Tile, one of the leading makers of Bluetooth item finders, has just added a new feature – its latest tracker can now send SOS alerts, notifying friends, family and possibly even emergency services.
The 2024 Tile Pro, Tile Mate, Tile Slim, and Tile Sticker are the first new products since Life360 acquired the company nearly three years ago, and many aspects are unchanged: They should be slightly louder and slightly better waterproof , but the credit card, keychain, and sticker configurations are about the same size and weight. Unlike Apple’s AirTags and Samsung’s SmartTag 2, there’s no mention of UWB signals for precise tracking.
All but the Tile Sticker now offer an additional 100 feet of Bluetooth range, 350 feet on the Tile and Mate, and 500 feet on the Pro, which may come in handy if you trigger the new Bluetooth feature.
Tiles can make your phone ring if you double-click the button; now, triple-clicking can optionally send an “SOS alert.” It starts a discreet 15-second countdown, after which it sends text messages and push notifications to your emergency contacts and even contacts Tile’s emergency dispatch center – if you pay the company’s $14.99 monthly Life360 Gold subscription.
SOS alerts are a pre-existing feature of the Life360 app that you basically just use the Tile button to trigger remotely via Bluetooth, so you have to pair your phone with the app and have it nearby if you want it to work.
It’s unclear whether Life360 will automatically dispatch an ambulance or have a dispatcher call you first, as the company’s website is contradictory on this point. Tile spokesperson Kelley Garnier said specific situations will vary, but regardless, Life360 dispatchers should take immediate action.
