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New Car Tech Innovation will Prevent Forgotten Luggage

Wednesday 11 May 2016, 9:41AM

By Impact PR

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A new, world first automotive integration will ensure Kiwi car owners no longer leave important items behind.
Land Rover says it will introduce a Bluetooth tracking system to its vehicle dashboard touchscreen in future models which will let owners know when they get in the car if they have forgotten to pack their wallet, cell phone, bags or a range of common items.
The system allows tracking devices to be attached to household items. It operates using Tile tags - tiny Bluetooth trackers that can be secured on everyday essential ‘stuff’ and used to track their whereabouts using smartphone technology.
With the average person spending 15 minutes a day searching for lost items*, the unique in-vehicle app promises to put an end to this wasted time. Once the app is initiated using the central touchscreen, customers are alerted if specified items are not inside the vehicle and are even able to get on-screen directions to their last known location.

Land Rover spokesperson James McKee says the rush to work or the school run can often result in important items being left behind, but the new automotive technology will make forgotten wallets and missing bags a thing of the past.

"Losing your wallet or leaving your child's sports kit behind isn't just an inconvenience. The realisation you've mislaid something important can be a cause of distraction. Our unique partnership with Tile means customers can check the status of tagged items using the vehicle’s touchscreen, so forgotten items will be a thing of the past,” says McKee.

McKee says says the new technology will allow customers to establish a list of 'Essentials' using the vehicle touchscreen, which are always checked when the app is initiated. If items are lost inside the vehicle, customers are able to sound a 90-decibel alarm on the Tile tag, to help locate them.

“We believe this integration will give car owners greater peace of mind about the whereabouts of essential items, helping them save time before they embark on journeys,” says McKee.

The Tile smartphone app is compatible with both Android and Apple platforms and the number of items that can be tracked is limitless.

McKee says the new innovation is expected to be be available in New Zealand next year.