Tile Gadget

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Tile Gadget

chimera

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#198033 23-Jun-2016 08:04

Stumbled across this little device, looks to be quite handy as I'm forever misplacing things!

https://www.thetileapp.com/

Only issue would be range due to it using Bluetooth but it does say it keeps last known location on their site.

Anyone happen to have bought one of these already? Or know of or use a similar product?

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#1578798 23-Jun-2016 08:17

They have been around for a while. I have one on my keys and one in my wallet. It would be nice if they were a bit smaller or thinner, but other than that, no complaints.

MadEngineer

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#1578801 23-Jun-2016 08:22

Is there enough people power in NZ for this to be successful now?

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

freitasm

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#1578806 23-Jun-2016 08:40

I have four active tiles, have for almost two years now.

The app says there are about 300 - 400 active people in Wellington on a daily basis.

To the OP Bluetooth is used for your phone to keep an eye on your tiles but other users running the app will record location if a Tile is found around and if you mark as lost this info is relayed to you via app.

This means you might know your tile is on the other side of town even if your Bluetooth range is relatively short.

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chimera

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#1578850 23-Jun-2016 09:53

Thanks all. Might just grab the 4 pack, I can think of a lot of use cases for them.

MikeAqua

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#1578857 23-Jun-2016 10:08

How long does the battery in a individual tile last?

Also is the tile system recording your whereabouts - i.e. knows your tile was at location x and time x etc?

Mike

chimera

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#1578865 23-Jun-2016 10:20

According to their video, it helps you pick up chicks too lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXSsefBWKsw

Just bought 4 of them...

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freitasm

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#1578884 23-Jun-2016 10:57

MikeAqua:

How long does the battery in a individual tile last?

Also is the tile system recording your whereabouts - i.e. knows your tile was at location x and time x etc?

One year.

Not sure about the second question - might have a look at their privacy disclosure if you're worried about it.

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nathan

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#1578931 23-Jun-2016 12:27

Also be aware when the battery runs out, you throw it out and buy a new one.

Personally I find them a little unreliable. Map shows my keys are not where they are and stuff like that.

Also I'd love for it to be able to tell me if I leave the house without my wallet.

If you know how to fix those things let me know :)

chimera

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#1578959 23-Jun-2016 12:47

nathan: Also be aware when the battery runs out, you throw it out and buy a new one.

Well that sux!!! I'm sure its hackable.

andrew027

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#1578961 23-Jun-2016 12:53

chimera: According to their video, it helps you pick up chicks too lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXSsefBWKsw

Just bought 4 of them...

How many chicks do you need?

YadaMe

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#1579009 23-Jun-2016 13:11

how does this compare to thetrackr.com which has replaceable batteries?

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mattwnz

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#1579011 23-Jun-2016 13:22

I have one and found it is useless. I lost my wallet in the house with a tile in it and the app which had updated itself wasn't able to detect the tile. The fact that the battery only lasts a year and is not user replaceable is also a big one. Essentially it is a service you paying for, which for 4 tiles is more than 100 a year which is a lot.

nathan

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#1579013 23-Jun-2016 13:23

YadaMe:
how does this compare to thetrackr.com which has replaceable batteries?

Hey many users do they have

Tile has first mover advantage and a network effect as FreitasM points out.

mattwnz

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#1579017 23-Jun-2016 13:28

nathan:
YadaMe:
how does this compare to thetrackr.com which has replaceable batteries?

Hey many users do they have

Tile has first mover advantage and a network effect as FreitasM points out.

Still next to useless in a country like nz, apart from possibly Auckland, due to NZ low density. I would be interested how many legitimate tiles have been found in NZ through the cloud finding function, Perhaps someone could do a test in areas of NZ. It would be different if it connected to the mobile network, with free access like the kindle does. If it did that, it maybe worth it.

mdf

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#1579233 23-Jun-2016 20:14

I've got one on my keyring but don't really use it. Another one floating around somewhere unused. I can't get in the car or lock the deadbolt without keys so haven't managed to leave them anywhere yet. My phone is the thing I tend to misplace, and didn't seem to be a whole lot of point in putting one on that (allegedly, you can make your phone ring from a tile but I've never been able to make it work). And have never had to call on the crowd finding thing, but there do seem to be hundreds of other users around (Wellington).

I doubt I will replace mine when the batteries give out.

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