Apple’s latest device, the AirTag, is one device that I have anticipated to see and use. Apple has finally made it official, and like every device, it has its pros and cons. If you constantly lose your keys, phone, wallets etc., the AirTag is an invaluable device that saves you from stress.
The AirTag will emit an electronic sound when you cannot find an item that you tagged. It goes a step better if you pair it with an iPhone 11 upwards, as it will give you an accurate direction to where the item is through the Find My app. The feature is called Precision Finding. It uses the iPhone’s camera, gyroscope, and accelerometer to give you an on-screen direction, tell you how far you are from the AirTag, and haptic feedback as you move closer to the location.
You can also use the Find My device feature and network to help you find a lost AirTag. All you have to do is set the AirTag into the Lost mode; if a device passes beside the AirTag, you will update the AirTag location. You can also set a number to a misplaced AirTag, so that if anyone finds it, they can call you by getting the number through their iPhone or any NFC-enabled device.
Privacy
The AirTag’s privacy was also well-thought-out by Apple, as they have a setup to prevent the misuse of the device. With the privacy setup, another person cannot activate your AirTag. Your device will identify if you are travelling with an unknown AirTag, updating you that the AirTag owner sees your location. The AirTag will also play a sound to alert that you are not the owner if you separate it from the owner for too long and the location is changing.
If you borrow someone an item attached to your AirTag, and they keep getting the lost AirTag alert, they can pause the alert for as long as they want if the AirTag’s Apple registration ID is part of the family sharing collection.
The AirTag has a disc shape and can easily fit into your bag or wallet, but you will have to get a key loop or fob if you want to attach your keys.
The AirTag Price
Apple set the price at $29 for one AirTag, but you can buy a pack containing four AirTags for $99. To attach your AirTags to items like the key, you will need to purchase the optional key loop or fob, which comes in either leather or silicone, for a $29 starting price.
Belkin, a third-party brand, produces some licensed AirTag holders that cost lesser and you get them at Apple’s stores.
The AirTag Design
The AirTag is very compact, measuring 1.26 by 1.26 by 0.31 inches with an 11g weight. The disc is made of stainless steel, but it has a removable plastic cover that secures the battery of the AirTag. There is a speaker that releases a sound when the AirTag is lost. As stated earlier, there is no tag or clip except you purchase it as an extra. However, you can slip the AirTag into your pocket, wallet, or bag with ease.
The AirTag Performance
The AirTag is extremely easy to set up. After removing the packaging, the AirTag gives out a short sound, and the iPhone will recognize it immediately. It is easy to give the AirTag a name, which you will assign to your Apple ID, and it will show up on the items tab.
On the Find My app feature, the AirTag will be listed as one of the items, and it brings several options when you tap on it. The Play Sound is one of the options, and it only takes some seconds for Find My and the AirTag to connect.
Battery Life
The AirTag has a CR2032 battery. According to Apple, it will last over a year before you need to replace it. The time estimation is based on the premise that you cause the AirTag to give a sound alert four times per day, using the Precision Finding feature once every day.
Final Verdict
The AirTag offers more security for your devices, reducing the risk of misplacing them carelessly. It also saves you from stress and time, especially when you urgently need your device, but it is in one corner on your cushion. The clear direction it offers to the device and its personalization are the hallmarks of the AirTag.
