Cool invention: Tethercell - control AA battery through Bluetooth

Sasqui · Jan 25, 2013, 03:19 PM

This was at CES this year, don't know if it was on NextPowerup, but worth sharing.

Quote:

Tethercell is a revolutionary battery controller that enables you to connect to and control AA-battery-operated devices from your iOS or Android device.

http://ces.cnet.com/8301-34441_1-575...tooth-devices/

http://www.indiegogo.com/tethercell

http://www.dvice.com/archives/2013/0...rcell-lets.php

Frick · Jan 25, 2013, 03:55 PM

Yeah I saw that. And I can't really believe no one thought about it before. So simple.

Sasqui · Jan 25, 2013, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frick

Yeah I saw that. And I can't really believe no one thought about it before. So simple.

Indeed, me too. The hallmark of a good invention "why didn't I think of that?"

newtekie1 · Jan 25, 2013, 04:29 PM

I can't really think of any AA powered device that I own that I think to myself "man, it would be nice if I could turn this on or off with my cellphone".

And everything that I'd be worried about the battery dying at the wrong time has an indicator to tell me when the battery is getting low.

Then there is the fact that you have to use a AAA battery instead of a AA. Since AAA batteries typically hold about half the charge, or less, compared to a AA battery that cuts your battery life down to at best half. It just doesn't seem worth the very minor convenience.

3870x2 · Jan 25, 2013, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newtekie1

I can't really think of any AA powered device that I own that I think to myself "man, it would be nice if I could turn this on or off with my cellphone".

And everything that I'd be worried about the battery dying at the wrong time has an indicator to tell me when the battery is getting low.

Then there is the fact that you have to use a AAA battery instead of a AA. Since AAA batteries typically hold about half the charge, or less, compared to a AA battery that cuts your battery life down to at best half. It just doesn't seem worth the very minor convenience.

Doesn't include the power required to run the bluetooth, which could be pretty draining on the battery.

BrooksyX · Jan 25, 2013, 04:39 PM

Seems like a good invention but kind of useless in this day and age.

Along with what newtekie said, I can hardly think of anything around my house that uses disposable batteries other than like a TV remote or analog wall clock.

Frick · Jan 25, 2013, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrooksyX

Along with what newtekie said, I can hardly think of anything around my house that uses disposable batteries other than like a TV remote or analog wall clock.

I think this has the potential to redifine what we do with those batteries. Give it some time and i'm sure good applications will come.

Btw, it uses BT 4.0 which is supposed to be easier on the battery.

Sasqui · Jan 25, 2013, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frick

I think this has the potential to redifine what we do with those batteries. Give it some time and i'm sure good applications will come.

Btw, it uses BT 4.0 which is supposed to be easier on the battery.

Here's some ideas from the maker (no earth shattering kaboom, but I'm sure there will be a lot more use ideas):

Quote:

Turn AA-battery-powered devices on and off remotely
- Kids toys driving you nuts? Relax, put the toys in time out!
- Want to switch on that battery powered light or candle in a whole new way?
- Forgot to turn on the baby monitor? No need to risk waking the baby to do it!
- Someone wants to change the channel during your show? Deactivate the remote!
- Practical jokes? Limited only by your imagination!

Be alerted when battery power is low
- Get an alert when your game controller is running low on batteries.
- Know when it's time to replace your Tethercell's battery.

Set device schedules & timers
- Make sure devices are off when they're not being used (save battery power!).
- Schedule everything to shut down during bedtime or dinner time.
- Set a timer for when you want something to go on or off.
- Program the launch of that model rocket, or just hit FIRE! Awesome!

3870x2 · Jan 25, 2013, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frick

I think this has the potential to redifine what we do with those batteries. Give it some time and i'm sure good applications will come.

Btw, it uses BT 4.0 which is supposed to be easier on the battery.

Nice thought, I didn't even realize the fact that this could open up new possibilities for the batteries. I still wonder about the battery life.

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Jan 25, 2013, 03:55 PM	#2
Frick Fishfaced Nincompoop Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sweden Posts: 8,051 (3.02/day) Thanks: 1,100 Thanked 1,500 Times in 1,193 Posts System Specs	Yeah I saw that. And I can't really believe no one thought about it before. So simple. __________________ "The 'gentle biker' look is overdone. I'm going for 'psycho hillbilly.' "

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Jan 25, 2013, 04:29 PM	#4
newtekie1 Semi-Retired Folder Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 17,903 (6.47/day) Thanks: 785 Thanked 5,185 Times in 3,754 Posts System Specs	I can't really think of any AA powered device that I own that I think to myself "man, it would be nice if I could turn this on or off with my cellphone". And everything that I'd be worried about the battery dying at the wrong time has an indicator to tell me when the battery is getting low. Then there is the fact that you have to use a AAA battery instead of a AA. Since AAA batteries typically hold about half the charge, or less, compared to a AA battery that cuts your battery life down to at best half. It just doesn't seem worth the very minor convenience. __________________ Rig1: System Specs. Rig2: A8-5600K@4.4GHz / AsRock FM2A75 Pro4 / 8GB Corsair DDR3-1600 9-9-9-24 / HD7560D / Samsung DVD-Burner / 1.5TB WD Green + 3x3TB WD RED in RAID5 Rig3: Athlon X2 4200+ / M4A79 Deluxe / 4GB G.Skill Pi DDR2-800 4-4-4-12 / GT430 / Sony DVD-Burner / 500GB WD Rig4: Phenom II x6 1605T @ 3.6GHz / Asus M5A99X Evo / 8GB PNY DDR3-1600 9-9-9 / GTX470 & GTX470 / Samsung DVD-Burner / 1.5TB Seagate

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Jan 25, 2013, 04:39 PM	#6
BrooksyX Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 3,572 (1.80/day) Thanks: 511 Thanked 570 Times in 527 Posts System Specs	Seems like a good invention but kind of useless in this day and age. Along with what newtekie said, I can hardly think of anything around my house that uses disposable batteries other than like a TV remote or analog wall clock.

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