After several months of waiting for AirTags, this product finally became a reality during yesterday’s keynote. A keynote in which we also saw the launch of the new iMac in seven colors and the iPad Pro. There are many new AirTag features that weren’t even mentioned in the presentation.Let’s see all its details.
Battery life
One of the most important questions regarding these new accessories is the battery life, will they need to be recharged very often? Well it turns out not. The AirTags are powered by a CR2032 type battery which, according to Apple, offers “more than a year of duration”.
Changing the battery of the device is also very simple, just press the back cover, turn it slightly and now we can access the battery compartment to replace it.
Waterproof
Another important point is the water resistance of these small devices. Apple claims AirTags have IP67 resistance. This means that they could submerge up to one meter for 30 minutes and come out of the experience unscathed.
In this area, it should be borne in mind that, as Apple indicates in the explanation of the product, this resistance is not a permanent condition and may decrease with time and normal use of the device. Either way, we also know that Apple is generally extremely conservative with the resilience of its devices.
Apple Accessories
In addition to the AirTag, Apple introduced a series of accessories to make these small devices fit any keychain, suitcase, etc. On the one hand, we find the AirTag strap, in polyurethane and available in white, dark navy, sunflower and electric orange. An accessory that can be bought from Apple for 35 dollars.
On the other hand, we find the leather straps for the AirTag, available in caramel brown and in product (RED) for 45 dollars. Moving on to keychains Apple offers us the leather key ring for AirTag. At a price of 39 dollars this accessory is available in Baltic blue, caramel brown and product (RED).
Third party accessories
Along with these options we find various Hermès accessories, from bag charm to key ring to luggage. Some accessories that vary between 299 dollars and 449 dollars. All available in different colors on Apple’s website.
Belkin also offers accessories for AirTags, in this case we find a protector with strap only for 13.95 dollars it is available in white, black, blue and pink. Again for 13.95 dollars and with the same four optional colors we find the keychain variant.
Precision localization
Beyond being able to locate our AirTags on a map, these small devices, thanks to the U1 chip, offer us a precision localization where the iPhone combines the signal of the AirTag, accelerometers, cameras and other sensors to guide us precisely to the desired object.
To take advantage of this precision, we need an iPhone that has U1 chip, i.e. iPhone 11 or iPhone 12. Thanks to the two chips, the system gives us a very visual indication of the direction to follow, including haptic and audible feedback to help us easily locate the AirTag.
confidentiality
As with all of its products, Apple prioritizes privacy throughout the product design and conception process. AirTags therefore benefit maximum protection of our privacy.
The Bluetooth signal identifiers transmitted by the AirTag are frequently rotated to prevent unwanted location tracking. IOS devices can also detect an AirTag that is not with its owner and notify the user if an unknown AirTag is seen traveling with it from one location to another over time.
And even if users don’t have an iOS device, an AirTag that is separated from its owner for an extended period of time will play a sound when moved to draw attention to it. If a user detects an unknown AirTag, they can touch it with their iPhone or an NFC-enabled device and the instructions will guide them to turn off the unknown AirTag.
Findings by third parties
AirTags have an NFC chip capable of communicating information. The idea is that if a person finds a lost item and it contains an AirTag, the contact information can be read by any iPhone or Android as long as the device is in lost mode.
Touch and hold the top of your NFC-enabled iPhone or smartphone on the white side of the AirTag. Tap the notification that appears. A website will open and provide information about the AirTag, including its serial number.
If the owner has marked it as lost, you may see a message with information on how to contact the owner. You can contact the owner to let them know that you have found your AirTag. You can view a lost mode message on any NFC-enabled smartphone, such as an iPhone or Android phone.
It is clear that AirTags are a round product in many ways. Labels with impressive battery life allow us to precisely locate any lost item. Do it knowing our privacy is safe and do it in style with accessories already available and coming soon.
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