Los Angeles, CA - Although it was reported last year in 2012 that there was a significant decrease in lost luggage, an article by Conde Nast Traveler reported that in 2011 an estimated 26 million checked bags go missing every year. This has made checked luggage a million-dollar business for the airlines and one big hassle for travelers.

The Viennese hardware startup Locca has developed a locating device called the LoccaMini, part of the Locca StuffPack, which assists individuals in tracking down their luggage, for example, as soon as the plane hits the ground. In the case any checked baggage is not at the planes destination, travelers can locate their luggage quickly with this small, easy to operate gadget. Their luggages whereabouts can be detected accurately via a smartphone app through iOS, Android, Windows Phone or the web. This enables consumers to alert the airlines should they not be able to track the luggage, for a variety of reasons including that the bag ID was torn off during travel.

The LoccaMini, which is as short in length as a matchstick, is water- as well as shockproof and can be easily packed into any piece of luggage. Should the bag be stolen or lost, the LoccaMini, tucked away in the smallest of compartments, can alert the traveler before it is discovered. This way whether the luggage contains valuables or everyday keepsakes, travelers can even alert their friends and family to assist in tracking the luggage.

Through the combination of four locating technologies, the LoccaMini is the most reliable system of its kind. Amongst others, the gadget uses AGPS, GSM-cell-triangulation, Bluetooth low energy, and home detection by FSK in addition to sound- and light-positioning. Moreover, every LoccaMini is equipped with a SIM card that allows an unlimited positioning all over the world via a monthly flat rate of $13.62, which covers all costs for the occurring data traffic. After a six-month contract duration, the scale can be paused three times a year, for example, when travel is less frequent. An intelligent energy saving mode triples the battery life of the LoccaMini, which in sleep mode can last for more than 30 days. The LoccaMini then awakens in case its tracking services are needed.

In order to stimulate the gadgets serial production, Locca started an advance sale via the crowd-funding platform Indiegogo (http://igg.me/at/locca). On the portal, users can order the Locca StuffPack, consisting of the LoccaMini, a charger, and three silicon cases, already in advance. Until the third of December, users of the platform can profit from a discount of 30 percent so that the location device can be purchased for $135, with the semiannual dues for the roaming SIM card included. The Locca StuffPack will be delivered by early next year to all customers who have pre-ordered the location device.

About Locca:
Locca is the worlds smallest, lightest and most sophisticated GPS locator with precise in- and out-door locating technologies that allow users to stay in contact with everyone and everything by using a smartphone app, tablet or desktop. Launching first in Germany and Austria, Locca is now available to the US market as its cutting-edge location technology is operational worldwide for international use, combining five superior tracking technologies including FSK, GSM cell triangulation, Bluetooth Low Energy, WiFi, and AGPS.

The two varieties of Locca, the LoccaMini and LoccaPhone, are ideal for tracking the location of small objects and animals and infants and the elderly, respectively, with communication software included with the LoccaPhone. Both come with a pre-installed SIM card, beeper for audio-locating, motion detector, LED flashlight, energy saving mode, as well as waterproof and shockproof housing, as part of five customizable packages.

Locca is in the presale phase and has launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise additional funding. Within a year and a half, Locca has been able to develop the ultimate tracker unifying qualities of modern design, minimal constructive, intuitive handling, extensive battery service life, and a prime tracking technique. For more information, please visit Locca.com.
Peterson, Barbara, The Problem with Airlines and Checked Bagging: On the Case, http://www.cntraveler.com/travel-tips/flying/2012/07/airlines-baggage-luggage-checked-fees-missing-bags 07/01/2012

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