Why buy a GPS collar?
There are 3 types of GPS collars for cats and dogs:
- AirTag collar without subscription
- GPS collar with subscription
- GPS collar with SIM card
In this article, we will look at the questions to ask yourself before buying a GPS collar with the new AirTag location system, which is currently the cheapest and most effective.
1) Is the collar's location tracked in real time?
The importance of real-time location tracking is often underestimated. However, getting your pet's GPS location on demand and having a constantly updated location are not the same thing.
This can, among other things, help to find a lost pet more quickly or avoid situations where you need to know its location when the GPS collar is in a place where it can no longer receive satellite signals. Having the last known location before the signal loss is possible thanks to real-time tracking.
Some GPS collar vendors use pricing or subscription strategies to make their service more attractive. However, a closer look reveals a hidden cost: service restrictions. Location tracking may be limited, and you'll only get a few positions per hour, day, or month, depending on the manufacturer. With the AirTag collar from Hisotag, everything is unlimited: no subscription, no hidden fees.
2) Is there a distance limit?
It is important to pay attention to the performance differences between the various technologies used for geolocation . Some products are presented as comprehensive GPS trackers but have a limited range of only a few meters.
However, some GPS trackers, like the AirTag, have a longer range, working from 100 meters to 300 kilometers. It is essential to research the different technologies available to make an informed choice.
Each AirTag contains an ultra-wideband GPS chip . These new chips transmit more data than Bluetooth or GPS combined, at a higher throughput. This means you'll be able to pinpoint your pet's location with ease.
When Bluetooth technology for proximity location is out of range, two other technologies take over: Ultra Wideband for precise location + NFC for Lost mode
3) What is the actual battery life?
When it comes to locating living beings like our pets, it becomes essential to check whether the battery life indicated by the manufacturer is based on maximum use (in complete standby mode, without transmitting location data) or daily use (with regular location transmissions). This will allow you to better compare the different products available on the market.
Battery life is the biggest drawback of traditional GPS collars, such as those from Weenect or Tractive . The battery needs to be recharged daily, and if you're searching for your lost dog or cat , you absolutely must find them within hours, otherwise they'll be lost forever. The battery in their GPS collar will be depleted, and your smartphone app will no longer receive any location signals from your pet.
The battery life of an AirTag depends on your usage and how often you send location updates. According to Apple, an AirTag's battery life is approximately one year with normal use, meaning regular location updates.
However, if you primarily use AirTag in standby mode or with less frequent location updates, the battery can last even longer. It's important to note that when the battery is low, you'll receive a notification message informing you that it's time to replace it.
The Apple AirTag battery is a CR2032 button cell battery with a lifespan of approximately 1 year, replaceable without technical intervention.
4) Does the operation require a subscription or paid top-ups?
The business model of GPS trackers can be confusing. Some companies claim to offer subscription-free services, when in fact a subscription is included in the purchase price, but only for a limited time. Other GPS trackers allow you to use your own SIM card, but it's important to note that this can lead to very high hidden charges at the end of the month.
It is important to note that there are significant differences between the various geolocation technologies with regard to their geographic reach.
5) Does the GPS collar work in my country?
Some GPS collars can work anywhere in the world without additional costs, such as the Hisotag AirTag dog and cat collar , while others are limited to a specific country or restricted geographical area.
It is important to check the geographical limitations of other GPS accessories before making a choice to ensure they meet your needs.
Some mobile applications do not work in other countries and some SIM cards are not supported abroad, which may result in unexpected communication charges.
6) Is the location app frequently updated?
Far too many GPS manufacturers fail to regularly update their apps. This can lead to recurring bugs or a lack of innovation. To ensure the quality of a location app , it's advisable to check the app ratings on app stores like Google Play or the App Store, where you can see the date of the last update, which is a good indicator of the app 's quality.
The free Find My app, used to locate AirTags, belongs to Apple, which also owns the App Store. What better guarantee of regular updates for your smartphone?!
7) Are the GPS and the service secure?
Connected devices, including GPS units, can have security vulnerabilities. It is crucial for manufacturers to take this seriously, especially when the product is intended for security purposes.
It is important to check that the GPS manufacturer complies with the European directive to ensure that your data is protected and used responsibly.
Apple takes this issue very seriously, with a significant investment in the security of their AirTag trackers.
You can learn more about Apple's measures to protect your data and ensure the security of their products by visiting this AirTag information page .
AirTag is a location tracking accessory developed by Apple that allows you to track the position of an object or person using Apple's "Find My" location network. It is more effective than traditional GPS for several reasons:
- Accuracy: AirTag uses iBeacon technology to provide location accuracy of less than 10cm, which is more accurate than GPS systems that can have location errors of a few meters.
- Reliability: AirTag uses a location loopback system, where multiple devices are used to locate your AirTag collar , this helps maintain high accuracy even in areas where GPS is weak or absent.
- Battery life: AirTag uses longer-lasting batteries that can be easily replaced, unlike most GPS devices which are powered by a rechargeable battery.
- Security: AirTag uses enhanced security to prevent unauthorized people from tracking or locating your AirTag attached to your pet's collar, hidden in your vehicle, in your children's backpacks or your suitcase on vacation.
- Integration: AirTag is integrated with Hisotag Collars , allowing for simpler use and a better user experience.
