AirPods Aid Traveler in Retrieving Stolen Wallet, Operating Like AirTags

### AirPods Assist in Locating Stolen Purse in Italy

Karis McElroy narrated an incredible incident on TikTok regarding how her mother and stepfather became victims of pickpocketing during their visit to Venice, Italy. The couple found themselves surrounded by three individuals on the street, and when they returned to their Airbnb, McElroy’s mother found her backpack had been unzipped. Inside the bag were missing her water bottle, wallet, and purse, which held her passport, credit cards, and cash.

Luckily, her AirPods were also in the bag. In a desperate effort to retrieve the stolen belongings, McElroy’s mother and stepfather activated the ‘Find My Friends’ feature to trace the AirPods’ location. This led them back to the three potential thieves.

While they awaited the arrival of the police, McElroy’s mother confronted the group. Although one suspect escaped with the purse, it was later discarded. With help from law enforcement in both Italy and the United States, the stolen belongings were ultimately returned to an airport liaison office before being reunited with their rightful owner.

### How AirPods Integrate with the Find My Network

Although AirTags are specifically engineered for tracking items, a number of Apple products, including certain AirPods models, can offer similar capabilities via the Find My network. Supported AirPods can emit a Bluetooth signal that nearby Apple devices pick up, sending the location back to the owner’s Find My app. This enables users to track their AirPods even when they aren’t actively connected to an iPhone or iPad.

When the Find My network is enabled, supported AirPods can show up in the Find My app for as long as 24 hours after they were last paired with a device, even if they are out of range. This feature is available for AirPods 3, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, all AirPods Pro versions, and AirPods Max.

While AirPods can aid in recovering misplaced items, AirTags remain the most dependable choice for tracking. Unlike AirPods, AirTags are specifically tailored for this task, featuring a user-replaceable battery, a built-in speaker for locating them, and ultra-wideband precision tracking on compatible iPhones. Moreover, AirTags remain visible in the Find My app for a longer period than the 24-hour timeframe provided by AirPods. However, in cases of a misplaced bag, AirPods can serve as a useful resource, particularly within the initial 24-hour window.

Google Playfully Mocks Apple During the Pixel 10 Launch Event

**Google Pixel 10 Launch Event: A Bold Leap Forward**

The recent Made by Google event revealed the eagerly awaited Pixel 10, demonstrating a significant show of confidence from the tech giant. Led by Jimmy Fallon, the event was infused with humor, mainly aimed at Apple, as Google showcased the fresh features and enhancements of the Pixel 10.

From the very beginning, Google’s confidence was evident. The company adopted a daring stance, openly mocking Apple, which has become a consistent aspect of their marketing approach. Rick Osterloh, Google’s SVP, commenced the event with a nod to “broken promises,” referencing delays in Apple’s AI progress. He underscored that Google’s Gemini AI is a revolutionary tool, claiming it delivers unmatched assistance on smartphones.

Osterloh also reminded attendees that the Pixel first introduced Car Crash Detection back in 2019, well ahead of Apple. This claim was part of a larger narrative that cast Google as a pioneer in the smartphone arena, contrasting with Apple’s more reserved tactics.

The event proceeded with Fallon and SVP Adrienne Lofton conversing about Google’s product array. Lofton made a subtle dig at Apple’s restrictive ecosystem, asserting that Android is “the most open platform that’s built for genuine freedom of choice.” This notion resonated with many in attendance, especially those who prioritize flexibility in their tech selections.

A key highlight was the debut of Pixelsnap, a feature that enables the Pixel 10 series to seamlessly work with Apple’s MagSafe accessories. Lofton confidently expressed that Google embraces “everybody in the game,” implying that they are undeterred in competing directly with Apple. She also tackled the “green bubble” controversy, dismissing it as an outdated topic in the era of RCS (Rich Communication Services), which both platforms now endorse.

Lofton expressed the significance of communication in today’s mobile environment, emphasizing that RCS offers a unified text standard, improving the messaging experience across platforms. Her comments were aimed at reassuring potential switchers from iPhone to Pixel that they would maintain connectivity with friends and family.

The event, while sprinkled with humor and light-hearted digs at Apple, also centered on the remarkable software capabilities of the Pixel 10. The overall vibe was one of enthusiasm and innovation, a refreshing change from the often-overlooked launches of Android devices in the past.

In summary, the Pixel 10 launch event represented a notable occasion for Google, exemplifying a confident and assertive stance in the competitive smartphone landscape. With its combination of humor and innovation, Google is unmistakably positioning itself as a serious contender, eager to disrupt the status quo and transform the user experience in mobile technology.

Present Offers: 32GB M4 Mac Mini Price Reduction, $900 Savings on M2 Max Mac Studio, Up to $674 Savings on iPhone 15/16 Pro, and Additional Deals

**9to5Toys Lunch Break: Thrilling Offers on Apple Goods and Accessories**

The newest installment of the 9to5Toys Lunch Break presents a selection of captivating offers on Apple goods, featuring the M4 Mac mini, M2 Max Mac Studio, and iPhones, along with notable markdowns on accessories.

### Uncommon Offer on M4 Mac Mini

Amazon has reduced prices on the M4 Mac mini, with options beginning at just **$499**. Noteworthy is an uncommon deal on a unit with **32GB of RAM** and a **512GB SSD**, priced at **$1,099**, which represents a **$100 discount** from its usual price of **$1,199**. This offer is especially attractive as discounts on 32GB configurations are rare. The base model, fitted with **16GB of RAM** and **256GB of storage**, is also available for **$499**, offering superb value for those in search of a powerful yet budget-friendly desktop option.

### Amazon’s $900 Price Reduction on M2 Max Mac Studio

Another feature is the **M2 Max Mac Studio**, currently available for **$899** in Renewed Premium condition, showcasing a substantial **$900 discount** off its initial price of **$1,799**. This variant boasts a 12-Core CPU and a 30-Core GPU, rendering it an excellent choice for professionals needing high performance. This deal has gained popularity, selling out rapidly in the past, so potential buyers should move quickly.

### Price Cuts on iPhones

For anyone looking for a new smartphone, the **black 1TB iPhone 16 Pro** is now offered at **$1,029**, which is **$470 off** the normal retail price. This model has experienced price variations, but this ongoing deal is among the best available. Other color options, such as Natural, White, and Desert Titanium, are also accessible at comparable discounts.

### Accessory and Charging Offers

Alongside Apple products, there are noteworthy savings on accessories. A remarkable offer includes the **1TB 11-inch M3 iPad Air**, now priced at **$889.70**, a reduction of **$360** from its listed price of **$1,249**. This price drop signifies the lowest ever recorded for this configuration, presenting an excellent chance for those looking to enhance their tablet.

### Sony Headphone Discounts

Finally, Sony is hosting a back-to-school headphone sale, offering discounts on sought-after models starting at **$45**. This sale features various in-ear and over-ear headphones, with added savings available via promo codes on selected items.

### Conclusion

With these thrilling deals on Apple goods and accessories, now is an ideal moment for consumers to capitalize on significant savings. Whether upgrading a desktop, smartphone, or headphones, the current offers provide plenty of opportunities for tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.