your side is a great way to meet new people, and the SNIF Tag makes it even easier. By recording encounters with other SNIF dogs, your SNIF Tag becomes more than a pet monitoring device-- it's a tool for social networking that expands your circle of friends every time you take your pup for a walk. The SNIF Tag makes building new friendships safe and easy, whether in the park, at the dog run, or just out and about."
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)