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Are there any decent Bluetooth trackers for Android that don't require an invasive app or membership? (leminal.space)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

20 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I know there are a lot on Ali Express and I'm curious if any are compatible with a FOSS app. I have tried using Tile products in the past but the app and the way they implemented a membership was a bit annoying.

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[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Having a tracker is one thing. If I wanted I could have gotten a Tile or Chipolo, but all of those require the user to install an app and be part of the tracking network for it to be useful, so you’re limited to those who have installed and allowed the app. Apple on the other hand has built in their tag tracking to every single iPhone period, whether they have a tag or not, so the mesh of phones that can track your tag is much, much larger especially in the US. Instead of relying on people to install an app and a segmented product to get their tags location.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

... No

Google announced an air tag system, which will be enabled on billions of Android devices via Google Play services. It's literally air tag for Android, but with an even larger network of devices.

Chipolo released hardware that only works with this new system. No third party app required.

https://chipolo.net/en-us/products/category/chipolo-point

So again, you switched for nothing. In fact, you switched to a worse and closed system. Less iPhones in the world, and you're locked to Apple trackers only. Enjoy.

https://blog.google/products/android/google-android-safety-features/

That’s why later this summer, we're launching a refreshed Find My Device experience that makes it easier than ever to locate your devices and belongings quickly and securely by ringing compatible devices or viewing their location on a map in the app – even when they’re offline. The new Find My Device network will harness over a billion Android devices across the world to help you locate your missing belongings like headphones, tracker tags, or even your phone via Bluetooth proximity.

Attach Bluetooth trackers from Tile, Chipolo, and Pebblebee to your everyday objects — like your keys, wallets, or luggage to make them findable via the Find My Device network. And keep your ears open for updates to your existing Pixel Buds, as well as headphones from Sony and JBL, that will join the Find My Device ecosystem soon.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

“Announced” is it ready, is it available right now? And I said that was one of the reasons, not the only reason. My credit card only works with Apple Pay, that’s another. There were a whole host of reasons. Google is saying “we’ll do them to!” But at some point it was keep waiting or switch to something that actually existed.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Your credit card doesn't work with Google Pay? lmao what?

But hey, enjoy your new air tag. Make sure to pick up this official Apple FineWoven Key Ring so you can put it on your key chain.

I will just use the dedicated hole in my Chipolo and save $49, but also be at ease that my airtag isn't going to slip out of a fucking case.