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Apple's Third-Party Find My Accessory Program Gets Closer to Launch With New Test App

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Apple is getting closer to launching the third-party program that will allow item trackers and other Bluetooth devices to be tracked using the Find My app, based on the launch of a new app.

find-my-test-app-1.jpg

As noted by TechCrunch, Apple Sunday introduced the Find My Certification Asst. app, which was created exclusively for Made for iPhone (MFi) licensees who need to test their accessories with the Find My network. From the App Store description:
For use by MFi Licensees only. Use the Find My Certification Assistant to test discovery, connection, and other key requirements for accessories you develop that incorporate Find My network technology.
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Based on screenshots of the app, product developers are able to test connectivity, sound power, NFC capabilities, firmware, Bluetooth connectivity, and more.

find-my-test-app-2.jpg

Apple's Find My Network Accessory Program was first introduced alongside iOS and iPadOS 14. It lets third-party products integrate with the Find My app, allowing them to be tracked right alongside Apple devices.

find-my-test-app-3.jpg

iOS 14.5 added a new "Items" tab to the Find My app, which is where any Find My integrated device will be able to be tracked. This is also presumably where Apple's own AirTags will be able to be located when those launch, but for now, it may be aimed at third-party accessories.

So far, there are few accessory makers that have released a product that works with Find My integration. Belkin in January announced the Soundform Freedom True Wireless Earbuds, which have Find My integration and will be able to be tracked in the Find My app.

Find My is able to work with any device that has Bluetooth and integrates Apple's code through the Find My Network Accessory Program, so it is not limited to item trackers and can be built into any Bluetooth product. Tile has been offering a similar program that allows accessories to integrate with the Tile ecosystem to be located through the Tile app.

Article Link: Apple's Third-Party Find My Accessory Program Gets Closer to Launch With New Test App
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2021/04/06/find-my-accessory-program-test-app/
Hoping there's nice Shortcuts integration. Allowing for actions to be taken based on various criteria, such as a device coming into or out of range, for example.

Would love to be able to have more options for such with other things, like wifi. When I get in the car and the phone connects to my in-car Bluetooth, automatically turn off wifi, etc. Or when I get home and it connects to the home wifi, turn off 5G, etc.
 
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Can this be customized with automations? Would love to put a tag in different rooms and have it turn on the lights when I enter, etc. And be used as a context-sensitive way to control home automations. I could just say "turn off the light" and it would know I'm in my bedroom, workshop, studio or whatever.
 
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jrhop said:
I'm thinking that maybe AirTags aren't coming and they are leaving it open for 3rd party companies to make the hardware.
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I think you may well be right. It would make far more sense, for example, if Samsonite or Pelican to license Find-My rather than needing to drop in an Airtag in with your luggage. If DJI added the function to their drones etc.
 
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Could this mean we could add are own BT devices to the Find My app? That would me cool
 
jrhop said:
I'm thinking that maybe AirTags aren't coming and they are leaving it open for 3rd party companies to make the hardware.
Click to expand...
Yep. this is looking more like HomeKit where Apple is providing the framework for everyone else to release devices, but not actually having any of their own.
 
Wouldn't it be easier to FindYourThings™ if you put your things in boxes that were clearly labelled? It would save on buying a load of tags and having a convoluted system to link everything up.
 
qoop said:
Wouldn't it be easier to FindYourThings™ if you put your things in boxes that were clearly labelled? It would save on buying a load of tags and having a convoluted system to link everything up.
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Great idea! Now i have to find a box for my cat :) and a label :p
 
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qoop said:
Wouldn't it be easier to FindYourThings™ if you put your things in boxes that were clearly labelled? It would save on buying a load of tags and having a convoluted system to link everything up.
Click to expand...
I don't have a box big enough for my bike or car, luggage or backpack. And if I did, I doubt that I'd carry them with me.

:rolleyes:
 
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