Tile’s Next-Gen Tracker: UWB & AR Tech to Rival Apple AirTags
Tile is gearing up to launch an advanced item tracker in 2021, leveraging ultra-wideband (UWB) technology and augmented reality (AR) to compete with Apple’s anticipated AirTags and Samsung’s upcoming offerings. This marks a significant upgrade from Tile’s traditional Bluetooth-based trackers, promising more precise location tracking and enhanced user experience.
How UWB & AR Transform Item Tracking
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology
- Precision Finding: Unlike Bluetooth, UWB provides spatial and directional data, enabling pinpoint accuracy even when items are buried under cushions or hidden in drawers.
- Device Compatibility: Supported on newer iPhones (11⁄12 series) and select Android devices (e.g., Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra).
- Framework Integration: Apple’s U1 chip (via NearbyInteraction) and Android’s UWB APIs may power Tile’s new tracker, though specifics remain undisclosed.
Augmented Reality (AR) Navigation
- The Tile app will feature an AR camera mode with directional overlays (e.g., arrows) to guide users to lost items visually.
- Ideal for complex environments like multi-story homes or cluttered spaces.
Design & Market Positioning
Hardware Design
- Retains Tile’s signature square shape with a center button and adhesive backing.
- Compatible with keychains, luggage, and small electronics—similar to existing Tile Mate/Pro models.
Competitive Landscape
Tile faces rising competition from:
- Samsung: Leaked images of the Galaxy SmartTag suggest a UWB-enabled rival.
- Apple: AirTags, deeply integrated with iOS’s Find My app, pose a threat due to Apple’s ecosystem advantage.
Tile’s Market Strength
- 26 million devices sold globally as of 2020, locating 6 million items daily.
- Operates in 230+ countries, but must innovate to counter first-party rivals.
Availability & Future Outlook
- Expected release in late 2021 for iOS and Android.
- Pricing unconfirmed; Bluetooth models will remain for non-UWB device users.
- Tile declined to comment on specifics but emphasized ongoing improvements to solve “the pain point of finding lost items.”
Why This Matters
UWB and AR could solidify Tile’s market leadership by offering superior accuracy and user-friendly features, even as tech giants enter the space. However, ecosystem advantages (e.g., Apple’s Find My network) may reshape the competitive dynamics.
Image Credits: Tile (concept art)
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