Velvetwire Unveils First Smart USB Charger Powered by Apple HomeKit Technology

[MacRumors]

Smart energy company Velvetwire today announced Powerslayer Blu, the latest addition to its Powerslayer lineup of USB chargers. This new model offers Bluetooth low energy (BLE) connectivity and is compatible with Apple's HomeKit technology rolling out with iOS 8. Apple's vision for HomeKit is to make it easy for developers to allow users to control and interact with accessories around the home, leveraging BLE for energy-efficient communications.

"We are proud to be among the first group of companies to produce HomeKit-compatible devices," said Eric Bodnar, co-founder and CEO at Velvetwire. "By integrating Bluetooth technology into the Powerslayer, we're offering customers a new way to interact with their devices and be part of Apple's HomeKit. Velvetwire is committed to developing intelligent, energy-efficient devices that allow users to live more consciously without sacrificing convenience. We look forward to sharing Powerslayer Blu and future generations of our power-saving devices with the world."

The Powerslayer Blu improves upon earlier Powerslayer models with HomeKit integration and iOS app support that gathers information from the charger using Bluetooth LE. Users can receive notifications about the charging status of their devices and view energy level information via Velvetwire's iOS app. The device also includes the option to switch between a fast, high-power charging profile and an energy conservation mode that maximizes battery life.

The Powerslayer Blu will be available before the end of the year and will retail for $89. While the price tag is likely to be a hurdle for many potential customers, Powerslayer Blu serves as a good example of the potential of HomeKit to use iOS as a hub for bringing together devices from around the home.

Article Link: Velvetwire Unveils First Smart USB Charger Powered by Apple HomeKit Technology

 

[winston1236]

So, what is this for exactly?

 

[ethanwa79]

Full discosure... how much did Velvetwire pay to have this advertisement as "news"?

 

[dannyyankou]

Powerslayer. Sounds like the name of a metal band.

 

[lk400]

Call me short sighted but can't see any use for this. Seems like adding connectivity for the sake of it.

 

[Cyberius11]

I fail to see the point of the device.

I want home control. Meaning I want to be able to control my thermostats, lighting, etc. I don't care how much electricity my phone uses to charge.

 

[FuNGi]

Apparently it stops ghost drain whilst charging USB devices. Slows it to a stop as it fills, then turns off. It does, as far as I can tell, exactly what our iDevices and Apple's AA battery charger already do. Charge, trickle, then stop. I fail to see why this needs bluetooth or is a benefit for iDevices.

 

[Zwopple]

Call me short sighted but can't see any use for this. Seems like adding connectivity for the sake of it.

I can think of a couple situations where I've gone back and checked the status of the charge. Would it make me buy one of these though? That's less certain.

 

[lk400]

I fail to see the point of the device.

I want home control. Meaning I want to be able to control my thermostats, lighting, etc. I don't care how much electricity my phone uses to charge.

I wonder how much you could possible save after factoring in the price of the device.

 

[Cyberius11]

I wonder how much you could possible save after factoring in the price of the device.

Maybe a penny or two a year, and in a couple thousand years it will pay for itself. My phone costs what, a couple bucks a year to charge as is? This is a ridiculous device.

 

[lk400]

I can think of a couple situations where I've gone back and checked the status of the charge. Would it make me buy one of these though? That's less certain.

wouldn't you need your device to check the charge remotely with this? Or do you need two phones for this to work

 

[lolkthxbai]

This device seems pretty pointless and that design is horrible

 

[vertigolabs]

...and will retail for $89. While the price tag is likely to be a hurdle for many potential customers...

An astute observation...

 

[WildCowboy]

Full discosure... how much did Velvetwire pay to have this advertisement as "news"?

Full disclosure...absolutely nothing. Same as always.

 

[iSee]

And the first HomeKit device is... completely pointless.

 

[griz]

So I can interact with the charging process from my iPhone while my iPhone is connected to the charger? I guess the % charged indicator is far too complicated.

 

[jmpage2]

This looks like a solution in search of a problem.

Even at really high electric rates of .20 kWh it would take decades for this thing to pay for itself with the meager power savings. Notifications for when my devices are charged? For $89?

Next.

 

[ethanwa79]

Full disclosure...absolutely nothing. Same as always.

Thank you.

 

[Kissaragi]

So, what is this for exactly?

Seems to be just because they can

 

[jclardy]

So I am all for home automation...but a USB charger? There is never a case where I will plug something in and want to stop charging until it is fully charged...the switching from slow/fast charging is nice I guess, but a physical switch could work for that.

And as for checking the state...it is likely my phone that is plugged in...so I will have to physically be next to the charger in the first place because I would check the state on my phone.

 

[mrgraff]

Full discosure... how much did Velvetwire pay to have this advertisement as "news"?

Someone on the macrumors staff will chime in soon to remind us that they don't post ads without clearly identifing them as such.

But I've said this before and I'll say it again, you guys really need to take a look at and why some posters seem to mistake your news articles for ads.

 

[rehlers]

I thought I completely missed the point of this device, then I read the comments and realized I didn't.

 

[iceburg02]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who wondered WTF this thing is.

 

[henzpwnapple]

I at first thought it can wirelessly charge my iPhone

 

[wigby]

Full discosure... how much did Velvetwire pay to have this advertisement as "news"?

This always happens when a new technology or device arrives. The first company out with anything that uses that standard gets the first coverage. Unfortunately, that also usually means they rushed it out to be first and it sucks or seems pointless as is the case with this product. But they are first to use Homekit so yay for them.