Skip to main content

Use your iPhone to control any AA-powered device with this simple $10 adapter

smart-battery-adapter

HomeKit-certified devices are the slickest way to control your technology, but if you have any dumb technology powered by AA batteries, you can now remotely switch it on and off using your iPhone.

The Tethercell AA Smart Battery Adapter is a really simple idea. Replace one of the device’s AA batteries with this adapter, which takes a smaller AAA battery, and you can then switch it on and off from an app on your iPhone.

It’s Bluetooth LE rather than Wi-Fi, so range will be limited (the company claims 50-60 feet), but if the device is close enough, it’s a cheap and easy way to add remote control functionality. It’s compatible with all iPhones from the 4S onward.

The adapter costs $20 for two from Amazon.

Via BGR

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. Interesting idea! Have they updated the app since the iPhone 4 was released?

    • Blake Barton - 8 years ago

      With a quick search in iTunes for Tethercell (or “Tetherboard” as is shown in the photo), you will find that the most recent update was posted on Sept. 16, 2015. If your comment was based off the compatibility of “all iPhones from the 4S onward…” just know that is based on a combination of the Bluetooth and iOS 7.0 or later requirements

      • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

        Yep, it needs Bluetooth LE, hence the iPhone 4S & up requirement.

      • Thanks Blake! My comment was based on the photo showing the app running on an iPhone 4 (S, I guess). Time to update those promo photos, Tethercell!

  2. AeronPeryton - 8 years ago

    Shame you can’t do with rechargeable devices. “Billy, time for dinner.” “No.” *Billy’s 3DS suddenly shuts down* “Dinner, now.”

  3. minieggseater - 8 years ago

    Very neat …. Put one in the TV remote 😃

    Does anyone know if there is a mains version of this sort of thing maybe built in a Power Line adapter ?

  4. degraevesofie - 8 years ago

    Be careful about using this: AAA batteries typically have less than half the capacity of their AA counterparts.

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear