Black + Decker is launching its new “Smartech” batteries today that have Bluetooth built-in to allow for control and monitoring from a companion app on a connected smartphone.
Once you’ve connected over Bluetooth, the iPhone or Android app allows you to see your battery life percentage, disable and enable the battery remotely, and activate a feature that will help you locate a lost battery. And you can also get notifications through a Messages section within the app to stay on top of batteries that finished or need charging.
Combined, the features in My Products and Messages sections simplify battery use, making SMARTECH
batteries easy to find and allowing users to quickly determine when they require charging. In addition, knowing that a battery can’t be used when it is disabled provides added peace of mind as to unauthorized use.
Here’s a look at the app in action:
There is also an integrated USB charging port built-in each Smartech battery, so you can optionally use it to charge your smartphone or other devices that charge over USB.
The batteries can be used with any of the company’s 20v MAX power tools— like these. Black + Decker is selling a drill that comes with the battery for $79 (pictured above), but you can also buy it separately for $69 ($59 on Amazon).
The free app for Android is available on Google Play and the app for iPhone and iPad is available on the App Store.
More New Toy of the Day:
- Garmin’s new vívosmart HR+ opts for GPS-tracking and heart rate monitoring over battery life
- The Tap Bluetooth wearable turns nearly any surface into a functioning Bluetooth keyboard
- Vuze Camera brings an affordable point-and-shoot design to virtual reality
- The newest Garmin Fitness Tracker delivers a ‘Suffer Score’ after each of your workouts
- The Thin Ice wearable cools your body in hopes of burning an additional 1,000 calories per day
[9to5-press-release]
TOWSON, MD (May 17, 2016) – BLACK+DECKER
The BLACK+DECKER Mobile App links with SMARTECH
While the My Products section of the app allows the user to interact with each individual battery, all connected SMARTECH
Finally, the BLACK+DECKER Mobile App features the Projects section. This is a resource that provides a wide variety of DIY ideas and inspiration at the tip of your finger. This area of the app also makes recommendations for which tools are best suited to which project and also provides DIY tips that are just a few clicks away.
For the DIYer who appreciates the ever-expanding list of connected products, BLACK+DECKER is advancing battery technology to simplify the lives of users everywhere. Available now, batteries featuring SMARTECH
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