Tile Bluetooth trackers have learned to send SOS signals to notify loved ones and emergency services

Tile has unveiled its 2024 line of Bluetooth trackers with an innovative SOS Alert feature. The new Tile Pro, Tile Mate, Tile Slim and Tile Sticker models are now capable of sending emergency signals, notifying loved ones and emergency services about emergencies. This is the first major update to Tile’s trackers since its acquisition by Life360 nearly three years ago. These devices combine the functions of finding objects and pets with calling for help in a compact form factor.

Image source: Tile

The updated Tile line for 2024 has retained the usual form factors: bank card, key fob and sticker. Engineers have improved the sound signal and water resistance of all models. Tile Pro, Tile Mate and Tile Slim now have increased Bluetooth range: 76 meters for Sticker, 106 meters for Mate and Slim, 152 meters for Pro. Tile Pro remains the only model with a replaceable battery. However, unlike Apple AirTags and Samsung SmartTag 2, the new Tile does not support UWB technology for high-precision positioning.

The key innovation is the SOS Alert function, activated by triple pressing the tracker button. After a 15-second countdown, the device sends text and push notifications to the user’s emergency contacts.

Tile Slim 2024

Life360 Gold premium ($14.99 per month) users get access to Tile’s emergency dispatch center. For the SOS Alert function to work, the smartphone must be within range of the tracker’s Bluetooth connection and be synchronized with it through the Life360 application.

Tile Mate 2024

While some of Life360’s marketing materials claim that the device automatically calls an ambulance, the reality is a little more complicated, as Kristi Collura, Life360’s director of communications, explained:

«When a Life360 Gold or Platinum member issues an SOS, our emergency dispatchers call to assess the situation and, if necessary, contact the appropriate authorities, such as police or ambulance. If the participant does not respond, the dispatcher will automatically notify local authorities to dispatch assistance. Dispatchers will also call Circle members and emergency contacts until someone answers, informing them that emergency services have been dispatched to the member.”

Tile Pro 2024

While Tile’s new 2024 lineup demonstrates the company’s commitment to personal security innovation, Life360 reported a data breach of Tile customers earlier in 2024. Therefore, the company will have to strengthen measures to protect personal information to ensure the security of the innovative SOS Alert function.