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
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Interesting idea! Have they updated the app since the iPhone 4 was released?
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
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!
Shame you can’t do with rechargeable devices. “Billy, time for dinner.” “No.” *Billy’s 3DS suddenly shuts down* “Dinner, now.”
or you could just educate your son…
You’re obviously not a parent. Tip of the hat to Aeron for asserting his parental authority in a clever way.
A hammer works better in that scenario.
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 ?
Huh…..switching off a TV remote, whatever for?
I’d imagine to control access by micropersons :-)
And not so micro ones :)
Be careful about using this: AAA batteries typically have less than half the capacity of their AA counterparts.