One of Apple's latest products has already become a huge hit. It's a cute tracking device that works remarkably well. It's called AirTags, which are designed to help users keep track of their keys, glasses, luggage, and basically anything they attach them to.
See also: AirTag hacked: Security researcher hacked Apple's AirTag
Their design is certainly impressive: they are circular, a little over an inch in diameter, and are shiny and white, while weighing just 11 grams.
The bottom is made of stainless steel with the Apple logo in the center. They are completely sealed, which helps them resist water. There is a speaker inside them, but there is no speaker hole, as Apple uses what it calls an innovative surface-activation design.
The speaker is used so that the AirTag can make a beeping sound to help you find it.
It uses several technologies: Bluetooth, NFC, and UWB (Ultra-Wideband), using Apple's proprietary U1 chip, also found in some iPhones.
The way it works is particularly clever. If you've attached your AirTag to your keychain, for example, and you just can't find where it is, go to the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad. You need to be running the latest software, iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5 respectively.
Launch Find My and select the Items tab, which is present in the latest software versions. Select your keys from the list and they will appear on a map. Press a button to make the AirTag make a sound, which resembles a bird chirping.
Press the Find button and the screen will show how far away the AirTag is. If you're using an iPhone with a U1 chip, such as an iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, or an iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, or 12 Pro Max, the screen will show arrows and words like "5 meters to your right.".
See also: AirTags: How to use Apple's new trackers?
But what if you left the item you're looking for somewhere further away from your living room?
The answer is the smart bit that makes Find My work. It relies on the network of iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices around the world.
When you put your AirTag in Lost Mode, it silently sends a signal to every iPhone, iPad, and so on. When the closest device receives the signal, it relays the details to you via iCloud. So, as long as there's an Apple device nearby, you'll be able to find your lost item in the Find My app.
However, someone with an Android device can also locate it and communicate with its owner. However, the device must have NFC capability.
Of course, there's also the possibility that someone who wants to spy on you might sneak an AirTag into your bag. If that happens, your iPhone will let you know that an AirTag that isn't yours is on you. You can then locate the device and find out more information about whoever put it in your bag. But even if you don't have an iPhone, the AirTag will still start making sounds after a few days.
Setup is also simple. When you first turn on the battery, it will appear on your iPhone screen and you can connect to it. You also have the option to add one of several standard tags (Keys, Jacket, Headphones, Wallet, Umbrella, and more) or add a custom tag.
See also: Apple invests $430 billion in the US – 20,000 new jobs
However, Apple does not recommend using AirTag to track your pet, as if it runs away in a deserted place for example, it is difficult to have an Apple device nearby to locate it.
The AirTag is a great little gadget that adds significant convenience in a very clever way, taking advantage of the vast number of Apple devices out there. It's also very affordable: €34 each or €114 for a pack of four. They only come in white, but you can choose to have them engraved with letters, emojis, or both, at no extra cost.
