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Black+Decker launches Smartech connected battery

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Black+Decker is launching Smartech battery technology, which will allow tool users to remotely check on battery info via a mobile app
Darren Quick/Gizmag
Black+Decker is launching Smartech battery technology, which will allow tool users to remotely check on battery info via a mobile app
Darren Quick/Gizmag
Users can interact with several batteries via the app
Darren Quick/Gizmag
It is possible to activate the battery’s integrated USB port to power external devices
Darren Quick/Gizmag
The app features a Projects section with DIY tips for users
The app informs users when the battery is running low
The app can recommend the best tool for the job
Black+Decker 20 V Max tools featuring the Smartech battery will be available later in the year
The Smartech battery technology will feature in the new String Trimmer, Sweeper, and Hedge Trimmer units, as well as other outdoor power tools
The battery features a locate function
Users can deactivate the battery to avoid misuse
A custom app allows more control over the tools
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Black+Decker, the maker of home and gardening tools, is launching a new range of products featuring Smartech battery technology, which adds automation and connectivity to tools by enabling the battery with Bluetooth so users can interact with it through an app.

The app (iOS and Android) allows a user to overview battery information on several tools at the same time. Through the My Tools section users can interact with individual batteries they choose while the other batteries can be monitored in the Messages section where users can view all battery notifications.

The information helps the user monitor battery usage so they can keep track of recharging needs. It also allows them to disable a battery so it cannot be used without authorization.

A custom app allows more control over the tools

The battery's integrated USB port can also be activated so it can power external devices, such as tablets and smartphones. The app can also help with the location of a misplaced battery by causing it to emit a sound (provided the missing battery is within Bluetooth range).

The app can empower users to get more creative with their tools, too. A resource called Projects offers a range of DIY ideas and recommendations for which tools are best suited to each project.

The Smartech battery will be available for purchase on its own for a suggested retail price of US$69, or will come supplied with a range of products including Lithium Ion Cordless Stick and Hand Vacuums (available in April) and other Black+Decker 20 V Max tools, available later in the year. It will also feature in the new String Trimmer, Sweeper, and Hedge Trimmer units, as well as other outdoor power tools.

Source: Black+Decker

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5 comments
Bob Flint
Really, you need a phone, & app to tell you that your battery is low, and needs to be recharged. To bad your lazy ass still has to physically get up and do it. Oh but this sort of bone head probably doesn't really use any of his dozens of tools, so that would explain the barrage of text messages he/she gets from each of tired/bored batteries...
Notice the advertising snuck into the app, to sell more crap while you blatantly stare at the screen of your phone trying to figure out your life...
POOL PUMPREAPAIR guy longwood
I could see this as a way to keep track of employees work
Gizzyfuel
I Wonder If we can have a shed where The display screen can show which battery has enough power to do the job or does it need to be charge as well as a locator. But on a smart phone app that just plain laziness.
Also Wouldnt it be smarter to just develop something like a collapse tools into a sectional piece so that you could just fit it in a toolbox so that all you need to do is find the tool box.
Martin Hone
Or, how about making stronger internals or larger chucks. Things that actually might improve the product's performance ?
pickypilot
Well, isn't that something I've waited my entire life for!