Standardizing the detection and alert system won’t necessarily solve the current wave of legal woes, but it at least gives a glimpse of a safer future for consumers where they don’t have to worry about their phone’s OS to avoid becoming the next victim of stalking or asset theft.Creepy contact lenses are the most spooktacular way of completing your favourite and freaky fancy dress costumes. In addition to device manufacturers and OS gatekeepers, advocacy groups like the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the Center for Democracy & Technology, and the Internet Engineering Task Force.Īpple has already been the subject of a legal tussle over unauthorized AirTag deployment. “This new industry specification builds upon the AirTag protections, and through collaboration with Google results in a critical step forward to help combat unwanted tracking across iOS and Android,” Apple executive Ron Huang was quoted as saying. Once the draft has been finalized, the manufacturers will be able to bake the tech into their own lineup of object, pet, and person-tracking devices. To put it in simple terms, users will get the same kind of alerts and mitigation remedies for a covertly placed Bluetooth tracking device on their phone - irrespective of whether it is running Android or iOS.Īpple’s press release says some big names in the game - such as Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy Security, and Pebblebee - have already expressed willingness to embrace the new tracking and alert specification.

Google and Apple are now doing the needful with an industry specification that will “allow Bluetooth location-tracking devices to be compatible with unauthorized tracking detection and alerts across iOS and Android platforms. Needless to say, there is a dire need for a standardized cross-platform protocol for Bluetooth-enabled tracking devices to level the playing field. The risk factor only elevated further if the victim had a non-Apple device in their possession.Īpple eventually fixed some of those flaws, but there was still a gulf of non-uniform safety features between those using an Apple device and folks loyal to Android phones. To recall, ever since Apple launched the AirTag, there have been multiple reports of bad actors abusing the tracking device for everything from car theft to spying on their partners. In the initial phase following its release, AirTag had inadequate safeguards for people using Android devices, leaving them at the mercy of a bad actor. Your phone may make a loud sound today - here’s whyĪ highly requested Apple Card feature finally went live todayĬontrol Center on the iPhone is a mess - here’s how Apple can fix it

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