In 2024, when technology seems to offer solutions to almost every problem, it's tempting to repurpose gadgets for needs they weren't originally designed to support. Apple's AirTag is a notable example of a device that has seen a range of uses, some of which stray far from its intended purpose. One of the most common of these we see is parent’s using AirTag in an attempt to tracking their child’s location while they’re at school, in the care of a co-parent, or on a hiking adventure on a wilderness trail. These off-label uses prompt a deeper exploration into the capabilities and limitations of AirTags, especially in remote areas, and highlights the need for appropriate alternatives.
AirTags are not designed to function in isolation. While it's true that an AirTag can technically be located anywhere in the world, this is contingent upon the presence of other connected Apple devices within proximity–about 200 feet of another device. This limitation stems from the AirTag's reliance on Apple's Find My network, a crowdsourced system that utilizes millions of Apple devices to locate missing items. In remote areas, forests, or any area without a dense number of Apple users, AirTags lose their tracking accuracy and connection because they do not independently broadcast their location.
Despite Apple's explicit stance that AirTags were designed to find personal belongings and not for tracking people, parents have understandably ventured into using them for monitoring their children out of desperation. However, this results in an experience that is limited and frustrating. AirTags are designed to disable tracking when it detects movement with a non-owner, a feature meant to deter unwanted tracking. This renders them an unreliable method for keeping track of children.
For parents and guardians seeking a reliable way to ensure the safety and well-being of their children, Littlebird offers a purpose-built solution. Unlike AirTag, made for tracking inanimate objects, Littlebird is designed with the explicit goal of child safety and monitoring. Each Littlebird has it’s own connection to America’s largest nationwide network, offering location tracking on-demand and in a wide range of environments. All without relying on a network of other devices for accuracy.
Beyond mere location tracking, Littlebird provides a holistic approach to child health and care. Features such as sleep and heart rate tracking, activity monitoring, and the ability to share information and collaborate with partners, co-parents, and childcare providers, offer a comprehensive view of your child's health and well-being.
While the desire to use readily available technology like AirTags to monitor children for safety is understandable, it's crucial to understand the intended use and limitations of the devices. AirTags, with their dependence on the presence of other Apple devices and designed incapacity to track moving individuals, are not a viable or reliable solution for child tracking. Littlebird, on the other hand, offers an effective and reliable alternative. Join the Littlebird waitlist today to be the first to access this award-winning solution.
