Electronics Company Launches Tracking Device That Uses Adhesives

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. obtrusive / əbˈtru sɪv / (adj) – attracting attention in an undesirable way
    Example:

    My friend’s outfit was too obtrusive for the formal gathering, so she wore her coat all night.


  2. subtle / ˈsʌt l / (adj) – not easily seen or recognized
    Example:

    I had to take a closer look to clearly see the subtle print on his shirt.


  3. fob / fɒb / (n) – a small object used to hold things, such as keys, together
    Example:

    You should buy a fob so you will not misplace your keys again.


  4. last / læst / (v) – to remain functional or working for a period of time
    Example:

    You should buy quality products that can last for a long time.


  5. leave behind / liv bɪˈhaɪnd / (phrasal) – to forget to bring something after a person leaves a certain place
    Example:

    I left behind my keys this morning because I was in a rush.


Article

Read the text below.

American electronics company Tile has unveiled its latest tracking devices.


One of the devices is Sticker—a tracking device that attaches to objects using adhesives. The company partnered with 3M, a well-known manufacturer of adhesives, to create the product. The least obtrusive among the company’s line of tracking devices, Sticker is a waterproof device that can pinpoint an object’s location within a 150-foot range using Bluetooth. When connected to the Tile app and community network, Sticker can track objects at greater distances.


With its subtle design, Sticker can be discreetly attached to easily lost or stolen objects that cannot be attached to fobs.


Tile also unveiled its other enhanced tracking devices. Slim, which is a slip-on tracking device, is now thinner than its previous version. It can now be placed inside wallets and other things with ID compartments, and it can be used within a range of 200 feet. Like Sticker, Slim uses built-in batteries that last for up to three years.


Tile’s most popular products, the Mate and Pro tags, were also upgraded with extended ranges that can reach up to 200 and 400 feet, respectively.


According to the company’s CEO, Tile is continuously innovating and coming up with new tracking devices that help its customers easily locate things, such as tools, bags, remote controls, and other small objects that people usually misplace or leave behind.


The company is also collaborating with several businesses to expand the connectivity of its products to other networks and devices. By widening its connectivity, Tile products’ tracking capabilities can extend even further.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Who do you think would benefit the most with Tile’s tracking devices? Discuss.
• Would you personally try Sticker or any of Tile’s other products? Why or why not?

Discussion B

• Aside from small objects that are easily lost or stolen, what other important things would benefit from the technology used in tracking devices? Discuss.
• If you were to invent a tracking device, what features would you include? Discuss.