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Apple Introduces AirTag

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Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#691

Post by neuronic »

OkGoDoIt wrote: post #215
crazygringo wrote: post #71

I thought one of the big use cases for this was to track stolen items, like a backpack or maybe even a bicycle. But the "anti-stalking" feature will notify someone if an AirTag they don't own appears to be traveling with them. Does this render it useless for anti-theft, then? Since it will just notify a thief that the bike they just stole is being tracked, and they can look for the AirTag and throw it in the nearest…

I wonder how this works in practice? My main use for an AirTag would be to put on my cat’s collar. But if it starts beeping randomly that’s going to be a problem.

Please, if possible, do not put collars on cats :(

If they're outside they can get gravely injured as they pass through the smallest holes and cracks. There are very NSFL images of resulting injuries. The collars often lead to suffocation or very bloody scenes - no matter how well they seem to fit.

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-afte...

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#692

Post by theshrike79 »

BiteCode_dev wrote: post #669

It uses BT right ? So how can it be useful on luggages, like in their ad ? If someone steals it or the airport lose it, BT is of not use here, isnt it ? Someone help me undertand, it's a genuine question.

Did you read the linked page?

"If AirTag is separated from its owner and out of Bluetooth range, the Find My network can help track it down. The Find My network is approaching a billion Apple devices and can detect Bluetooth signals from a lost AirTag and relay the location back to its owner, all in the background, anonymously and privately."

And before you fly off the handle about privacy: yes it is secure, yes it is encrypted, no Apple doesn't know where your shit is either.

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#693

Post by sneak »

szc wrote: post #672
sneak wrote: post #561

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's a good idea to turn off location services on all Apple devices systemwide. Having it on sends your location over the network to Apple (via visible Wi-Fi MAC address lists) all the time - it's not just passive GPS reception. Apple then shares this data with the US federal government without the requirement for a warrant, whenever they ask via a FISA request. No probable cause of criminal activity is required: it…

You keep repeating this data is shared without a warrant message. I don't believe you are correct in this assessment. The legal definition of a warrant is a written order issued by a judicial officer or other authorized person for the purpose of the administration of justice. A written request by the FISA court, which is staffed by eleven federal district court judges, is de facto a warrant. What I think you really o…

The problem lies with the companies. They have full knowledge that their datasets can and will be queried without limit by the US federal government without probable cause or reasonable suspicion, and they still collect and store the data, after being in full possession of these facts.

In Apple's case, they even preserve vulnerabilities in the system to aid the state in exploiting this circumstance.

It's to the point now where it's not inaccurate to point out that almost all Apple devices function as an extended sensor network for US federal police and military intelligence, given that a) they can access the data at any time and b) Apple makes sure not to secure the data from this illegal intrusion.

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#694

Post by theshrike79 »

arthurcolle wrote: post #594

My cat disappeared for 16 hours today, had no idea where he was. He has a heart issue so I was worried he went off and died. Would I be able to use AirTags to see where he was throughout the day or not? Obviously I could see where he is right now, but could I see where he roamed off to through the course of the day? I know that others have mentioned that no location data is stored on the device, but what if I want to…

> I know that others have mentioned that no location data is stored on the device, but what if I want to use it to see lat/long data points over time, like a time series device, is this possible?

No data is stored on the device, because the device doesn't know where it is :)

It's just a beacon shouting "I'M HERE" at certain intervals. If an iDevice spots the shout, it'll add a GPS location to the message and send it to Apple.

(Yes there's a bunch of encryption and changing IDs too, but that's the basic idea)

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#695

Post by occz »

ghaff wrote: post #538
calvinmorrison wrote: post #411

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I got knock off ones. Yeah, they nice. I lost them in about 3 weeks. First one bud, then the other. Shame but I'm 5 years into my Bose over ears and I don't think I'll lose them.

Over ears are pretty much a non-starter for a lot of people who travel.

How come? I've been traveling extensively with over-ears, what makes them a non-starter?

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#696

Post by fay59 »

kelnos wrote: post #676
captn3m0 wrote: post #181

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Apparently they can be disabled with any NFC enabled device: https://apple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-introduces-airtag/ >[...] And even if users don’t have an iOS device, an AirTag separated from its owner for an extended period of time will play a sound when moved to draw attention to it. If a user detects an unknown AirTag, they can tap it with their iPhone or NFC-capable device and instructions will guide them to…

... and if all else fails, you can always whack it with a hammer a few times. Or just take its battery out.

I’m assuming that instructions to disable the AirTag are basically instructions for how to take off the battery.

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#698

Post by theshrike79 »

sneak wrote: post #561
oop wrote: post #547

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's a stretch to say anonymized reporting of nearby lost devices is abuse and part of a botnet, but you can turn off the U1 chip in settings. Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Networking & Wireless

It's a good idea to turn off location services on all Apple devices systemwide. Having it on sends your location over the network to Apple (via visible Wi-Fi MAC address lists) all the time - it's not just passive GPS reception. Apple then shares this data with the US federal government without the requirement for a warrant, whenever they ask via a FISA request. No probable cause of criminal activity is required: it…

Do you have a source for this claim?

Yes, all mobile manufacturers seed their AGPS databases from phones they control. Basically sending data that tells them what SSIDs are visible at certain locations.

But I'm pretty sure Apple is actively not combining that data with your identity. They have zero reason to do that.

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#699

Post by theshrike79 »

ggrelet wrote: post #382
p1mrx wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If these become popular, you'll probably find plastic adapters for $1 on AliExpress.

Just imagine the sheer amount of non recyclable plastic this "design choice" by Apple to offer an un-holed product will generate. This world has a major problem.

You can create the holder from any biodegradable materials, leather or cardboard etc. No need to use "non-recyclable plastic".

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#700

Post by theshrike79 »

dazbradbury wrote: post #493

Anyone know of an Android compatible alternative that isn't Tile? Every Tile device we've had has broken within 3 months. Normally literally falling to pieces. Have been through 10 of them. Would be fine if they were cheap, but they're really not... Let's hope Apple raises standards / increases competition with this release!

Can't be done, since the Android ecosystem is too fragmented. This only works because Apple controls all the devices and the backend.

Samsung will release the STag soon though :)

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