For years, Fi's GPS trackers have relied primarily on LTE networks to transmit a dog's location to its owner. That approach works well in populated areas, but becomes unreliable once an animal wanders beyond cellular coverage. Fi Ultra adds satellite connectivity as another layer, allowing the tracker to maintain communication when conventional networks disappear.
The device automatically switches between Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE, and satellite, selecting the connection that is available while prioritizing lower-power options. Satellite connectivity is used only when other methods cannot provide the necessary link. This makes the system particularly relevant to hunting dogs, working animals, rural pets, and dogs accompanying owners on hikes or other activities far from cell towers.
The biggest trade-off is battery life. Fi Ultra is rated for only several days between charges, significantly shorter than the up-to-three-month battery life of the Fi 3+. Satellite communication requires considerably more power because the tracker must transmit its signal toward an orbiting satellite rather than a nearby cellular tower.
The tracker costs $199, with satellite connectivity requiring an additional $189 annual subscription. That makes Fi Ultra most compelling for owners who genuinely need location tracking beyond cellular coverage, rather than those whose dogs spend most of their time in urban or suburban environments.
Fi Ultra also includes Fi Callback, which allows owners to send sound and vibration cues through the smartphone app to help recall a dog from a distance. The tracker can be mounted on either a collar or harness, extending its usefulness across different types of outdoor activities.
What makes Fi Ultra particularly interesting is the broader trend it represents. Satellite communication technology has gradually moved from specialized equipment used by ships and expedition teams to smartphones and now to wearable devices for pets. The same approach could eventually find applications in livestock tracking, wildlife monitoring, and other small connected devices that need to remain locatable far beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.
According to Yankodesign
