All models of the search tracker "Tile" have been renewed, with new functions for finding lost items and crime prevention measures

Four new lineups (2022 models) of the lost item tracker “Tile” will be released sequentially from October 28, 2021

Redesigned, Pro has a new shape

Tile is a smart tracker that transmits location information via Bluetooth so that you can find valuable items such as smartphones, wallets, and keys. For the 2022 model, the main color has been changed from white to black, and the design of the entire lineup has been renewed. Overall, it has a matte texture and a smooth form.

The high-end model Tile Pro (2022) has been redesigned to make it easier to carry around with your keys. It used to be square, like the standard Tile Mate, but now it's a slim rectangle with rounded corners, reminiscent of a key case.

All models have IP67 waterproof performance. Tile Mate (2022), Tile Sticker (2022) and Tile Slim (2022) have improved Bluetooth connection distance to 75 meters. The Bluetooth connection distance of Tile Pro (2022) is the same as the old model, up to about 120m.

Also, the volume of the melody played when searching for lost items has been increased throughout the series. The Tile Pro (2022) is the loudest, and the Tile Mate (2022), Tile Sticker (2022) and Tile Slim (2022) are also better than the previous model.

Replaceable battery is only for Pro, other models cannot be replaced

Tile Mate (2022) has a longer battery life from about 1 year to about 3 years, but it has a replaceable battery. abolished.

In an online interview with Tile CEO CJ PROBER before the announcement, he explained that these specification changes were due to the popularity of the built-in battery, which has a longer life than the replaceable type, as a result of user testing. He also said that replacing button batteries has a high environmental impact.

For the 2022 model, only the Tile Pro (2022) is battery replaceable. The reason for this is that power is required to achieve the maximum volume and longest Bluetooth connection distance in the series, and it consumes more power than other models. In addition, the batteries of the Tile Sticker and Tile Slim were not replaceable even in existing models.

New features such as increased discovery rate of lost items and anti-crime measures

One of the new features added from the 2022 model is "Tile Lost and Found". If the person who finds the lost item reads the QR code on the back of the Tile, they can contact the owner of the lost item. As a result, in addition to the existing Tile community's location detection function outside the Bluetooth connection range, everyone who is not a Tile user can find lost items.

Registration is not required to use Tile to contact lost items, and anyone with a smartphone that can read QR codes can use it. This feature can be turned on/off by the user. If you lost something and want to use the function, specify the Tile you want to find from the Tile app (iOS / Android), and set the contact information and message to be displayed to the finder.

The other is "Scan & Secure", which is a function for crime prevention. It will be released in early 2022, not at the same time as the 2022 model launch. It is a function that allows you to check via the Tile app whether your Tile is being used illegally, whether there is unintended access or a device nearby that you do not know.

When Apple entered the smart tracker market with "AirTag" in 2021, there was widespread concern that it could be held by a third party without knowing it and used for stalking. With AirTag, if the iPhone connected to the main unit is not nearby, the AirTag will ring, and if the victim is an iPhone user, the message "There is an AirTag that is not your own" will be displayed on the screen.

On the other hand, the feature implemented by Tile requires victims to install the Tile app and voluntarily search for suspicious devices. Mr. PROBER commented that "Scan & Secure is the first step in crime prevention measures," and that he will continue to consider safety measures under the guidance of experts. After this, the company plans to develop and announce further anti-theft functions. He added that 70% of stalkers said they knew the victim, and had skipped push notification methods (such as AirTag).

Ultra-Wideband “Tile Ultra” and limited design Tile will be released in the future

In addition to the 2022 model announced this time, we plan to release a new device “Tile Ultra” in early 2022. informed that there is. In addition to Bluetooth, it is a device that can search for lost items using "Ultra-Wideband (ultra-wideband wireless communication)".

With Tile Ultra, you can accurately search for lost items using AR with the new function "Point and Locate" that utilizes Ultra-Wideband. It is said that it is possible to easily find lost items such as keys dropped behind a shelf or bags left in a noisy restaurant, even in places where it is difficult to find with conventional sound and rough location information.

This feature will be implemented on smartphones that support Android 12 and Ultra-Wideband. Tile Ultra itself is compatible with both iOS and Android, and it is said that iOS will also be equipped with a Point and Locate function in the future.

In the interview, he revealed that the intention of the design change of the entire 2022 model was also in the "release of the limited edition Tile", and received a comment that the limited design will be sold in Japan as well. I would like to pay attention to what kind of limited design Tile, which features a simple appearance, will develop.