In addition to Conversation Boost and Announce Notifications, iOS 15 will make AirPods traceable like AirTags
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In addition to Conversation Boost and Announce Notifications, iOS 15 will make AirPods traceable like AirTags
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Apple has recently made some changes to the way your AirTags work with the latest firmware update, chech out what's new.
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I’m a forgetful person. I actually got into this tech business because…
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It seems like the answer to the question “Will I be able to track people using an AirTag?” is — no.
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Enamored by the design of Apple's object tracker, but that hole-less design makes you wonder how to attach AirTags to objects? Well...
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AirTags are the talk of the town these days, but there is another option in the arena that handily beats the Apple object tracker when it comes to tracking efficiency. Say hello to the SyncUP TRACKER, an LTE-powered object tracker from T-Mobile that solves the range limit posed by Bluetooth-based trackers such as AirTags, Tile, or Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag.
The SyncUP TRACKER relies on T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G LTE network, which is claimed to cover almost 99% of Americans and allows the tracker to be found virtually anywhere. Bluetooth-based object trackers, such as the Tile Pro, offer a tracking range of around 40 feet only. For folks who go out often, this virtually limitless tracking range will prove to be a major selling point.
Also, when Bluetooth-based trackers go out of range, they can only be found if another phone comes in the range of its Bluetooth pings when placed in lost mode. T-Mobile’s offering will allow you to track it anywhere irrespective of how many miles it is away, as long as it can latch on the 4G network.
T-Mobile claims that its object tracker allows near real-time tracking, which means you see where the device is from anywhere. Additionally, you can set a virtual boundary and choose to get alerts when the SyncUP TRACKER leaves the designated safe zone. There is also a light tracking feature that will notify you if the ambient light around the tracker changes. This will come in handy for protecting items that are stored in lockers or any other safe place, and are not intended to move frequently.
The SyncUP Tracker is also dust and water-resistant (IP67) and comes equipped with a 900mAh battery that is claimed to last up to seven days on a single charge. In comparison, the likes of Apple AirTag and Tile Pro can go up to a year and feature a user-replaceable battery as well. As for the market availability, the SyncUP TRACKER is price at $60 and will be up for grabs starting May 7. However, the tracker also adds a $5/month to your existing T-Mobile line for using the 4G network.
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Earlier this week, Apple announced a bunch of new stuff on a video live stream. We’ve got new commercials for Apple TV shows, a purple iPhone, Podcast stuff, an Apple TV remote that actually makes sense, some AirTags, new iMacs, and a new iPad Pro.
The first really new Apple product for 2021 was the AirTags, and I immediately said, “Welcome to 2013!” AirTags are little battery-powered Bluetooth things that connect to your iPhone and help the iPhone’s “Find My” software keep track of the locations of the tags. Sounds familiar because these kinds of things have been around for many years. A company called Tile was one of the first to release this type of gadget back in 2013.
Nokia released a similar Nokia Treasure Tag in early 2014 that had similar functionality. I had a bunch of Nokia Treasure Tags attached to my Nokia Lumia 1020 and they certainly worked as advertised… just the same as today’s Apple AirTags. I stopped using them after getting a new phone because they were kind of a hassle. I mean, how many batteries do I have to keep around and keep replacing? Sure, the removable battery can be replaced pretty quickly, but still, it’s another thing to manage, and I never lost anything while I was using the Treasure Tags anyway. So what’s the point? It costs more cognitive energy paying attention to the battery levels of all of these tags than it costs to remember where whatever it’s attached to is in the first place.
The new iMacs are bringing back a rainbow of color options like the original iMac had in 1998. It has Apple’s new M1 processor, an extra thin form factor, and it comes in 7 colors. That’s cool and all, but the front has a big pastel-colored chin and a white bezel that looks really bad to me. What’s more, is that the white bezel is going to interfere with your white balance perception since that will reflect the color temperature of your ambient lighting instead of the color temperature of the display. Looks like the display is still pretty reflective too, so glare will still be a problem. That’s not so good for creative professionals.
Having the computer really thin is nice I guess, but how much does that really matter? The stand is still pretty thick, so it’s not going to save a whole lot of desk space. Maybe it makes the iMac easier to move, but if I’m going to put a computer on a desk, that’s probably where it’s going to stay until I replace it. That being said, I have seen iMacs that need replacing kind of frequently, so maybe that is a good thing since we’ve had to carry them to the car and then to the Apple store for repair kind of often. That’s in contrast to the HP workstation where a repair person just comes to the office and replaces parts right there under warranty the next morning.
Apple’s new Center Stage feature for video calls on the iPad Pro is probably the most impressive feature, but again… “Welcome to 2010, Apple!” This awesome feature was something that first appeared 11 years ago in Video Kinect for Xbox. Honestly, it makes way more sense having this feature plugged into a big screen TV than it does an iPad. You’ll need to set the iPad on a stand to make any use of it, and as you move away the people on the screen will look so much smaller. With Xbox Kinect and a big TV, I could walk around the whole room and the video call camera would follow me beautifully. It was even cooler when the person on the other end had the same thing in their living room… we could both walk around doing other stuff and it was like there was a camera crew focusing on our faces on the TV.
The iPad Pro does have a new mini-LED display now that’s supposed to display color better, but it’s still a glossy screen that’s going to have a lot of glare when using it in real life. Apple’s video looks to be extremely processed to remove or hide the glare of the environment completely. It looks super fake because it is. That’s not how the screen is going to look in real life.
I’ve never thought that the iPad Pro deserved the “Pro” moniker. It’s not great for creative pro stuff anyway. See “13 Reasons why I don’t use an iPad Pro & Apple Pencil for graphic design“. The M1 processor and 16GB of RAM options in the new iPad Pro seem like kind of a waste since it won’t run really high-end programs like those available on macOS.
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Apple’s Spring Loaded event kicked off with some interesting announcements, which included new Podcast and Apple Card features, as well as a new color variant for the current iPhone 12. However, we were waiting for the official announcement of a new product. This time Apple didn’t disappoint, and we have finally seen the launch of the Apple AirTag.
Apple has been using the Find My app to help its users locate their devices faster than just having to go through your house looking for your iPhone. However, Find My has just received a boost that consists of an encrypted end-to-end anonymous network that includes more than a billion Apple devices, allowing users to locate a missing iPhone, Apple Watch iPad, and Mac even when offline. And now, Apple’s AirTags will help you find your devices faster and without a hassle.
AirTags uses the Find My network to easily find your keys, bags, and more. Plus, you can personalize your AirTag to make it your own, and you can add anything from lettering to emoji on yours. They also arrive with several accessories to help you attach them to your luggage, backpack, or anything you want to keep track of.
You will be able to track your new AirTag with any iPhone with the U1 chip, as it will use Precision Finding to get you the precise location and distance of your missing item. Your iPhone will use input from its camera, accelerometer, and gyroscope to give you visual, haptic, and audible feedback as it guides you to your AirTag. Find My has also included new privacy features which will help its users avoid unwanted tag detection.
If you’re interested in getting one for yourself, you can get them for one for $29 or get a four-pack for just $99. Orders start this Friday, and AirTags will be available on April 30. And you can also choose to get your new Bag Charm, Luggage Tag, and Key Ring from Hermes, as they will also come equipped with an airbag for you to carry around.
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An Apple event has been rumored to take place since the end of February, but no official word has yet surfaced on the matter, neither in the form of an announcement nor invites to the said (virtual) event.
Apparently, we do have a date, and it’s thanks to Siri. Mark your calendars, if Siri is to be believed, for Tuesday, April 20, 2021. In reply to the question “When is the next Apple Event”, Siri responds with “The special event is on Tuesday, April 20, at Apple Park in Cupertino, CA. You can get all the details on Apple.com”, as seen in the screenshot above.
New iPad Pro models as well as the rumored AirTags are expected to take the virtual stage.
Apple usually sends out official invites about a week prior to the event, which happens to be today. We’ll have to wait and see if Apple confirms the Siri leak, which, in and of itself is funny, if you think about it.
Source: MacRumors
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At its Spring Loaded event, Apple finally launched the long-rumored object tracker of its own – the AirTag. If you are familiar with Tile’s offering, you know what an object tracker does. Moreover, AirTag supports Ultra-Wideband technology for more accurate location tracking. But what is it exactly? And, does it deserve the $29 price tag? Let’s find out! Here’s everything you need to know about Apple AirTag.
Apple’s new object tracker, AirTag is essentially an extension of the company’s Find My app, which allows its users to locate their devices faster than just having to go through your house looking for your iPhone. It uses encrypted end-to-end anonymous network that includes more than a billion Apple devices. And, it allows users to locate a missing iPhone, Apple Watch iPad, and Mac even when offline. AirTags take it a step further.
Apple AirTag is a small accessory that helps keep track of and find the items that matter most with Apple’s Find My app. It can be attached to a handbag, keys, backpack, or other items, enabling you to tap into the vast and locate a lost item. It does so while keeping location data private and anonymous with end-to-end encryption.
As for physical dimensions, an AirTag is small and lightweight. It measures 1.26 x 0.31-inches and weighs just 11 grams. Plus, you get an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. A built-in speaker plays sounds to help locate AirTag, while a removable cover makes it easy for users to replace the battery.
Each AirTag comes equipped with the Apple-designed U1 chip using Ultra-Wideband technology. It enables Precision Finding for the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 users, which can more accurately determine the distance and direction to a lost AirTag when it is in range. The Precision Finding feature works by fusing input from the camera, ARKit, accelerometer, and gyroscope. It then guides the user to AirTag using a combination of sound, haptics, and visual feedback.
The Apple AirTags also includes support for the accessibility features built into iOS. You can use Precision Finding with VoiceOver, which can direct users who are blind or low-vision to AirTag with directions like “AirTag is 9 feet away on your left.”
Notably, AirTags require iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 14.5 or later, or an iPad running iPadOS 14.5 or later. Furthermore, certain features require Find My to be enabled in iCloud settings.
If you’ve ever set up AirPods, you already know how to set up an AirTag. The device features the same setup experience as AirPods — just bring AirTag close to iPhone and it will connect. Users can assign AirTag to an item and name it with a default like “Keys” or “Jacket,” or provide a custom name of their choosing.
Once you set up an AirTag, it will appear in the new Items tab in the Find My app. Here, you can view the item’s current or last known location on a map. If you misplace your item and it is within Bluetooth range, you can use the Find My app to play a sound from the AirTag to help locate it. You can also ask Siri to find their item, and AirTag will play a sound if it is nearby.
If you lost a device with AirTag on it, and it is out of Bluetooth range, the Find My network can help track it down. It can detect Bluetooth signals from a lost AirTag and relay the location back to its owner, all in the background, anonymously and privately.
Further, you can also AirTag into Lost Mode and be notified when it is in range or has been located by the vast Find My network. Moreover, if a lost AirTag is found by someone, they can tap it using their iPhone or any NFC-capable device and be taken to a website that will display a contact phone number for the owner, if they have provided one.
Customers can personalize AirTag with free engraving, including text and a selection of 31 emoji, when purchasing from the Apple website. Users can easily place AirTag into a bag or pocket on its own. Plus, you get a wide range of Apple-designed AirTag accessories, including the Polyurethane Loop, which is both lightweight and durable, and the Leather Loop and Leather Key Ring, which features specially tanned European leather.
Apple says that an AirTag doesn’t store location data or location history. Moreover, communication with the Find My network is end-to-end encrypted. Hence, only the owner of a device has access to its location data, and no one, including Apple, knows the identity or location of any device that helped find it.
Each AirTag is “designed with a set of proactive features that discourage unwanted tracking, an industry first,” says Apple. Unwanted location tracking is protected by rotating Bluetooth signal identifiers transmitted by AirTag frequently. Moreover, iOS devices can also detect an AirTag that isn’t with its owner, and notify the user if an unknown AirTag is seen to be traveling with them from place to place over time.
If you don’t have an iOS device with you and an AirTag is separated from its owner or an extended period of time will play a sound when moved to draw attention to it. Plus, if a user detects an unknown AirTag, they can tap it with their iPhone or NFC-capable device and instructions will guide them to disable the unknown AirTag.
Apple AirTag can work with an Android device but in a limited manner. It is not as if you can buy an AirTag and straight away start setting up one on your Android device. Apple’s support page says, “you can view a Lost Mode message on any NFC-capable smartphone, such as an iPhone or Android phone.” Hence, you can use an Android device with NFC to locate your AirTag in Lost Mode but you cannot set it up using an Android phone.
AirTags can be purchased in one and four packs for just $29 and $99, respectively, and will be available beginning Friday, April 30. Are you planning to purchase the AirTags alongside your new purple iPhone 12? You might want to look at the best iPhone 12 cases.
Apple-designed AirTag accessories include the Leather Key Ring in Saddle Brown, (PRODUCT)RED, and Baltic Blue for $35 (US); the Leather Loop in Saddle Brown and (PRODUCT)RED for $39 (US); and the Polyurethane Loop in White, Deep Navy, Sunflower, and Electric Orange for $29 (US).
Plus, there’s AirTag Hermès that includes the premium Bag Charm and Key Ring in Fauve Barénia, Bleu Indigo, and Orange leather, as well as the Luggage Tag and Travel Tag in Fauve Barénia leather, all of which will be available beginning Friday, April 30.
The object tracker supports the is compatible with the following devices:
iPhone 12 | iPhone 12 Mini | iPhone 12 Pro | iPhone 12 Pro Max |
iPhone 11 | iPhone 11 Pro | iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone XS |
iPhone XS Max | iPhone XR | iPhone XR | iPhone X |
iPhone 8 | iPhone 8 Plus | iPhone 7 | iPhone 7 Plus |
iPhone 6S | iPhone 6S Plus | iPhone SE Gen 1 | iPhone SE Gen 2 |
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation) |
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) |
iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation) |
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) |
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation) |
iPad Pro 10.5-inch | iPad Pro 9.7-inch | iPad Air 2 |
iPad Air (3rd generation) |
iPad Air (4th generation) | iPad mini 4 | iPad mini (5th generation) |
iPad (6th generation) | iPad (7th generation) |
iPad (8th generation) | iPod Touch (7th generation) |
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Alright, looks like the previous leaks predicting an Apple launch event on March 16 were wrong. Tipster Jon Prosser has tweeted that the next Apple event is scheduled for March 23, almost a week later than previously reported. That date sounds familiar? Well, OnePlus announced earlier today that the OnePlus 9 series will also be making its grand debut on the same day. Looks like it’s going to be a busy day!
Coming back to the Apple launch event, Prosser further claims that Apple will launch new iPad Pro, AirTags, AirPods, and Apple TV refresh as well. Starting with the AirPods Pro, Apple is expected to launch an updated model in two sizes – 11-inch and 12.9-inch. Leaks suggest a familiar design, but with some notable internal upgrades such as a faster processor, 5G support, and likely a mini-LED display that is an improvement over the LCD panel on its predecessor.
Updated info from a reliable source
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) March 8, 2021
Products that are ready: AirTags, iPad Pro, AirPods, Apple TV
Take that however you’d like…
Apple is also rumored to launch new AirPods later this month as well. As per alleged leaked images, the design might be inspired by the AirPods Pro, complete with a shorter stem, and in-ear profile with optional silicone tips, better gesture controls, wireless charging case, pressure-sensitive touch input area, and also the pressure-relief vent at the top as well.
As for the AirTags, the long-delayed Bluetooth-based object tracker might finally make its debut. As per leaked renders and from what we’ve seen from official accessories from the likes of Spigen, the AirTags will have a circular profile, and might come in two sizes. Some reports also suggest that they might rely on the Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for more precise location tracking and positioning information. Prosser also namedropped an Apple TV in his tweet, but so far, the leak arena has been mum on what this might be.
The launch date itself is rather surprising. Not for Apple, as the company has been unveiling new products in the month of March for the past few years. OnePlus, on the other hand, appears to be on the unlucky side for the second year now, as the OnePlus 9 series is also breaking cover in on March 23. Back in 2018, the company had to reschedule its OnePlus 6T launch event because also marked October 30 for a product launch event.
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It seems that Apple may indeed have something planned for March. Just some days ago, we received rumors suggesting that Apple was getting ready to launch its new iPad Pro with a mini-LED display as well as the long-awaited AirTags. However, the latest information claims that the new AirPods 3 could also join the show.
Jon Prosser has been leaking tons of Apple information lately. Last week, he posted that Apple’s AirTags and the new iPad Pros were going to arrive next month. However, he’s not the only one paying close attention to Apple’s steps. LeaksApplePro has also taken to Twitter to reveal more rumors about Cupertino’s possible March event. The tweet confirms that we will get a new iPad Pro and AirTags, but it also claims that we will receive the new AirPods 3.
What to expect at March
— LeaksApplePro (@LeaksApplePro) February 14, 2021
ARM Macs
iPad Pro
AirTags
AirPods
Cheaper AirPods Max
Rumors also suggest that Apple could launch no less than three new devices next month, so we will have to wait and see what we’re getting. Still, we are also led to believe that new M1 Macs will take a while before making their appearance, and the cheaper AirPods Max will also have to wait sometime before they get officially launched. We have also received hints of new AirPods Pro 2 and maybe an AirPods Pro ‘Lite’ edition that would arrive without noise cancellation to help keep the price down.
There’s no official confirmation, but it is believed that we will get at least one iPad Pro model with a mini-LED display, so we’re guessing that it will be the larger 12.9-inch version. At the same time, the smaller 11-inch iPad Pro is expected to arrive, but this one would feature an LCD display with ProMotion and True Tone tech. Ming-Chi Kuo has also told us to expect new iPad Pro’s in the first half of 2021, as well as Apple’s new object tracker, which gives these rumors more credibility.
Source GSM Arena
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Apple is rumored to launch its next-gen iPad Pro in Q1 2020, and if leaks are anything to go by, the tablet will also make the jump to a new display technology called mini LED. Now, leakster Jon Prosser has added more fuel to those rumors, claiming that the new iPad Pro will be launched in March. Additionally, the tipster also mentioned that the AirTags object tracker might finally see the light of the day next month as well.
Just like last year, Apple is said to offer the upcoming iPad Pro in two screen sizes – 11-inch and 12.9-inch. As per alleged CAD-based schematics, the design language of Apple’s upcoming iPad will remain almost identical to that of its predecessor. You get two cameras at the back sitting alongside a LiDAR sensor in a squircle module. Over at the front, there will be symmetrically thin bezels on all sides.
Also March, as far as I know
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) February 12, 2021
For a while now, we’ve been hearing rumors that the next iPad Pro will make the switch to a mini LED display. In case you’re unaware, a mini LED mimics the inherent design of an OLED panel, and is said to offer much deeper blacks, improved contrast, and higher brightness compared to LCD panels.
However, all the rumors in the past have pointed to the presence of a mini LED panel on the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro in 2021, and not its smaller 11-inch sibling. While the same can’t be said with certainty, it appears that Apple will stick to an LCD display with ProMotion and True Tone tech for the 11-inch iPad Pro this year. Additionally, the next iPad Pro might bundle in support for mmWave 5G as well.
Notably, Prosser has also claimed that the AirTags – Apple’s long-rumored and oft-delayed object tracker – might finally make their official debut next month. Previously, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also predicted that the Apple object tracker will arrive in 2021. Third-party AirTags accessories from brands like Spigen have already been listed online and a hidden ‘Items’ tab in Apple’s Find My app has also been spotted, indicating that the launch of AirTags is indeed on the horizon.
AirTags are still on for March.
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) February 12, 2021
Haven’t heard of any further delays this time.
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The saga of Apple’s upcoming object tracker – the AirTags – has been an interesting one, and also one that is riddled with delays. But as per multiple reliable sources, the Apple accessory could finally launch this year. Now, ahead of their official debut though, multiple Amazon listings of a Spigen leather case under its Cyrill sub-brand have gone live. The product images show the Apple-branded object tracker too, rocking a silver finish and the Apple branding at the center. Nothing too surprising, as leaks have already shown us a similar disc-like profile of the AirTags.
The Amazon listing of Spigen’s (and Cyrill’s) leather case for the AirTags has been spotted in the US, Netherlands, and Italy so far. Interestingly. Amazon.com shows a delivery date of February’s first week for its accessory that comes in two color options – black and silver – both made out of vegan leather. Earlier this week, images of more AirTags accessories by Nomad were leaked online.
Additionally, users discovered a new hidden ‘Items’ tab in the Find My companion app for managing the AirTags via an iPhone or iPad. If rumors making rounds of the leak arena are to be believed, the AirTags could come in two sizes. Apple will reportedly equip them with the in-house U1 chip and they will likely rely on UltraWideband (UWB) technology for precise location tracking compared to what Bluetooth-based object trackers can achieve. Unfortunately, we don’t have a tentative launch date yet.
As for how they will work, the AirTags will be accessible via the Find My app for tracking lost items, and will show up on the map view alongside an address designating their current location. In case you lose an object with an AirTag on it, you’ll be notified about the same on your phone. Users can then choose to make the AirTags produce a chime so that they can be found. The code of iOS also suggests that Apple will bake in some AR features in the Find My app to make AirTags discovery easier.
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