Velvetwire Unveils First Smart USB Charger Powered by Apple HomeKit Technology

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.

Powersalyer Blu

"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.

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Top Rated Comments

winston1236 Avatar
137 months ago
So, what is this for exactly?
Score: 62 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lk400 Avatar
137 months ago
Call me short sighted but can't see any use for this. Seems like adding connectivity for the sake of it.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rehlers Avatar
137 months ago
I thought I completely missed the point of this device, then I read the comments and realized I didn't. :)
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lk400 Avatar
137 months ago
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
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannyyankou Avatar
137 months ago
Powerslayer. Sounds like the name of a metal band.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ethanwa79 Avatar
137 months ago
Full discosure... how much did Velvetwire pay to have this advertisement as "news"?
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)