Knipex has launched a new smartphone app which they says “brings the world of Knipex right to your fingertips.”
The new Knipex app will feature resources such as a “pliers finder for professionals” and help you
find the right tool for a specific application – whether on the jobsite or the road.”
According to Knipex press materials, the app also has a KNIPEXplorer product finder, for selecting the right pipe cutter or crimping tools based on user input about the application and materials used.
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There will also be an augmented reality function where you can view the pliers in three dimensions and “place them anywhere in your environment.”
Additional features include a wishlist and “where to buy?” function that gives you a list of online and in-store retailers.
Personally I’m not a fan of apps that mostly duplicate web functionality – can’t you do most of this except maybe the AR feature via the Knipex website? – but it seem like an interesting development that’s worth discussing.
But, it can sometimes be difficult to navigate tool brands’ websites. Maybe this app will make it easier to match the right Knipex tools to specific tasks.
Here’s the launch video:
What do you think – is this something you’d find useful?
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Eric
There are way to many companies investing in apps that really should just be investing in improving their websites.
JoeM
Amen to that… Though some websites I can tolerate pretty easily. I think Wera has a nice one. Dremel and DeWALT, as much as I love both brands, really need to strip back, and focus more on getting to the tools instead of the animations and transitions everywhere.
I actually now have apps from both companies, and I may not use them much, they’re well designed for their functions. Still kinda wishing they’d pull back on the animations, as they take up so much time, even on super fast phones.
KNIPEX
Hi Joe, thanks so much for your feedback. We have tried to make the user experience in the KNIPEX app as pleasant and fast as possible, and as much as possible on all smartphones.
Munklepunk
I see you’ve tried to use Napa as well
MM
I like their parts and their service (in-store) but the website is inexcusable.
Tim B.
…..And quite literally, UNUSABLE.
KNIPEX
Hi there, thank you for your feedback. It would really help us if you could tell us which parts of the website you mean exactly. That would really help us to fix any technical difficulties.
Thank you in advance!
Eric
I always look for parts on Rockauto. And then depending on the time frame I need them in order from them, or order that part number from someone local.
Franco
Not just investing in apps, but pushing us to get their apps. Too many give excusive offers, but only through the app.
I have a Dominos app, which I got because I wanted to order a pizza to be ready for when I was finished shopping. Used it 2-3 times. I might have another app.
I wanted to start boycotting places that only give me a deal or whatever, but only through the app. But I soon realized there would be no place to shop! They are all into app-gorilla-warfare, app propaganda.
Like Yosemite Sam would say, “I hate apps (rabbits), sheesh”.
KNIPEX
Hi Franco! Thank you for your feedback.
Of course, we understand that everyone has their own personal preferences when it comes to apps.
The demand for a KNIPEX app among users was very high, simply because many wanted a way to conveniently and easily find exactly the right KNIPEX tools at any place and at any time. Simply by using their smartphone.
Of course, we wanted to meet this demand and hope that it will be a unique and great experience for all users who download the app. At the same time, you can find all relevant info and news about our products on our website.
Franco
If you make an app because there is a demand or a need, that makes sense and is fine by me. But if you make special offers or anything similar, but only if you have the app, then I lose respect and my business.
Stuart
They don’t sell direct, and so there are unlikely to be any “special offers.”
KNIPEX
Hi Eric, thank you very much for your feedback. We totally appreciate your honesty, because it helps us to improve.
We constantly strive to improve our online services and add new features to them, to make our customer’s lives easier and the browsing experience more exciting. That’s also why we launched the KNIPEX App for everyone who wants to have the full KNIPEX product experience on the go, wherever and whenever they want.
Of course, technical difficulties can happen. If that’s the case, we’d really appreciate it if you gave us a heads-up. This really helps us to improve our services.
Tim D.
Almost everyone I know is sick to death of every company having an app. Each needs an account, an update every time you try to use it, and most have little benefit.
Very few AR apps have been useful in my experience. I could see a landscape/interior design focused app being helpful, and Ubiquiti has a neat app that lets you scan a code on their switch and it shows you the stats of the port as you look at it.
MM
Same. And nevermind the fact that most apps don’t provide any functionality you can’t get from the web already, meanwhile many of them have privacy and data collection concerns as well. Hard Pass.
This feels like yet another useless app that only exists because someone high up in corporate decided they needed an app because everyone has an app.
KNIPEX
Hi Tim, thank you very much for your helpful hints. We are really excited about the AR feature of the KNIPEX app. It lets you view many of our tools right on your workbench and look at them from all sides and angles. This allows you to see how you like our tools, even if you don’t have a tool store nearby right now.
It’s great that you bring up the topic of updates. We think it’s important to keep the KNIPEX app up to date, especially in terms of user experience and bug fixing. We regularly add new features to make the experience even more exciting. Depending on your internet connection, an update is quickly downloaded and installed. Therefore, we try to make the user experience as pleasant and seamless as possible.
Rog
Why??
This is a solution in search of a problem. No one outside the corporate office has asked for a Knipex app.
Jp
I see this as a problem which will need new solutions. Perhaps both are correct.
BigTimeTommy
To justify the fake jobs created to make pointless junk like these apps.
John
Think how much money was spent on this. What a waste.
KNIPEX
Hi Rog, we appreciate your feedback. In fact, many customers and fans have been asking for a KNIPEX app for a while to have the full product experience directly on their smartphone, without the detour via their browser. We were happy to make it happen.
IronWood
“But, it can sometimes be difficult to navigate tool brands’ websites.” Yes, and this is where tool brands SHOULD invest marketing money. You need a smartphone to use the app, so you can already use the website. The functions of the app can/should all be put in the website, where most people will look for them. And nobody ever needs AR to imagine a small hand tool in their environment. This is not a piece of furniture. Total waste of time and money for Knipex or any other hand tool brand.
KNIPEX
Hi, thank you for your feedback. We are in constant exchange with our customers and fans. In fact, many of them have been asking for a KNIPEX app for a while to have the full product experience directly on their smartphone, without the detour via their browser. The AR feature has also come as a result of direct customer feedback. And we’re really excited about what came out of it.
Of course, you alway have the option to find product info, news and more on the KNIPEX website. We are constantly maintaining and developing the website to offer the best possible user experience there as well. If there are any technical problems, we will work on a solution as quickly as possible. Valuable feedback like yours also helps us to do this. Thank you very much for that.
eddie sky
‘We have to have an app!”
no. you don’t. Improve the website. Improve search. Get more word out on your item to tubers and stores. But we don’t like apps…or sign up/like us for coupons (hello, we can search for coupons). We don’t need to subscribe either.
KNIPEX
Hi Eddie, thanks so much for your feedback. The overwhelming feedback from our customers and fans has been really positive. They are happy that with the app there are now even more opportunities to discover the full KNIPEX product range. We also think that we want to give users the freedom to experience KNIPEX in the best way they want. Whether via app or on the website.
Jerry
I agree, make a good website, don’t worry about an app. Chances are if you are looking at Knipex tools, you are more interested in thinks like what is available, options as far as size and handle style, price, and sales more than how the tool fits into your augmented reality.
To this day, I still say that one of the biggest contributing factors to the demise of Sears, was their incredibly horrible website search engine. You could search for locking pliers, and be directed to women’s swimsuits (don’t laugh, it actually happened to me).
KNIPEX
Hi Jerry, that’s great feedback. Augmented reality is an important part of our app, but beyond that there is so much more to discover, for example the KNIPEXplorer. With this feature you can find exactly the right KNIPEX product for crimping and pipe cutting. And it is really easy and fast to use.
Of course, we continue to work on the best possible user experience on the KNIPEX website. We want our users to decide for themselves how they want to experience KNIPEX, whether via app or website. And we promise that you won’t find women’s swimsuits on our site. 😀
Jared
Do I need to see my pliers in augmented reality? Feels like a flex, added just because it’s a “cool” feature.
I think companies could have more success with these apps if they worried less about using them to make sales and tried to make an industry-focused app with real utility – which then just happened to be “brought to you by” or easily connect you to a brand’s products that fit that specific task.
Sounds like there’s a little bit of that kind of utility in the Knipex app if it tells you what pliers to use with certain products, but that’s so narrowly focused and likely to be a one-time question that it doesn’t seem worth installing an app.
KNIPEX
Hi Jared, thanks so much for your feedback. In fact, many users were especially looking forward to the KNIPEXplorer, which allows them to find just the right tools for crimping and pipe cutting. The feature is frequently used and brings real added value. We continue to work on new features, stay tuned.
BigTimeTommy
For what it’s worth I’ve never gone to the Knipex website and can’t think of a reason I would. I can just read the marketing wank on the box at the store or on the Amazon listing.
MM
I visit their site a few times a year to check for new tools and to see if any of the tools that I already know about have been released in new sizes or my preferred configuration (non-dipped VDE handles and chrome finish). But augmented reality doesn’t benefit that at all and I certainly don’t need an app for it when the website works fine.
Nils
Of course they need an app, how else could you adjust the grip size on your pliers wrench?
Unless the tool interacts with the cloud in some way apps are additional overhead expense driving increased tool costs.
Ct451
The apps are just advertising. Some marketing attempt to reach a new demographic. Much like a sign on a wall it’s not meant to do much. So they put the knipex logo in a couple of app stores get a few people talking about it. They need to spend to get new customers and they have a budget for it. Perhaps they spend more on an app and spend less on wall signs.
KNIPEX
Hello, thank you very much for your feedback. The app offers users the full product assortment on the go. Whether you’re in the shop or on the road, the app offers all the information you need to know about your tools from features and functionalities, applications, and where to buy more KNIPEX. And no matter whether you already own KNIPEX or are a new customer, or simply interested in our products.
Greg
I wonder if this tool finder will be recommending tools that aren’t available in the US yet.
KNIPEX
Hi Greg, thanks so much for asking. You can use the “Where to Buy” feature in the app to find retailers that have your desired product in stock.
Stan
Every company has an app now, because user data is a valuable commodity. App, for the most part, allows to collect much more data about users than web site. Even if a company does not sell user data or know how to implement it now, the earlier you release the app, the more data you can accumulate. Apps can even collect data when you are not using, depending on permissions user grants to the app.
It’s hard for a regular person to imagine algorithms advertisement industry using to match ads to specific users. For example sake, 90% of people who downloaded knipex app also went on to buy a certain product at a different website (matched by ad id, browser, location or other parameters), there you have a data point.
User data is one of, if not, the biggest goal of such apps.
Plus, you are doing free beta test of AR implementation to iron out kinks for some bigger implementation such as AI engine of some kind. It is also data, which cost money and time to accumulate.
KNIPEX
Hi Stan, thank you very much for your feedback.
Data protection is very important to us. That is why the app is also in accordance with the requirements of the “General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)” and other national data protection laws of the member states as well as other data protection regulations.
Please find more information on data protection at KNIPEX here: https://www.knipex.com/data-protection-knipex-app
Steve
The reason for the apps are to harvest your personal data from your phone. YOU are the product.
Lawrence K.
There isn’t one app with terms and conditions that do not allow them to collect information from your phone and search engines or browsers. And they sell all this to “information brokers” who them resell the data to whomever pays their price. Even limiting the permissions settings is deceiving. These apps harvest all your phone or computer data as soon as they are downloaded. They know most people just check the box where they Agree to the apps terms and conditions. Once inside your device, the information harvesting begins. Seems some apps can bypass the permissions restrictions or settings. When I learned this, I deleted a lot of apps I don’t use too much.
But the bottom line is that due to these privacy violating apps, most people would be shocked to learn how much personal data they have on your in various data banks. It really is disturbing and you need to restrict permissions immediately when downloading apps. Otherwise, you are exposed to all kinds of web tracking and other programs that are little more than spyware.
Although I highly respect Knipex tools, their app has the same privacy violating features of almost all apps. They make fortune doing this and selling your data.
KNIPEX
Hello everyone, thank you very much for your feedback. We totally appreciate your honesty, because it helps us to improve.
We constantly strive to improve our online services and add new features to them, to make our customer’s lives easier and the browsing experience more exciting. That’s also why we launched the KNIPEX App for everyone who wants to have the full KNIPEX product experience on the go, wherever and whenever they want.
Of course, technical difficulties can happen, both for the website and the app. If that’s the case, we’d really appreciate it if you gave us a heads-up. This really helps us to improve our services.