Mike Peterson
Chipolo has announced the ONE Spot, its first tracking tag that works with Apple's Find My app and one of the first devices to take advantage of the third-party tracking support.
Apple on Wednesday debuted a new Find My network feature that allows third-party devices to be tracked through the app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Some of the first companies to take advantage of the feature include Belkin, VanMoof, and Chipolo.
The Chipolo ONE Spot is a small, round tracking tag that can be attached with various personal belongings. The company says that it's both lightweight and water-resistant, and it sports a replaceable battery rated to last up to 12 months.
Once attached to an item, Apple users will be able to add the Chipolo ONE Spot to the Items tab on the Find My app. The tracking device will be discoverable on a map with the last known location if it's out of range. Users will also be able to play a sound or put the device into Lost Mode if it's missing or misplaced.
If a user switches the Chipolo tag into Lost Mode, they'll be able to locate the device using the Find My network that allows offline tracking via millions of iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. Should another person find the Chipolo ONE Spot, they'll be able to identify and contact the owner. The device, like all accessories on the Find My network, will use encryption to protect user privacy and security.
"We are extremely excited to announce the Find My-enabled Chipolo ONE Spot, which enables users to find more than just misplaced items and offers a solution for those which are truly lost — all while maintaining privacy using advanced encryption so user data and information is protected. This introduces a new level of peace of mind when it comes to keeping your valuables safe and accounted for," said Primoz Zelensek, Chipolo's CEO.
While the Find My app is now open to third-party manufacturers like Chipolo, Apple is rumored to be working on its own first-party "AirTags" trackers. "AirTags," compared to other products on the market, will feature Ultra Wideband support for more precise locating and deep integration with Apple's ARKit.
The Chipolo ONE Spot will require iOS 14.3, iPadOS 14.3, and macOS Big Sur 11.1 or later. It'll become available to pre-order in May before launching in June. Interested users can join the waitlist for more information and pre-order access.
Amber Neely
Andrew Orr
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
12 Comments
"Should another person find the Chipolo ONE Spot, they'll be able to identify and contact the owner."
Ummm.... does that mean a thief with an iPhone can "find" the Spot just as soon as it's reported lost?
Odd....
If Apple is rolling out AirTags in just a few weeks why would there even be a new Apple-endorsed third-party tracker announced now?
If this means the Chipolo-tags out there will finally start doing their job, it would be great news for owners, but I doubt it. Used mine four months, got about a thousend falls alarms when both my tagged keys and my iPhone were in my coat pocket, and never once an alarm when it was needed. After those four months the battery was dead and that finally bought me peace. And all that for only 25 euro's. Not even going to invest in a new battery. Come on Apple, start shipping some tags that just work. Can't wait.
I'm getting a feeling AirTags are going the way of AirPower.