The Tethercell battery adaptor was named the overall winner for Breakthrough Prototype in the Bluetooth SIG Breakthrough Awards competition.
With Tethercell any battery operated device can be controlled from a smart device. It is the size of an AA battery and is inserted into an applicance in place of one of the batteries. It is then remotely connected to a smart device such as a phone or tablet via an app, which allows the battery-operated device to be controlled remotely.
Devices continue to function with one AA cell substituted for the AAA Tethercell. The electronics contained in the casing also contain a temperature sensor, channel switcher and a boost for converting 1.5 to 3V.
Operating on a radio frequency, Tethercell has a range of 100feet in open space or 60feet through a wall. It costs from US$35 and lasts six to twelve months dependant on usage.
The Bluetooth SIG Awards celebrate inventions that utilise Bluetooth technology to interact ordinary devices with smart phones and tablets.
