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Isn't the major difference that it's built into iOS, whereas stuff like Tile requires other people to have that app installed? It's not like these devices have
by rtpg 5y ago
Isn't the major difference that it's built into iOS, whereas stuff like Tile requires other people to have that app installed?
It's not like these devices have GPS installed, they're reliant on devices around them to do the reporting.
- stickfigure 5y agoYou can buy devices with GPS and cellular data.
- rtpg 5y agoTrue! I believe the unique paring here with the Apple tags is that the device is very small and piggybacks off of iPhones, and has a year+ battery. I don't believe GPS + cell devices can get there on the battery department, but I might be wrong. Putting something in someone's car once is a lot easier than putting something in someone's car and then recharging it once every couple of days.
- withinboredom 5y agoYou can write firmware that puts it in a low power state (like the airtags) when it isn't broadcasting. My custom door-unlocker uses bluetooth and wifi, it has a single 18650 battery and lasts about a year (with locking/unlocking daily) before needing to be recharged. I assume if you didn't have a giant servo, you could wire up a modem and it'd easily last years on a single charge, checking in every 10-15 minutes. It wouldn't be as small and inconspicuous as an airtag though.
- resoluteteeth 5y agoHaving to use both gps and cellular instead of just Bluetooth uses MUCH more power
- withinboredom 5y agoYou can cut power to those systems if you’re not actively using them. Especially if you don’t have any command/control.
- resoluteteeth 5y agoYou're still not going to get a year of battery life.
- tinus_hn 5y agoThe unique part is that it’s Apple. These devices have been on the market for years, it’s only now that Apple has made one that it’s a problem.
- mkdirp 5y agoNot sure why you're getting downvoted. Amazon has small GPS trackers that are not much bigger than an AirTag.