Stories with Tag Find My

• Openhaystack: Build 'AirTags' – track Bluetooth devices via Apple's network

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  Posted: 2025-01-27 00:11:27

  Verbose tl;dr

  OpenHaystack is an open-source project that emulates Apple's Find My network, allowing users to track Bluetooth devices globally using Apple's vast network of iPhones, iPads, and Macs. It essentially lets you create your own DIY AirTags by broadcasting custom Bluetooth signals that are picked up by nearby Apple devices and relayed anonymously back to you via iCloud. This provides location information for the tracked device, offering a low-cost and power-efficient alternative to traditional GPS tracking. The project aims to explore and demonstrate the security and privacy implications of this network, showcasing how it can be used for both legitimate and potentially malicious purposes.

  OpenHaystack is an open-source research project that emulates the functionality of Apple's Find My network, allowing users to track Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices, even those without cellular or GPS capabilities, leveraging the vast network of Apple devices. Think of it as a way to build your own "AirTags" or tracking devices, using readily available and affordable hardware like ESP32 microcontrollers. The project utilizes the existing Find My network infrastructure, which consists of millions of iPhones, iPads, and Macs around the world, to relay the location of your custom trackers back to you.

  The way OpenHaystack achieves this is by emulating the communication protocols used by Apple's AirTags. It essentially tricks the Find My network into believing that the custom tracker is a genuine AirTag. The project provides firmware for ESP32 microcontrollers that enables them to broadcast Bluetooth signals mimicking AirTags. These signals are then picked up by nearby Apple devices, which securely and anonymously relay the location data to Apple's servers, and from there back to the owner of the tracker. This entire process happens in the background, requiring no interaction from the owners of the Apple devices involved in relaying the location.

  OpenHaystack offers a user-friendly web interface for managing and tracking your devices. You can view their location on a map, and the location data is updated periodically as the tracker comes within range of Apple devices. The project also emphasizes privacy and security. The location data is end-to-end encrypted, meaning that only the owner of the tracker can decrypt and access the location information. Apple, or anyone else, cannot see the location of the tracker. Furthermore, the system is designed to prevent unauthorized tracking.

  The project's documentation provides detailed instructions on how to set up and use OpenHaystack, including flashing the custom firmware onto an ESP32, setting up the web interface, and configuring the tracking devices. While offering a compelling alternative to commercially available trackers, it's important to acknowledge that OpenHaystack is a research project and may have limitations or unforeseen issues. It is also crucial to use OpenHaystack responsibly and ethically, respecting privacy and avoiding any malicious use of the technology. The project explicitly discourages using it for tracking people without their explicit consent and emphasizes its intended use for tracking objects.

  • Bluetooth
  • tracking
  • Apple
  • Find My
  • AirTag
  • Open Source
  • privacy
  • Security
  • Reverse Engineering
  • Crowd-Sourced
  • Localization
  • Wireless
  • IoT
  • Offline Tracking
  • Network Analysis

  Summary of Comments ( 68 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42835772

  Verbose tl;dr

  Commenters on Hacker News express concerns about OpenHaystack's privacy implications, with some comparing it to stalking or a global mesh network of surveillance. Several users question the ethics and legality of leveraging Apple's Find My network without user consent for tracking arbitrary Bluetooth devices. Others discuss the technical limitations, highlighting the inaccuracy of Bluetooth proximity sensing and the potential for false positives. A few commenters acknowledge the potential for legitimate uses, such as finding lost keys, but the overwhelming sentiment leans towards caution and skepticism regarding the project's potential for misuse. There's also discussion around the possibility of Apple patching the vulnerability that allows this kind of tracking.

  The Hacker News post about OpenHaystack, a project enabling users to build their own "AirTags" and track Bluetooth devices through Apple's Find My network, generated a moderate amount of discussion with 25 comments. Several commenters expressed interest and excitement about the project, highlighting the potential for creating customized and more affordable tracking devices.

  One of the most compelling threads involved discussions about privacy implications. Commenters raised concerns about the potential for stalking or unwanted tracking due to the open nature of the project. This sparked further dialogue about the ethics of creating such technology and the responsibility of developers to mitigate potential misuse. Specific suggestions included incorporating features like clear notifications to individuals being tracked, opt-in mechanisms, and limited range capabilities to prevent long-distance tracking.

  Another key discussion point revolved around the limitations and challenges of the project. Commenters mentioned the reliance on Apple devices for network coverage, raising questions about the effectiveness of tracking in areas with fewer iPhones or iPads. There were also technical discussions regarding battery life, the complexity of the setup process, and the potential for Apple to patch the vulnerabilities exploited by OpenHaystack.

  Several commenters shared their own experiences with similar projects or expressed their intention to experiment with OpenHaystack. Some highlighted potential use cases beyond simple item tracking, such as monitoring the location of pets or vulnerable family members.

  Overall, the comments reflected a mix of enthusiasm for the technical ingenuity of the project and concern about its potential for misuse. The discussion underscored the ethical considerations that accompany the development of tracking technologies and the importance of thoughtful design choices to minimize risks. There was also a pragmatic acknowledgement of the technical limitations and the possibility of Apple taking steps to counter the project's functionality.

• A 10-Year Battery for AirTag

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  Posted: 2024-12-18 18:17:17

  Verbose tl;dr

  ElevationLab introduces TimeCapsule, a protective case for Apple AirTags designed to last for the AirTag's entire lifespan. It incorporates a replaceable CR2032 battery, addressing the AirTag's limited battery life. Made of stainless steel with a cavity to improve signal strength, TimeCapsule includes a keyring and is designed to be more durable and easier to find in bags than the bare AirTag. It effectively transforms the AirTag into a key-sized tracker with a user-replaceable battery estimated to last about ten years.

  ElevationLab, a company known for its accessories for Apple products, has announced the "TimeCapsule," a meticulously engineered replacement battery compartment designed to significantly extend the lifespan of an Apple AirTag. Recognizing that AirTags are inherently disposable due to their sealed, non-replaceable battery, ElevationLab sought to create a solution for environmentally conscious consumers and those seeking long-term tracking solutions. The TimeCapsule boasts a remarkable projected lifespan of ten years, eliminating the need for frequent replacements and reducing electronic waste. This longevity is achieved through the utilization of a specialized low-power lithium thionyl chloride (LTC) battery chemistry known for its exceptional shelf life and stability. This chemistry, while offering extended operational duration, does necessitate a slightly larger form factor compared to the standard AirTag battery. However, ElevationLab has skillfully minimized the size increase, resulting in a form factor only 2.1mm thicker and 2mm wider than the original AirTag, a negligible difference considering the substantial lifespan extension.

  The TimeCapsule's design not only focuses on longevity but also on ease of use and maintainability. The battery compartment is readily accessible, allowing users to replace the LTC battery themselves with a standard CR2432 battery, readily available from various retailers. This user-replaceable design further contributes to the product's sustainability. Furthermore, the TimeCapsule is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity to match the impressive battery lifespan. The design incorporates a robust stainless steel shell that protects the internal components and complements the aesthetic of the AirTag, maintaining its sleek and minimalist appearance. The installation process is designed to be straightforward, allowing users to easily integrate the TimeCapsule with their existing AirTags without specialized tools or technical expertise. This considered approach reflects ElevationLab's commitment to providing practical and user-friendly solutions. The TimeCapsule represents a significant advancement in AirTag functionality, transforming it from a disposable tracking device into a sustainable, long-term solution.

  • AirTag
  • Battery
  • Long-lasting Battery
  • 10-Year Battery
  • TimeCapsule
  • ElevationLab
  • Battery Replacement
  • Find My
  • Apple
  • Accessories
  • IoT
  • Low Power
  • Ultra-low Power
  • Power Efficiency
  • CR2032
  • User-replaceable Battery
  • Crowdfunding
  • Product Announcement

  Summary of Comments ( 563 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42453207

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters are generally skeptical of the TimeCapsule's claimed 10-year battery life, with several pointing out the impracticality of such a long timeframe for a tracking device. Many suspect the battery will degrade significantly before the 10-year mark, rendering the device useless much sooner. Some users question the actual utility of the product, wondering about real-world scenarios where a decade-long tracking solution would be necessary or even desirable. Others express privacy concerns about the potential for long-term, unnoticed tracking. A few commenters mention the environmental impact of disposable electronics, especially given the long lifespan and specialized battery. Several suggest alternative solutions, including replaceable batteries or solar charging. Overall, the sentiment is one of cautious disbelief and concern over practical limitations and unintended consequences.

  The Hacker News post titled "A 10-Year Battery for AirTag" sparked a discussion with several interesting comments. Many commenters focused on the implications of a longer-lasting battery, particularly in the context of tracking stolen items.

  One compelling comment pointed out that the real issue with AirTags isn't battery life, but the fact that thieves can often quickly locate and disable them. A longer battery life wouldn't necessarily address this fundamental vulnerability. This commenter suggested that a more effective solution might be integrating AirTags more deeply into devices, making them harder to remove.

  Another commenter questioned the trade-offs associated with a 10-year battery. They speculated about the size and cost implications of such a battery, wondering if it would make AirTags significantly larger or more expensive. This raised a broader discussion about the optimal balance between battery life, size, and cost for tracking devices.

  Several comments highlighted the environmental impact of disposable batteries. While a 10-year lifespan would reduce battery waste, some commenters argued for rechargeable batteries as a more sustainable approach. They also discussed the potential for solar-powered AirTags as a longer-term solution.

  There was also a discussion about the feasibility of the claimed 10-year battery life. Some commenters expressed skepticism, suggesting that real-world usage patterns and environmental factors could significantly impact battery performance. They called for more transparency regarding the testing methodology used to arrive at the 10-year figure.

  Finally, some comments touched upon the privacy implications of long-term tracking devices. The possibility of someone secretly placing an AirTag with a 10-year battery on a person or vehicle raised concerns about potential misuse and the need for robust anti-stalking measures.