Tile is poised to compete with Apple’s long-rumored AirTags and plans to introduce a modernized series of item tracking elements that include an ultra-wide chip (UWB) for more accurate tracking.
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Tile concept art for UWB tracker, through TechCrunch
Apple’s IrAirTags from Apple are rumored to include the ultra wideband U1 chip that was added to the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models. Apple’s 1AirTags will be able to offer better tracking capabilities than is possible only with Bluetooth, which means that the technology which Tile must match in order to remain competitive.
Conformable TechCrunchThe following Tile trackers will also use augmented reality capabilities to guide users to the location of a lost object using the Tile mobile app. Apple is working on a similar solution and, based on the code we found in different versions of iOS, and “AirTags” will be based on augmented reality to make it easier to find missing devices and accessories.
The following board tracking elements were based exclusively on Bluetooth, which is not as accurate as UWB because of the spatial data that newer technology can collect.
Because UWB offers spatial awareness capabilities, it will be able to locate missing items indoors or outdoors, even when you can’t hear the sound of the tracker. This could be useful when the missing object is buried under something – such as a sofa cushion – or inside something like a drawer drawer, for example. It can also help you find items more easily in a larger space, such as a multi-storey house.
In the meantime, the Tile app will allow users to launch into an AR-enabled camera view, which will help guide them to the item’s location using overlays, such as directional arrows, and an AR’s item location view.
IPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models have U1 chips, and some Android phones support UWB, so these devices will be compatible with the following Tile trackers. Apple gave third-party developers access to the U1 chip in the latest iPhones last year.
The art concept for the new Tile item tracker suggests that it will look similar to Tile’s existing square-shaped trackers, center button, keychain attachment and adhesive-compatible flat back.
Tile plans to launch the new item trackers later this year and will be compatible with iOS and Android devices. Apple has implemented a new system that allows article trackers to work in the Find Me app, but it looks like Tile will take advantage of its own app to locate articles.
It is not known when Apple intends to launch irAirTags and and there have been signs of them in several versions of iOS. Many rumors have suggested that we will see them before the end of 2020, but Apple has retained a launch. Earlier this week, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that “AirTags” will be launched sometime in 2021.