Following the launch of Tile really popularized the niche in 2015, and companies like this have kept the tracking market alive and well. In 2021, however, things took a big shift.
After months of constant rumors, Apple launched its AirTag tracker in April 2021. On paper, AirTag isn't all that different from its competitors. It's a small device that can attach to a bag/purse, alerts s when it's lost, and can reveal its location even when disconnected from its smartphone. That last point is the secret sauce of AirTag. Using Apple's expansive Find My Network, AirTags can anonymously ping hundreds of millions of Apple devices to alert owners of their location.
This is undoubtedly great for finding lost items. Unfortunately, it's also a tool that's been used for more nefarious things — such as tracking cars to steal or slipping them in someone's bag to stalk them. Apple combats this on the iPhone by alerting s if an unknown AirTag is found near them. Now, with Apple's new Tracker Detect app, Android s get similar protection. Tracker Detect doesn't allow Android s to use their own AirTags for finding lost items, but it does keep them protected if they suspect they're being tracked.
How Apple's Tracker Detect App Works
The best part? Tracker Detect is extremely easy to use. Simply head to the Play Store, Tracker Detect for free, open it up, accept the & Conditions, and it's ready to go. If someone ever suspects they're being tracked, they can open Tracker Detect and tap 'Scan.' As Apple explains, the app looks for "item trackers that are separated from their owner and that are compatible with Apple's Find My Network." In addition to finding AirTags, Tracker Finder also detects "compatible devices from other companies."
If an AirTag is found, it shows up below the scanning animation as 'Unknown AirTag.' s can then tap the AirTag for a few helpful controls — including a button to make it play a loud sound, see its serial number, and get instructions on how to disable it. Apple also notes in the app that it might take up to 15 minutes for a separated tracker to appear in Tracker Finder.
Overall, this is a really welcome move from Apple. It would have been great to have something like this available at launch, but the fact that it exists at all is great to see. It's also something all Android s should consider ing. It may not be something you ever have to use, but in the event that you do, it's a good idea to have it just to be safe.
Source: Google Play