Trilogy Apple Users Group, Robert Burns

February 24, 2022, About Apple AirTags

Why would I be interested in Apple AirTags?

AirTag Topics

1. Example Applications
2. How It Works: what it can and cannot do
3. Where and how to buy AirTags
4. Maintaining Your AirTag

Hey -- where's my...

 
AirTag is a disk, about the size of a quarter

• BEWARE: it's NOT a GPS
   
• Uses a network of Apple devices and the cloud.
  • AirTag -> nearest Apple device via Bluetooth...
  • ...Apple device -> cloud via Internet...
  •    ...Cloud -> your Find My app using IOS 14.5+
  • expect delays on location updates
  
   
• The GOOD news:
  • Find My app shows last known location
  • Can notify of items left behind
  • Supports hi-tech hide & seek on iPhone 11+
    
        
     
  • Has lost mode so another IOS user can contact you if they find your AirTag
  
   
• vs Tile -- it's not a "GPS tracker" as its advertizing says
  • Tile's network depends on other Tile apps
  • Tile's app has to be running
  • Apple's network is much larger
  • Tile works on both Android and Apple
  • Tiles are shareable, AirTag not
  • BOTTOM LINE: recommend Tile only for items around the house that stay in the house

• delivers in a week or two
• can be engraved w/4 characters or 3 emojis
  
   
• no attachment hole or loop, so...
  • drop into something
  • or attach a "loop" or keychain... ($3 to $300 each!)
    
     
  • or stick-on with double-sided tape
    

AirTags are Personal

• specific to an iCloud account
• not shareable
• maximum 16 AirTags per iCloud account
  
  

1. Test any application to see if it works
   • E.g. away from home, see if Find My can locate your stuff
   
    
2. Be careful about relying on it: it's for convenience, not for security
   • E.g. separation alerts may not work well...
   
    
3. Test monthly and change batteries annually
   • Set recurring reminders! Reminders->New Reminder->Title,Details (Date->Repeat, Time)
     
     Remind me to "change AirTag batteries" repeat annually
     HINT: Remind me to "change smoke detector batteries" too!
      
   • runs on common CR2032 battery