Cobra Intros Tagging System, Radar Detectors

By Lisa Johnston -- TWICE, 1/5/2011

CES 2011 Las Vegas - Cobra Electronics made several announcements in advance of International CES, held here this week.

Among them was the launch of a Bluetooth tagging system known as PhoneTag, said to link a smartphone to a user or his valuables. Billed as a two-way alarm and loss-prevention device, PhoneTag works by downloading an app to an Android, BlackBerry or iPhone and then attaching the PhoneTag device to the item in need of protection.

 According to Cobra, the software uses GPS to monitor the distance between the phone and tagged items, and will notify the user via email, text message, Facebook or Twitter.

Pricing and availability weren't given.

Cobra also debuted a new line of radar detectors, consisting of five models across two product series.

The Formula S series has three models, and the Formula R series has two. Features for both include advanced new detection circuitry, improved performance and range, enhanced false signal rejection, reduced profiles and a redesigned high-gain radar/laser lens, Cobra said.

The XRS 9370, XRS 9470 and XRS 9570, part of the Formula S series, have pricing that starts at $89.95. They are designed with 14-band detection, city/highway selector, auto mute, LaserEye 360 laser detection and voice alerts.

The Formula R series includes the XRS 9670 and XRS 9770 models and come with 15-band detection, Intellishield Tri-Level City mode, Smart Power, advanced DigiView data display and eight-point compass. Pricing for this line starts at $159.

Both lines will be available in March.