The Tiles Story: A Look into the Pros and Cons
The Tile, a popular geolocator and wireless tracking device, has gained significant traction in recent years. This product is a compact, battery-operated device designed to help you locate lost items. However, the journey of obtaining and using this device comes with its share of ups and downs. In this article, we will delve into the aspects of the Tile, from its initial production delays to the features and limitations that come with it.
What is a Tile?
A Tile is a portable, wireless device embedded in a piece of plastic. Once downloaded, the Tile app maps the location of the device and allows you to track it. If you're out of range, the app updates the location in the cloud, and your phone can retrieve the data for accurate tracking. This technology makes it an invaluable tool for keeping track of everything from keys to backpacks.
Initial Production Delays and Misinformation
Many consumers have faced unexpected production delays and misinformation related to the Tile. For instance, the author of this review placed an order in June 2013, but the device did not ship until August 2014 – a whopping 14 months later. It was unclear before the order that the Tile was a crowd-funded project, and not a ready-to-ship product. The delay and lack of transparency regarding the status of the device are certainly points of contention.
Further, the Tile company has struggled to maintain clear communication regarding delays. One of the few emails sent after the promised ship date in June 2014 suggested that the May shipment was announced but never actually occurred, and a new schedule promised that devices would be shipped in July. However, this did not materialize. It was only after several contacts with the Tile company that the device was finally shipped in August 2014.
Product Features and Limitations
The Tile has several features that make it an attractive purchase, but it also comes with its share of limitations. Some of the key points include:
Size and Durability
The Tile is marketed as being roughly the size of a Scrabble tile. However, this is an overstatement. The actual size is more like 1.5 inches in diameter, making it slightly larger than initially advertised. This size difference may impact its portability and the objects you can attach it to.
Noise and Privacy Concerns
When locating the Tile, it emits a loud musical noise. While there is a setting to turn off this feature, users are still left with an audible alert that might be intrusive to others. Privacy concerns also arise from the noise, as it can be heard in public spaces.
Range and Battery Life
The advertised range of 150 feet may seem impressive, but users are reporting an actual range more like 50 feet in real-world conditions. Additionally, the Tile has a limited battery life of one year before it needs to be replaced, which could be seen as a recurring cost. The company has been the subject of speculation that the software might be programmed to stop working after a year, ensuring consistent sales through replacement units.
Missing Key Features
Some users report that the Tile might have been advertised with additional features that are now missing. This could include a more expansive battery life or integration with Android devices, which is currently unavailable.
Conclusion
The Tile is a great product idea that was brilliantly marketed. However, the company has strayed into the gray area of being honest and trustworthy. There are clear benefits to using the Tile, such as its ability to track lost items and the convenience of cloud-based location tracking. However, the lack of transparency, short battery life, and limited range may deter some potential users.
Hoping the Tile works when it arrives, but it's certainly not a recommendation to jump into a purchase. Consider waiting about two years for further improvements and refinements.