Life360 has unveiled an updated lineup of its popular Bluetooth trackers for 2024, featuring the Tile Mate, Tile Pro, Tile Slim, and Tile Sticker. Each model boasts improved range and enhanced functionalities compared to their predecessors. As a long-time user of Tile products, I was eager to explore the new offerings and their integration with the Life360 app.
The Life360 app works exactly as advertised
For those unfamiliar, Life360 is a service designed to track the movements of individuals and devices within a designated group. Each participant must install the app and register, ensuring transparency in tracking. The app is rich in features, particularly for Platinum Membership users, providing real-time alerts about the whereabouts of group members through their devices, whether it’s a smartphone or a Tile tracker. Users can receive customizable notifications when someone departs or arrives at a location, along with travel times and updates on battery status.
During my testing, I found the app functioned seamlessly. For instance, when my wife left for the grocery store, I could monitor her journey, including any stops along the way. By assigning friendly names to frequently visited locations, notifications become more meaningful, transforming generic alerts into personalized messages.
The 2024 Tile lineup introduces a new SOS feature via the Life360 app. By tapping the Tile button three times, users can alert their circle or contact emergency services. This feature, which works alongside crash detection, is available to all membership tiers, providing an added layer of security.
Both my wife and I have been using Life360 on our Google Pixel devices, and we noticed minimal battery impact while enjoying a wealth of notifications. Overall, the app integrates well with the new Tile devices, fulfilling its promises while maintaining sensible data-sharing practices.
The new Tiles
The anticipation for a Tile refresh was well-founded. Living in a region where advanced tracking solutions are less common, I have relied on Tile’s Bluetooth network to locate lost items, such as my wallet. Our household employs Tile trackers on keys, wallets, and even in the car, with my wife attaching one to her purse strap.
The new Tile Mate, Tile Slim, and Tile Pro have significantly increased their effective range to 500 feet from a connected phone. This expanded coverage enhances the likelihood of locating misplaced items, especially in busy areas. Additionally, the speakers on these devices have been upgraded for louder alerts, making them easier to find when misplaced.
Another welcome change is the introduction of vibrant color options for the Tile Mate and Tile Slim, allowing users to select from a palette that includes black, blue, green, orange, pink, white, and yellow. This aesthetic appeal may attract buyers who appreciate a splash of color in their accessories.
As I test the new Tile devices, I am pleased to report they meet expectations. I plan to purchase additional units to replace my older models as needed. The Tile Stickers, while best used with Velcro for easy repositioning, also offer a practical solution for tracking various items.
The big question: Should you use this?
The use of Life360 raises important considerations regarding privacy and potential misuse. While the service offers valuable tracking capabilities, it can also be perceived as invasive. The ease of installing the app on someone else’s device without their knowledge is a legitimate concern. Moreover, the Tile devices do not trigger alerts from Apple’s or Google’s tracking apps, which could lead to unauthorized tracking if misused.
Despite these concerns, Life360 serves a significant number of families in the U.S., providing a practical solution for those who wish to keep tabs on loved ones. The app operates efficiently with minimal battery drain, fulfilling its intended purpose effectively.
While I personally have reservations about sharing my data and do not find the service necessary for my small family, many others may benefit from its features. Life360, particularly with the new Tile devices, is worth considering for those in need of such tracking solutions. Ultimately, while the potential for misuse exists, it is essential to recognize that the responsibility lies with the user, not the technology itself.
Keep track of your stuff
The new Tile Mate simplifies the task of keeping track of your belongings, such as keys, with its louder ringer, vibrant color options, and deeper integration with the Life360 app.