There are quite a few Bluetooth trackers on the market, all designed to help you keep track of your keys, wallets or generally anything!

Market leader Tile has just given their bestselling product, Tile Mate, an impressive update.

What does Tile Mate do?

Tile is a Bluetooth tracker, if you have heard of Tile you will probably know its ‘controversial feature’ – on previous models the battery was not changeable. This was done for many reasons but mainly to create a reliable product. As the biggest downfall of most of these products is the battery.

Fast forward to today and sustainability is key, even in smart home tech. Tile listened and created the updated Tile Mate – the first Tile with a changeable battery.

The battery is a standard CR1632 and will last 12 months, as before if the battery is low it will let you know. If you subscribe to the Premium service, it will even send you a replacement battery.

When updating the design, Tile also boosted the features, it is now louder than before and has an impressive range of 45 Meters.

The new Tile Mate still features a lost mode, if you mark an item as lost in the app other users apps can update you on its location.

How easy is it to setup?

Very simple, setup is done by pressing the tile and opening the app. The app then activates the tile and its ready to go.

To setup with Alexa or Siri there are a few additional steps but again nothing complicated.

What’s the connectivity?

Tile works via Bluetooth LE.

It also connects to a range of smart home assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri) allowing you to ask them to find your keys. Great if you cant even find your phone and need to find your keys!

How much does Tile Mate Cost?

Tile Mate cost £20 or a 4-pack for £54.99. This is good value for money if you consider how much time is often wasted looking for lost items.

Tile also have a service called Tile Premium, this includes a range of additional features for example notifications if you leave home without your keys.

Premium also includes free automatic battery replacement and costs £30 a year or £2.99 a month and can be purchased in the app.

You can  buy the new Tile mate on Amazon.

Tile Mate with Replaceable Battery

What’s it like living with Tile Mate?

Tile is brilliant!

We gave the new Tile Mate a good test – the range is spot on as advertised and the volume very handy.

What are our final thoughts?

Great evolution of an already good product. We are often losing our keys and Tile solves the problem. Now with the changeable battery this truly deserves 5*.

For more information or to buy a Tile check out Amazon.

KODAK has always been synonymous with Cameras and tech, since 1888! Fast forward to 2018 and KODAK has made a move into the Smart Home space, releasing a KODAK Smart Security System. This has been done via a licensing deal with Liz Invest.

The system includes a range of HD indoor and outdoor cameras and sensors. We are having a look at the EP101WG the outdoor HD motorised camera.

What does the EP101WG outdoor KODAK camera do?

This is a monster of an outdoor camera, not a stealth or discreet outdoor camera. The camera itself is inside a done mounted on an arm – this allows it to offer impressive pan, tilt and zoom functionality.

The camera is full HD 1080p is IP66, so fully safe for outside and has internal SD recording option as well as Google Drive. This means no on-going subscriptions are required, great news as most of the new cameras in this space come with hefty subscriptions.

The camera also has 10-meter night vision and infrared filter, for clear vision.

As the camera is part of a full security system it can be connected to KODAK sensors. When these sensors are triggered the camera will automatically turn to the sensor if triggered.

Kodak EP101WG Motorized Security IP Full HD Outdoor Camera

How easy is it to setup?

First you need to install the camera, this is straightforward as the cables run nicely through the arm. The cables and connectors are not waterproof so these need to be ran inside.

However, as the cables both come together through the arm a small hole can be drilled for the power cable and ethernet if needed. We didn’t use the ethernet just WiFi. It can then be fitted flush to the wall.

The next step is to download and installing the free KODAK Security mobile app.

Like most smart home tech, the setup is done by connecting to the cameras own WiFi signal then adding it to the local network WiFi. We did have a small hiccup during setup, but a quick reset fixed it.

(If you are reading this and having issues the reset button is not labelled and hidden inside the SD cover. Press it in for 8 seconds to rest)

Once setup one essential step is to change the default password as it is 123456. This can be changed inside the advanced settings.

What is the connectivity?

The KODAK system connects to Google Drive to store recordings however that aside it has no third party connectivity. We can only assume this is by design as it is a security system so not wanting IFTTT is understandable. However a Amazon Alexa Skill or some smart home connectivity does seem like a missing feature.

How much does the EP101WG cost?

£169.99 for the camera, additional security accessories are sold separately.

Alternatively If you are after the full solution you can buy a starter kit that contains a camera and sensors for a reduced price.

What’s it like living with it?

The camera is great, excellent picture day and night – the super smooth pan and zoom work very well.

The app is packed with features  although all oddly hidden within settings, the cog, and  advanced. These include:

• Email alerts – receive emails when motion is detected
• Video settings – change quality, light and flip image
• Cloud settings – connect to Google Drive
• Sensitivity settings  – change motion sensitivity including masking an area

Most of these options normally are setup within the main menu so why they decided to hide them under advanced we are not sure.

What are our final thoughts?

This is a great subscription free camera solution, especially if you add the functionality of the sensors. The app is packed with features, even if it does take a while to find them all. Motion masking is great, not all cameras offer this.
The only thing missing is third party connectivity. For example; Alexa show my garden camera or triggering Philips Hue lights if motion. Hopefully that will come later!

For more information please visit their website: https://be-connected.com/

What do the Lithe Audio garden rock speakers do?

They are cleverly designed Bluetooth garden speakers that blend into your garden. Allowing you to listen to your favourite music outside.

They are waterproof, IP 56 – if you don’t understand what that means read our guide here, so you do not need to bring them in during the in the rain.

They can also handle temperatures from -20°C – +85°C so no need to worry about extreme temperatures either.

Lithe Audio LGS1P All-in-one Passive Outdoor Garden Rock Speaker

How easy are they to setup?

Setup is very quick!

The master, active, speaker plugs into the mains, one great feature is the transformer and connectors are all IP68 so can be left outside.

Once plugged in, to a waterproof outside plug, search for the Bluetooth device, enter the pin, written in the manual, and then play the music!

The speakers work 10 meters from the Bluetooth source – we tested it with a range of phones and a laptop with no problems at all.

They come as either single speaker or as a pair with a passive speaker. To connect the speakers as a pair is equally as simple and done using the provided cable and screwing the connector together.

It comes with a 5M cable allowing it to be placed where you want it rather than where the power is. In the box is also a mounting screw so it can be fixed to where you want it.

How much do the Lithe Audio gardens rock speaker’s cost?

Single speaker – £269.99
Pair of rock speakers – £349.99

Not the cheapest but you get what you pay for, hassle free setup and build quality.

What’s it like living with them?

These speakers feel like quality are well designed and perfectly moulded.   The sound quality is impressive not only powerful but clear and crisp, they have a built in 60W RMS Amplifier.

Having a pin is a good feature as prevents anyone changing the music or connecting by mistake.

What are our final thoughts?

These rock!

Puns aside we are very impressed, such a simple and well designed solution. The only one thing we could comment negatively is that a 3.5M audio line in would be a nice addition to connect additional sources. However this can easily be fixed by a cheap 3.5M to Bluetooth sender, so not really an issue.

For more information visit Lithe Audio’s website.

How often do you find yourself looking for your lost keys, bag or wallet?! If like us it’s often then this review is for you, today we are looking at Chipolo a Bluetooth tag.

Before you ask the name is not Slovenian, where they are based, but it  comes from a mix of Chip and colour: CHIP-cOLOur.

What does Chipolo do?!

Chipolo is a small Bluetooth tag you can connect to almost anything to help you find it if you lose it. This is done via connecting to your phone via Bluetooth. You can then use the app to ring your items or see where they are on a map or where you last had them. The range is up to 60m but as it uses Bluetooth range depends on where you are using it.  You can also double press the Chipolo to find your phone, so it works both ways – find your items and phone.

It also has a feature called community search where you can mark your item as lost and if any Chipolo user walks past it you will get a notification. You can even share your Chipolo via the app, great for an item that belongs to a family.

The great thing about Chipolo is it comes in few different versions each designed with a slight different purpose:

Chipolo Classic

This was their first product and has the standard features plus a changeable battery. Great if you like the idea but want freedom to change the battery. They state a battery on the classic will last up to 6 months.

Chipolo Card

Chipolo Card is a super slim sealed unit and designed to fit inside a wallet, brilliant idea! The card is guaranteed to last for 1 year. After which the app prompts you that it needs replacing and you can use the renewal program to order a new one with a 50% discount after recycling yours. If the battery does not last the year they inform us that customer service will assist but are confident it will.

Chipolo Plus

This is their highest spec model and is also a sealed unit with a years guarantee and the renewal programme. The great feature of Chipolo Plus is it’s water resistant (IPX5) and super loud 100dB vs 92dB of the classic or card – making it much easier to find. No matter how far its stuck down the sofa!

How easy is it to setup?

Setup was easy and you can tell they have tried hard to make this step intuitive and friendly.

1. Install app (iOS or Android)
2. Register
3. Select your Chipolo type
4. Press your Chipolo
5. The app then registers your Chipolo, one nice touch is the fact the app picks up the colour of the Chipolo.

You can now set up additional options like naming locations, for example home or work.

How much does Chipolo cost?

• Chipolo Classic – £23
• Chipolo Card – £31
• Chipolo Plus – £24

Chipolo Classic Bluetooth Leash Tag/Keyring

Chipolo Plus Smart Keyring Item Finder Bluetooth Tracker – Pearl White

What’s the connectivity?

Chipolo works over Bluetooth and does not yet connect to any other smart home tech. However they tell us the developers are working on an Alexa and Google assistant integration now, but don’t have release dates yet.

What’s it like living with it?

Very handy! The app is packed with features and is intuitive to use.  It even has a selfie mode for taking photos on your phone?!  Naming locations is also great so you can easily see ‘Last seen at Home’ not just a map.

We have put one in our wallet, one on our keys and one on our office pass – things you always misplace!

What are our final thoughts?

As you can tell with the name these little gadgets have quite a personality, they have managed to make something quite dull fun and very easy to use. The app is great and its easy to manage multiple Chipolo. The one thing missing is a leash feature and smart assistant connectivity – both of which are in development!

For more information have a look at their website or have a look at the product page.

How often do you lose your keys or wallet? Tile want to make this problem a thing of the past. They have a range of different Tiles for different purposes, in this review we are looking at Tile Pro Style.

For more information of the differences between Tiles look at our article – Tile Pro vs Tile Mate.

What does Tile Pro do?

Tile Pro is a Bluetooth tracker that connects to a smart phone app. The app then lets you ring the items. Cleverly you can also use the tile to ring your phone, so it works both ways.

Tile Pro is louder than its counterparts making it easier to hear if under the sofa and is also water proof to 1.5 M for 30 minutes.

One problem with Bluetooth trackers or location stickers is the distance is not quite good enough. That is not the case with Tile, it has a range of 61 meters, if the Tile is out of range the app shows ‘last place seen’.  However the really clever part comes into it if you misplace the item, as other users app’s can update your items location!

The part that makes this so impressive is the amount of users they have – they state on their website ‘more than 10 million Tiles sold’, impressive numbers especial as all these users can help you find your items.

We tested it in a small village in the UK and were very surprised to see 1,389 people were using Tile. This is pretty powerful as it means these people can help us find your items. Tile call these users you ‘search team’.

How easy is it to setup?

Super easy in 4 steps:

1) Install the app, for both ios and Android
2) Place the tile near your phone
3) Press the tile logo on the tile
4) Name the tile on the app

As its a sealed unit there was no headache with a battery or activating.

What’s the connectivity?

Tile Pro works on Bluetooth low energy, it is also works with Alexa via a skill

“Alexa, ask Tile to find my keys”

How much does Tile Pro Cost?

A single Tile Pro cost £30 or a twin pack is £50 (Get it here)

Tile Pro

However Tile’s battery cannot be changed – it has a guaranteed life of 1 year, after this you can use their ‘ReTile program‘ to get a replacement with ‘up to 40% off’.

Another good point is Tile is 99% recyclable.

What’s it like living with Tile Pro?

Really good! Tile has thought long and hard about the design, usage and app, small things like the phone can be rang from Tile even if its on silent – taking it out of silent mode.

The tile looks great and not out of place as a stylish key ring.

What are our final thoughts?

At first we were very sceptical especially with the built in obsolescence, however after using it and many of its competitors it makes sense as it creates a product they can guarantee.

We are now hooked and will be getting more tiles to add to our collection!

For More information check out Tile’s website: Tile.com