APPLE AIRTAG & FIND MY APP

APPLE AIRTAG & FIND MY APP ~ Finding Your Things, Devices & People Via Your iPhone/iPad & “Find My” App…. (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2021 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Have you ever wished that you could easily track and locate things like your keys, luggage, wallet and even your pets on your iPhone/iPad? How about friends and family too? Yes, there have been many products that make some of those claims, but the Apple “AirTag’s”, about the size of a quarter, versatile design in conjunction with Apple’s “Find My App”, work exceptionally well on more recent Apple products. Imagine having the capability of tracking your baggage, finding your dog, or even more importantly, a family member, or friend? The “Find My” App can be downloaded via “Apple’s APP STORE” if not already installed on your Apple device. See compatibility chart below:

Apple’s “AirTag” uses the easily replaceable CR2032 battery lasting up to a year. It also utilizes Bluetooth and wi-fi in your iPhone/iPad in conjunction with Apple’s “Find My” APP. This app typically comes loaded on most newer Apple devices with an iOS 14.5 or later operating system software. How does it work? Your “AirTag” sends out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby devices in the Find My network. These devices send the location of your AirTag to iCloud, then you can go to the “Find My” app and see it on a map including distance from your location. The whole process is anonymous and encrypted to protect your privacy. “AirTag” users will need to be within Bluetooth range, so about 15 to 30 feet away, to use Precision Tracking. Otherwise, it will be up to the Find My network to ping the lost “AirTag” and update the owner of its general location. It can also activate an audio tone on the “AirTag” to help you find things like keys hidden in a couch. The “Find My” App not only works with “AirTags”, but can also track family and friends who authorize such use. Such activation requires the party you wish to add to accept tracking by you once you have added them to your phone’s “Find My app”. They will be able to see your location at this point and are sent a notification/approval message explaining the app. if they respond positively to the notice sent to them by approving, you will be able to track them too. This is a great tool when totally approved by both parties since it could aid in you sending help if an unknown, or unusual location for longer than normal periods of time is detected by you. This feature is found under the “people” selection of the app located at the bottom of the screen. The “devices” selection locates your iPhone, or iPad. No “AirTag” is required for using these features. The “items” selection allows you to select and find “AirTags” that you select and previously installed. Various tag case designs are available, but not included, for numerous applications including one for pet collars, https://amzn.to/3zSsgKF. The applications for the “AirTag” and the Apple “Find My” App are numerous, and they work well!!! Remember, presently, this neat feature requires an Apple iPhone and/or iPad with iOS 14.5 or later. It’s certainly possible that Apple may expand the app’s ability to work with Android and other manufacturer’s products in the future. GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ MSRP: $29.95 (AirTag cases are not included. Available in many designs, shapes and sizes to fit numerous applications) For more information go to: https://www.apple.com/airtag/ Graphic credits: Google Images, Pocketnow Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore