A digital nomad shares her top seven travel gadgets, including item trackers like Apple AirTag and Chipolo, organization tools like Peak Design packing cubes and Moment Tech Organizer, tech accessories such as Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Insta360 X5 camera, durable accessories like Casio G-Shock, and lightweight laptops like the MacBook Air M2, all of which facilitate a light, productive, and organized travel lifestyle.
Apple AirTags, perfect for tracking keys and valuables, are on sale for $79 for a four-pack during Amazon's Winter Sale, making them a rare find at just $20 each. The AirTags work with iPhones to locate items within 30 feet and can be tracked globally through Apple's Find My network. Reviewers praise their accuracy and ease of use, making them ideal for tracking luggage, golf clubs, and more. Accessories like cases and clips are recommended for attaching the AirTags to items.
Chipolo, a competitor to Apple AirTags, is releasing a limited edition of its item trackers with minor cosmetic flaws, challenging societal expectations of perfection. The company offers two primary tracking products, the Chipolo One and Chipolo Card, designed for different customer needs. Meanwhile, Apple's AirTags have been misused in cases of domestic abuse, prompting Apple to roll out more anti-stalking tools in the next iOS update.
Chipolo is releasing 10,000 "Perfectly Imperfect" item trackers with minor cosmetic flaws but fully functional features, priced at $35 each and set to be available for purchase from January 9th. For every tracker sold, Chipolo will donate a dollar to one of three nonprofits.
Apple AirTags, handy item trackers for those in the Apple ecosystem, are available at a discounted price of $80 for a pack of four on Amazon and Best Buy. Designed to fit in key rings and wallets, AirTags can be tracked through the Find My app on iPhones, making them useful for security and organization during holiday travel.
Apple has released a new firmware update, version 2A61, for its AirTag item trackers. The update is being rolled out gradually, with 1% of users receiving it today and availability expanding to all users by November 28. Users cannot force the update and must wait for it to be delivered over-the-air through a connected iPhone. The specific changes and improvements included in the update have not been disclosed.
Chipolo has partnered with Google to launch One Point and Card Point item trackers that work exclusively with Android's Find My Device network. The One Point is the loudest with a 120dB ring, and lasts a year on its replaceable battery, while the Card Point is quieter at 105dB and lasts for two years. Both trackers support Android's Fast Pair to speed through setup, and are water-resistant. The One Point sells for $28, and the Card Point is available for $35.
Apple and Google have submitted a proposed industry specification to combat the misuse of Bluetooth item trackers for unwanted tracking of individuals. The companies plan to expand AirTag-like unwanted tracking alerts to third-party item trackers in future versions of iOS and Android. Tile, Chipolo, Samsung, Eufy, and Pebblebee have expressed support for the draft specification. The specification will be subject to a comment period over the next three months and will be released by the end of 2023.
Sales of item trackers, including Apple's AirTag, have grown by 63% in the US in January and February combined, with sales revenue increasing by 82%. The high interest in these accessories coincides with the increase in luggage and travel accessory sales last year, and analysts believe this trend will continue for the next year. Accessories such as item trackers, headphones, and portable batteries are at the top of travelers' wish list, according to Circana's executive director and analyst, Ben Arnold.
