Dewalt just send out a cryptic teaser email about some new Dewalt Tool Connect developments, but there’s enough to get a sense for what’s going on.
Up to now, Dewalt Tool Connect was only about 20V Max Bluetooth batteries, and while neat in theory, this doesn’t actually give you that much functionality.
I must admit, I have Dewalt’s Tool Connect app on my phone, but I don’t remember the last time I opened it. Have I ever opened it? And I have a 20V Max Bluetooth battery, but can’t remember ever connecting to it with the Dewalt Tool Connect App.
But Bluetooth-connected tools and tool modules do have potential – just look at what Milwaukee has done with their One-Key system. Milwaukee has new “Tick One-Key” tool tracking modules coming out soon, and Bosch’s TrackTag was announced in Europe some time ago.
Black & Decker also has Smart Bluetooth-connectable battery packs.
Ooh. New Dewalt 20V Max brushless power tools with integrated Bluetooth technology.
I spy a compact brushless impact driver, a compact brushless drill and a hammer drill, and a heavy duty 3-speed brushless drill.
This holds great potential. Will the tools be customizable in the same sense as Milwaukee’s One-Key tools?! If there’s a premium for the Bluetooth hardware, users will likely expect enhanced app functionality, whether they can fully take advantage of it or not.
And TAG, you’re it! I mean, TAG, a small module that looks like it can be mechanically or adhesively fastened to “anything” on the jobsite.
There’s also the CONNECTOR, which looks to connect between 20V Max cordless power tools and any 20V Max battery packs you might already have.
Dewalt’s tools are programmed through their battery connection. So… could this possibly allow for customization of certain tools?
That’s one of the reasons I LOVED Dewalt’s factory tour – it provided invaluable insight as to how boxes of parts are turned into a usable tool.
This is the only message that was linked to the images:
Tool Connect™ updates are coming soon; including a new app, inventory management software, and 3 new ways to connect anything on your jobsite. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.
So we know that there will be an inventory management component, as well as the 3 ways to connect tools and equipment at a jobsite.
There will be the TAG module, new 20V Max tools with Dewalt Tool Connect tech built in, and a CONNECTOR for attaching to your other 20V Max power tools.
There is no mention of tool customizations of the like that Milwaukee has introduced to their One-Key system.
But we have already seen the promise of Dewalt Bluetooth-controllable tools, namely the DCL070 Bluetooth LED worklight that was announced alongside their FlexVolt tools.
We’re going to be digging deep and turning over rocks. There will be “more details in coming months,” but waiting isn’t as much fun as active searching.
What do you guys think about this Dewalt Tool Connect expansion, and the potential it holds?