Tracking: Manufacturer adds hidden Apple AirTag compartment to kids' shoes
A US shoe manufacturer launches a children's shoe with space for an AirTag under the insole. This gives parents "peace of mind".
(Image: tre / Mac&i)
AirTag compartment instead of air cushion: Shoe manufacturer Skechers has introduced a range of AirTag-compatible children's shoes. It appears to be the first mass-produced product of its kind. A compartment hidden under the insole in one of the two shoes offers space for Apple's coin-sized Bluetooth tracker. According to the manufacturer, the child is unaware of this, but parents can locate the shoe from their iPhone “at any time.”
More and more AirTag-compatible products
The shoe collection, called “Find My Skechers” in reference to Apple's "Find My" service, is designed for children aged four to around ten years. The tracker is located in the sole under a screw-on cover. The shoes are sold without the AirTag.
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Since Apple launched the compact trackers on the market over four years ago, many hobby projects and commercial products have appeared to attach AirTags to objects such as bicycles. Some manufacturers now support Apple's “Where is?” network directly in their products, for example in backpacks. These can then also be located in the “Where is?” app without an AirTag. There have long been a number of significantly cheaper AirTag alternatives from smaller providers that offer largely the same functions. Ultra-wideband radio, which allows very precise localization even at close range, is largely reserved for AirTags.
When the child's shoe suddenly rings
Due to cases of stalking and misuse, Apple has had to make several improvements and integrate additional protective functions. Meanwhile, both iOS and Android devices warn you if a stranger's AirTag is in tow for a longer period of time. As stalking protection, AirTags also make themselves known with a sound signal if they are separated from the owner's iPhone for a longer period of time. It remains to be seen to what extent this also happens with AirTag children's shoes and whether the warning tone is audible at all outside the storage compartment.
To enable localization, AirTags lock in all own and third-party Apple devices within Bluetooth range and thus in the immediate vicinity. These transmit the location of the trackers to Apple servers so that AirTag owners can retrieve it via the “Where is?” app. The data is protected by end-to-end encryption. This therefore works well in areas where many people are out and about, such as city centers. Live tracking is not possible. Whether AirTags are at all suitable for tracking the location of your children has long been questioned in forums.
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