Apple’s “Where’s it?” The network tracks lost Apple hardware and allows it to be blocked through the network. The app also shows the location of friends who share this information. In addition, “where is” can search for items that are not online, in which the app searches report items as lost and allows other Apple devices to search them roughly via Bluetooth. The entire process is encrypted end-to-end.

As expected, Apple is now opening this network to other manufacturers through the MFi (“Made for iPhone”) program. Approved products can be added to a separate tab “Items” in the “Where’s” app. From next week, the first three products, which is “Where?” Record: The latest S3 and X3 e-bikes from OneMoof, Soundform Freedom True Wireless in-ear headphones from Belkin and Chipolo One Spot article finder.

Works with iOS and macOS

Adding third-party products to the “Item” tab in “Where” The app requires iOS 14.3 or later with iPad or iPad Touch with iPadOS 14.3 or later or MacOS Big Sur 11.1 or later. You also need an Apple ID and call it “Where is?” One has to log in to the iCloud account with the function.

Compared to existing solutions, “Where is?” The network has a decisive advantage: it is already provided by the operating system and does not depend on third-party apps, which must first be installed on as many smartphones as possible and being able to detect objects Requires continuous access to the location that has been reported as lost. This creates a dense network of explorers. Neither Apple nor third party providers know where the items you are looking for are located. It is known only to the user.

In addition to location via Bluetooth, Apple wants to enable other device manufacturers to use ultra-broadband technology in Apple devices equipped with U1 chips and enable more precise positioning. A specification for chipset manufacturers is to be published this spring.

(Vowel)