cross-posted from: https://discuss.online/post/34586015

Curious on suggestions for airtags, or similar, for tracking important things on flights or other cases where losing the specific item would be too much of a financial / sentimental loss. Anyone doing this from Linux, or from graphene? How is it?

  • trxxruraxvr@lemmy.world
    1·
    13 hours ago

    but generally, a tracker is a tracker.

    Most tracker brands for Android only ping from phones that have their app installed. Not all Android devices. Since there is no brand that has an overwhelming market share that means the chance to find a lost Android tracker is much smaller than the apple ones. I have some, but I only trust them to find my keys within Bluetooth range.

    • Joelk111@lemmy.world
      2·
      12 hours ago

      I meant a Google FindMy compatible tracker, they ping off of all Android devices, I believe it’s opt-out to be a part of the network. It’s honestly a failure on Google’s part that so many don’t seem to be aware that Google has an alternative to AirTags.

    • corsicanguppy@lemmy.caEnglish
      1·
      12 hours ago

      Most tracker brands for Android only ping from phones that have their app installed. Not all Android devices.

      There are tags for both Apple and Android that connect to their respective networks; and phones of the right network passing by will spot and announce locations.

      This year there are trackers which will connect to either distinct network, albeit you can only choose once and it can’t switch without a factory reset. Those brands will have an overwhelming market share AND not require a branded app for daily use and recovery.

      Since there is no brand that has an overwhelming market share that means the chance to find a lost Android tracker is much smaller than the apple ones.

      In the known universe, Android has 73% of the market. 73 is bigger than 27.

      I have some, but I only trust them to find my keys within Bluetooth range.

      I can confirm you can find the right tags even when outside of BT range.

      The chipolo Loop

      • is a rechargeable fob
      • will work with either ‘find my’ network
      • doesn’t therefore depend on app popularity
      • pairing is “oh it’s done” level of easy. Bizarre.

      The chipolo Card (not card One or card Spot; Card)

      • is a card shape, of course
      • also works with either ‘find my’ network
      • therefore doesn’t need an app installed or running
      • recharges by qi

      The Rhino key device leverages/licenses chipolo tech, uses its tools, and therefore

      • either ‘find’ network
      • no special app required for daily use

      The Rhinokey Card (this is getting repetitive)

      • backs onto chipolo
      • either network
      • app not required for regular use
      • Qi charges

      The chipolo app:

      • allows to adjust volume
      • I forget what else.

      We have one Loop we’re testing, and it works as expected, right outta her S24 or so, and with my S10. She shares me the loop right outta Find My. She installed no app. We did not pair it with an iPhone as hers is a work phone.

      We intend to get more Loops, and Cards for the parents and ourselves. The boomers are all on iPhones so it will be fun science.