“We didn’t know that” Wednesday.

We actually can’t wait to jump into this topic with you.

A friend tagged us in a post on Instagram this past week about finding an Apple AirTag in their bag, and we were honestly pretty surprised at how little we knew about these tiny tracking devices so we wanted to share with you.

Let’s get into it.

What’s in the newsletter today?

• Apple Air tags and what we should know 🎯

• Submit your book rec for summer book club! 📗

• Megan Fox’s advice to single women 👋

The safety risks associated with AirTags 💡

This is a crucial topic. First off, what is an Airtag?

An Apple AirTag is a small, coin-sized tracking device designed to help users keep track of and locate their personal belongings such as keys, wallets, bags, or other items. AirTags use Bluetooth technology and Apple's extensive “Find My network,” which leverages the location data of nearby Apple devices, to provide location information for the tagged item.

Here's how Apple AirTags work and their key features:

1. Pairing with an Apple Device: AirTags are easily paired with an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch through the Find My app. Once connected, the AirTag can be assigned to a specific item (e.g., keys, wallet) and given a custom name.

2. Tracking and Locating: Users can track the location of their AirTag using the Find My app. The app provides an estimated distance and direction to the tagged item, allowing users to locate it quickly and easily.

3. Precision Finding: For devices equipped with ultra-wideband (UWB) technology (such as iPhone 11 and later models), Precision Finding can be used to provide more detailed, on-screen guidance for locating the AirTag.

4. Lost Mode: If an item is lost, users can enable Lost Mode in the Find My app. This feature allows them to receive notifications when the AirTag is detected in Apple's network, providing updates on its location.

5. Safety and Privacy: Apple has implemented safety features to prevent unwanted tracking using AirTags. If an unknown AirTag is detected to be traveling with a user, their iPhone will notify them of the potential tracking device.

Overall, AirTags offer a convenient way for users to keep track of their belongings and find them when they are lost. However, concerns about the potential misuse of AirTags for tracking individuals have prompted Apple to implement safety measures to mitigate these risks.

Apple's safety feature alerts users to the presence of unknown AirTags. This is how our friend discovered one on her. She had been getting random weird alerts on her phone about a connected AirTag, however, she didn’t pay it much attention because she didn’t own an AirTag.

When she went to the gym one day, leaving her purse in her car, she got an alert that she was away from the AirTag. That’s when she decided that there must be something in her purse. And sure enough, she dumped out her bag and discovered an AirTag that had undoubtedly been planted on her at some point in the past week.

The issue of tracking devices 

Personal safety and mini-tracking devices are especially concerning given the statistics on stalking and violence against women in the U.S.

• Women Stalked Each Year: According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), approximately 6.6 million women are stalked each year in the U.S. This equates to about one in six women experiencing stalking in their lifetime.

• Women Murdered by People They Know: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), data from a study conducted between 2003 and 2014 shows that 55% of female homicides are committed by an intimate partner. In most cases, the victim knew the perpetrator.

Now women not only need to be cautious of drink spiking when they go out but they also have to be cautious of getting tracked.

Here are some tips:

The problem is that yes, Apple has a safety feature to notify you about tags, but other technologies like the Tile, do not.

• Check your belongings regularly: Make it a habit to inspect your bags, clothing, and other personal items for unknown AirTags or tracking devices. Look for unusual objects that you don't recognize.

• Pay attention to notifications: If you receive alerts about an unknown AirTag, take them seriously and investigate immediately. This could save you from potential harm.

• Change up your routine: Mixing up your daily routes and schedules can make it harder for someone to predict your movements, especially if you live alone.

• Share your plans: Keep trusted friends or family members informed about your whereabouts and plans for the day. This way, someone knows where you are in case of emergency.

• Stay vigilant: Be mindful of your surroundings and trust your instincts if something feels off. Staying aware can help you avoid potentially dangerous situations.

• Contact authorities: If you suspect you're being tracked or stalked, don't hesitate to reach out to local authorities for assistance.

As we navigate these tech challenges that threaten safety for women especially, it's essential to support each other and share information that can empower us to travel and adventure with confidence.

Thanks to our friend for sharing her experience so we could share, and on and on. Women talking is how we keep each other safe.

A Review from Our Community 🏆

As we build our app, we have started collecting reviews from our community via our Typeform on our website. It’s a super simple process and we’d love for you to try it out. ⬅️

If it’s clunky or takes too long or you have suggestions to make it better go ahead and send us an email [email protected] 

We will share your reviews anonymously in our weekly newsletter and it will go a little something like this:

What are you reviewing?

A trail for hiking/walking

Location: 
Palisades Park, Spokane WA

Were you adventuring alone?
No

How was parking?

It was daylight. The trailhead is about 10ft from the parking lot. Fits about 10 cars in the lot. Side parking was available. Felt safe because so many cars. Joggers and dog walkers on Easter weekend so it was busy with large family groups.

Tell us about access

Greenwood Rd gets you to the top of Rimrock from Government Way. The gravel parking lot opens up to a gentle, wide paved trail. Not a lot of elevation. Easy to access.

What was your experience?

It was daytime so it’s fairly easy to see where cliffs and ledges are. The ledges are far enough away from the paved trail but it’s not something I would do at night unless you are walking with flashlights and know the way. The trail is about 7 miles out and back. There is a loop but I would recommend using AllTrails or a map to download and follow so you don’t get lost. It’s a beautiful view of the city. It’s open and exposed and not isolated at all. Lots of people. Dogs were leashed.

Did you have cell service? What provider do you use?

Yes, Verizon.

Share a Pchy pro tip!

Stay on the right. Listen and watch for bikes and dogs. Be considerate when parking because it’s a small lot and cars pack in. You don’t want to block someone or get blocked in.

On a scale of 1-5 🍑’s how safe did you feel?

1- Not at all 2- Somewhat 3- Moderately 4- Very 5- Extremely

🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑

Summer book club!

Thanks to those of you who expressed interest in reading with us this summer!

Would you mind submitting a book you want to suggest we read? We will put together a list of 3-4 book suggestions we can all vote on.

Our suggestion is The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker.

Synopsis:

What are your book suggestions?

click here to submit

Megan Fox gives relationship advice

And honestly, we wish we would have heard this advice when we were younger.

@enews

Mother has spoken. 👏 #MeganFox #RevolveFestival

Till next week! Love ya!

Team Pchy 🍑