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Dynamic

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#151891 9-Sep-2014 11:34
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https://www.thetileapp.com 

My TILE devices have just arrived, after I preordered in August 2013.  In the first 5 minutes I'm pretty happy.  Easy to set up, load the app, press add button in the app, press button on (squeeze) the tile, and give the tile a name in the app.  I walked out of the office and about 30 steps to the street.  The app was able to have the Tile made a noise at that distance and gave an approximate distance to the tile.  If I had more time I could have played a game of Marco Polo with my keyring.

The tile itself is a little bigger than I had expected, so I won't be able to stick one to my TiVo 'peanut' remote control as was first intended.  Sticking one to a remote control with a flat bottom would be simple and work well.

I'll have more of a play and post later in the week.




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Coil
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  #1124904 9-Sep-2014 11:38
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Ooo, Cool
I didnt look into them much. Do they have like GPS or some bluetooth thing that will use your phone to narrow it down?



Dynamic

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  #1124911 9-Sep-2014 11:42
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It used Bluetooth 4 Low Energy mode (batteries rated for 12 months), and somehow the app can calculate the distance from the device with this communication method.  No GPS in the Tile unfortunately, but of course that would never work cost-wise or with the battery life.




“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams

 

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  #1124921 9-Sep-2014 12:00
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Am I right in saying the battery is not replaceable? Or chargable? I.e. once it runs out, the device has to be thrown away?



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  #1124926 9-Sep-2014 12:07
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Yes that's right.  These are advantages and disadvantages with the TILE over other bluetooth locator devices.

One disadvantage is that it is effectively a subscription based service, as the non-user-replaceable batteries mean the devices are normally replaced annually.

One advantage is the 'crowd-finding' ability where if something is really lost/stolen, anyone in the area with the Tile App on their smartphone can unknowingly and anonymously find the lost item and notify you of it's approximate location.  You can then go to that location and use your own smartphone to pinpoint the lost item.




“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams

 

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  #1124933 9-Sep-2014 12:10
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SumnerBoy: Am I right in saying the battery is not replaceable? Or chargable? I.e. once it runs out, the device has to be thrown away?


https://support.thetileapp.com/hc/en-us/articles/200550678-One-Year-Model-Replacement

Yep... but they're looking at a replacement/recycle program.

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  #1124945 9-Sep-2014 12:20
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Wonder if you can non contact charge them?

Dynamic

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  #1124958 9-Sep-2014 12:29
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TimA: Wonder if you can non contact charge them?

I think there would be a snowballs chance in this current version 1, but the idea has merit for a future version.

I'l google in a year to see whether it is practical to split one open and replace the battery.  Can potentially fill it with silicone and melt the edge to give it another 12 months life.




“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams

 

Referral links to services I use, really like, and may be rewarded if you sign up:
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