That’s why I don’t recommend buying a GPS tag from Apple in any case
Apple’s AirTag is one of the company’s most inconspicuous gadgets. Few people remember about it, but the first version is still on sale on any marketplace and practically does not get cheaper. In addition, he still has fans, but why do they love him? First, you don’t need to use the device every day: the tag simply lies in your backpack or is attached to your keys, representing a keychain. Secondly, AirTag is unpretentious — it is almost impossible to break it. But finding it, if you lost it, will not be so easy. I spent six months with him and realized why I had wasted the money.
Content
- How to use AirTag
- What does an AirTag look like
- Can I find an AirTag if I lost it
- Should I buy AirTag in 2024
How to use AirTag
From day one, I immediately understood how to use AirTag best. I decided that I would attach a tracker to the keys so that I wouldn’t accidentally lose them. But in this case, the device immediately requires additional investment — you need to choose the right case for it. I chose silicone, but I regretted it: the tracker in it barely holds, and if you bend it, it will simply fall out. In addition, it collects dust from your pockets and gets dirty.
A more practical option is a leather case for AirTag, where it is installed in a pocket. But its copies are complete junk compared to the original from Apple: they wear out quickly and are covered with creases from the first day. And this is the first problem of AirTag! Other GPS tags have a key holder, so they don’t require any additional accessories. Apparently, it will not be in the new version of AirTag either.
What does an AirTag look like?
The AirTag is made of high-gloss plastic and has a shiny front panel. It seems to be beautiful, but such an unpretentious device does not need such materials. Even if you carry the tag in your pocket, it will be covered with small scratches in a couple of days.
In addition, many cases do not protect the surface of the AirTag from all sides, so the situation is almost hopeless. It would seem that it is pointless to try to protect the tag, but it is quite expensive for a regular keychain. You will have to choose what is more important — practicality or acceptable appearance.
Can I find an AirTag if I lost it
AirTag works without any problems in Russia and easily clings to the iPhone. However, there are still disadvantages: the U1 chip, which is needed for accurate tag search, is not available in our country. With it, detection would be much easier, but in Russia you will have to search for AirTag by audio signal. But that’s not all: my main complaint about the device is related to the definition of geolocation, which is what the gadget is actually needed for.
The other day, I handed over my keys with AirTag to my friend and for the sake of interest, I decided to look in the Locator where the tag is now located. I was waiting for an unpleasant surprise: geolocation was not updated for almost 4 hours, although the iPhone was definitely nearby. Let me remind you that the location of AirTag is determined by “communicating” with Apple devices nearby, as a result of which the latter transmit coordinates to your iPhone. During this time, my tag visited different parts of the city, but I didn’t see it in the Locator.
The next day, she still started updating her location, albeit with a long delay. At the same time, AirTag sometimes crashes and starts sending you notifications about leaving things behind during normal use. I’ve had this happen a few times when I left my keys in the locker room of a fitness club and went to another floor. This happens infrequently, and you can fix it by adding your favorite places in the Locator.
At the same time, Android smartphones have learned to detect AirTag! Now, when the placemark is located nearby, a notification about an unidentified device appears on the screen. However, you still won’t be able to share AirTag with the owner of an Android smartphone.
Should I buy AirTag in 2024?
Another drawback of AirTag is the incomprehensible principle of updating the firmware and the lack of a battery charge indicator. With the latter, there is a problem at all: Apple for some reason decided to remove it from the Locator, so now the owners of labels are in the dark. The only way to find out the battery charge in AirTag is to wait for a notification about an early discharge.
In the end, you do not get the most versatile gadget, which does not work properly in Russia and does not even connect to Android, but it costs from 3000 rubles or more. Should I buy AirTag? Definitely not. Instead, it is easier to buy a cheaper analog if the principle of operation is interesting, and spend the money saved on something really useful. For example, on pleasant little things with AliExpress, which will be useful almost every day.
