Apple explains why new Apple TV remote lacks AirTag — and it’s not great

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Apple tree explains why new Apple Goggle box remote lacks AirTag — and it's not slap-up

(Image credit: Apple)

The Apple tree TV 4K 2021 comes with an all-new Siri Remote with a much meliorate design, only it has ane notable weakness: there's no room for the U1 chip, which gives Apple devices'southward super-accurate tracking functionality.

Anyone who has e'er owned any kind of remote control will know that losing information technology behind sofa cushions is but an occupational hazard, and built-in AirTag functionality would have been extremely welcome.

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But co-ordinate to Apple Vice President of Product Marketing for Habitation and Audio Tim Twerdahl, there'south a very good reason for the lack of U1 chip: the new Siri remote is bigger, and thus less easy to lose.

"That [Discover My functionality] is the near powerful out of the habitation," Twerdahl told Mobile Syrup when asked why AirTag-like applied science wasn't in the remote. "With the changes nosotros've made to the Siri Remote – including making it a chip thicker then it won't fall in your couch cushions every bit much – that need to have all these other network devices find information technology seems a little bit lower."

While the Siri Remote is slightly bigger than the previous model, with dimensions of v.4 x one.four x 0.36-inches, that still sounds very like shooting fish in a barrel to lose behind cushions to us. And while Twerdahl did only say this shouldn't happen "as much," it'due south fair to say we expect users will spend at least some time fishing for their missing Siri remotes. For the states, a more likely explanation for the U1 bit's omission is a big hit to battery life or the boosted cost involved.

Fortunately, Apple tree Goggle box 4K owners with a habit of losing things can take the initiative and add together an AirTag to the remote themselves cheers to a clever 3D-printed case bachelor on Etsy. The improver costs $12.99. While that's a temptingly low price, you accept to add information technology to the expense of an AirTag itself ($29).

Alternatively, the Tile Sticker can be stuck to any surface as the name suggests, and can exist bought in a $58 4 pack. It'south not equally accurate as the UWB sensor deployed in AirTags, just given the lack of places for a remote command to hide, it should work just fine.

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Freelance contributor Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, roofing phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine besides. When non weighing upwards the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, y'all'll probably detect him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more than likely, playing Spelunky for the millionth time.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/apple-explains-why-new-apple-tv-remote-lacks-airtag-and-its-not-great

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