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Openhaystack: Build 'AirTags' – track Bluetooth devices via Apple's network

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Re: Openhaystack: Build 'AirTags' – track Bluetooth devices via Apple's network

#4

This is amazing. I love Apple AirTags but they are so bulky and an odd shape. I would love a AirTag the shape of a credit card to go into my wallet. I would love a smaller AirTag to go on my cats collar.

They make super-thin AirTag compatible cards that fit in wallets.

Re: Openhaystack: Build 'AirTags' – track Bluetooth devices via Apple's network

#5
post #2

Impressive. Would Apple be able to simply block non-Apple usage of Find My network usage simply by refusing to relay non-Apple BLE ID?

No, the BLE identities of these tags are currently practically indistinguishable from original tags, and could be made completely identical if necessary. In fact, changing the device's MAC address is part of the specification. What they could block, is the method used by these projects to fetch encrypted location reports. However, the original OpenHaystack project (this one) needs to run on macOS and lets the system handle account authentication, so it's unlikely to get blocked any time soon.

Re: Openhaystack: Build 'AirTags' – track Bluetooth devices via Apple's network

#6
post #2

Impressive. Would Apple be able to simply block non-Apple usage of Find My network usage simply by refusing to relay non-Apple BLE ID?

If I remember correctly, Apple was supposed to openly accept and encourage others to leverage their network and make more “AirTag” capable devices.

Re: Openhaystack: Build 'AirTags' – track Bluetooth devices via Apple's network

#9

This is amazing. I love Apple AirTags but they are so bulky and an odd shape. I would love a AirTag the shape of a credit card to go into my wallet. I would love a smaller AirTag to go on my cats collar.

They make super-thin AirTag compatible cards that fit in wallets.

I’ve even seen some wallets with built in “Find My” support.

Re: Openhaystack: Build 'AirTags' – track Bluetooth devices via Apple's network

#10
post #2

Impressive. Would Apple be able to simply block non-Apple usage of Find My network usage simply by refusing to relay non-Apple BLE ID?

If I remember correctly, Apple was supposed to openly accept and encourage others to leverage their network and make more “AirTag” capable devices.

A quick search on Amazon shows a number of generic trackers compatible with “Find My”. In fact, the one on my dog’s collar is one of these.
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