We explain the basic principles behind Apple’s, Google’s and Samsung’s trackpads.
Today, Apple’s Airtag is perhaps the most famous, but the basic principle of how gadget finder tags work is the same regardless of manufacturer. A forerunner in the field is Tile and since they released their first devices about ten years ago, in recent years even the giants in the technology industry have embraced the concept.
The little gadget finder tiles, whether they come from Apple, Samsung, Tile or someone else, have no connection of their own, but rely on bluetooth and connecting wirelessly to nearby mobile phones. The trays thus take advantage of the number of compatible phones and an Airtag can announce its position to you not only when your own iPhone is nearby, but also when other iPhones are. They report the information anonymously and only you can see the position in plain text. The same goes for Samsung, Google and Tile. Tile’s network consists of anyone who has downloaded the Tile app available for both iPhone and Android, while Samsung, like Apple, bakes the technology into the system and thus can take advantage of a large number of Samsung Galaxy users’ phones, even if they don’t use gadget finder tiles themselves.
Google is the latest to create its own network this way and that feature is being rolled out in this now. This allows over a billion Android devices to help find other phones and compatible devices.
The fact that gadget finder tiles rely on nearby phones in this way allows them to be active without drawing much power, which is why the battery life of these tiles is often a year or more. When the battery starts to run out, you get a warning and can replace it with a new one.
This tip comes from an article with tips about tracking services that was previously published exclusively for Plus members on Mobil.se. Here you can become a Plus member and thus get direct access to all articles on Mobil.se and also take advantage of advantageous offers and discounts. As a plus member, you get collected tips and many other in-depth, guiding articles. You can find the entire article here.
Source: www.mobil.se
