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Can you make an AirTag last 10 years? It took me a seconds to do it
ZDNET's key takeaways
- It boosts battery life up to a decade.
- It is water and dustproof.
- However, it does add bulk to the sleek AirTag.
Apple AirTags have revolutionized every aspect of my life. From finding my keys and wallet in the morning to keeping an eye on my luggage while traveling, not a day goes by when I don't open the Find My app to locate something I've misplaced or check that something is still where it should be.
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But I have two bugbears about AirTags. First, the shape is odd and doesn't lend itself to being attached to things directly. The second issue is the one- to two-year battery life. The battery life issue is particularly frustrating, and I constantly have a few AirTags needing new batteries. I've now resorted to buying CR2032 coin batteries by the dozen.
Well, a company called ElevationLabs has solved both of these issues with the TimeCapsule 10-year battery case. As the name suggests, this is a case for an AirTag that can power it for as long as a decade.
Tough and IP69-rated
The case is made from tough, fiber-reinforced composite construction, complete with a gasket that seals it to an IP69 rating (completely dust-tight and able to withstand high-pressure water jets and steam cleaning), along with quality CNC-machined fasteners. An Allen key is even supplied for assembly.
You just need to add an AirTag and a couple of AA batteries.
Just add two AA Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.
Speaking of the batteries, ElevationLabs recommends using Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries, and I second this. These batteries offer excellent longevity, stable power output, and in my many years of using them, I've never experienced a leak. Avoid using cheap alkaline batteries for a project like this, as you run the risk of damaging both the AirTag and the case if the battery bursts and leaks its corrosive goo everywhere.
Assembling is easy
Get everything ready, open the AirTag, and set the battery and battery cover aside. Fit the batteries into the case, place the AirTag on top of the metal power plate, pop the cover on, and screw it down.
Assembly is easy.
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A word on the screws: They only need to be snug enough to gently compress the gasket. I suggest working slowly, tightening one screw at a time until they are hand-tight. There's no need to go all beast mode on them.
Snug down the fasteners, there's no need to overtighten!
Excellent quality
I was curious about the overall quality of the TimeCapsule, its dust and water resistance rating, and whether having the AirTag in a case reduces its effectiveness.
The build quality is exceptional, and the fit and finish are excellent. The case is tough and completely water- and dust-proof. I've dropped it and trodden on it without any concerns.
As for the range of the AirTag in and out of the case, I tested this in the narrow streets of Marrakesh and found no difference in the detection range or location accuracy. I did notice that the case muffles the speaker a little, but it was still audible over the hustle and bustle of the environment.
ZDNET's buying advice
Apple AirTags are great, but the ElevationLabs TimeCapsule 10-year battery case enhances their functionality for a variety of applications. While the AirTag is perfect for attaching to keys or concealing in a wallet or purse, the TimeCapsule is ideal for use in luggage, camera cases, toolboxes, vehicles, or similar situations where the extra size is not an issue.
A single TimeCapsule costs $20, while a four-pack is $40, so opting for the larger pack is a no-brainer.
The only concern I have is that Apple could change the form factor of the AirTag at some point soon. Therefore, my advice is to have AirTags ready for all the TimeCapsule cases you purchase and perhaps keep a few spares on hand.