It looks as though even basic power tools are not immune from the lure of IoT and wireless connectivity as a “feature.” Black & Decker has joined Milwaukee Tool and DeWalt by introducing the Smartech 20-V lithium-based battery, a Bluetooth- enabled power-tool power pack which can be used with some of their cordless tools.

Using the iOS and Android-compatible app, their Smartech unit lets you enable or disable the battery (to lock it out), view the percent of the battery's remaining charge, turn on a “locate” feature to find a missing battery, or activate the battery's built-in USB port for operating/charging external devices.