Milwaukee has been making a HUGE DEAL about their upcoming One Key product and technology announcement. And you know what? I think they’re onto something.
I know exactly what Milwaukee One Key is, and isn’t, but I’m sworn to secrecy for another 2 weeks. It hurts having to keep my lips sealed, but I’ll push through. Even though I can’t spill the beans just yet, it might be fun to see if you guys can come up with some more accurate theories than before.
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We recently discussed Milwaukee’s riddle in a recent post, and saw a lot of great theories and ideas in comments. And now, we have more clues, plus we know what the product and tech will be called.
Clue 1: How will Milwaukee unlock the future of jobsite technology?
Clue 2: How will Milwaukee unlock the digital jobsite?
Clue 3: It’s called Milwaukee One Key
With that first clue, I really thought that the announcement would be tied to tool storage. And I’m not saying that it’s not referring to tool storage. But all of the other clues talk about unlocking digital technology and enhancing productivity.
Hmm…
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Here’s a closer look at the Milwaukee One Key logo:
And here are some more clues that Milwaukee said we could share with you:
Clue 4: What’s the one key to bringing jobsite technology into the future?
Clue 5: What’s the one key to the evolution of jobsite technology?
Clue 6: How will Milwaukee unlock the future of the jobsite?
Clue 7: What’s the one key to enhancing productivity on the jobsite?
If you like puzzles, hopefully this is enough information to get you guessing again, even if you already took a shot at the riddle the first time. Analyze that logo, read and reread the clues, and tell us what you think Milwaukee One Key is all about!
And if you’re catching up after a summer break, be sure to check out all of our recent Milwaukee new tool preview posts! They showed off a lot of new tools at their recent media event, and I’m still not done with my coverage!
Back to the point – what do you think Milwaukee One Key is all about?
Ooh, and how about this – what do you want Milwaukee One Key to be about?
James
WiFi Interface of some kind
william
Yeah with that wifi signal on top that’s what I think as well, maybe Bluetooth as well. I think another thing is where you can hook your tools up to the pc and adjust the power of the tool to meet your current needs. Damn I might have to get some red into my toolbox.
Chrisk1970
agreed, wifi but…maybe a new type of Cellular phone or Tablet specifically designed for the field. A device capable of serving a contractor in the field that can allow instant transfer of information to “the office”, design, layout, photograph, monitor etc. In my humble opinion. This device could be slaved to electronic devices similar to Ryobi’ new entry into digital work but with a broad based device made specifically for work site conditions. With Ryobi already offering a basic set of electronics this could have set the frame work for Milwaukee to really dominate an area that is being doctored to work via apps that sometimes hit the mark and sometimes don’t.
Stuart
While a jobsite smartphone or tablet seems like a good idea, these types of devices have remarkably short life cycles.
There’s also a huge cost factor. There are a couple of rugged field devices, with Panasonic’s ToughPads coming to mind, but there’s a huge premium. I imagine that most buyers would prefer a regular smartphone paired with an OtterBox or other tough case.
Nathan
+1 tough pads, and tough notes are awesome for what they are. ruggedized covers for the mainstream devices are also very useful.
but for abuse and use – I’ll still take a toughpad. oh and they are daylight visible.
Chrisk1970
Darn it Stuart! I just read the patent. I’m wrong. Which as usual is no big surprise!
David Funk
My guess is tool control/status marketed to the Military because that’s were the big bucks are. And you can keep the tough book laptop I will take a paper copy any day.
Daryn
Tool storage with a built in WiFi router and a contract with some internet provider. Possible tool tracking or unlocking of storage.
David
I hope this isn’t cheating, since you can find it by Googling. Their trademark registration indicates that it is related to “batteries and battery chargers.”
So – wireless charging?
David
Daryn
Wireless charging in a storage box would be pretty sweet
Remrof
But wireless charging won’t really change things that much (or unlock the future of the jobsite), since Bosch already has a wireless charging system.
AJ
To me, Bosch’s wireless charging is a joke. So instead of plugging your battery into the charger, you set your battery on top of the charger. The only difference is you don’t have to unplug it from the tool. Big deal. If you have two batteries you keep one on the charger, one on the tool. But if Milwaukee had a way to charge a battery when it was within say 15′ of the charger, that would be a big deal.
herp derpson
They don’t have a way to do that. There simply isn’t wireless power that works like that right now.
SteveR
Regarding your comment that, “There simply isn’t wireless power that works like that right now.” Granted, that’s what you and I may know of it, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t secretly been under development. Recall your history regarding the atomic bomb. No one but a handful of atomic scientists in the world even believed such a bomb was feasible until they built one and exploded it. And they accomplished that 70 years ago.
Developments like this still take time, of course, but they built the atomic bomb without the super computers and the scientific knowledge man has developed since then. Imagine what they can accomplish now. I guess the takeaway from this is to keep an open mind.
herp derpson
Electrical engineering is a mature field.
In order to do long distance, omnidirectional power you need to put out a shit ton of power or invent some new physics. Rf and magnetics are pretty well defined.
herp derpson
And forgot to add:
Tool companies don’t lead when it comes to tech. Brushless was available to consumers for something like 5 years before it got picked up by the big cordless players. Same with 18650 cells. Same with LEDs in everything. Same with wireless charging (qi then Bosch).
Michael
There actually is RF technology in developmental stages for charging cell phones at a maximum distance of 15ft expected to be built into most phones by 2018
Jon
Read the USPTO trademark application closer …
David
I was actually looking at the Justia trademark site. Under the classification of good and services, it says batteries and battery chargers.
https://trademarks.justia.com/866/61/one-86661288.html
David
Michael
Maybe a super fast change system
logan
Dewalts Bluetooth batteries might be related. I don’t know how remote battery shutoff could improve productivity, though.
Maybe wireless battery charging status?
BenB
Wireless charging? locking batteries and/or tools? What would be nice is better battery technology
Derek
Milwaukee has a (soon to be released) 9, yes 9! ah battery……if that won’t quench your power thirst, nothing will.
Mr. X
How about wifi/cellular connected batteries that communicate with the user giving information on charge status, number of charges, battery health, battery/tool location… Not a game changer by any means but not a bad feature.
Remrof
It will unlock the future of jobsite technology, unlock the digital jobsite, and it’s called Milwaukee One Key.
My guess: It might be some sort of digital hub with more than one function. One Key to many functions. Battery check, locking tools and more.
Jon
I think Mr. X is on the mark here. I’m guessing it is a combo wireless battery charger with wifi hotspot for locating batteries/tools on the jobsite and providing 4G wireless internet for workers that need to stay connected.
Nathan
either BT or WIFI connection to either tools or the batteries (I suspect the tools because of copyright/patent issues with Dewalt)
I bet wifi though – through your own smart device – connections to tools – for on and off, status of onboard battery – connection to jobsite charger and those battery stats etc.
if they do some LTE/WIfi bridge – I’ll be very surprised. but it would be nice
Matt
It’s definitely going to be some sort of WiFi hotspot. But it could very have something like an ERP interface in it, so you can direct workflow, schedule workers and equipment, things like that.
Matt
***Could very well have something
Bremon
https://trademarks.justia.com/866/63/one-86663762.html
Seems like a combination of battery communication like Dewalts new batteries, and customizable software for tools. Not 100% sure but I’m excited for it.
David
Your link was better than mine. Mine just said batteries and battery charger.
https://trademarks.justia.com/866/61/one-86661288.html
D.
adam
bluetooth or wi-fi monitoring like Dewalt announced. Maybe tracking of usage time.
Sounds like it might be over hyping this unlocking the future. Can’t think of anything that would enhance all tools so significantly, but maybe they can back up the hype.
Stuart, do you think it is that big of an advancement in tool tech ? that should be enough for me to hold out.
Chris
I’m thinking LTE/Wifi hotspot but powered by M12 batteries. They’d need to partner with one of the cellular companies though.
Andrew McConnell
You nailed it. Its a 4g router. Or I’m wrong.
Jimmy D
I recently got my hands on the new DeWalt Blutooth batteries and mobile app to go with it and I must say that it is quote impressive. The technology is cool but the applications are limited. “You can keep track of batteries!” Well so can serial numbers and a pad of paper but you know. That being said, there has been a lot of hype over it. So with the constant red and yellow battle I can imagine it would be along those lines.
Steve H
It will be a battery and charger that u don’t have to “plug” in, just lay the battery on a charging pad, not in like new charging system for phones.
Chrisk1970
I’ve got that with my Bosch tools and it works awesome!
John
One key to all jobsite port-a-potties.
Phil
Gotta be a front door wireless deadbolt that unlocks when you wave your Milwaukee M18 powered tool in front of it.
Matt
One battery/charging system for theirs and competitors power tools.
One battery to Bring them all and in darkness bind them…..
How revolutionized would a job site be if only one battery/charger was needed….?
skfarmer
i am really tired of all of the milwaukee hype. if they have a new product, tell us. if they are not ready then why hype it. that kind of stuff bugs the crap out of me and i am kind of surprised you play their game.
Chris
They are a marketing power house, and that’s how they sell thier tools, they could sell Ice to an Eskimo… Milwaukee is always hyping everything up like it the second coming just up to the consumers to realize it
Stuart
I’m not playing the game for the reasons you thing of.
First, there are more clues, and I sincerely believe that those who guessed about what it could be would find it fun to take another shot at it now that there are more clues.
Second, it’s good for me. Embargoes are tough, and even tougher when I know readers know that I know what the new stuff is about and can’t tell them. I can’t spill the beans, but I can relieve some of the anticipation with a teaser post like this.
Third, Milwaukee started teasing users with the clues, countdown clock, and One Key branding. When users search for One Key prior to the release, this post gives them a place to discuss their own predictions and hopes.
Judging by the numbers, a lot of ToolGuyd readers were interested in this post.
Maybe it seems like I’m playing the marketing game, but I really thought the last would be fun for readers and good for ToolGuyd.
herp derpson
You agreed to an embargo…that means you are playing the marketing game.
Sean
Maybe you agreed to play a game before you were born?
Maybe you will play another game when you die? You’ll see two refreshing drinks: one lemonade, and the other, bourbon. Which will you choose?
Maybe the meaning of life is that god and satan like to gamble, and you play the game?
This is Stuart’s JOB and he enjoys entertaining, informing, and providing NEWS.
My guess is that the one key is a power station that “unlocks” portable tools by providing them wireless power. Impossible? I don’t know enough about physics. That conclusion does seem newsworthy, and the clues tend to support it.
Stuart
That sounds so weird – reading that ToolGuyd is my JOB. Anyway, thanks for the extra defense!
Most radiant energy and energy fields drop in power exponentially with respect to distance. In other words, twice the distance from a wireless power source = 1/4 the power. 3 times the distance, 1/9th the power, and so forth.
Signals are one thing. Wirelessly charging a device through air? Possible? Yes, in theory, but not without extreme energy loss and inefficiencies.
Matt
I have to believe its an app of some sort to keep track of all your purchases for warranty info.
J
Based on the description I’d say it’s an anti-theft process of some sort. Embed both tools and batteries with unique IDs that can be tracked/disabled in some manner; move too far from a beacon or check-in spot and the unit is disabled. A fringe “benefit” may even be preventing the users from refurbishing their own batteries.
Mark S.
That makes the most sense since Milwaukee tools seem to grow legs and walk off of worksites. I know laptops that are equipped with a “burn drive” that once out of range of their WiFi host server will cease to function and scramble the data on the hard drive so it wouldn’t be too hard to do with tools.
mnoswad
i dont work on digital jobsites. so this probably wont be a useful feature for me.
Nick
A “Jobsite” is a generic term, though mostly coupled with construction or contractors. I’d consider my home garage my “Jobsite” if I’m working out of it, same with an auto mechanic, your bay is your “Jobsite.”
Ryan
based on the logo, my guess is that the tech is similar to modern cars that the keys do not have to be put in the ignition (just close by). In this instance, the tool/batteries will only work if the authorized user has the wireless “key”
Brian
Our predictions and hopes aren’t worth a pile of poo. Hype, predictions and/or hopes don’t get work done. We buy tools to get work done. I view this as a huge waste of time. I said the same thing a year ago when Bosch hyped stuff. People who want and need to get work done with their tools don’t give a rip about this garbage.
Ed
I agree with Brian, working with the tools gets me away from the phone,emails and all that. I don’t need my phone to tell me the status of my battery, if I’m working with the tool ,I can just check myself and when it does die I can put it on the charger and grab another one. All this technology just adds problems and extra costs to tools.
Bill K
Agree with Mr. X, some type of electronic tool which has the ability to control (lock/unlock) rechargeable tools and monitor their batteries capacity or state of readiness.
Logan
Whatever it is, my guess is you’re gonna need more than a few keys to unlock all your safes to pay for it. New technology = $$$
Bill K
For those professionals out there……… How valuable would it be for you to have your tools charged each morning so there are no ( or fewer) disruptions during the day due to the batteries running dead?
Damian
The only thing I can think of that would truly unlock the digital job site, is some kind of management application for smart phones/tablets that teaches the unskilled labor force how to do the job correctly with the tools provided. Outside of this, keeping track of battery and tool serial #’s, runtime, status, warranty, etc. would be nice to have, but mostly a gimmick for those unorganized.
Nick
IF related to batteries and chargers, I would guess a battery that can be used in both 18v and 12V platforms “One-Key”. Possibly a bluetooth or wifi interface to check health and status of such battery too? Not game changing, but rarely are these hyped up promos anyways.
john
I think it will be a system with Bluetooth batteries and an app that tells you the exact location of them all so keeping track of them will be lot easier. You will also be able to remotely disable them to deter thieves. Plus do all the battery monitoring etc that the Dewalt system does.
StoveTop
This could be another hint.
I noticed Home Depot is clearancing their M12 radios out. I have noticed that HD does this before a newer model of the same tool is released. Also, not much for M12 at the expo.
I think they are releasing a new M12 bluetooth radio/charger along with bluetooth/wifi batteries. Just like DeWalt just did.
Maybe for M18 as well. Which would stink as I just bought the new M18 radio…
StoveTop
Sean
Which M12 radio are they clearing out?? How much did you pay for it?
I guess I need to walk into the HD to find out. I don’t see anything about it online.
An M12 radio (preferably the bluetooth speaker model) and the vacuum are on the top of my “to-buy list.”
Paul Chambers
Could it be related to theft prevention? Say the new tools and batteries need to be in range of the user’s unique RF ‘key’ to operate, meaning ‘borrowed’/stolen goods are effectively worthless?
Probably some safety benefits too, since the tool couldn’t be used unless the user was close.
jballer
How about a battery pack that’s solar power. Like your solar pannels? it chargers while you are on the sun? just thinking out loud?
jballer
maybe a 1050LB SDS MAX Demo hammer/battery
jballer
on a serious note Milwaukee needs a BIGGER DEMO HAMMER than Hilty, with way better technology
jballer
100LB or 200LB Demo hammer for the BIG BOYS!!
Brian
does milwauke always hype things like this or is this something new? I imagine Milwaukee thinks this will revolutionize the job site. I say it better cause I don’t wanna see the big unveil, roll my eyes and say, ” THAT WAS IT?”
Stuart
This is the first and only time I’ve seen them tease and hype about new tools or tech like this. Even their Milwaukee Fuel launch a couple of years ago they showed renderings of the tools and said “coming next Fall/Spring” or something like that.
Big news, big hype.
B-Rad
I thought the bluetooth battery and ability to link the battery to your phone was ridiculous, UNLESS they eventually do what would truly be a big deal, and that is this:
Use the technology to link through the battery, into the tool, and allow customization of the tool and it’s operation/drive modes.
Milwaukee is all about their drive modes on the impacts, and have implemented some interesting usefulness this year by adding a 4th drive mode. The self tapping mode of the impact driver, and the 1-second drive mode for the impacts is awesome, and great for tasks that can utilize that drive mode, but isn’t so useful for other trades or tasks, and will most likely wind up an unused feature on the majority of those sold. But imagine if they allowed you to customize that 4th drive mode to suit YOUR needs. This could be done by connecting to the tool (most likely through the bluetooth battery), and through the app allow you to add any one of an abundance of drive modes as the 4th mode! It seems like this should be entirely possible, as their Redlink already has the tool and battery communicating, and there is already a chip in the tool that stores the info for the drive modes. But allowing the user to load their own drive mode either from several pre-configured by Milwaukee, or even allow the user to fully customize a mode could actually be game changing. But if they or Dewalt really only use the technology to let us see the battery status and allow us to lock the batteries, is in my eyes a huge letdown, and in the real world won’t have any real impact on how normal people use their power tools.
Jeremy
Well, i bet its incredible but id settle for a jobsite table saw lol. Ive been a milwaukee guy for a long time and its been nice to see them to continue leaving the competition in the dust. Cant wait!
fromthefuture
Battery stick that will charge all platforms of cordless tools. USB connection on stick for data info and usage control on tool or other accessories as well. Will be WiFi enabled.
glenn
Whatever it is it’s highly unlikely to be of any use to me. I have shelled near 3k on all new M12 and M18 gear over the last18 months, so I wont be replacing anything any time soon!