The Tile App - Review

After the long waited One year, I finally got my hand on to the TILE.
It comes with two stickers to stick the TILE to any surface you want.

After some quick trials, here are my summaries.

What Works:

1. Finding the App from App Store is a bit difficult due to too many apps with "tile" keywords.  Tips: click the App Store link form TheTileApp website OR click here for the App Link
2. Setup is a breeze, just download the App and follow simple instruction
3. Of course, it ONLY works with iOS (iPhone 4s, 5, 5s and above).  

The UI Experience:

1. Clean, Minimalist & User Friendly
2. It consists of few core features:
• Add Tile
• Tile Status List 
• Green circle means Tile is NOW connected
• Grey circle means Tile is Disconnected & Duration last connected is shown
• The Search
• Tap the Tile icon, 8 signal bar status to show the Tile proximity
• Tap FIND to make the Tile "beep" once it is connected 
• Tap the MAP at the bottom to see current/ last recorded location
• 
   

Where I think it works Best:

1. You want to find your item from a small space e.g. living room
• You always misplace items
• If you always finding hard time to find your small items (e.g. keys, remote)
2. You want to find your item from a big space
• Works well with Outdoor only

What are Upcoming:

1. Following are features that are not available on current app version (upcoming)
• Share your Tile with friends 
• Mark your item as "Lost" 

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The REVIEW:

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General Conclusion:

It works!! For:

1. Small items
2. In a small space
3. "Beep" sound is more helpful in locating the item vs. signal bar

Standard Limitations:

1. Bluetooth Signals
• Signals deplete over Walls or any huge obstacles
• Signals may show false signs of increase signal strength due to bounce of signals
2. GPS locations
• Location is marked by your phones GPS
• When your phone cannot get GPS location, you cannot mark your Tile location e.g.
• Underground parking
• Indoor e.g. shopping mall
3. Connectivity between App & Tile
• The Linkage
• The connectivity is connected from time-to-time 
• GPS location seems to be marked at the time Tile is found disconnected (Not immediately)
• When you don't have GPS location, your Tile location is far from real location for moving item e.g. Car
• The Search
• Reconnection of bluetooth link is slow
• Recommendation 
• Walk around the suspected areas slowly
• Click Find to activate the "beep" as soon as it is connected
• Find it by "beeping" sound

Where I think the Next Step should be:

1. M7 motion sensor incorporation
• By accessing the motion data, Tile should be able to differentiate:
• in Car, Train
• Walking/ Running
• (Maybe) Going-up/ Down escalator/lift
2. Tile Customization for better location marking
• Differentiate Tile operation algorithm based on different Tile item attached
• GPS marking customization, e.g.:
• Car -- GPS location will be mark when M7 indicate change of motion from Car to Walking
• GPS location if outdoor
• Relative M7 location(s) since Start walking out of Car
• Small mobile items e.g. mobile/ notebook-- location(s) can be mark when M7 is moving 
• GPS location OR
• Relative M7 location(s) when last stop walking 
3. Reversed find
• By pressing the "E" on the Tile, it will activate the phone to "beep"
• This may be useful for situation e.g.
• In Car -- Phone drop to the ground and you can't see it
• In women handbag -- handbag is Tile-ed, can see the phone in the HUGE bag
• In front TV -- my phone is some where...

Cheers!!