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HTC's new charger gets your One back in action 40 percent faster
Current HTC phones like the One M8 have solid battery life, but that won't do you much good if you're already running low on energy and need a top-up as soon as possible. That's where the company's upcoming Rapid Charger 2.0 might just come in handy. The wall adapter leans on Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0 to fill your power pack up to 40 percent faster -- not as useful as the Droid Turbo's 15-minute partial boost, but enough to get you through a long night out. There are a few catches, though. You'll have to wait a little while to get US pricing and availability, and the compatibility is limited to a handful of 2014 devices with Quick Charge 2.0 built-in. The One M8, One E8, One Remix and Desire Eye are your only options. If you're carrying an older One or a budget phone like Desire 610, you'll be stuck with slow charging for now.
Satechi's Smart Travel Router: A world traveler's best friend
Satechi announced its new Smart Travel Router (US$44.99 special pricing) a few weeks ago and at the time I thought it was a pretty great travel accessory. After giving one the hands-on treatment, I can say without a moment's hesitation one of these should be in the gadget bag of anyone who travels internationally. The Smart Travel Router is a mashup of three things: a standard international plug adapter, a USB charger, and a WiFi (802.11b/g/n) router. This little (3 x 2.25 X 2.25-inch) green and white wonder packs everything into one box, keeping your valuable packing space free. To begin with, there's that one USB charging port with a 2.1A rating for charging your favorite iPad. Of course, that won't help much if you can't plug your device into the wall socket. That's where the plug adapters come in. On one side of the device is a UK standard plug; on the bottom is a European standard plug; and on the other side is a USA/Australia/China standard plug. Satechi notes that this combo of plugs can be used in more than 150 countries worldwide. To switch between the three plugs, there's a slider on the back that pops out one of the plugs depending on the position that it's in. On the back of the Smart Travel Router there's that one 2.1A USB port that I referred to earlier. But on top, there's a one-size-fits-all socket that you can plug a standard device into -- say, one of Apple's little power bricks or maybe your MacBook Pro power cable -- regardless of what kind of plug you have. One thing to remember is that this is not a voltage transformer, but since most electronic gizmos these days run on either 110 or 220V at 60 or 50 Hz, you should be fine. Now, to the third part of the package -- the WiFi router. According to Satechi, there are four different modes that can be set up: Router: Functions as a typical router, connecting to the internet provided by your ISP and broadcasting a wireless signal, enabling you to create your own network. Repeater: Connect to your existing network and amplify it. This enables you to extend the range of your wireless network -- invaluable if you have a weak connection in a room far away from your router. Access Point: Create a wireless connection from a wired source. If only an Ethernet port or Ethernet cable is available, the router can connect to the wired connection and broadcast a wireless network that all your devices can connect to. Client: Connect to a device such as a Smart TV or video game console via an Ethernet cable. The Smart Travel Router can then be used as a wireless adapter, enabling the connected device to connect to the internet wirelessly. First, I tried -- and failed -- to set the Smart Travel Router up as a repeater. The browser-based wizard that appears when you connect to the Smart Travel Router's WiFi would not let me select my network. Although I saw the network name in the wizard, I couldn't get it to let me go to the next step of the setup process. Next, I thought I'd set this up as an Access Point. I'm going to be teaching an iOS class at a local community college over the next two months, and although the college has a WiFi network, it is quite slow. Instead, I'd like to use a device like this to set up a small network for the class participants. To test this, I connected the Smart Travel Router to my network with an Ethernet cable, then ran through the wizard to set it up. It worked well, I was able to set up some good security, and all in all it's a nice little, portable Access Point. I would suggest to anyone planning on using this for any one of the four WiFi modes listed above that they test it as much as possible before traveling. That way, you won't be trying to figure out the wizard and settings while you're on your trip, and you'll be aware of the process of setup as well as any limitations. If you already have a travel plug adapter set and just need a small WiFi router, you might want to consider the Kanex mySpot ($49) as it is even more compact than the Satechi Travel Router. Conclusion The Satechi Smart Travel Router is a cleverly designed combination of travel plug adapter, USB charger and WiFi router that should be a part of every international traveler's kit. Pros Compact and lightweight multi-tasker Provides not only a USB outlet, but also a way to plug in your traditional chargers as well Works in more than 150 countries worldwide WiFi router supports 100 Mbps 802.11n connectivity Reasonably priced compared to competing travel WiFi routers, a bargain with the plug adapters built in Cons WiFi setup wizard UI is awkward and did not work properly for setup of repeater mode Who is it for? The world traveler who needs a compact set of travel plug adapters, an AC adapter for charging mobile devices and a WiFi hotspot, all in one compact package
Satechi makes world travel easier with Smart Travel Router and Adapter
As a bona fide world traveler (yeah, I know -- only 50 countries so far), I love to see new products that make life easier for gadget-toting travelers. Now Satechi has come out with a multi-tasker that should find its way into a lot of gizmo bags. The Smart Travel Router and Adapter (US$44.99 introductory price) is a mashup of that staple of international travel -- the plug adapter -- and a WiFi router. The charger / adapter works in more than 150 countries. It's a plug adapter, so there's no voltage / frequency conversion, but most modern electronics chargers work equally well on 220V / 50Hz and 120V / 60Hz systems. This gives you one AC power port and a 2.1A USB port that can be used simultaneously to charge a couple of devices. The travel router is really useful, creating an IEEE 802.11b/g/n wireless network from an Ethernet connection. There are four router modes available, allowing everything from traditional secure router functions to acting as a network extender. The Smart Travel Router and Adapter is available for purchase from Satechi's website and Amazon.
iPad mini ships with 5-watt power supply
The newest full-sized iPad ships with a 12-watt power supply that makes it possible to charge up the device much faster than with the 10-watt adapter used in previous models. So when the iPad mini was announced, there was a lot of speculation about whether or not the diminutive iPad would include that 12-watt adapter. A MacRumors reader was able to purchase an iPad mini at a Walmart store on Wednesday and confirmed that it is the same 5-watt adapter (picture at right) that is included with iPhone models. As MacRumors notes, the 12-watt or 10-watt chargers could charge the iPad mini much more quickly than the 5-watt charger, provided that the iPad mini can draw more than five watts from the charger. Since the iPad mini's battery has three times the capacity of that in an iPhone 5, it would take about three times longer for the 5-watt adapter to charge the iPad mini. If the iPad mini is designed to draw higher wattage, it would be possible to use one of the adapters designed for the full-sized iPads to provide a more speedy charge. With more iPad minis getting into the hands of consumers today, we hope to hear from TUAW readers exactly how the charging scenarios are working out.
JuiceBuddy is a pocket-sized iPhone charger
With a name like JuiceBuddy, you might expect this product to be the "world's smallest juicer" of late-night TV fame. Instead, JuiceBuddy is a tiny US$24.95 AC adapter that easily fits onto a keychain so you have a way to power your iPhone or iPod touch anywhere there's an outlet. The tiny charger comes with a pop-off keychain attachment so you can charge your iPhone at a moment's notice. Just flip out the prongs, plug the JuiceBuddy into the wall outlet, pop off the cap, and slide the iPhone on for charging. If you need to charge something that uses a regular USB cable, don't worry -- removing the key chain attachment reveals a standard USB 2.0 port. The JuiceBuddy comes in four colors: White, Red, Polished Aluminum, and Black. I definitely need one of these to keep my mophie juice pack reserve charged up and to give it some company on my keychain.
Apple MagSafe vs. MagSafe 2: photos of the two incompatible power connectors
Apple quietly introduced a newer, slimmer, snazzier MagSafe connector here at WWDC, with the Retina display-equipped 15-inch MacBook Pro (yeah, the "next-generation" one) and the newly-unveiled MacBook Air machines utilizing it. Still, the original MagSafe is finding its way onto the refreshed MacBook Pro (both 13- and 15-inch), but we're guessing the original isn't long for this world. As with anything, change ain't easy -- for the two to talk to one another, you'll need an optional $10 adapter (which evidently ships gratis with the 27-inch Thunderbolt Display). It's also worth noting that the actual AC power plug returned to the "T-style" form factor, rather than the "side-style" seen in the MacBook units that were new... well, yesterday. We stacked a next-gen MBP atop a last-gen MBP just to showcase the differences; hit the gallery below if you're interested in such things. %Gallery-157968%
Twelve South PlugBug: Hands-on review
I'm not sure if there's something in the water that's making manufacturers come out with a lot of new power accessories for Apple devices these days, but it seems like a lot of new products like the XtremeMac Slim 10W USB Wall Charger and others are being announced. None of the announcements really provided quite the excitement that the Twelve South PlugBug (US$34.99) did. Why? Well, Twelve South is well-known for producing accessories for Apple products that are usually as well-designed and constructed as the goods from Cupertino. In this case, Twelve South took a rather pedestrian piece of equipment -- a charger -- and used the Apple adage to "Think Different" to create something that is extremely useful and attractive. What makes the PlugBug so different? It looks a lot like an Apple iPad charger, although it is made of bright red plastic instead of white. When you plug it into the wall as-is, you can charge an iPhone or iPad with it. No big deal there. But the cool factor comes into play when you slide off the bottom of the PlugBug and slide on a charger -- sans plug -- from a MacBook Pro or Air. Suddenly, you're charging two devices with one power socket. %Gallery-139110% The PlugBug is rated for 10 Watts of power and 2.1 Amps of current, perfect for charging up your iPad. With the unique design, you take the "duck head" (removable plastic piece with the plug blades) off of the MacBook charger (not included) and slide it onto the bottom of the PlugBug. Now you have a way to charge your MacBook Pro/Air and iPad/iPhone at the same time while taking up only one wall socket. I'm often in a situation where I need to charge both an iPad and a MacBook Air at the same time, and up until now I've carried two AC adapters with me. If I know I'm going to be using both devices, I can now just throw one "brick" (the top of the PlugBug and the attached MacBook Air adapter) into my bag. Less weight to carry, by a few ounces, but one less item to worry about losing as well. However, you can't use the brick inline, so the USB port isn't available when you use the longer cord with the adapter. As with most of the Twelve South products I've reviewed in the past, the PlugBug is well-made, attractively packaged, and will make any Apple fan with both an iPad and a MacBook Air or Pro very happy. You can purchase the PlugBug at the Apple Store online (and at Apple retail outlets), or from the Twelve South website.
XtremeMac InCharge Home USB charger for iOS devices
A couple of weeks ago, we ran a post about the release of the XtremeMac InCharge Home USB charger (US$29.99) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Now the device is available in the wild, and one was sent to the sprawling TUAW Labs for hands-on testing. Read on for a detailed look at this ultra-portable charger for your favorite iOS device. Design Let's face it -- if you try to put one of Apple's little power cubes into a pocket, you're likely to be asked "is that a charger in your pocket or are you not too happy to see me?" Yep, they make an awkward little bump in your pocket, with the iPad's charger being a little larger and even more obtrusive. XtremeMac managed to put a full 10W, 2.1A charger into an exceedingly thin package. The InCharge Home USB charger, which features a glossy black front to match your favorite iOS device screen, is just under a half of an inch thick (12.7 mm). It's also extremely light, weighing in at just 1.6 ounces (45 grams). By comparison, Apple's standard iPad charger is an inch thick (25.4 mm) and weighs 2.3 ounces (65 grams). XtremeMac has out-Appled Apple on the design of this charger. It even looks better than Apple's little white box. As you'd expect, the InCharge Home USB charger features a set of fold-out plugs to maintain that slim profile. Note that the existing model works only with the standard twin-blade NEMA sockets used in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and parts of Asia including Japan, so many of our European readers are out of luck unless they wish to carry a clunky plug adapter with them. %Gallery-138501% Functionality Like I mentioned in the last paragraph, this is a much better design than Apple's! In terms of functionality, it basically does the job of delivering up to 10 watts of power at up to 2.1 amps, enough to charge up a single iPad or other iOS device. Since the InCharge Home USB comes with a standard USB port on the "downstream" side of the adapter, you can use it with just about any device that uses a USB charger cable. I have a number of devices that use micro-USB to USB cables for charging, and they all worked perfectly with the InCharge Home USB. InCharge includes a USB to dock connector cable that's suitable for charging your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, as well as older iPods that use the dock connector for charging. Conclusion Owners of iOS devices who need a replacement or extra charger should definitely consider the InCharge Home USB. At $29.99, it's about a buck more than Apple's iPad 10W USB Power Adapter ($29), but doesn't include an extension cable. It's about $5 less than the new (and about to be reviewed) TwelveSouth PlugBug, but that device allows charging of both an iOS device and a MacBook Pro / Air from one socket. Who's the InCharge Home USB for? Anyone who wants a well-constructed, lightweight, and very thin charger to accompany them anywhere. I honestly hope that Apple looks at licensing this design to power the next generation of iPad.
JumpStart Dual USB charger sports an integrated rechargeable battery
It's a sad fact of life, really. Regardless of where you go, you'll end up needing to recharge something in your carry-on. Just the mere thought of locating an AC adapter in that airport you're headed to is enough to give even the most hardened traveler a reason to think twice, and tracking down one of those inverters for your road trip is just about the last thing you'd like to be doing. DigiPower has just pushed out the solution to all of your problems, with the JumpStart Dual 2-in-1 battery / AC adapter offering the ability to juice up a pair of USB devices via the internal 1,700mAh rechargeable battery. Each port is capable of rejuvenating 5V devices, and there's a status indicator, emergency flashlight and folding plugs for "easy transport." The company claims that this can be recharged over 500 times, after which you'll need to contact Sir Odor Blocker after the break for a pinch of P-P-P-P-P-P-Power.
T-Mobile's new charger line is surprisingly interesting: fast, extra port, integrated cord management
We know what you're thinking: what could possibly be cool about a simple micro-USB charger? Well, lots of things, turns out -- and T-Mobile's latest three-pack of aftermarket chargers might just be worth the cost of admission over the standard wall wart your phone's manufacturer tossed in the box. There are three models available -- a wall charger, car charger, and 2-in-1 model that'll do both -- and all of them promise to charge your handset 20 to 50 percent faster than a standard model. What's cooler, though, is that they all feature extra USB ports in addition to the built-in micro-USB cord, allowing you to plug in and charge a second device of your choice, and the cord's never going to get too messed up thanks to an integrated spool that lets you keep everything wound up when it's not in use. If you're feeling green, take heart -- both the wall and 2-in-1 models have the best possible Energy Star rating. They're available now for between $30 and $40 online and in "select" stores, with a nationwide roll-out following on July 19. Follow the break for T-Mobile's press release.
Targus recalls half a million laptop power adapters due to burn hazard
Have a Targus laptop power adapter? Then you'll likely want to take notice, as the company has just issued a recall of more than half a million of its adapters, which are actually made by Comarco Inc. The recall specifically affects the company's universal laptop power adapters with interchangeable tips, which can apparently overheat and pose a burn hazard to anyone that tries to unplug it -- there's been 518 reports of connector tips overheating so far, and eight incidents of consumers being burned. Anyone with one of the adapters is advised to stop using it immediately and get in touch with Comarco for a free replacement -- complete details are available at the source link below.
Completely useless extension turns laptop adapter into power strip
It's 2:30pm at your favorite cafe, and not a single power outlet's available to save your dying laptop from its fate. You're screwed, but a world away, your Japanese counterpart knows just what to do. They pull out this tiny little brick, stick it into the end of their laptop power supply, and deferentially ask another patron if they would kindly share. For the low, low price of ¥1,400 (about $15) for a two-prong version or ¥2,000 ($21) for three prongs, it's a fantastic idea... for mooching money off those who've never heard of a triple tap.
Road Tested: Newer Technology NuPower Charge & Sync +
If there's something that is almost as common as fart apps, it's iPhone external battery packs. TUAW has done reviews and giveaways of a number of these units including the Richard|Solo 1800 and the Mophie Juice Pack Air. One thing that a lot of these boxes have in common is that they all require an external AC adapter in order to charge 'em up. That can sometimes be problematic, particularly since the AC adapters are sometimes as large as the battery pack itself. A separate AC adapter also means that there's one more thing that you have to remember to take on a trip and one more thing that can get lost. Newer Technology came out with a new and rather innovative device last month that I thought was so different from the pack that I ended up buying one for myself. The NuPower Charge & Sync + packs almost everything you need, including the AC adapter and charger, a 1400 mAh Lithium-Ion battery pack, and a USB charging cable, into one small package. Read along as I tell you all about this unique little device.
Sony recalls 69,000 AC adapters due to shock hazard
Oh, Sony. You've been doing so well with not making things blow up lately. Even a seemingly minor fizzle turned out to be a false alarm. While it's not laptop batteries this time, it seems that Sony has run into a bit of trouble with some of the AC adapters used for its VAIO all-in-one desktops and docking stations. Specifically, the insulation used in adapters for the company's VGC-LT and VGC-JS2 series desktops and VGP-PRBX1 and VGP-PRFE1 docking stations can apparently fail over time and pose an electrical shock hazard for users, although there have been no reports of injuries to date (and only four reports of any short circuiting). Still, it's probably a good idea to take Sony up on its offer for a free replacement. Hit up the link below for all the necessary details.
Video: UK Folding Plug concept could flatten that bulky British adapter
Of all the AC adapters stuffed into your personal item when globetrotting, the plug used in Merry Old England must surely be the most cumbersome -- its three copper prongs flung to the extremes of a giant block of plastic. That Victorian holdover gets a major re-do with this UK Folding Plug concept. The two horizontal prongs rotate themselves in-line with the top, vertical one, and the body of the adapter then folds in half, resulting in a thickness of about 1cm. Interestingly the plug would still work in either position, with a slimline power strip envisioned to accept three of these slender lovelies at once. It's positively brilliant, but is just a concept at this point, and while we don't have any news to pass along about its likelihood for production, surely some manufacturer will watch the video after the break and start churning these out by the millions.[Via Pocket-lint]
Kensington outs new handful of netbook accessories
It was just a matter of time, really. We've seen desktop accessories, laptop accessories and now netbook accessories. Kensington has today launched five new products aimed specifically at the blossoming market, and while the tiny wired ($14.99) and wireless ($24.99) mice aren't anything spectacular, the Power Adapter for Netbooks ($49.99) clearly shows a pinch of ingenuity. The unit is compatible with a whole slew of netbooks (not surprising given just how similar they all are), and includes a built-in USB port to give you that extra charging socket that you've been secretly longing for. There's also a new security lock ($24.99) and reversible sleeve ($14.99), which ought to join those other pieces we mentioned on store shelves later this month.
Furutech looks to DIY crowd with new power connectors, receptacles
While not priced completely out of reason as was the $1,800 Piezo Powerflux Power Cord, Furutech's latest aren't exactly the cheapest options on the block. Aimed squarely at the hard-nosed DIY crowd, the FI-03(R) and FI-03(G) Pure Transmission IEC Input Connectors (or just "receptacles" for the laypeople) are apparently snazzy enough to demand $19.60 / $15.00 apiece. Sure, they're plated in rhodium and gold, respectively, but we get the sense these are still custom made for those with more money than sense. Moving on, we've got the slightly-less-attainable FI-28(R) and FI-28M(R) power connectors, which obviously won't show their true awesomeness without using cabling that's over $400 per foot. Both releases are hosted up after the break for your enjoyment.
Dell's AC Adapter for "Adamo Thirteen" is 45 Watts of bland
You know what's sexy? Ultraportables. You know what usually isn't? Their power adapters. Dell's keeping things way on the conservative side here with this "Adamo Thirteen" 45W AC Adapter -- in fact, we'd say this is the exact same adapter we've gotten with every Dell laptop in the past few years or so, other than the miniscule wattage. The part popped up on Dell's site just recently, and while Dell seems to have pulled to Adamo reference, Google cache still remembers the good times. What is perhaps interesting here is the seeming confirmation of the product name that the laptop will have a 13-inch screen. Not hugely surprising given the competitive landscape here, but we're content to nibble on Adamo info for the time being.[Thanks, Ryan]
UK warns that fake imported DS handhelds could be hazardous
HM Revenue & Customs has put out an official report warning that "hundreds of imported counterfeit game consoles seized at UK freight depots were found to have been supplied with potentially dangerous power adapters." Most of the wares had been purchased at a deep discount from Asian websites claiming to sell "genuine Nintendo products" for over 50% off. The Big N has already stepped in to confirm that the DS / DS Lites are indeed counterfeit, and the accompanying power adapters were also deemed "potentially dangerous, since they had not been electronically tested and do not meet strict UK safety standards." C'mon parents -- even if the youngin' has been bad, we'd still say coal is more fitting than a stocking full of potential electrocution.[Via Pocket-lint, image courtesy of Infendo]
Sony's multifaceted AC adapter, PS3 wireless keypad notch December ship dates
We won't say that the onset of the holiday shopping season has, um, encouraged Sony to get with the program here, but the deafening roar of wallets everywhere opening up probably didn't hurt matters. That said, we're informed today that the long-awaited PlayStation 3 wireless keypad will begin hitting US retailers during the first week of December for $49.99. Furthermore, the outfit's multi-purpose twin port AC adapter -- which can charge a DualShock 3, SIXAXIS, Sony Bluetooth headset and the aforementioned wireless keypad attachment -- will be in those same stores a week later for $24.99.%Gallery-37995%
