Comcast said it has pushed ahead with an integration with Tile, a maker of connected devices that can track a person’s keys and other belongings, with its Xfinity Home and X1 TV platform and X1 voice remote.
The integration, which ties into Comcast’s effort to drive automation into how smart home products work together on its systems, enables its customers to link their Tile accounts and likewise track their Tile devices via the TV through X1 boxes and X1 voice remotes. The agreement also ties into Comcast’s acquisition of Stringify, the Internet of Things startup.
RELATED: Stringify Connects to Comcast’s Connected Home Vision
Tile makes a range of Bluetooth-connected tracking devices that are also referred to as Tiles, including versions that are waterproof, can easily be attached to keychains, luggage or backpacks, as well as “slim” versions tailored for items such as purses, wallets and passports.
Via the integration, Comcast customers can locate a misplaced item with a Tile using X1 by saying “Xfinity Home, where are my keys?,” or "Xfinity Home find my purse,” and the TV will put up a display showing the last known location and address of the Tile-connected item.
Initially, the integration will be for Xfinity Home customers with X1 voice remotes (they can add Tiles by downloading the Xfinity Home app), but Comcast and Tile plan to expand eligibility to all Xfinity internet customers later this year.
Comcast and Tile alluded to the partnership at a press event in January at CES, with execs there noting that Comcast would be integrating Tile with its service platforms. Tile officials also noted that the company is also working on software-based integrations of its tracking system.
Update: In January, for example, Tile announced that Bose would embed Tile’s technology inside its SoundSport Wireless and QuietControl 30 headphones, a pilot with Samsonite slated for this spring that will test “next-generation luggage,” and an agreement to blanket the San Jose International airport with Tile access points to help find lost items. Propeller Health is also working to integrate Tile into its sensors, and Ruckus Networks (now part of Arris) has teamed up to detect Tile-enabled items via indoor and outdoor access points.
“This is a home automation partnership that helps solve real-life problems,” Sri Solur, SVP at Comcast Cable, said in a statement. “Now, when a child arrives home from school, a parent can simply say, ‘Xfinity Home where’s Sam’s backpack?’ into their voice remote and see that it was left at school. This is just one of the many peace of mind features we are making available to our customers on our evolving home automation platform.”
“Tile is creating a world where everyone can find everything that matters,” added Mike Farley, CEO and co-founder of Tile. “With the smart home being central to so many consumers’ lives, we are thrilled to be partnering with Comcast. Together, we are bringing greater peace of mind to Xfinity customers in their home, providing a streamlined experience for them to quickly locate their things no matter where they are.”
