Introduced in India: Explore AirTag Price, Characteristics, Aesthetics
At the 'Spring Loaded' virtual event, Apple finally unveiled the long-awaited AirTag, a small, stainless steel puck-like device designed to help users find misplaced items like keys and wallets. This competes with similar offerings from competitors like Tile and Samsung.
Apple announced the new Purple color variant for the iPhone 12 and 12 mini during the same event, with pre-orders starting this week. According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, the new color mixes elements of sophistication and brightness.
AirTags cost Rs. 3,190 for a single unit and Rs. 10,900 for a pack of four, and they can be carried in Hermes edition accessories. The AirTags will be available for purchase on April 30. In the States, they cost $29 for a single tile and $99 for a 4-pack, set to be available for pre-order on April 23 at 5 a.m. PDT (5:30 p.m. IST). Third-party AirTag accessories will also be sold separately.
AirTags work by pairing with an iPhone and attaching to items easily lost. They have a built-in speaker, are IP67-certified, and have a removable battery that lasts up to a year. Setup is similar to that of AirPods, and location tracking is done using Apple's Find My app, with Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband technology. UWB technology requires a compatible iPhone, such as an iPhone 11 or later.
The AirTags use UWB technology, like the U1 chip, to locate items. When in Bluetooth range, they emit audible beeps through their built-in speaker to help locate the device they are attached to. Besides NFC and Bluetooth LE connectivity, AirTags also have an accelerometer, Siri support, and are water and dust resistant to IP67 standards.
Speaking about the AirTags, Apple's Vice President - Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, Kaiann Drance, stated, "We're excited to bring this incredible new capability to iPhone users with the introduction of AirTag, leveraging the vast Find My network, to help them keep track of and find the important items in their lives."
Tile Pro offers the longest Bluetooth range of around 400 feet, making it a strong option for long-distance tracking. It's compatible with both Android and iOS devices, offering versatility across different ecosystems. Samsung SmartTag, like the AirTag, uses UWB technology and has a Bluetooth range of around 200 feet, but has a louder alarm, which can be useful in noisy environments.
Apple includes explicit warnings about the potential misuse of tracking devices during the setup process, emphasizing privacy concerns and legal implications. Tile does not have explicit privacy warnings, but the device is designed for responsible use. Samsung also emphasizes responsible use but lacks the explicit warnings seen with Apple during setup.
In summary, the choice between AirTag, Tile Pro, and Samsung SmartTag depends on a user's ecosystem preference and specific needs regarding tracking range, privacy emphasis, and misuse concerns.
During the same event, Apple announced the release of AirTag, a new technology gadget designed for item tracking, leveraging UWB technology and the Find My network. For those interested in gadgets and coding, these new pieces of technology, including the AirTag, offer exciting opportunities to explore and integrate into daily life.
