An app-enabled product is a product that can be controlled by, and/or send data to, a custom-developed mobile app.
The app-enabled product has Bluetooth wireless technology built-in, which enables a smartphone to pair with it much like you can pair your smartphone to a Bluetooth head set. Once the product and your device are paired, you use the connected mobile app to control the product and send or receive data.
Because of the use of Bluetooth technology these products are also interchangeably referred to as Bluetooth-enabled products.
An app-enabled product is less sophisticated than a Smart product. Smart products are app-enabled but have additional technology built-in that enables more than just sending and receiving data or commands. Smart products, like the Colgate smart electric toothbrush below, can also predict and respond to behavior or stimuli from its external environment. Smart products often use A.I. to get smarter over time.
Keep reading to see examples of app-enabled products in both industry (B2B) and consumer markets.
App-Enabled Products for Industry
Honeywell App-Enabled Gas Detector
Thanks to Honeywell’s use of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, you can install, commission and maintain the Sensepoint XCL gas detector — all from the palm of your hand.
Simply pair the detector with your smartphone; then use Honeywell’s Sensepoint XCL gas detector app to wirelessly perform many tasks.
View live readings from the gas detector, perform calibrations, check the status of the detector — all from up to 10 meters away.
Visit the product page on Honeywell’s website to learn more.
RIDGID Bluetooth Battery with Integrated Mobile App
With Bluetooth technology, these app-enabled batteries open up the job site to many features that will increase productivity throughout the work day.
- Over 15 different push notifications such as battery is fully charged, low battery, and maintenance is needed
- Security features such as locate your battery, lock your battery, and disable your battery when out of range
- Battery status features such as estimated charge time and total hours used
Update, February 2022: This product appears to have been discontinued by RIDGID.
App-Enabled Products for Consumers
The Colgate App-Enabled Toothbrush
The Colgate Smart Electric Toothbrush includes sensors that, combined with the app, create a map of your mouth and track your brushing coverage.
This is possible because the brush is enabled with Bluetooth wireless technology that transmits real-time feedback about your brushing to the app.
The Colgate Smart Electric Toothbrush is more than just an app-enabled product, it’s also Smart because it creates a map of your mouth, and has A.I built-in to give the user customized brushing advice based on their brushing habits.
App-Enabled Tap Timer for Irrigation
The BTT tap timer is enabled with Bluetooth, and allows for remote irrigation control with the connected iOS or Android app.
Think about how awkward it can be to reach around shrubs or avoid stepping on delicate plants in order to turn on your tap or change the timer on an old-school manual box. With this app-enabled tap control the user can control their tap and irrigation settings from up to 32 feet away, without even going outside.
If the features stopped there you could say the tap timer is just app-enabled, but it can also adjust irrigation settings based on rainfall amounts, making it a Smart tap timer as well.
Learn more and see it in action here.
Are You a Manufacturer Considering an App-Enabled or Smart Product?
Benefits include:
- Differentiate your brand, company and offerings from the competition
- Position your company as an innovative leader in your industry
- Provide a value-add that is truly valuable
- Sell more product and win large contracts as a result
At Big Fish we develop custom iOS and Android applications, including those that connect to real-world products using Bluetooth technology. If you’re with an established company please reach out today to request a no-obligation call with our team.
