SMART DEVICE FOR USE WITH AN ELECTRONIC KEY

1 . A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft, the merchandise security system comprising:

a smart device; and

an electronic key coupled to the smart device and configured to communicate with a merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device.

2 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic key does not include a power source and the smart device includes a power source, and wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer power from the power source to the electronic key.

3 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is electrically coupled to the electronic key via an input port on the smart device.

4 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is integrated with the smart device.

5 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , further comprising a shroud engaged with the smart device, wherein the electronic key is coupled to the shroud.

6 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the smart device comprises a cellular phone or a tablet.

7 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the smart device and/or the electronic key is configured to wirelessly communicate with the merchandise security device.

8 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the smart device and/or the electronic key is configured to transfer power inductively to the merchandise security device.

9 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the smart device and/or the electronic key is configured to time out after a predetermined period of time.

10 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer electrical power to a merchandise security device to arm, lock, disarm, and/or unlock the merchandise security device.

11 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer electrical power from the smart device to the merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device.

12 . A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft, comprising:

a smart device;

an electronic key electrically coupled to the smart device; and

a merchandise security device,

wherein the electronic key is configured to communicate with the merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device.

13 . The merchandise security system of claim 12 , wherein the merchandise security device is configured to be locked and/or unlocked via electrical power transferred from the electronic key.

14 . The merchandise security system of claim 13 , wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer power inductively.

15 . The merchandise security system of claim 12 , wherein the merchandise security device is configured to be armed and/or disarmed via electrical power transferred from the electronic key.

16 . The merchandise security system of claim 12 , wherein the electronic key is configured to time out after a predetermined period of time.

17 . The merchandise security system of claim 12 , wherein the merchandise security device and the electronic key do not include a power source.

18 . A method for protecting an item of merchandise susceptible to theft, comprising:

coupling an electronic key to a smart device;

actuating the smart device or the electronic key to communicate with a merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device.

19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein actuating causes transferring electrical power from the electronic key to the merchandise security device.

20 . The method of claim 18 , wherein actuating causes the electronic key to communicate with the merchandise security device without the electronic key or the merchandise security device requiring a power source.