Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2013 AOL Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Kingston's MobileLite Wireless is a memory card reader that doubles as a charger]]> http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/29/kingston-mobilelite-wireless/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/29/kingston-mobilelite-wireless/ http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/29/kingston-mobilelite-wireless/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Kingston's MobileLite Wireless is a memory card reader that doubles as a charger

By all metrics, Kingston's wireless Wi-Drive has been a successful product: the company is still selling it two years later, and has since refreshed it with beefier storage and Android compatibility. If there's one thing customers complained about, though, it was the lack of expandable memory -- a problem if you used all the space on the drive, or if you already had stuff stored on an SD card. With that in mind, the company's coming out with the MobileLite Wireless, which ditches internal storage in favor of an SD slot and USB 2.0 port. (It will also ship with a microSD adapter.) At the same time, it packs a modest five-hour battery you can use to recharge USB-powered gadgets; Kingston says there's enough juice in there to fully charge a phone, but probably not a tablet.

Technically speaking, you can access everything stored on the device by typing the MobileLite's IP address into a browser. But for all intents and purposes, this is currently an iOS exclusive, as that's the only platform for which you can download an app. As with the Wi-Drive, though, Kingston plans to add an Android app, as well as one for WP8. In the beginning, at least, it will be available through just a couple sellers (Amazon and Staples), with street prices expected to fall somewhere between $50 and $70. Any questions? We hope not: this thing's aimed squarely at mainstream users, so if Engadget readers don't get it, we're going to be seriously concerned about all the regular folk.

Gallery: Kingston MobileLite Wireless hands-on

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]]> chargerchargershands-onKingstonMemoryCardReaderMobileLiteMobileLite WirelessMobileliteWirelessmobilepostcross Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:08:00 -0400 21|20536712 <![CDATA[Rohm 5Wh hydrogen fuel cells power up smartphones, ready for the trash after one charge]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/02/rohm-5wh-hydrogen-fuel-cells-power-up-smartphones-ready-for-the/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/02/rohm-5wh-hydrogen-fuel-cells-power-up-smartphones-ready-for-the/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/02/rohm-5wh-hydrogen-fuel-cells-power-up-smartphones-ready-for-the/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Rohm 5Wh hydrogen fuel cells power up smartphones, ready for the trash after one charge

Rohm's hydrogen fuel cells are meant to power smartphones and other mobile devices, but unlike other juicing-up solutions, the cells are only good for one charge. Rohm says disposable fuel cells can be made smaller and lighter than their multi-use counterparts, and as the only byproduct is hydrogen, the company is touting the cells' eco-friendliness. The system generates electricity by using hydrogen that's created by the reaction of a metal material and water. While the device we saw here at CEATEC is a prototype, Rohm may offer its recharging system as both a smartphone case and a USB-attachable juicepack. Each offers 5Wh and can fully charge a handset once. There's also a 200W power generator, which certainly stretches the meaning of portable but can keep a laptop, LCD TV and a peripheral or two going for three to four hours. Rohm says its fuel cells will see a commercial release some time in 2013; for now you can get a sneak peek in our hands-on gallery below.

Gallery: Rohm Hydrogen Fuel Cells hands-on

Zach Honig contributed to this report.

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]]> batteriesbatteryCeatecCeatec 2012Ceatec2012chargerchargerschargingfuel cellfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellshands-onhydrogen fuel cellhydrogen fuel cellsHydrogenFuelCellHydrogenFuelCellspower suppliespower supplyPowerSuppliesPowerSupplyRohmRohm fuel cellRohm fuel cellsRohm hydrogen fuel cellRohm smartphone fuel cellRohmFuelCellRohmFuelCellsRohmHydrogenFuelCellRohmSmartphoneFuelCell Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:22:00 -0400 21|20338890 <![CDATA[Tesla's Supercharger not compatible with competitor's EVs, keeps electricity within the family]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/26/tesla-supercharger-incompatible-with-other-electric-cars/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/26/tesla-supercharger-incompatible-with-other-electric-cars/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/26/tesla-supercharger-incompatible-with-other-electric-cars/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Tesla Supercharger not compatible with competitor's EVs, keeps electricity within the family

Planning on juicing up your Chevy Volt, Mitsubishi i-MiEV or Nissan Leaf with Tesla's Supercharger? Hold your horses, vaquero. The nighttime unveiling stressed that the quick-charge solution was Model S-friendly, but we should also note that it's only compatible with the firm's automobile. Vehicles from other automakers won't be able to jack into the station thanks to a 20-kilowatt hour converter, which would zap other batteries with too much electricity, and a proprietary plug. Unless something changes, those planning cross-country trips using EVs from other manufacturers will just have to find an alternative to Musk and Co.'s white obelisk.

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Source: Wired

]]> autoautomobileautoschargerchargerschargingcharging stationChargingStationcompatibilitycompatibleelectricelectric autoelectric automobileelectric automobileselectric carsElectricAutoElectricAutomobileElectricAutomobilesElectricCarsEVEVsminipostModel Smodel s sedanModelSModelSSedansedanSuperchargerSupercharger NetworkSuperchargerNetworkTeslaTesla MotorsTesla Motors IncTesla SuperchargerTeslaMotorsTeslaMotorsIncTeslaSupercharger Wed, 26 Sep 2012 08:36:00 -0400 21|20333506 <![CDATA[Sony announces new line of slim external batteries for smartphones and tablets]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/24/sony-announces-external-batteries-for-smartphones-and-tablets/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/24/sony-announces-external-batteries-for-smartphones-and-tablets/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/24/sony-announces-external-batteries-for-smartphones-and-tablets/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Sony announces new external batteries for smartphones and tablets

Sony announced on Monday that it will introduce a new line of external batteries for smartphones and tablets. Shipping in capacities of 3,500 to 7,000mAh, these external juice boxes weigh around 198 grams and measure 130.6mm by 12.9mm, making them about the size of a modern smartphone. Charging devices via USB, Sony claims that these portable pick me ups can be recharged up to 500 times and can charge most smartphones in an hour and a half. If toting another smartphone-like device around doesn't sound ideal to you, Sony will also be releasing smaller "stick-type" (think flash drives) external batteries in assorted colors. Both battery types are set to launch this fall, with prices ranging from 2,300 yen ($30) to 7,000 yen ($90). Wouldn't it just be easier to sell a marginally thicker phone with world-class battery life? A boy can dream...

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Via: TechHive

Source: Sony (translated)

]]> AccessoriesBatteriesBatterycellphone batteriescellphone batteryCellphoneBatteriesCellphoneBatteryChargersexternal battersExternalBattersmobilepostcrossPortablesmartphone batteriessmartphone batterySmartphoneBatteriesSmartphoneBatterySmartphonesSonySony SmartphonesSony TabletsSonySmartphonesSonyTabletstablet batteriestablet batteryTabletBatteriesTabletBatteryTabletsUSBUSB batteryUsbBattery Mon, 24 Sep 2012 18:02:00 -0400 21|20331837 <![CDATA[New TI power chips save energy, move towards universal charging]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/new-ti-power-chips-save-energy-move-towards-universal-charging/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/new-ti-power-chips-save-energy-move-towards-universal-charging/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/new-ti-power-chips-save-energy-move-towards-universal-charging/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments New TI power chips save energy, move towards universal charging

TI isn't just in the business of making ARM-based processors. The company makes all manner of components and chips. Amongst the things in its vast repertoire of silicon are charging controllers. Texas Instruments' latest offering, the UCC28700, not only draws an impressively low sub-30mW when idle (meeting new five-star rating requirements from the European Commission), but does so in a tiny package that eliminates the need for an opto-feedback circuit or other external components. A second new controller, the TPS2511, tackles the problem of multiple chargers by moving to a 5V universal system for tablets and smartphones using the USB Battery Charging 1.2 specification. This could mean not only lower electricity bills (if only nominally so), but smaller wall warts that can be used across numerous devices. For more, check out the PR after the break.

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]]> chargerchargerscharging controllersChargingControllerscontrollermobilepostcrossTexas InstrumentsTexasInstrumentsTITPS2511UCC28700 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 03:50:00 -0400 21|20290347 <![CDATA[BMW opens i Store in sync with London Olympics, shows tourists their electric destiny]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/26/bmw-opens-i-store-in-sync-with-london-olympics/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/26/bmw-opens-i-store-in-sync-with-london-olympics/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/26/bmw-opens-i-store-in-sync-with-london-olympics/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments BMW opens Flagship i Store in sync with Olympics, shows Londoners their EV future

Technology companies have been lining up to milk the London Olympics spotlight for all it's worth. BMW isn't shy about taking its turn, but it's not looking to cash in -- directly, we mean. The automaker is instead using its just-opened i Store to showcase everything electric and hybrid for downtown visitors who aren't busy watching the cycling. Its centerpieces are unquestionably the i3 and i8, which won't even go on sale until many months after the summer games' closing ceremonies; the i3 on the floor is closer to the street model, though, and will tease EV drivers with BMW's option packs. Should that make your bank account cringe far too soon, the i Pedelec scooter and the i Wallbox charger will be hanging around as well. If you didn't book a ticket to Heathrow in time, don't panic: the i line is going on a world tour this year that starts in Rome, swings past the US and Japan, and comes full circle to London in 2013.

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]]> 2012 olympics2012 summer olympics2012Olympics2012SummerOlympicsbmwbmw i pedelecbmw i wallboxbmw i3bmw i8BmwI3BmwI8BmwIPedelecBmwIWallboxchargerchargerselectricelectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesevexhibitionhybridhybridsi pedeleci storei wallboxi3i8IPedelecIStoreIWallboxlondonLondon Olympicslondon olympics 2012LondonOlympicsLondonOlympics2012olympicsscooterscooterssummer gamesSummer olympicsSummerGamesSummerOlympicstransportation Thu, 26 Jul 2012 01:39:00 -0400 21|20286460 <![CDATA[Duracell Powermat announces 24-Hour Power System, we go hands-on (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/11/duracell-powermat-24-hour-power-system/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/11/duracell-powermat-24-hour-power-system/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/11/duracell-powermat-24-hour-power-system/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Duracell Powermat announces 24Hour Power System, we go handson video

Since Duracell and Powermat formed their wireless charging alliance late last year, we've seen the Powermat debut at CES and heard quite a bit about the company's vision for future battery tech. Today the company is unveiling a new charging system which, while not drastically different from the Powermat we've seen before, bundles a few useful products together. In addition to a Powermat for charging the iPhone or iPhone 4, the 24-Hour Power System includes a phone case (necessary for juicing a phone on the Powermat) and a portable backup battery with both microUSB and Apple connectors. The whole package will set you back $100, and it's available online and in NYC stores starting today. Though the system currently only supports the iPhone, the company says it will add compatibility with "an array of other leading smartphones" by this fall. Check out our hands-on demo with Duracell Powermat CEO Ron Rabinowitz below.

Gallery: Duracell Powermat 24-Hour Power System (hands-on)

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]]> batteriesbatterychargerchargerschargingcharging stationcharging stationsChargingStationChargingStationsduracellduracell powermatDuracell Powermat 24-Hour Power SystemDuracellPowermatDuracellPowermat24-hourPowerSystemiphone 4iPhone 4sIphone4Iphone4sphone chargerphone chargersphone chargingPhoneChargerPhoneChargersPhoneChargingpowermatvideo Mon, 11 Jun 2012 10:00:00 -0400 21|20254448 <![CDATA[Brookstone fuel cell USB charger to keep phones powered for two weeks, Engadget editors happy]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/brookstone-fuel-cell-usb-charger-lasts-two-weeks/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/brookstone-fuel-cell-usb-charger-lasts-two-weeks/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/brookstone-fuel-cell-usb-charger-lasts-two-weeks/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Image

If there's a pain that Engadget writers know all too well, it's running out of battery life for a smartphone when we need it most. Say, at a major trade show. That's why we're enthused to hear of an upcoming fuel cell USB charger that Lilliputian Systems is developing for Brookstone. The lighter fluid-filled tank should provide up to 14 full charges for your phone before you need to spend a few dollars to top up, or two weeks if you power up daily -- we'd call that about two CES' worth in our lingo. Better still, using a solid oxide membrane on silicon not only makes a long fuel cell runtime possible, longer than we've seen for methanol, but makes the phone-sized pack safe to carry on the airliners we ride entirely too often. Pricing has yet to be sorted out, but with Brookstone stores likely to start carrying the fuel cell before the end of the year, it should be ready just in time for our next big trip to Las Vegas.

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]]> batterybattery chargerbattery packBatteryChargerBatteryPackbrookstonechargerchargersFuel Cellfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellslighter fluidLighterFluidliliputian systemsLiliputianSystemsmethanolmobilepostcrosssmartphonesmartphonessolid oxidesolid oxide fuel cellsolid oxide fuel cellsSolidOxideSolidOxideFuelCellSolidOxideFuelCellsusb Wed, 09 May 2012 04:41:00 -0400 21|20234049 <![CDATA[Energizer Universal Multi-Port and Portable charger hands-on]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/energizer-chargers-hands-on-at-ctia-2012/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/energizer-chargers-hands-on-at-ctia-2012/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/energizer-chargers-hands-on-at-ctia-2012/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Hands-on with Energizer's Universal Multi-Port and Portable chargers

You know the drill: it's Friday night and your smartphone's battery is down to a mere three percent. Here's the twist, though -- if you had Energizer's Universal Multi-Port or Portable Smartphone Charger handy, it wouldn't be a problem. The company is preparing to unleash both of these products this fall, and we quite like 'em. The Universal Multi-Port Charger ($76) carries a 5,000mAh battery, packs two USB ports and is able to deliver a total of 15W output, which means -- yes -- it supports quick charging. Meanwhile, the Portable Smartphone Charger ($55) holds 2,500mAh in its reserves, though it only has one USB output and will deliver 5W max. Both products feature a very nice soft touch, satin-like finish and the cables feature magnets for simple management of the clutter. Curious to see more? Just check the gallery below.

Gallery: Hands-on with Energizer's Universal Multi-Port and Portable chargers

Sean Cooper contributed to this report.

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]]> chargerchargersctiactia 2012ctia wireless 2012Ctia2012CtiaWireless2012energizerhands-onmobilepostcross Tue, 08 May 2012 20:46:00 -0400 21|20234233 <![CDATA[Scosche debuts Revolt H4, a four-port, 10W USB charger at CTIA Wireless (updated: only two-port model available now)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/scosche-debuts-revolt-h4-charger/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/scosche-debuts-revolt-h4-charger/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/scosche-debuts-revolt-h4-charger/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Scosche debuts Revolt H4, a four-port, 10W USB charger at CTIA Wireless

Say goodbye to swapping out the litany of chargers at your desk or nightstand. It's time to streamline, and the crew at Scosche have a rather nice solution. The company is taking the wraps off of its Revolt H4 USB charger, which offers four 10W (2.1A) USB ports that'll properly (and quickly) reinvigorate up to four smartphones or tablets simultaneously. Sure, it's nothing like the 16 port behemoth of the PowerPad, but this is for home use, and we can't deny -- it's quite the temptress. Consumers may choose between the base model or the Revolt H4 Pro, which offers a micro-USB cable along with an adapter for Apple's dock connector. As another product of interest, Scosche is similarly introducing its 2.1 amp Recoil II car charger, which allows users to cut down on the clutter with its retractable cable while also quickly juicing up a single iOS device -- just hop the break for a peek. Pricing isn't yet available for either, but keep your eye on Scosche's website for the official word. For other charging solutions, you'll find the full PR after the break.

Update: Scosche just got in touch to say the four-port version won't be ready in time for CTIA Wireless, but the two-port Revolt H2 definitely will be, priced at $39.99. We've switched out the PR to reflect this.

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]]> Car chargerCarChargerchargerchargerscita 2012Cita2012ctiactia wireless 2012ctia2012CtiaWireless2012mobilepostcrossRecoil IIRecoilIiRevolt H4Revolt H4 ProRevoltH4RevoltH4ProScosche Recoil IIScosche Revolt H4Scosche Revolt H4 ProScoscheRecoilIiScoscheRevoltH4ScoscheRevoltH4Pro Mon, 07 May 2012 07:00:00 -0400 21|20232368 <![CDATA[IRL: Rayovac Mobile Power Pack, a TomTom car charger and cleaning a DSLR sensor]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/17/rayovac-mobile-power-pack-tomtom-multi-charger/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/17/rayovac-mobile-power-pack-tomtom-multi-charger/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/17/rayovac-mobile-power-pack-tomtom-multi-charger/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

This week's edition of IRL is geekier than usual because really, only the nerdiest of you would be reading a tech site when you could be pretending to be Irish. On tap (har!) we have James and Andy talking about their favorite ways to charge gadgets on the go, while Darren, a man after serious photographers' hearts, tells what happened when he took his beloved D3S in to have the sensor cleaned.

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]]> Andy BowenAndyBowenchargerchargersDarren MurphDarrenMurphIRLJames TrewJamesTrewnikon d3sNikonD3sRayovacRayovac Mobile Power PackRayovacMobilePowerPacksensorsensor cleaningSensorCleaningsensorsTomTomTomTom High-Speed Multi ChargerTomtomHigh-speedMultiCharger Sat, 17 Mar 2012 16:30:00 -0400 21|20195205 <![CDATA[California demands manufacturers ditch inefficient vampire chargers]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/california-demands-manufacturers-ditch-inefficient-vampire-char/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/california-demands-manufacturers-ditch-inefficient-vampire-char/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/california-demands-manufacturers-ditch-inefficient-vampire-char/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments LeechYou've probably had it drilled into your head that your gadgets are doing terrible, terrible things to the environment -- and not just 'cause they end up as toxic landfill in poorer countries. Many of your chargers and electronics continue to draw power even when they're off or your device is disconnected. We've seen some ingenious solutions to the problem but, perhaps it would be best to avoid the issue all together. Starting next year California will require manufacturers to ship efficient chargers with their products, potentially saving $306 million in energy costs and cutting power usage by up to 13 percent in the state. The new rules are set to go into effect on February 1st, 2013, but we wouldn't be surprised if the law faced some road blocks before then.

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]]> californiachargerchargersenergyenergy efficiencyEnergyEfficiencygreenlawmobilepostminivampirevampire powerVampirePowervampires Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:56:00 -0500 21|20149449 <![CDATA[Eyes-on with Energizer's LED lighting solutions and USB chargers at CES 2012]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/eyes-on-with-energizer-ces-2012/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/eyes-on-with-energizer-ces-2012/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/eyes-on-with-energizer-ces-2012/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Energizer doesn't get much coverage here at Engadget, primarily because those AA cells you see at the Walgreens checkout counter haven't changed much throughout the years. Every now and then, however, there are special events such as CES, where the company that keeps going and going trots out its latest products for techies to fawn over. This year, we got to check out its lineup of USB power solutions designed for the home and automobile, along with a very handsome set of LED lights. Next month, Energizer will release new 5W chargers that include either a USB cable or Apple's dock connector. These are available for both the home and car, and will retail for $24.99 each. Perhaps most intriguing, however, is a product that combines both a wall and car charger into one handy unit. Known as the 2-in-1 USB Charger, it will retail for $39.99 and is set to hit store shelves this summer. In every situation, a cord management system is built into the unit, which is simple, effective and thoughtful.

Then we have its beautiful accent lighting solution that makes up the Edge Collection. Available in small and medium sizes, they were introduced in September of this year and feature rather dramatic dimming options that respond to touch at the base of the unit. A single press will turn the light on or off, while a continual press causes the lamps to slowly dim or brighten in a slow and smooth gradation for a perfect lighting level. They do get quite bright, too, as the small light ($64.99) puts out up to 350 lumens, while its larger brother ($79.99) pushes it all the way to 400 lumens. With no physical switches and bulbs that don't need to be replaced, Energizer's Edge Collection seems to be a long-lasting product that can either add a curious focal point or elegantly blend into the background of any room.

Gallery: Energizer USB charging and lighting solutions at CES

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]]> 2-in-1 USB charger2-in-1UsbChargerapplecesces 2012Ces2012chargerchargersdock connectorDockConnectoredge collectionEdgeCollectionenergizerhands-oniphoneipodledled lightled lightingled lightsLedLightLedLightingLedLightsusb Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:59:00 -0500 21|20144763 <![CDATA[Mobile Miscellany: week of July 11, 2011]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/mobile-miscellany-week-of-july-11-2011/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/mobile-miscellany-week-of-july-11-2011/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/mobile-miscellany-week-of-july-11-2011/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of July 11, 2011:
  • Samsung launched an ad campaign for the Infuse 4G which claims its colors are "so good, they fool Mother Nature." Each ad features a different animal that mistakes the Infuse's Super AMOLED Plus screen for real nature. [via Gottabemobile]
  • T-Mobile's MyTouch 4G is now available on Cincinnati Bell as the HTC Panache 4G for $200 with two-year agreement. [via MobileBurn]
  • We got a sneak peek at some of Symbian Belle's UI changes, thanks to the refreshed Design Guideline docs on Nokia's developer website. [via All About Symbian]
  • Inductive charging battery covers are now available for the HTC Thunderbolt and Incredible 2, Motorola Droid 3, and the LG Revolution. [via Droid-Life]
  • Motorola officially announced the Fire, aka XT316. It's a portrait QWERTY handset with Gingerbread and is currently available in China. In the coming months it should work its way to Taiwan, Latin America, and Europe. The XT316 is going for $230. [via Unwired View]
  • The popular GroupMe messaging app is now available for Windows Phone and can be downloaded for free in the Marketplace. [via MobileBurn and Gizmodo]
  • Romanian carrier Cosmote has launched a 21.6 Mbps HSPA+ broadband service. (thx lonel) [via ZF Business Hi-Tech]

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]]> 4gandroidandroid 2.3android gingerbreadAndroid2.3AndroidGingerbreadattbattery coverBatteryCoverbellechargerscincinnati bellCincinnatiBellcosmotefiregingerbreadhspa+htchtc panachehtc panache 4gHtcPanacheHtcPanache4ginductive battery chargerinductive chargingInductiveBatteryChargerInductiveCharginginfuseinfuse 4gInfuse4gltemiscellaneousMMmobilemobile miscellanymobile newsMobileMiscellanyMobileNewsmobmiscmotorolamotorola firemotorola xt316MotorolaFireMotorolaXt316mytouch 4gMytouch4gnewsromaniaroundupsamsungsamsung infuse 4gSamsungInfuse4gsymbiansymbian bellesymbian updateSymbianBelleSymbianUpdatet-mot-mobilet-mobile mytouch 4gT-mobileMytouch4gverizonvzwweeklywireless chargingWirelessChargingxt316 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:00:00 -0400 21|19993299 <![CDATA[Toyota premiers smart charging G-Stations in Japan, world instantly jealous]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/toyota-premiers-smart-charging-g-stations-in-japan-world-instan/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/toyota-premiers-smart-charging-g-stations-in-japan-world-instan/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/toyota-premiers-smart-charging-g-stations-in-japan-world-instan/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Recharging tired EVs and plug-in hybrids in Japan just got a little more exciting thanks to Toyota's upcoming G-Station charger, which relies on contact-less smart-cards to identify vehicles and owners. Toyota's Windows Azure-powered Smart Center drives the machines, which allows users to connect to the internet and use smartphone apps to find chargers, receive notifications, and check usage history. The G-Station will be coming this July in two flavors, creatively named Type A for the standard and Type B for the more advanced model. Pricing for the aforementioned units will be 280,000 yen ($3,469 USD) and 448,000 yen ($5,549 USD) respectively. Toyota is expecting to sell around 3,000 units by the end of 2012, making these stations available to its retail car dealers, shopping malls and restaurants. Soon the outside of pachinko parlors will be just as electric as the inside.

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]]> AzurechargerChargeringchargerschargingcharging stationCharging stationsChargingStationChargingStationscloudcloud computingCloudComputingcomputingelectric carselectric vehicleElectricCarsElectricVehicleinternetJapanplugplug inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridPlugInSmart CenterSmartCenterstationToyotaWindows AzureWindows7WindowsAzure Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:21:00 -0400 21|19974246 <![CDATA[ST-Ericsson's PM2300 will charge smartphones and tablets twice as fast, speeding to market this fall]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/st-ericssons-pm2300-will-charge-smartphones-and-tablets-twice-a/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/st-ericssons-pm2300-will-charge-smartphones-and-tablets-twice-a/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/st-ericssons-pm2300-will-charge-smartphones-and-tablets-twice-a/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments We can't say the methods for charging mobile devices have been top of our agenda lately, but when you're talking about speeding anything up by 100 percent, our interest is inevitably piqued. ST-Ericsson has come up with a new charger, tailored specifically for servicing tablets and mobile phones, that can juice them up at the brisk rate of 3 Amps. Efficiency is touted all over the place with this accessory, from the 60 percent improvement in PCB utilization to the 92 percent maximum power throughput rating, bringing the drably titled PM2300 dangerously close to a state of desirability. Best of all, tablets featuring its promised double-speed refilling capabilities are expected in the fall of this year, so the wait won't be long, however you look at it.

[Thanks, Ola]

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]]> amperagebatteriesbatterychargerchargerschargingcurrentefficiencyefficientfastfast chargerFastChargerhigh currentHighCurrentpm2300powerpower managementpowerhubPowerManagementst-ericssonst-ericsson pm2300St-ericssonPm2300 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:17:00 -0400 21|19889949 <![CDATA[PlugShare app lets you share your plugs with other EV drivers]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/08/plugshare-app-lets-you-share-your-plugs-with-other-ev-drivers/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/08/plugshare-app-lets-you-share-your-plugs-with-other-ev-drivers/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/08/plugshare-app-lets-you-share-your-plugs-with-other-ev-drivers/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Are you the sort that doesn't mind letting random people pull up in your driveway to recharge their electric vehicle? Then you might want to consider using the new PlugShare app for iOS devices that was just released today, which will let you broadcast your location and plug status to everyone passing by. Of course, there are also some privacy settings if you prefer to control things a bit more tightly, and the app also includes a complete database of public charging stations across the US if you'd rather not bother someone else at all when you're out on the road. What's more, while the app is iOS-only at the moment, the company promises that an Android version is "coming soon." Head on past the break for a quick demo video.

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]]> chargerchargerselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesevev chargerev chargersEvChargerEvChargersplugsharevideo Tue, 08 Mar 2011 04:22:00 -0500 21|19871406 <![CDATA[Powertrekk charges gadgets over USB, using one fuel cell and one Li-ion battery (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/powertrekk-charges-gadgets-over-usb-using-one-fuel-cell-and-one/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/powertrekk-charges-gadgets-over-usb-using-one-fuel-cell-and-one/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/powertrekk-charges-gadgets-over-usb-using-one-fuel-cell-and-one/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Portable fuel cell chargers have been around for years, but each seems to have lasered in on a single important quality thus far, such as a reasonable price, an easy refilling scheme, and a decent amount of power -- but never all of the above. Well, it doesn't look like MyFC's Powertrekk is the full package either, but it does have a pretty sweet looking case, which holds not only a disposable sodium silicide container to generate the hydrogen gas (which then gets recombined with oxygen in a proton exchange membrane to produce 1000mAh of usable electricity) but also a 1600mAh lithium-ion battery which can provide up to one amp of juice. This way, you've got a backup battery if you misplace your cans of fairy dust, and a buffer for the fuel cell too, allowing you to keep those volts in powder or electrochemical form instead of carting around combustable hydrogen -- which is always a nice bonus when you think about it. Shame there's no word on price quite yet, but you can see how it all works in a video after the break.

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]]> chargerchargerschargingFuel Cellfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellshydrogenMyFCpowertrekksodium silicideSodiumSilicideUSBvideo Sun, 13 Feb 2011 18:41:00 -0500 21|19841480 <![CDATA[San Francisco Bay Area gets $5 million for EV chargers, Detroit will charge $40 per month]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/san-francisco-bay-area-gets-5-million-for-ev-chargers-detroit/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/san-francisco-bay-area-gets-5-million-for-ev-chargers-detroit/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/san-francisco-bay-area-gets-5-million-for-ev-chargers-detroit/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Electric vehicles are inching closer, with several already priced and rearing to go, but so far would-be owners won't have to pay for the devices to charge their cars. Free charging stations are popping up at every red dot on this map, and apparently not satisfied with the 1,600 that Coulomb's installing in California and the three at City Hall, San Francisco and neighboring cities have just approved $5 million for over 5,000 more chargers -- of which only 50 will appear along public highways, for some reason. Meanwhile, the state of Michigan has approved the first standardized rate for EV charger use -- a pilot program by provider DTE Energy will see 2,500 customers paying $40 per vehicle per month (or a variable off-peak rate) through December 2012. Gotta wonder how those grey states are feeling right about now.

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]]> chargerchargersDetroitDTE EnergyDteEnergyelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesEVEV chargerev chargingev charging pointev charging stationEvChargerEvChargingEvChargingPointEvChargingStationMichigansan franciscoSan Francisco Bay AreaSanFranciscoSanFranciscoBayAreaSF Bay AreaSfBayArea Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:04:00 -0400 21|19590285 <![CDATA[Hacker reveals how Apple artificially restricts iPhone chargers (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/04/hacker-reveals-how-apple-artifically-restricts-iphone-chargers/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/04/hacker-reveals-how-apple-artifically-restricts-iphone-chargers/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/04/hacker-reveals-how-apple-artifically-restricts-iphone-chargers/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Most cell phone manufacturers have charging standards these days, even if they can't always agree on which version of USB to use, but as the hair-tearing message above shows, third-party renditions of Apple's proprietary dock connector haven't always been universal solutions for iPods and iPhones. Now we know another important reason why -- secret resistors placed on the data lines in connectors for each iDevice. Minty Boost creator ladyada recently reverse-engineered the chargers for a variety of Apple gadgets, and discovered that iPhones in particular don't draw electricity until they detect 2.8V and 2V signals when they attempt to charge. At that voltage, the handsets suck down about one amp, leading to a rapid filling of your device's Li-ion belly, but by adding additional resistance to drop the voltage further, the iPhone can be coerced into accepting 500mA instead -- perfect for the set of AAA batteries you stashed away in that Altoids tin. Video after the break, full explanation at our source link.

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]]> AppleApple iPhoneAppleIphonechargerchargerschargingelectricityelectronicsiphoneiPhone chargerIphoneChargeriPodladyadaminty boostMintyBoostvideo Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:50:00 -0400 21|19581513 <![CDATA[AT&T zeroes in on energy waste with Zero cellphone charger]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/18/atandt-zeroes-in-on-energy-waste-with-zero-cellphone-charger/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/18/atandt-zeroes-in-on-energy-waste-with-zero-cellphone-charger/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/18/atandt-zeroes-in-on-energy-waste-with-zero-cellphone-charger/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Plug your cell phone charger into the wall. Feel it. Is it warm? Then like it or not, you're wasting electricity. AT&T would like to change all that with this new Zero charger, a tiny black brick which automatically cuts power to itself whenever your cell phone is disconnected. While it's not quite as amusing as an ejector seat, it's certainly more practical, and the wall wart's modular USB design means you can charge almost any mobile with interchangeable cables (sold separately, of course) while you wait oh-so-patiently for the cellphone industry to finally stop using proprietary ports. If you've got a vampire draw problem, let AT&T be your garlic this May.

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]]> ac outletAcOutletATTchargechargerchargerschargingeco-friendlyelectricityenergygreenplugUSBvampire powerVampirePower Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:48:00 -0400 21|19404185 <![CDATA[Powermat busts out swappable battery for its updated wireless charging lineup]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/powermat-busts-out-swappable-batteries-for-new-wireless-charging/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/powermat-busts-out-swappable-batteries-for-new-wireless-charging/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/powermat-busts-out-swappable-batteries-for-new-wireless-charging/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
It was just last year that we first got to know Powermat's line of induction charging products. Well, now it's announced an updated lineup just in time for CES. The Powerpack its unveiled will replace the battery of your mobile phone and dispense with the need for Powermat's previous Receiver sleeves. So far, the new system supports about 10 models of HTC, Blackberry, Nokia, LG, Samsung, Motorola and Sony Ericsson phones. You'll note that the iPhone and iPod touch aren't yet supported so if you've got to charge those, then you'll still have to make do with the sleeves. The Powerpack will run $40, though we don't have a definite release date yet. Full press release is after the break.

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]]> cesces 2010ces2010chargerchargerschargingpowermat Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:29:00 -0500 21|19305405 <![CDATA[Gomadic QuadCharge reviewed, better than sliced bread]]> http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/09/gomadic-quadcharge-reviewed-better-than-sliced-bread/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/09/gomadic-quadcharge-reviewed-better-than-sliced-bread/ http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/09/gomadic-quadcharge-reviewed-better-than-sliced-bread/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Every so often you get to play with a device you haven't used before and suddenly wonder how you ever got by before you had one. The QuadCharge from Gomadic is such a creature and after our extended play date with it -- by play, of course we mean left in place charging stuff -- we can't live without. Click on through the continue link for our thoughts and more pics.

Gallery: Gomadic QuadCharge reviewed, better than sliced bread

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]]> chargerchargerscharging stationChargingStationfeaturesGomadicmobileothersperipheralsQuadCharge Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:01:00 -0500 21|1034048 <![CDATA[Philips' Power4Life wall adapters spotted at IFA]]> http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/01/philips-power4life-wall-adapters-spotted-at-ifa/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/01/philips-power4life-wall-adapters-spotted-at-ifa/ http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/01/philips-power4life-wall-adapters-spotted-at-ifa/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
While Philips didn't have a working model of its new Power4Life modular energy system (including Power2Go and Power2Charge), we did come across this base unit, wall units, and adapters splayed lovingly on a pedestal somewhere deep within the plush company booth. It's not much to see, but supposedly (i.e., according to Philips' press releases) these things are going to change our lives. Take a look at the brief gallery for a taste of things to come.

Gallery: Philips' Power4Life wall adapters spotted at IFA

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]]> adaptersbatteriesbatteryberlinchargersfeatureshands onhands-onHandsOnifaphilipspower2chargepower2gopower4life Sat, 01 Sep 2007 11:34:00 -0400 21|979059 <![CDATA[Nyko's rechargeable PS3 SIXAXIS and Wiimote docking stations]]> http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/nykos-rechargeable-ps3-sixaxis-and-wiimote-docking-stations/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/nykos-rechargeable-ps3-sixaxis-and-wiimote-docking-stations/ http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/nykos-rechargeable-ps3-sixaxis-and-wiimote-docking-stations/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
One of the greatest things about the new crop of consoles: wireless controllers standard. The obvious downside: batteries. Nyko has stepped up to deliver solutions for both of the latest consoles. First up is the Charge Base for PlayStation 3. Because the SIXAXIS controllers already come with built-in lithium-ion batteries, this puppy just charges and stores. You'll be able to charge and store up to four controllers by jacking the thing into an ordinary wall outlet. The Charge Station for Wii not only stores and charges two Wiimotes but includes two rechargeable NiMH batteries with rubberized battery covers (to help keep you from throwing it into your plasma we presume). We haven't got prices for either of these offerings but consider the Wii's propensity for gobbling batteries when weighing that product.

Update: Joystiq's got prices for the units -- $29.99 for the Wii's Charge Station (with two batteries mind you!) and $39.99 for the PS3's Charge Base (sans batteries). Seems like Nyko's pricing these products to their respective audiences, dunnit?

[Via Joystiq]

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]]> chargersNykoPS3Wii Tue, 09 Jan 2007 22:05:00 -0500 21|732896