Pod 3 Customizable GPS Tracker

Tracker battery doesn’t last more than 48 hours now with every option turned off. No safe zone
No activity tracker
No adventure tracking Guess they got us good this time with the promised modules.

The author of this comment has been deleted.

Company always to subscribers absent, total lack of seriousness and professionalism, no response, or reactions after several weeks whether it is here or on the different channels of contact For months waiting for additional modules and or refund planned as announced and it is not so.
Future buyers are running away. Former buyers .... crying.

I have just moved and I need to update my address.

Hello. After 3 months of use, I am strongly disappointed with the product which in the end allowed me only once to find my pet thanks to him on the 4 times that I really needed (situation or he it was escaped in a public place) However, I still have use in different conditions, but this device and the system are not at all accurate, functional at all times and therefore not reliable at all.
That's why I would not renew my subscription, and a hail I was notified by email today (3 emails actually) THE day of the end of the subscription so we find ourselves in a situation of no return or forcing for pay again without any delay as announced (1 month in advance normally and I check emails from you) I see again (and far too late) that even if we want to keep and eventually activate a monthly subscription (very expensive) in a few months to the holiday period for example that is not possible either and ditto it complicates the thing to resell it having a rather short period, since the SIM card (locked inside will be removed from the operators) We end up with a blocked device.
So you keep a product completely unusable and in the case where you try to sell it used, again and when you read everything is done to avoid this situation yet logical and legitimate when you have the respect of the customer. However, I have read correctly the explanations of use exchanged with your support service, but to listen to you there is always a valid reason of "misuse and / or conditions on the part of the customer" due also to the complexity of the various means. connection that makes the location too often complicated or inaccessible of an animal yet in motion.
So of course I want to cancel the order of plugins that anyway will never exist or too late.

Hi guys, I've been unable to use my Pod for around two weeks now. It gives me a solid red light which means theres a cell reception problem. I've been in contact with Wren at support@podtrackers.com but she hasn't responded because she herself is yet to hear from Vodafone who are the SIM providers. I'm traveling soon and would really appreciate a quick resolution to this issue. Thanks

This must have been one of the more frustrating kickstarter product launches ever. I am not complaining about lifetime subscription, as I received (6 month later then promised) the Pod3 more or less as advertised. It's pretty useless for cats as it simply refuses to do GPS positioning if it latches to WiFi and WiFi location accuracy is like 'your cat is somewhere there in the vicinity. Good luck finding him!' My cat has to wear both Pod 3 as well as Loc8tor, as they work best in tandem - Pod 3 for vicinity location and Loc8tor for the triangulating position once in that vicinity.
I will be cancelling my modules order as I suspect this product would be already at the end of it's lifetime by the time we receive them.

@Pod Trackers - I figured as much. I did email about it a while ago and was told it would be sent but I've not heard anything or received anything. Confirmed that the address is correct. Anyway I've emailed your support department as requested. Hopefully hear back soon. Thanks

@Shane - all backers should have gotten Pods months ago. We want you to have yours so please email support@podtrackers.com with your details and we'll find out what happened. Thanks!

I unfortunately have not received my Pod yet. Is it possible to get a shipping update?

@ali - if you haven't already, could you kindly get in touch with our support team regarding both of your questions? The first one is not something we've seen with the Pod 3 so we'd like to investigate further. Your second point is a good one and we'd like to find out more of what you're looking for.

I've had my Pod for quite a few months now. I'm noticing that the lower half of the unit (the longer bit to which you attach the battery) is on the verge of splitting open. I'm not sure how it happened but I'm concerned. Secondly, a few months ago I tried to locate my cat using WiFi and Bluetooth together. Zone Alerts were off. So it showed my cat nearby but I had real difficulty because he was in the driveway under my car. My concern here is despite being outside where the sky is accessible and signals ought to be strong, it wasn't. Could you guys work on a proximity level like the Loc8tor? And maybe a Street View sort of thing because I don't have any sound module either

@James - I've replied to you in the "Updates" channel but will reply here too for the benefit of other readers with the same question. Modules were $20 each on Kickstarter so you'll be refunded $20 if you purchased one module. You have a 30-day money back guarantee with your Pod and you should have had it now for longer than 30 days. Having said that, you are not eligible for a full refund on your Pod unit. The offer we're giving on the website is just a promotional offer like most retailers will do from time to time. As you had a discount on your unit as part of this Kickstarter campaign, you are not eligible for both offers and will need to pay for your subscription if you'd like to use your Pod unit. @John - thanks for your question and I'm sure others are also wondering. The refund offer is on your modules only and not the Pod unit, as the Pods were delivered and are being used. The 30 day period for a refund has passed. In terms of a killer deal offer, we've tried to make it clear that these units were already offered at a deep discount and the uncertainty around delivery is, unfortunately, part of how Kickstarter works. We all take a leap of faith together in an effort to try and create something amazing with the funds that we were able to raise. We're being really transparent with the situation we're in and you have the choice to accept a refund on your money for the part of the campaign we weren't able to deliver on, or stick it out with us until we're able to get the units to you. Thanks and we hope you decide to hang in there with us so you're able to experience the benefits the modules will offer and see the project to completion with us! Thanks!

I popped on to post something very similar to James, below. I'd appreciate clarity on what "refund" actually means for backers, even/incl. down to do you want the units returning/are you going to disable them so they can be disposed of locally - or what, exactly? Appreciated, thanks. BTW, as others infer, perhaps some "killer deal" from Pod might be more welcomed, and cement loyalty, as opposed to "refund". I confess to being rather annoyed about this particular campaign, whilst understanding the reasons. I'd like to stay, but there's also a part of me saying "write it down to experience, take the money and go" Hope I've made that as clear (and dispassionate) as I hoped to? Thanks.

How does the Module refund work, how much money would I get back. I pledged $119 for 1x Pod + 1x Module (XL Battery) I've not even opened my POD 3 yet as been waiting for the bigger battery. However I notice on your own website you're selling the Pod 3 with a Free Lifetime Subscription! for only £119.00 Will us backers get a Free Lifetime Subscription? If not can I get a full refund on my unopened POD 3 Tracker for $119 where I have to pay for monthly Subscriptions, and buy the £119.00 Pod 3 Tracker with Free Lifetime Subscription?

Hi All, This is not a scam. As many of you know you have received your units and due to the demand on the Pod 3 production the modules have been postponed (not cancelled). In reference to comments made by 'me' - no ex employee has said this and if they had it would be a likely indication as to why they are an ex employee. We will be releasing further communication about the modules this week. With reference to the comment from Chris - all retailers and brands have holiday promotions, the kickstarter backers got theirs first at a discounted rate at the time. So not sure why you've latched onto the term scam as well.

This has got to be a scam end of day. This now retails for $129 on amazon with a lifetime subscription. Unlike us suckers on kickstarter with a 3 month subscription.

Honestly, I defended the team when there were delays for the actual pod but here we are really missing a clear information.
On the podtrackers website, the modules page does not mention all the modules anymore. I bought the pod 3 a little less than one year ago especially for the modules, I received the pod 6 month ago. I haven't powered it on since the sound module is a key feature for me. Please give us some information.

Can someone explain to me and the rest of us uneducated masses why it is taking so much time to make these modules. I'm going to list what it seems like needs to be done for each. Sound: it seems like a speaker needs to be integrated into the battery. So the DC battery needs to be wired into a speaker module. Ultrasonic: see above Light: it seems like a light needs to be integrated into the battery. So the DC battery needs to be wired into a light control module. PowerDock: this is a DC to DC converter and should be very easy to get out to people. XL Battery: it's a bigger battery. How hard is that?

Could you please take your precious time and explain to us the situation with modules? The delays with original Pod 3 shipment were at least understandable and you kept us in the loop on the updates, but I have not seen so far any credible piece of information regarding what is going on with the rest of our pledge.
You took the money, so you should be accountable for where did they go and when backers can expect some sort of conclusion to this long saga.
It is very strange to say the least to see this little amount of information being distributed and hear reports on your 'sales events'.
Merry Christmas!

Hi, Is there anymore news about the modules? Can we expect to ever receive them?
If they will remain delayed or cancelled, I think you should at the very least offer the lifetime subscription to your Kickstarter backers. I have been a customer of yours since the Pod 2, but I can't help but feel dismay when your offering lifetime subscriptions to people who buy pods on Black Friday/Cyber Monday while us Kickstarter backers are still waiting on modules.

I love the pod and it has been working really well. I have now located my dog twice when she has gone exploring around our 26 acres. I even got a notification when she was swimming across the dam. When my husband takes her walking I can see where they are. I have used a few GPS modules to track my dog. This is by far the best one I have used and I look forward to receiving the modules.

whats lifetime subscription?. does it mean we never have to pay any annual fees?

I got an email offering a free lifetime subscription when purchasing the pod 3. Does that apply to us?

Hi Jim, John, Erik & all our wonderful supporters. I agree that Jim's comments are very fair and valid. As a team we have all worked extremely hard to overcome the delays and manage expectations within the limitations of confidentiality. There are many occasions where we'd love to post updates to explain delays or relay news to our backers, but sadly (I suspect this is likely of other campaigns too) there are occasions where contractual obligations or propriety information restrict what can be disclosed, which leaves us very limited. I appreciate this can be and often is frustrating and can only hope that you all understand. I assure you that we have posted as often as we could and have done our best to be transparent as possible within the confines of the of said agreements, privacy & propriety restrictions.

I think that's very fair comment Jim.

I have found my pod to be working very well (thanks!), but as a (too) frequent KS backer, can I make a couple of suggestions? Please put out official updates from time to time to explain what is going on with the project to your backers. As you say, we helped create this product, so we would appreciate being kept up to date on it, good or bad. Using the comment section doesn't get the word out like an update would (i like the automated emails I get from updates). And with regard to updates, please provide details of the issues you are having, not just "delayed until further notice due to unforeseen issues". That is not a satisfactory answer. I'm sure you would not be satisfied with that if you were waiting on a delivery for a long time. Remember, we're on your side; we want this product to be great and I think it is. But we really would like the modules to make it complete, and we'd like transparency in our project.

Hi all, Modules are delayed until further notice, at which point we'll actively come here to inform you of any changes. We thank you for your patience and support in the meantime. @david lattal - we appreciate your enthusiasm for the modules, however, you've backed a Kickstarter project and your threats of legal action are likely invalid (though we're not lawyers so it's hard to say for sure!). Of course, that is not the point but we just thought we'd let you know. While we are doing everything in our power to fulfill all orders (and we will!), you've backed a Kickstarter project and there is potential for issues to arise. Kickstarter is not a store. When you backed this project, you agreed to the Terms and Conditions of Kickstarter. Furthermore, there is a paragraph next to where you made your pledge that reads as follows: "Kickstarter is not a store. It's a way to bring creative projects to life. Kickstarter does not guarantee projects or investigate a creator's ability to complete their project. It is the responsibility of the project creator to complete their project as promised, and the claims of this project are theirs alone." Having said that, we have every intention of fulfilling orders for modules (all Pods should have already been delivered), it is just taking longer than we thought due to unforeseen issues. We're a legitimate business and hope you see what value you and the other backers have brought to the creation of this amazing new product. That is what Kickstarter is all about!!!

@Jason - my support team informed me that they've reached out to you a number of times, as you hadn't provided us with your address. It sounds like they have it now and you should receive your Pod as soon as we get another wave of stock. I believe this has been communicated to you via our Support chat : ) @Andrei - Our team is always working on new features in the background which can lead to Firmware and app updates. The Pod is currently stable and out of beta which means updates will only be pushed if issues are identified or if there are feature enhancements. This is not a "dead end" - quite the opposite : ) The Pod 3 product is complete! We just need to get modules out to folks who pledged for them. If you have any other concerns or questions, I'd encourage you to reach out to our support team - support@podtrackers.com - as they have the latest news on shipments, modules and any issues with the Pod. On a happier note, we hope those of you who have their Pods are enjoying them! We haven't had much feedback here but we do believe they are working well and have had positive feedback elsewhere. Thanks again for your support! The Pod Team

Any news about the modules ? It takes to much time and the lack responses from the creator is not a good sign at all. Also I see no other improvements for the pods firmware and mobile app. Is this an dead end ?

I still don’t have my tracker nor my extra pods. I’ve emailed customer support a total of five times and have not gotten a response. I’m starting to get worried. I’m backer #490. I would think I would at least have my tracker (USA customer)

when are modules being shipped as you charged extra for this perks ,you advertised this perk if a specific goal was reached and it was.As far as many of us are concerned this is a breach of contract and several consumer attorneys are willing to file a class action.

What news on the modules as my unit is still not activated as its purpose was as a vehicle tracker, and without the USB module it has no use for me.

I just received email from apartment office..
Hello Irmantas, We have been having a problem with your cat scaring people and their pets. He has jumped at people's
screens, ran from the bushes at night and going on people's patios. Please take care of this situation as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter!

Hi, I’m disappointed to learn of the undefined delay on the modules. Having lost two previous PODs and another companies GPS collar, I was very reluctant to try again only for our cats to lose yet more. It’s not like they’re cheap and cheerful. My argument at the time was, what chance have I of finding my cats, if I can’t find the collars. The problem is, in an area with lots of trees and vegetation, getting to within say a rough 20 - 30 meters is no good, not when the collar could be buried in undergrowth, tucked behind fences or 25ft up a tree. The sound emitter gives me at least a fighting chance. As it stands the PODs are still boxed as I don’t want to take a chance. Please keep us posted.

I realize the modules are delayed till further notice but I wanted to see if the solar powered stretch goal was included in that since the project passed the $150,000 goal.

Any news on the modules... Really want to module to plug Pod into USB

I still haven't received my pod tracker... can I just get my money back instead?

@John - That's great to hear it wasn't your usual home so it is okay to use on a daily basis. I just wanted to be transparent with you about the importance of cell and how it will affect your experience : ) In regards to the GPS working better on the top of a harness - this is absolutely true. We definitely recommend using a harness when possible. The team has been working toward a specialised collar that will hold the unit in a better place on an animal's neck but are focusing on other high-priority things like modules at th moment. Watch this space : ) @Dmitriy - If you find an issue like the battery draining rapidly, it's important to report it to support so we can act quickly. If you did so, thanks! Unfortunately, this FW update was tested heavily but the battery issue wasn't picked up until it was already pushed to production. As I mentioned in my previous comment, most changes are to the back end of the system and posting these changes would generally confuse the mass majority of users. Going backwards to a different Firmware version is also not a favorable option, as we would prefer to move forward and implement a fix instead. As you can see from the comments on this forum (and many you can't see in our support inbox), new features are requested all of the time. If we want to continue to push forward and introduce new features or upgrade current features, pushing new versions of the app or FW will need to continue. The unfortunate side effect is the occasional bug that will be introduced, though we try and test to avoid this happening. You'll see a dramatic decrease in FW and App updates in the coming weeks, as there are just a few more things we want to get in there and then will just be doing maintenence. If you'd like to receive release notes for these version updates, I may add you to our Beta testing program as these are all discussed there. Please let me know if you're interested. If so, please email support@podtrackers.com with your email address and whether you're on the Android or iOS operating system. Thanks!

@PodTrackers,
The last firmware update caused my batteries to discharge at rapid rate (~2% per hour). This is with all features turned off in the app. This is why I need to understand what updates contain and is there a way to restore previous (stable) firmware.
Of course, as I write this, there is another update already waiting on the app.
I'm all for improved functionality and bug squishing, but stability should be a prerogative.

@Creator
It's a very localised issue I was having, so no need to return - we were in a holiday cottage with zero cell reception last week, and indoor reception at our house is also poor, so the update wouldn't work.
Whilst outside and walking the dogs I get good reception, so I initiated the firmware update then, and it was successful.
I will see if this cures the issue with one battery.
Since I've mounted the Pod on a harness so it maintains a view of the sky all has been much better - but I think my experience likely highlights an innate issue with these products in general, in that their weight causes them to swing under the dog's neck, where they are shielded - care to comment?

@Simon - we'll provide updates on Modules as we have it. At the moment, they're delayed until further notice. @Dmitriy - generally the updates we push are small bug fixes or for background functionality. If there are any major customer-facing changes we'll send out an email highlighting what those are. @John - all of the symptoms you're describing point to very low cell reception. Cell reception is critical to the functionality of the product and without it you will likely have a poor user experience. You may want to ask a support rep to look at your backend logs to investigate your cell reception. If it is too poor it may be in your best interest to return the product, as relying on a product that won't work in all senarios might prove to be frustrating to you. @Gabriel - please contact support@podtrackers.com

It's been a while and I haven't reveived, any shipment information. Who can I reach out to see what is going on?

@Dmitriy Thanks for your comments re battery life. I have nothing switched on to cause the drain, so in the interim I had contacted support, since I had established it was only 1 battery that had the issue and was showing a solid red light also. I am advised that the red light may be the cause of the rapid drain and that the Firmware upgrade may fix it. Trouble is, I can't get the firmware upgrade to work now... Have been advised to find a very strong cell site and be patient as it doesn't always work first (or more) time.

Hi,
there were two firmware changes to my Pod in the last few weeks. Do you publish a log of changes that I can review before installing new firmware? It would be nice if you would put a link to the changelog right into a message in Pod App, similar to how Apple provides link to new iOS revision changes.