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Tag: AirTag

Glenn Fleishman 7 comments

Google Raises Privacy Bar with Its Crowdsourced Tracking Service

Google’s new Find My Device network works nearly identically to Apple’s Find My network with a few exceptions: Google’s design offers more anti-stalking and privacy features than Apple.

Glenn Fleishman 2 comments

AirTag in the News: NYPD Recommends, Apple and Google Propose Industry Tracking Standard

In response to a surge of car thefts, the New York Police Department recommends the city’s car owners install an AirTag to help with stolen vehicle recovery. Meanwhile, Apple and Google have partnered on a new industry standard to provide consistent anti-tracking protection for devices that can track object locations persistently.

Adam Engst 7 comments

Reuters Uses AirTags to Track Donated Shoes Destined for Recycling

Ever wondered what happens to donated old running shoes? Reuters decided to verify the claims that they would be recycled into playgrounds by tracking them with AirTags. Spoiler—no playgrounds were built with the tracked shoes.

Josh Centers 8 comments

No, Lufthansa Isn’t Banning AirTags from Luggage

German airline Lufthansa set off a firestorm when it claimed that AirTags aren’t allowed in checked baggage, but it was a simple case of confusion about regulations.

Josh Centers 37 comments

Here’s Why Your AirTag Battery Replacement Is Not Working

Is your AirTag still not working after replacing the battery? The most common cause is that certain batteries from Duracell have a bitterant coating that renders them unpalatable to small children and AirTags.

Glenn Fleishman 77 comments

Tune Find My for Travel Tracking to Avoid Annoying AirTag and Apple Device Alerts

Apple’s AirTag and other Find My trackers—along with Find My-tracked Apple devices—may be too aggressive about telling you where they are—or aren’t. They can be useful for tracking luggage and other valuables while traveling, particularly with others, but you will likely need to tune your settings to reduce notifications.

Josh Centers 7 comments

TipBITS: How to Disable a Known AirTag’s Alerts

Tired of getting unnecessary “AirTag Found Moving With You” alerts when you borrow your spouse’s keys? Here’s how you can disable those alerts, at least for a day.

Josh Centers 12 comments

Apple Improves the AirTag “Unwanted Tracking” Sound

Apple has released an AirTag firmware update that makes it easier to hear the alert sound from an unwanted AirTag.

Josh Centers 5 comments

Chipolo Card Spot Puts Find My in Your Wallet

What’s in your wallet? The credit card-sized Chipolo Card Spot location tracker puts Apple’s powerful Find My network in your wallet to make it easier to find if lost.

Josh Centers No comments

A New York Times Reporter Tracked Her Husband’s Every Move. Here’s What She Learned

New York Times privacy reporter Kashmir Hill used an AirTag, a Tile, and a GPS device to track her husband’s every move (with his consent). It’s a fascinating story of how well the different products worked and how creepy it felt.

Adam Engst No comments

Apple Explains How It Will Address AirTag Privacy Issues

Media reports of AirTags being abused by criminals have stirred controversy. Apple has published a brief but detailed plan on how it is addressing privacy concerns.

Glenn Fleishman 4 comments

New Apple Guide Offers Personal Safety Advice

Apple has consolidated advice shared across many of its support documents and user manuals into one relatively concise guide. While welcome, it has room to improve.

Glenn Fleishman 90 comments

AirTags: Hidden Stalking Menace or Latest Overblown Urban Myth?

Mainstream and technology media report that stalkers and criminals use AirTags to track unsuspecting people and aid in car theft. Do a handful of anecdotes truly reveal a broader pattern?

Glenn Fleishman 6 comments

Chipolo Ahoy! The ONE Spot Find My Network Tracker Arrives

Chipolo previously offered trackers that operated only via its own network. The company’s new Chipolo ONE Spot instead relies entirely on Apple’s Find My network—with all its advantages and limitations.

Glenn Fleishman 4 comments

When You’re Told an AirTag Is Moving with You

Apple’s new AirTag trackers have provoked considerable interest about their potential for misuse. That’s why your iPhone or iPad can alert you if you’re being tracked by one, with or without your knowledge. We detail exactly when and why.