Tile rolls out ‘Lost and Found’ QR code stickers to complement its hardware lineup • TechCrunch

After receiving Explored by Apple’s AirTag and exit Life360 Late last year, lost-tracking tool Tile is launching a new product – and it’s not a hardware device. Today, the company introduced a new “Lost and Found” label, which is simply a QR code sticker that you can stick on anything that might be missing. By scanning a QR code, anyone who finds a missing item can view the owner’s contact information and arrange for the return of the item.

The company says the solution is designed for items where using a Bluetooth tracker isn’t an option, but it also serves as a means of introducing new users to Tile because of the labels. stickers are marked with the company’s logo.

Previously, Tile offered a variety of Bluetooth trackers in different shapes and sizes, including Tile Pro, Tile Mate, Tile Slim, and Tile Sticker. This product line offers more ways to track items than Apple’s AirTag, as some of its trackers are made to fit in your wallet along with your credit card while others. attached to something like a bicycle – perhaps in an inconspicuous location, such as under a bicycle saddle. Meanwhile, it can be difficult to use AirTag for the same needs.

But even with this diverse collection of devices, there are some objects that still cannot be easily tracked using a Bluetooth dongle.

For example, Tile suggests that the new stickers could be used for things like school books, musical instruments, sports equipment, headphone cases, travel mugs, and more.

To use the new stickers, Tile customers can choose what kind of contact information they want to share – it doesn’t have to be their home address, phone number or email. Tile says they only have to choose at least one contact method to fill out the form. Those more concerned with privacy can set up a private email or virtual phone number for this purpose.

These stickers could also help expand Tile’s market amid growing concern about Bluetooth trackers in general, following the launch of AirTag. Apple’s entry into the market has raised awareness of how small devices can be used in negative ways, like to follow people or car theft. The sticker doesn’t express the same concern as it is just a way to share contact information. In other words, it’s not much different than putting your phone number on a dog’s tag, or even just creating your own DIY lost and found label that you print yourself at home.

Of course, Tile’s labels can look better than the ones you make yourself, with their colorful outlines in woodsy, plum, and teal shades.

However, the price for a sticker set (3 sheets with 15 stickers) is a bit high at $14.99 – after all, they are only sticker.

“The addition of Lost and Found Labels to Tile’s product suite strengthens our global network by making all important items findable,” said Life360 CEO Chris Hulls said in a statement about the launch. “This is the first of many steps that Life360 and Tile together are taking to make every day easier with ways to stay organized, stay connected with family members and stay safe,” he said. said more.

The stickers are available for sale on Tile’s website, starting today.