I have bad news. I just got a message back from Chipolo were they have confirmed their Chipolo ONE model is going to be discontinued and replaced with their newer models that are integrated into the Google and Apple mesh network. That’s sad news for someone who runs a phone with no Google or Apple services.
You can still get a Chipolo ONE while they last but they do not plan to restock them. I ordered a few extra this morning just to have some spares. But after that I don’t know what I will do.
New Chipolo’s do not work on Google free phones
I run GrapheneOS and LineageOS. I ordered a new Chipolo POP thinking maybe I could set it up the old fashion way and just not use the google tracking but that was not an option. On top of that it seem like it had less features in the app. For example with the old tracker I could share my wife’s keys tracker with my own Chipolo app so that I could see them to in the event they were lost. As far as I can tell that is not possible with the new one when I was testing it trying to work around the system haha.
Bluetooth Tracker Privacy
Why do I care? Having a Bluetooth tracker is already risky for privacy. So if I have to have some for my family I don’t want it attached to the Google or Apple network. My wife loses stuff so much I thought it would save my sanity to try one. Then when I did the research Chipolo ONE fit the need perfectly.
Now that they are being discontinued I’m not sure whats next.
Bluetooth Tracker Alternatives
I thought about trying Tile. I don’t know much about them but they seem to be independent of Google and Apple so maybe it would work on a Goole free phone? The Tile Pro has a replaceable battery like the Chipolo ONE so it may be worth a shot?
Other then that maybe some DYI option with a generic Bluetooth tag that has a built in buzzer. But that’s probably not very good for non tech savvy family members.
There is always the option to just not have a tracker like in the old days. More painful if keys are misplaced but I rather do that then get something like an AirTag.
Looking for Suggestions
The Truth is at this point I’m not sure of a good alternative. I’m looking for suggestions. If you have any ideas that fit my criteria please let me know in the comments!
