Tag: AirTag

  • Apple AirTag Features Enhanced with E-Ink Display in PhotoTag

    Apple AirTag Features Enhanced with E-Ink Display in PhotoTag

    PhotoTag is currently raising funds on Kickstarter as a unique option to the Apple AirTag, which is available on Amazon for $23. What makes this tracker stand out is its integrated color e-ink display that users can personalize with their own images.

    Practical Uses of PhotoTag

    This special feature also serves a practical purpose, as it can show contact details, aiding in the return of misplaced items to their rightful owners. Since e-ink displays don’t use power when displaying static images, the device’s CR2032 battery is anticipated to last up to 10 months. Nonetheless, there’s a downside to the PhotoTag’s design. Its dimensions are 1.77 x 1.38 x 0.31 inches, which makes it notably larger than an AirTag, potentially limiting its usability in certain situations.

    Compatibility and Durability

    The gadget is rated as water-resistant under the IP65 standard. Additionally, it is compatible with Apple’s “Find My” and Google’s “Find My Device” applications, allowing both iPhone and Android users to take advantage of this tracker. However, it’s worth mentioning that Google’s network may not always be as dependable, with some tests indicating that iPhones have a better chance at successfully locating the tracker.

    Pricing and Shipping Information

    Currently on Kickstarter, a single PhotoTag is available for pre-order at $29. The expected retail price is likely to rise to $59. Shipping is planned to begin in April 2025. Keep in mind that these prices do not cover import duties or shipping fees. PhotoTag marks the first endeavor of founder Xiang Liu, and potential backers should remember that crowdfunding campaigns carry the inherent risk that the product may never reach the market.

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    Apple AirTag Features Enhanced with E-Ink Display in PhotoTagApple AirTag Features Enhanced with E-Ink Display in PhotoTag

     

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  • Apple AirTag 2: Enhanced Privacy and Power for Anti-Theft Protection

    Apple AirTag 2: Enhanced Privacy and Power for Anti-Theft Protection

    Apple has not refreshed the AirTag in almost four years, and this could be linked to the not-so-great feedback it received from its first version.

    Intended Use and Misuse

    The tech giant from Cupertino apparently designed this device as a chic method to track important items like keys, luggage, and other personal belongings using a wireless link to an iPhone. However, in practice, they have often been misused for less desirable purposes, such as tagging cars for future thefts and even stalking people.

    Future Updates on AirTag

    Despite the challenges, Apple seems to be sticking with the idea, as reported by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. The next generation is expected to launch in 2025, featuring a new design that is harder to take apart, which would prevent actions like disabling its built-in speaker for malicious uses.

    The upcoming "AirTag 2" might come with a better chip that allows it to maintain a connection over longer distances. In the meantime, the original version is now available at a reduced price of $19, down by $10, on Amazon.

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  • Apple AirTag 2 Launching in H1 2025 with Upgraded Tracking Chip

    Apple AirTag 2 Launching in H1 2025 with Upgraded Tracking Chip

    According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple is planning to launch a new version of its AirTag in the first half of 2025. This will be the first significant update to the tracking device since it was launched in 2021.

    New Technology for Better Tracking

    Gurman suggests that this new version will be equipped with a more sophisticated chip, probably the second-generation ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, which was recently featured in the iPhone 15. This new technology is likely to improve how accurately the AirTag can track locations.

    The original AirTag is powered by Apple’s U1 chip, which uses UWB technology along with Bluetooth to connect to Apple’s Find My network. This allows users to pinpoint their devices with high precision. Its stainless-steel design is both compact and lightweight, offering IP67 water and dust resistance for some protection against the elements.

    Features to Assist Users

    The AirTag includes a tiny built-in speaker, which makes it easier for users to locate their AirTag by playing a sound when activated via the Find My app. The back cover can be removed, allowing users to change the battery as needed.

    With the Find My app, users can track the AirTag on a map. Furthermore, the app offers more detailed assistance, including sound, haptic feedback, and visual directions using ARKit, accelerometer, and gyroscope technology.

    In situations where someone misplaces an AirTag, it can be set to Lost Mode, which alerts the user when it’s found or comes back into range. If someone else finds the AirTag, they can tap it using an NFC-enabled device, which will show the owner’s contact details if they have been provided.

    Privacy Measures in Place

    Apple has incorporated privacy features in the AirTag to stop unwanted tracking. For example, the Bluetooth signal identifiers used by the AirTag change frequently to prevent tracking by unauthorized users, and communications within the Find My network are encrypted from end to end.

    The new AirTag is also rumored to work with Apple’s Vision Pro headset, although specific details about this feature are still unclear. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted last year that the production of AirTag had been postponed until 2025, but both he and Gurman expect a launch next year. So far, there are no signs of any changes in the design.

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  • Apple AirTag Successor in Testing, Expected Release in 2025

    Apple AirTag Successor in Testing, Expected Release in 2025

    Apple plans to launch an updated version of its popular AirTag item tracker in 2025. This new version, codenamed B589, is currently in the testing phase with manufacturing partners in Asia, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

    Enhanced Location Tracking

    The upcoming AirTag is anticipated to feature a more advanced chip to enhance location tracking capabilities. Although specific details are yet to be disclosed, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also predicted a 2025 release and mentioned that the new AirTag might be compatible with Apple’s forthcoming Vision Pro technology.

    Desired Features and Improvements

    While the official feature set remains undisclosed, Gurman has expressed hopes for a louder speaker, extended battery life, and a more budget-friendly version of the AirTag. It’s noteworthy that some third-party companies already produce wallet-compatible trackers that integrate with Apple’s Find My network.

    Focus on User Safety

    Apple continues to lead in incorporating anti-stalking features into item trackers, consistently enhancing these safeguards. This emphasis on user safety has influenced other manufacturers to implement similar measures to prevent the misuse of tracking devices.

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