Apple’s new Android app permits you to test for AirTag stalkers with out an iPhone

Apple has launched a brand new Android app permitting customers to detect whether or not there’s an unfamiliar AirTag following them. It is a helpful security device for any non-iPhone customers involved they might be a sufferer of high-tech stalking.

“Tracker Detect appears for merchandise trackers which can be separated from their proprietor and which can be suitable with Apple’s Discover My community,” the app’s Google Play retailer description reads. “These merchandise trackers embrace AirTag and suitable gadgets from different firms. If you happen to suppose somebody is utilizing AirTag or one other system to trace your location, you possibly can scan to attempt to discover it.”

When Apple introduced its new Bluetooth AirTag trackers in April, they have been rapidly met with privateness and safety considerations. Utilizing these useful 1.26-inch tags to electronically hold monitor of your keys and pockets is fairly handy. Being probably tracked by a stalker with out your information is much less nice.

Apple indicated it was conscious of this subject, and applied a couple of options to assist forestall AirTag abuse. This included automated detection of any unknown AirTags following you, the flexibility to deactivate stated AirTags, and having AirTags emit a noise in the event that they’re separated from their paired iPhone for 3 days. Nevertheless, except for the AirTags’ sound, these options have been solely obtainable for iPhone customers. Even contemplating the audio alert, three days is a very long time to be tracked with out your information. 

Now, Apple’s Tracker Detect app will lastly enable Android customers to test whether or not they’re being shadowed by any maliciously-intended AirTags, hopefully catching them a lot sooner than three days in.

Although Tracker Detect seems to be a useful security device, it is not with out flaws. Customers have already began leaving damaging evaluations on the Google Play retailer, criticizing Apple’s app for requiring guide activation of its scan. This implies you’d should already know somebody might need planted an AirTag on you lately, in any other case you most likely would not trouble opening the app and scanning. Alternatively, Tracker Detect might probably drain your telephone’s battery if it was robotically scanning on a regular basis.

Mashable has reached out to Apple for remark.