Tile is introducing a new tracker that makes finding lost items easier than ever

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The first brand to bring a tracker using ultra-wideband (UWB) tech might end up being Tile. The company is bringing its tracking know-how to UWB devices, which will enable things like an Augmented Reality view in the app to locate the missing items faster.

Chips that enable ultra-wideband were first put into phones in the iPhone 11 range, and Apple has kept the chip in the iPhone 12 range as well. Some Samsung smartphones also have it on board, but both companies have only started to use the short-range communication protocol for small features.

UWB is a high-frequency, low-range wireless protocol that, among other things, can enable the capture of spatial and directional data. Perfect for tracking your missing keys, or back-tracking if you have your keys but have lost your phone.

Last year, Apple opened up access to its U1 chip, which enables UWB on the iPhone. It makes the iPhone spatially aware, both of its own place in space, and that of any other UWB devices. For example, the new point-to-send improvement to AirDrop is one of the things the U1 chip enables.

The competition for UWB trackers will be hard-fought. Apple is working on its own AirTags, while Samsung has the Galaxy SmartTags. Tile has the advantage of being the market leader for lost-item trackers, but it hasn’t had to compete against such huge names.

What do you think? Interested in these upcoming Tile trackers? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple’s long-awaited AirTags should be coming this year
• Tile wants to put Bluetooth tracking in all of your favorite devices
• Samsung will reveal new Galaxy smartphones on January 14
• Google is being sued again for tracking your app activity even when you tell it not to

Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.