It does need other iPhones nearby that have internet connection. We got a handful to test for family during our trips last November even though we both use Android. They didn’t report in when we were away from other people, but kept location decently when in crowded places like the airport. Android has ways to detect when they are following you, but don’t participate in reporting metrics to the source (maybe that’ll change with upcoming Find My Device features in Android 15)
Right, and the data in Texas contains your address and name attached to it. It’s all public, you can’t avoid it. I don’t know about other states but I assume it’s the same
If you’re paying property taxes, you’re going to be in a database. At least here in Texas, all addresses (home, business, empty land) are in the county’s appraisal and tax database that’s publicly searchable.
Shellys are amazing. We use the pucks everywhere for anything that’s not innately smart.
Some of our use cases:
Kitchen cabinet lighting that syncs each strip with each other as well as the overhead lights. Or the cabinet lights can be turned on independently.
Garage door opener, because MyQ sucks (it’s hooked up to a real physical garage opener button and triggers the button for us)
Outlet power monitoring (mostly for fun)
Can be put in light switch boxes in lieu of something like Kasa switches, but the physical switch won’t follow the light state any more. Similarly, smart wall outlets for power toggling
It does need other iPhones nearby that have internet connection. We got a handful to test for family during our trips last November even though we both use Android. They didn’t report in when we were away from other people, but kept location decently when in crowded places like the airport. Android has ways to detect when they are following you, but don’t participate in reporting metrics to the source (maybe that’ll change with upcoming Find My Device features in Android 15)