Black + Decker launches app-connected Bluetooth batteries w/ USB charging port for its 20v power tools

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.

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[9to5-press-release]

TOWSON, MD (May 17, 2016) – BLACK+DECKER™ announces its new line of award-winning** SMARTECH™ Batteries, which use Bluetooth® Technology to connect to the new BLACK+DECKER Mobile App. The free BLACK+DECKER Mobile App has three components: My Products, Messages, and Projects. Combined with the new SMARTECH™ Battery USB charging feature, the app and batteries connect tools with technology to enhance the DIY experience.

The BLACK+DECKER Mobile App links with SMARTECH™ Batteries to provide a variety of functions. In the My Products section of the app, users can not only view a list of their connected batteries, but they can also select and interact directly with an individual battery when in range. From there, users can access four key functions: enable or disable the battery, view the percent of the battery’s remaining charge, turn on the locate feature to find a missing battery, or activate the battery’s integrated USB port. When activated, this port can power external devices, such as tablets and phones, connected via USB.

While the My Products section of the app allows the user to interact with each individual battery, all connected SMARTECH™ batteries can be monitored via the Messages section where users can view all battery notifications. 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.

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™ Technology will be compatible with all BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX** tools, and the app is available for free for iOS and Android devices on Apple’s App Storeand the Google Play Store. BLACK+DECKER’s Drill with SMARTECH™ Battery will retail for approximately $79 MSRP and SMARTECH™ Batteries alone will retail for approximately $69 MSRP, also available now. [/9to5-press-release]

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