The primary advantage is clear: criminals cannot locate the AirTag, and even if they receive a notification that their whereabouts are being tracked, they cannot afford to halt the vehicle and commence a search for the pill-shaped device.
Nissan has recently introduced a system that could substitute the AirTag and provide additional functionalities to car owners.
Dubbed Stolen Vehicle Tracking, this novel feature is bundled with the NissanConnect Services application, enabling customers to monitor their Nissan car in the event of theft.
In comparison to the AirTag, Nissan’s system presents more advanced capabilities, including the ability to remotely disable the ignition (reminiscent of GM OnStar).
The system operates through a collaboration between Nissan and Vodafone. The car remains constantly connected to a remote server, which utilizes a GPS sensor to track its location. If the vehicle is stolen, Vodafone Automotive can cooperate with law enforcement to provide GPS-derived location information and, if necessary, deactivate the engine.
The advantages are evident when compared to an AirTag. Apple’s device only functions when in proximity to an Apple smartphone and lacks GPS support. It cannot remotely disable the ignition, as its sole purpose is to furnish law enforcement with location data.
However, an AirTag is significantly more affordable and does not necessitate a subscription. Nissan charges £99 per year (approximately $125 for our American counterparts). This feature can be activated directly from the NissanConnect Services app in the Nissan Store section.
Not all Nissan vehicles are compatible. Stolen Vehicle Tracking is exclusively available for three models: the Nissan ARIYA, Qashqai (manufactured from June 2022), and X-Trail (manufactured from September 2022).
Nissan assures customers of additional features, such as cross-border support, notifications in the event of unauthorized towing, and 24/7 assistance.
Nissan’s system serves as a valuable addition to the anti-theft arsenal, and it will be intriguing to observe statistics regarding the number of customers who adopt the Stolen Vehicle Tracking feature.
Meanwhile, a pack of four AirTags is available for a mere $80, enabling users to monitor up to four devices from a single iPhone. Law enforcement also advises car owners to place AirTags in their vehicles, as these small devices can aid officers in apprehending thieves and expediting the recovery of stolen cars. Police urge drivers to immediately contact 911 upon realizing their vehicle is missing, as initiating the search promptly increases the likelihood of a successful retrieval.
Apple is already in the process of developing a second-generation AirTag, expected to debut in 2025. This device is likely to offer enhanced precision, making it even more challenging for thieves to conceal their tracks while driving away in stolen vehicles.
According to the Source autoevolution.com