Tile's line of key trackers is being updated for the first time in several years The newest Tile is intended not only to track lost keys, wallets, and other valuables, but also to keep them safe in the event of an emergency

The 2024 Tile lineup has been integrated with the Life360 app (Android and iOS), which allows users to know where their family members are As part of that integration, the new Tile trackers have the ability to work with Life360's SOS Alert feature, which allows users to press a button on their key finder to send notifications and location information to anyone registered in their Life360 account in the event of an emergency

Integration with Life360 is a natural fit for Tile, as Life360 acquired the key finder manufacturer three years ago And while SOS alerts are undoubtedly the centerpiece of the new model, they are not the only change in Tile's lineup this year

As before, there are four models of Tile trackers, each with a different focus: the Tile Pro ($35) is a premium key finder with the longest range and loudest alert signal in the lineup; Tile is promoting the Tile Pro for tracking its most valuable items; the Tile While the company advertises the Pro for tracking your most valuable items, it's just as easy to hook its tracker to your keychain or backpack

The more affordable Tile Mate ($25) is also specialized for keys and backpacks, but can be hooked to anything with a ring or latch Its range is not as broad as the Tile Pro

In addition to these two trackers, Tile also offers new versions of specialized devices: the Tile Slim is a credit card-shaped tracker that can be slipped into a wallet or pouch Meanwhile, the $25 Tile Sticker is Tile's smallest tracker, with an adhesive back to stick to items without hooks or latches I am testing the Tile Sticker 2024 on an Apple TV remote control, but it can also be attached to smooth-surfaced items such as passports and laptops

As before, the 2024 Tile Tracker connects to iPhone or Android devices via Bluetooth and can track the location of those devices from the phone's companion app The app has a button that, when pressed, triggers an alarm to help track items to which the Tile is attached; the Tile also offers a two-way search feature that allows users to press the tracker's button twice to sound an alarm on their phone

In addition to these features, Tile has a subscription plan that adds additional features such as smart alerts that send notifications when the tracker is misplaced Plans start at $30 per year for Tile premium

Life360 integration is part of Tile's free tier and a key feature added to this year's model: three presses of the Tile tracker's button will send the designated emergency contacts and Life360 circles (essentially, family members tied to the location tracking app account) a SOS alerts are sent

In addition to the SOS alert feature, integration with the Life360 app also allows anyone in the circle to ring the key finder from the Life360 app to find lost items

Additional improvements to the 2024 lineup include range extensions, with the Tile Pro now increasing connectivity up to 500 feet; the Mate and Slim also claim longer range coverage and all four Tile trackers have larger alarms

There are also new color options in the Tile lineup, although previous Tiles have been a subdued black and white option Black and white are back in the 2024 lineup, but Navy Blaze, Green Surf, Pink Punch, and Aqua Lemon have been added According to Tile, the 2024 designers are smarter than before

I have all four new Tiles in my hands and am in the process of testing them to see how they compare to the Tile Pro 2022 and Tile Mate 2022, our picks for best key finder I recommend tile trackers over Apple's AirTag or Samsung's SmartTag This is because Tile devices work seamlessly on different mobile platforms, regardless of the device manufacturer

The Tile Mate 22024, Tile Slim 2024, and Tile Sticker 2024 are available now; the Tile Pro 2024 will be available in early October