Airtags can be scanned with your non-Apple smartphone's NFC reader which gives you contact info for the owner.
Beyond that, all tracker devices are proprietary. The Tile/Chipolo network only works with Tile/Chipolo; Samsung's SmartTag only works with the SmartThings app which is exclusive to Samsung phones; etc.
What are some examples of 3rd party tags? I know the Find My network itself has been hacked around with for a 3rd party tag. I've always dreamed of an open-source tag that integrates with all the major networks so I can put a little tag on my cat's collar and track his travels.
If it's the first, that seems like they would be a vastly superior offering to AirTags, especially outside America, where people aren't so Apple-crazy.
I don't know, I have an android phone. I just know it says it's compatible with the airtag network on the box, so I suspect it's the first. Ugreen doesn't even have any specific app for these, so I assume it goes through the primary setup method.
Beyond that, all tracker devices are proprietary. The Tile/Chipolo network only works with Tile/Chipolo; Samsung's SmartTag only works with the SmartThings app which is exclusive to Samsung phones; etc.
I just don't think the comparison is apt