Gadget of the Week – Tile Pro Series

Published on June 28, 2018

At one point or another, we’ve all misplaced our keys. It seems to only happen when we’re in a rush to get out the door, and almost never at a convenient time (as if there were such a thing).

But what if there was a way to actually track your keys quickly, and avoid the classic early morning losing-your-stuff scare? Tile, a company dedicated to “helping that thing you love find its way back home” has done just that, with its series of Bluetooth trackers that can be attached to keys, phones, and other everyday items you tend to misplace.

A Tile device, once attached to a keyring or to any device or object you don’t want to lose, works directly with the company’s branded app, which is available for both Android and iOS users.

When you realize you’ve lost your misplaced item, you can simply access the app and click on your registered Tile device. The app periodically updates the location of your Tile by using its low-power Bluetooth ability. A map will pop up, showing you the last place your Tile was located; once you get into a 100–200 ft. range, you have the option of playing a loud sound through your Tile to help you find it. 

Tile can even help you find your missing phone. Let’s say you misplaced your phone, but you have your key ring handy. Double press the Tile itself, and your phone will ring, even if it’s on silent.

Another feature that makes Tile stand out compared to other Bluetooth trackers is its ability to connect you to other Tile users in your area, in order to help track your missing item. The app will send you an alert if another user is near your missing device. With over 10 million Tiles sold and nearly 3 million daily active users, this key feature can help make finding your lost items incredibly easy.

There are five versions of the Tile - the name of the Bluetooth devices that the company sells. Each variation is slightly different than the next, and comes with its own set of individual strengths and specialties.

The most recent two, worth spotlighting, are part of the company’s Tile Pro series. In contrast to earlier Tile models, these tracking devices are guaranteed a wide Bluetooth range of up to 200 ft, a louder volume for tracking purposes, and are waterproof in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 seconds.

The first of the Pro Series is the white-and-gold Tile Style. Functionally, it’s largely similar to the Tile Sport, albeit with a more sleek look. (The standard Sport, named for its size and overall durability, has a slate-and-graphite design).

The Tile Style and Tile Sport are available on Tile’s website for $25 each. Other models are also available, at different price points. Currently, there isn’t an option to recharge your Tile, but each will last for one full year. After the year is up, you can enroll in the company's “ReTile program,” letting you send in your used Tile in order to receive a discounted price on a new one.

Want to bulk up your collection and get a little more versatility out of your Tile? The brand also offers a multitude of accessories, including luggage tags and adhesives for securing Tiles onto ring-less items.

Think there are any other Bluetooth products our team should try? Do you have a foolproof way to find your missing things? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Be sure to keep the Geek gab going by following us on Facebook or Twitter!