Apple AirTag (airtagged) tracker – how it works, how track to find airtags.
On April 20, 2021, Apple held a presentation of its updated gadgets. In addition to the new iMac and iPad Pro, the company introduced AirTag – a Bluetooth beacon for tracking the location of things. CNBC spoke about what distinguishes this gadget from other similar developments and why none of them can compete with AirTag. If an AirTag that’s separated from its owner is seen moving with you over time, or if your iPhone is awake and an AirTag that isn’t with its owner for a period of time emits a sound to indicate that it has moved, this alert is displayed: AirTag Found Moving With You.
Apple AirTags are designed to frequently change their unique Bluetooth identifiers, and the Find My network, which makes it possible for users to track AirTags miles beyond Bluetooth range, features end-to-end encryption. Apple’s tracker is meant to help you find frequently lost items — not people.
What is AirTag (airtagged)?
The AirTag is a beacon that tracks the location of things using Bluetooth. It can be used to find your keys, your wallet, your suitcase and even your runaway pet. For convenience, the company provided several types of keychains, pendant on the bag, travel and luggage tags, in which you can integrate the beacon. The tag itself is about the size of a coin, and the material is polished stainless steel with high strength.
The location of items on which the AirTag is located is displayed in Apple’s Locator app. The user can plot a path to things and press a key to make the AirTag beep. In addition, the device is moisture-proof, and one battery will last up to a year of stable operation, the company promises. AirTag runs on a CR2032 battery, which in Ukraine can be found at a price of $1. If necessary, the user will be able to buy and change it themselves.
The cost of AirTag in the U.S. is $29 apiece, and a set of four devices will cost $99.
Features of AirTag
The most important distinguishing feature of AirTag is not the technology inside the $29 stainless steel gadget, it’s the network of other Apple devices. AirTag doesn’t use a GPS signal to find items, which drains the battery quickly and raises privacy questions. Instead, the tag sends encrypted signals over Bluetooth that are “caught” by Apple-connected gadgets. Thus, the more Apple devices near the AirTag, the clearer the signal and the faster the user can locate his or her item.
At the same time, if the AirTag is lost in the desert when there are no Apple gadgets in Bluetooth range, it won’t be able to send a signal or share its geolocation with the user.
“Using Bluetooth and the hundreds of millions of iOS, iPadOS and macOS devices in active use around the world, a user can find a missing device even if it can’t connect to Wi-Fi or a cellular network,” Apple explains.
That is, any Apple gadget that has the “Share Geo-Position” option activated can work as a search device. By the way, in 2021, the network of iPhones and Macs has almost a billion gadgets. It is this fact that defines AirTag’s competitive advantage, as no other brand can boast a global coverage system.
According to Gene Munster, founder of Loup Ventures, AirTag is an example of how Apple is using its ecosystem to create a more compelling product than those already on the market. In particular, it offers effective navigation and detection capabilities, which is what can be used to find lost items.
The Global Network
Apple describes Locator as a “vast global network.” In April 2021, the company revamped the service and launched the Locator Network. Its part is the made for iPhone (MFi) application, thanks to which, a third-party gadget developer will be able to connect his product to Apple’s network. Thus, Apple plans to significantly increase the number of devices connected to the company’s network, which will help find lost gadgets and items with AirTag even faster.
As CNBC notes, Samsung and other major device manufacturers do not control the operating system, although gadgets of these companies are also used by billions of people. This makes it difficult to implement features like Find My. Using its advantages and developing devices like AirTag, Apple is most likely trying to dissuade its customers from possibly switching to the Android operating system. CNBC believes that tag sales are unlikely to be a major source of revenue.
Find My network accessory program
The Find My Network Accessory Program is a great program that can help you locate lost or stolen accessories like your laptop, phone, router, etc. It works by connecting your accessories to the same network and then tracking their location using GPS. This is a great way to recover any items that may have been misplaced or stolen as it allows you to pinpoint their exact whereabouts. The program also allows you to easily manage all of your connected accessories in one place so you can keep track of them at all times. Additionally, the program is free and easy to use so anyone can take advantage of its benefits. All in all, this is a great program that makes it easier than ever before to find and keep track of your connected devices.
Privacy
Apple notes that the service “Locator” is protected from possible leaks of user data. According to the company’s statement, information about the location of the devices remains confidential, Apple does not store the search history and other possible data about the location. The company creates and uses decentralized systems that are designed so that the data is processed on the device itself and not on servers to which the company has access.
What the competition thinks
One of the most famous companies that creates trackers to find things is Tile. Like AirTag, Tile trackers do not use GPS. Instead, they rely on a network of other Tile devices that communicate with each other via Bluetooth. Since the company was founded in 2012, Tile has sold more than 35 million devices, not counting the products of more than 30 partners in which the technology was originally built in. Tile’s tag network spans 195 countries.
Unlike AirTag, which can be activated with a keystroke on an Apple device, to use Tile you’ll need to install a separate app. At the same time, Tile has many advantages: the tag is available in several colors and sizes, works with both iOS and Android gadgets, and has a button that can be used to call the phone if the user can’t find it.
Unwanted tracking, tracked by an apple airtag
Unwanted tracking has become a growing concern in recent times, and an Apple AirTag can be used to track someone without their knowledge. The AirTag is a small device that uses Bluetooth technology to pinpoint the location of a person or object. It is a powerful and convenient tool for tracking, but it can also be used maliciously if it falls into the wrong hands. An individual could use an AirTag to follow someone without their consent, making them feel unsafe and vulnerable. The device could also be used to keep tabs on a partner or family members whereabouts without their knowledge or permission. Furthermore, if an AirTag is left lying around, it could also be picked up by someone else and used for nefarious purposes. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with this technology and take steps to protect yourself from unwanted tracking.
How do I know if an AirTag is tracking me on Android?
If you suspect there’s an airtag is tracking you on Android, there are certain tell-tale signs to look out for. Firstly, if you notice a strange Bluetooth connection or a constant beeping sound coming from your device, it could be an indicator that an AppleTag is nearby. Additionally, if you have recently installed any new apps on your device, they may be designed to track your location through the use of AirTags. If this is the case, you can look at the permissions of those apps to determine whether they have access to Bluetooth features. Lastly, if you have recently been in contact with someone who owns an iPhone or other Apple device, they may have used their AirTag to keep tabs on your whereabouts. If in doubt, it’s always best to ask them directly about their intentions. If you have an Android phone, you can also check for unknown AirTags moving with you using the
Can you use an AirTag find your phone?
Yes, you can use an AirTag to find your phone. An AirTag is a small device that uses Apple’s Find My network to help you locate your lost or misplaced items. It works by connecting to the internet via Bluetooth and transmitting a signal to the Find My network. You can then use the Find My app on your iPhone or other Apple devices to track down your item. The AppleAirTag itself is battery powered and can be attached to anything like a keychain, purse, or backpack. Once connected, the app will let you know when you’re close enough to locate your item. Additionally, if someone else finds your item, they can also use their device with the Find My network to notify you of its location. The AirTag is a great way to keep track of important items and make sure they don’t get lost!
How do I stop an AirTag from tracking me?
To stop an Air Tag from tracking you, the first thing you should do is disable Bluetooth on your device. This will prevent the AirTagapple from connecting to your device and sending any data. You can also use a Faraday bag or pouch to block the RFID signal of the AirTag. This will effectively prevent it from sending or receiving any information. Additionally, you can remove the battery from the AirTag itself, which will disable its tracking capabilities completely. Finally, if you are concerned about someone else using an iTag to track you, you can always contact your local law enforcement for further advice on how to protect yourself and your privacy.
What is an AirTag’s battery life? How long do AirTags last?
AirTags are small Bluetooth tracking devices designed to help users keep track of their items. They come with a replaceable battery that can last up to one year. This means that, depending on how often you use it, an AirTag can last for quite a while. The battery life is dependent on how often the AirTag is used and how many times it’s activated each day. For example, if the AirTag is used daily and activated every few hours, its battery life would be shorter than if it was only used once a week and activated once a month. To maximize your AirTag’s battery life, it’s important to remember to turn off the device when not in use or when not needed. Additionally, keeping the device away from heat sources like direct sunlight will also help extend its lifespan. With proper care and usage, an AirTag should last you up to a year before needing to be replaced.
What is the range of an AirTag?
An AirTag is a small tracking device that can be attached to items such as keys, wallets, bags and other objects so they can be located using an iPhone or iPad. The range of an AirTag depends on several factors – the size of the object it is attached to, the environment in which it is being used (open space or enclosed space), and the type of device it is connected to. Generally speaking, AirTags have a range of up to 50 feet when connected to an iPhone or iPad. This range can vary depending on the environment and whether Bluetooth or Ultra Wideband technology is being used. Additionally, if multiple AirTags are used in one area, their ranges may overlap depending on their distances from each other. All in all, AirTags offer a great way for users to keep track of their belongings through a reliable and secure connection.
On May 4, 2021, Tile CEO C.J. Prober, during an interview with Bloomberg, a respected publication, accused Apple of trying to monopolize the Bluetooth tag market. According to him, Apple put Tile at a disadvantage with the release of AirTag and recent changes in iOS, which also affected the principles of interaction with Tile trackers.
In his statement, Prober recalled 2019, when Apple launched the Locator app and said the company “made a number of changes.” These were the ones that caused difficulties for Tile users who wanted to use the trackers on iOS. Specifically, Tile devices were not able to access the Locator Network.
“Apple doesn’t need to use a monopoly position and provide benefits that only they can enjoy. They can make those benefits available to all companies so that we can compete on the same level,” commented the head of Tile.
At the same time, C.J. Prober indicated that he is not worried about the long-term future of his company. According to him, Tile is positioning itself as a cross-platform product, which is a good advantage.
Notably, Tile works with Epic Games and Spotify as part of the Coalition for App Fairness and testified against Apple in a legal dispute with Epic Games.
