Apple and Google have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to enhance the standards of Bluetooth or tracker tracking devices, aiming to prevent the misuse of such devices for tracking individuals inappropriately. The new features will be compatible across both iOS and Android platforms.
Most recently, Apple has introduced the capability to alert users if they detect an unknown Bluetooth device attempting to track them, which is included in the iOS 17.5 update. On the other hand, Google has implemented this feature in Android 6.0 and above.
This feature will notify iOS/Android users if they encounter a Bluetooth device or tracker that they are not familiar with, tracking alongside them, even if it is not directly connected to their operating system. If the device is already known to the user, such as borrowed for temporary use, there is no issue. However, if it is truly unknown, users can command the tracker to emit sound to locate and deactivate it.
Both Apple and Google have stated that they will continue to collaborate with the Internet Engineering Task Force to further develop the standards for detecting tracking devices in the future.
TLDR: Apple and Google collaborate to enhance Bluetooth/tracker tracking device standards to prevent misuse for improper tracking of individuals. New features alert users of unknown devices tracking them and include capabilities for locating and deactivating these devices. Collaboration with Internet Engineering Task Force continues for future developments.
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