Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Apple Introduces AirTag

apple.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

411–420 of 966 posts

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#411

Post by calvinmorrison »

adamlett wrote: post #353
kemonocode wrote: post #256

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They probably caught enough flak with how incredibly unserviceable AirPods were and decided not to repeat the same mistake, especially here where it wouldn't give any benefit at all. Kind of a no-brainer, but you never know with Apple...

Lol, what flak? AirPods are to a close approximation loved by all reviewers and by all evidence they are a smash hit among consumers.

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.

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#412

Post by drdaeman »

jfengel wrote: post #301
amelius wrote: post #180

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> But the "anti-stalking" feature will notify someone if an AirTag they don't own appears to be traveling with them. Another case of your device working against your interests. I don't care if you have something to hide or not. This just sucks at a fundamental level.

I'm not sure it's really Apple's fault. You could do the same thing with a Tile or other beacon. That's the entire purpose of the device. Apple's trying to prevent misuse of their device. They want you to use it to find your keys, not your ex. If you consider that an invalid limitation of your device (by notifying your ex that they seem to be carrying an unknown tracker)... well, let's just say I disagree.

By attempting to prevent misuse they also prevent some legitimate and morally unquestionable uses. Like - the most obvious examples already mentioned in the comments - finding your cat or tracking your checked baggage. There are probably more less obvious use cases where something temporarily leaves owner's proximity, does not remain stationery, but tracking that object's location is perfectly legal and not questionable.

And this can be perceived as - arguably - restrictive and user-hostile by some.

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#413

Post by oh_sigh »

Voline wrote: post #176
gruez wrote: post #154

Earlier quoted context omitted.

A RF detector costs $15-$25 shipped from china. If RF anti-theft devices become common (either the GSM or the bluetooth variety), I'm sure it'll be part of a thief's toolkit.

The majority of bike thieves in Portland are not going to buy a $15-$20 RF detector because that would have to come out of their meth budget. They are not a tech-savvy lot.

I suspect some posters are imagining bike thieves as part of some kind of international black market for high end bikes...maybe that exists but 99% of bike thefts are done by the local crackhead who either wants a ride or wants to trade it for $20 for some crack or meth.

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#414

Post by justapassenger »

While it seems like a good product, let’s put things into perspective of big tech.

Platform owner, that has deep insights into other products on it, and their revenue, is creating competing product, that’s utilizing api and privileges that others cannot. And utilizing platform they own to push this product to users, without having to pay for it.

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#415

Post by oh_sigh »

snailmailman wrote: post #395
andiareso wrote: post #365

Earlier quoted context omitted.

"+/- 30cm" ?

Compared to a dot on a map that usually just narrows it down to an entire building? If the sound is muffled and you can’t hear it, this sounds like it could narrow it down to a specific room or maybe even area of a room. Which is a huge improvement. I haven’t personally used a Tile before, but my impression was “you get what building it’s in, then have to search everywhere til it’s in earshot”

The finding app has an arrow on it, pointing you towards the signal. So maybe the map has only building-level resolution, but once you're in the building you just follow the arrow until it says you're standing on it.

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#416

Post by oh_sigh »

kstrauser wrote: post #336
wombat-man wrote: post #107

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think Apple decided preventing people from using Airtags to stalk someone is more important than preventing theft. Makes sense to me, can you imagine a high profile murder occurring because the perp was able to follow them with an airtag?

I could see having a wider window, say 2 days, for reporting itself. That would give you some time to find your stolen stuff, but would still be an expensive pain in the ass for the stalker to rotate that frequently.

You're assuming the stalker is some rando, not, say, a jealous spouse who wants to make sure they really are going to work every day.

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#417

Post by macintux »

asdff wrote: post #245
shuckles wrote: post #90

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Apple Watch for kids launched last fall with cellular and GPS support. You probably want something like it for kids in the older end of that range.

I wouldn't put a magnet for theft on my child's wrist in effort to keep them from getting lost.

I find it hard to imagine that a $400 device is worth the risk of being caught accosting or kidnapping a child. Society doesn’t look kindly on people who threaten children.

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#418

Post by cmeacham98 »

> Apple-designed AirTag accessories include the Leather Key Ring in Saddle Brown, (PRODUCT)RED, and Baltic Blue for $35 (US); the Leather Loop in Saddle Brown and (PRODUCT)RED for $39 (US); and the Polyurethane Loop in White, Deep Navy, Sunflower, and Electric Orange for $29 (US).

Interesting to see what looks like a typo "(PRODUCT)RED" in an Apple press release.

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#419

Post by adrr »

Nextgrid wrote: post #361
adrr wrote: post #347

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They are replaceable just not user replaceable though user's can change it if they buy $10 worth of tools. Just like my car's battery isn't user replaceable unless i buy tools to be able pull the battery out of the battery compartment.

Your car's battery isn't glued in place behind a cover held by screws with an intentionally obscure pattern. Not to mention, car manufacturers don't (yet?) use specialized batteries that only they can source legitimately nor use DRM to make the car reject a perfectly good battery just because it's not the original one that came with it.

I've never changed the battery in my IPhone but my MBPr 15 it took an OEM battery fine. I cut the glue with some spectra fishing line and wasn't that hard. Took me about 15 minutes to replace it. The IFixit OEM battery came with the tools to change out the battery.

Re: Apple Introduces AirTag

#420

Post by terramex »

frabjoused wrote: post #407

How do these devices connect to the Internet? Do they have a built-in SIM? I'm not sure what they piggyback off of technologically that gets around having to pay some small SIM subscription.

They connect to any iOS device in the area over Bluetooth and use its internet connection to communicate with AirTag's owner iCloud account.
Post reply on HN