Technology
Apple AirTags CAN secretly track your movements as urgent update tries to stop stalkers
APPLE is updating its new AirTag trackers to make them less creepy.
The new update will make it harder for people to secretly track your movements using one of the small devices.
AirTags cost £29/$29 and can track your keys[/caption]
According to The Verge, Apple also revealed its working on an Android app that will make it easier to detect if someone is stalking you via an AirTag.
Apple released AirTags earlier this year.
The small round devices can attach to items like your keys or bag so you can track them down with your phone if you lose them.
Concerns have been raised about people putting one of the small AirTags on someone without them knowing and then using it to track them.
Some people are worried stalkers could use AirTags to track a person[/caption]
Updated iPhones could tell you “AirTag Found Moving With You” but those with an Android phone or without an update would be none the wiser.
That’s unless the AirTag chimed after three days of moving.
The new update will see the AirTag make a noise between eight and 24 hours after separation from the device tracking it.
Apple is also said to be bringing an AirTag Android app out later this year so people with Androids can use them effectively.
The app will reportedly be able to detect the presence of AirTags and any other Find My accessories.
How do AirTags work?
AirTags are discrete and small but need to be put in a holder if you want to attach them to your keys[/caption]
AirTags work with the Find My app that’s already on your iPhone.
The Apple website explains: “Each round AirTag is small and lightweight, features precision-etched polished stainless steel, and is IP67 water- and dust-resistant.
“A built-in speaker plays sounds to help locate AirTag, while a removable cover makes it easy for users to replace the battery.
“AirTag features the same magical setup experience as AirPods — just bring AirTag close to iPhone and it will connect.
“Users can assign AirTag to an item and name it with a default like “Keys” or “Jacket,” or provide a custom name of their choosing.”
Once you’ve set up an AirTag you’ll be able to find it in the new Items tab of the Find My app.
Here you’ll be able to click an AirTag that’s associated with your missing item and see its current or last known location on a map.
When you lose an item an AirTag is attached to, you can make it play a sound if it’s within Bluetooth range.
Asking Siri to find the item will also result in it making a noise if it’s nearby.
It means you can essentially ring your misplaced keys just like you would a misplaced phone.
Apple added: “Each AirTag is equipped with the Apple-designed U1 chip using Ultra Wideband technology, enabling Precision Finding for iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 users.
“This advanced technology can more accurately determine the distance and direction to a lost AirTag when it is in range. As a user moves, Precision Finding fuses input from the camera, ARKit, accelerometer, and gyroscope, and then will guide them to AirTag using a combination of sound, haptics, and visual feedback.”
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
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And, time is almost up for Internet Explorer as Microsoft is set to drop it after 25 years.
Do you own any AirTags yet? Let us know in the comments…
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