Yesterday’s keynote marked the start of new chapters in Apple’s history. Many others that had been open for a long time have also been closed. One of them is the official launch of Apple AirTags, The Big Apple object locator we’ve been carrying for over a year. Finally, we already know all the news of this small product that will allow us to keep localized everything we want using the search ecosystem network and Apple devices. Below we analyze all the characteristics of this small accessory which is intended to be a success.
An open secret finally revealed: the characteristics
With AirTag, you can easily find out where your belongings are. Put one in the keys and another in the backpack and you’ll find them in the Search app, the same one you use to find your friends and Apple devices. It’s a find, don’t miss it.
When we say it was a secret with voices It was that the rumors had been alive since March 2020, when we were in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic. They were also expected during the last keynote of last year and for reasons we still don’t know, Apple pulled the launch of this little product from the planning. Finally, and after a long wait, we already have with us AirTags.
This little device, not much bigger than a 2 euro coin, should be the locator of any object or element that we imagine. In fact, it is up to the manufacturers to develop accessories or elements to embed the AirTag to locate it. Its small size and versatility allow it to be placed in a large number of places with one clear goal: real-time location.
Apple AirTags contain a standard battery that they say will last over a year with the use of four sounds and precision search per day. This data using beta software and current devices. It is likely that the battery can be further optimized in the future with Apple’s next systems update.
In addition, the device It has IP67 certified water and dust resistance. On the other hand, it incorporates a speaker which allows the reproduction of sounds to help the user find it more easily audibly. The rear part can be disassembled to change the standard battery that it integrates as we have commented previously.
AirTags are compatible with Apple’s search network
AirTags are configured using an iOS or iPadOS device and can be configure with a certain element. In other words, we can give each of these little accessories a personalized name. For example: “Angel Keys” or “Car Keys”. This way, Siri can help us find each of these items without having to go into the Search app.
Have you lost your wallet? The world does not end. Each AirTag has a built-in speaker and you can ring it to locate it. Just open the new Items tab in the Search app or say “Hey Siri, where’s my wallet?” If it’s fallen close, like under the sofa, or in the next room, you just need to follow the sound.
One of the advantages of AirTags is be able to integrate into the ecosystem and the research application. This is something Apple had already anticipated with iOS 14.5 and the modification of the Search application to add other compatible products from the network. It works in a simple way: All devices compatible with the search network (iPad, iPod Touch, Mac, iPhone, etc.) generate a network capable of sending data via Bluetooth and from there to iCloud. This way an AirTag that we left on the beach can send signals to nearby iPhones and those iPhones send the information to iCloud and from there to your iPhone for the purpose of to be able to find lost items using the large network of Apple devices spread around the world.
Associated article:
Apple’s Find Network Now Supports Third-Party Accessories
From Cupertino, they assure that this connection is made in encrypted form maintain the confidentiality of all items. All data is anonymous and encrypted. In addition, the process is ultra efficient so that the devices do not consume battery or consume excess data which allows a change of trend for the user.
Testing water with devices: the importance of the U1 chip
the U1 chip It first appeared in the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro, it is an Ultra Wide Band chip that allows spatial detection. Thanks to short-range radio pulses, it allows precise chip location thanks to a technology based on the latency of the sending, the reception and the strength of the transmitted signals.
Since then, the iPhone 12 and the latest Apple Watch have also integrated this U1 chip. And this is the key to AirTags and the Apple Search network. Because? Because each AirTag has a U1 chip inside that allows interaction with the iPhone 11 and 12 (in all its models) to exchange information for allow the precise location of the device. In addition, Apple has integrated Precise research, a system that unites the camera, accelerometer, gyroscope and ARKit kit to help the user quickly find the AirTag through sounds, haptic sensations and visual feedback.
Provide a device ecosystem in which the U1 chip is present it is essential for a perfect AirTag deployment plan. The more devices there are, and the more U1 chips there are in the network itself, the more efficient it is to find these little accessories all over the country.
Apple AirTag pricing and availability
To be able to use the AirTags, it is necessary to have one of the following devices with iOS or iPadOS 14.5, Therefore, the whole plan that Apple wants to roll out with the launch of this big update is confirmed:
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 6s or later
- iPod touch (7th generation)
- iPad Pro
- iPad (5th generation or later), Air 2 or later, mini 4 or later
AirTags Reservations can be started from 2:00 p.m. on Friday April 23 in the Apple Online Store. There are two ways to buy this small product:
- Lot of an AirTag: 35 dollars
- Set of 4 AirTag: 119 dollars
To each of the AirTags we buy custom emoji or laser initials can be added as in other Apple products. In addition, Apple has the special Hermés version, a collaboration with the French fashion brand:
- Pendant + AirTag: 299 dollars
- Luggage tag + AirTag: 449 dollars
- Keychain + AirTag: 349 dollars
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