With the tracker of lost items likely to be printed in the next few months, Tile is reportedly working on a new device that could help keep the launch at least competitive against Apple and Samsung. According to TechCrunch, the company is developing a tracker that will use ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, instead of Bluetooth, to help you locate lost items. UWB is a relatively new short-range wireless communication protocol that has some advantages over the ubiquitous Bluetooth. The high frequency waves can transmit spatial and directional data, making it more accurate to estimate the location of something.
TechCrunch
It has so far turned into a number of newer phones. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 support the protocol especially through Apple’s U1 chip. Some Android devices, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 2, also include UWB. In addition to the new tracker, Tile apparently develops an AR feature in its app that will help you navigate to the device. Concept art TechCrunch obtained from both the tracker and AR function, gives an idea of what they will look like from it. In short, Tile is unlikely to rediscover the wheel here when it comes to the design of the tracker, but the AR experience finds it as if it would be a useful addition to the company’s app.