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Mophie intros Juice Pack Plus Outdoor Edition for adventure loving iPhone owners (video)
It's been just over a week since Mophie quietly intro'd updated Juice Packs at IFA, and now -- as we've reacquainted with our offices -- the company's given us a sneak peek at its Juice Pack Plus Outdoor Edition. Aside from a special olive drab and orange colorway, the charging case itself is your standard $100 iPhone 4 Juice Pack Plus. So what's the big deal, you ask? This Pack's bundled with Mophie's Outdoor Navigation app (a collaboration with NeoTrecks) positioning itself as an alternative to pricier handheld GPS units. Purchased separately, said app's slated to sell for $30 along with optional desktop access priced at $20 annually, while you'll get the software and that first year included out of box with the OE. The app works using your iPhone's GPS to provide highly detailed maps and a robust suite of options to get you where you're going, even if you're offline for most of the US -- sorry, Alaska. We checked out an early build of the software showcasing its three modes for tracking, downloading new maps, and a library you can check back on. The maps feature hand-shaded topography for extra clarity and a unique "grid-mode" for downloading new sections, although it appears you'll be stuck there while you wait for it to finish. The software also pulls up points of interests and you'll be able to track your trips, allowing you to then view your statistics or even share the details over the web. Mophie's expecting to have these available sometime in October with full details forthcoming, but in the meantime, there's a brief demo on how it'll help you navigate your local trail past the break. %Gallery-132904%
Iomega Mac Companion Hard Drive offers 3TB of storage and a filling station for your iPad
How to get a hefty new hard drive for your Mac without making your other gadgets jealous? Iomega is offering up a solution with the fairly elegant Mac Companion Hard Drive, a two or three terabyte external drive designed with Apple computers in mind that adds a high-powered charging port for your peripherals. The drive also packs additional USB and FireWire ports (no Thunderbolt, guys?), plus a set of four LEDs, which let you know how full it is with a glance. The drives are available via Apple at $195 and $295, for 2TB and 3TB, respectively.
Evatran's Plugless Power wireless EV charger gets smaller, conscripts Chevy Volts for testing
When it comes to technology, the old adage of "bigger is better" died a long time ago, so it's not a surprise to see "smaller is smarter" thinking apply to products and prototypes across the board. Today's (relatively) tiny wonder is Evatran's Plugless Power electric vehicle charging system: now smaller, more efficient, and primed for its first trial phase. The last time we saw Plugless Power, the system's wireless charging "station block" stretched nearly the length of a full vehicle and charged at 80 percent efficiency. Today the charge block is only slightly larger than an average hubcap, boasts a 97 percent charging efficiency, and is less picky about your car missing the wireless charger's "sweet spot." Evatran is now working on launching a test fleet of up to 12 Chevy Volts to put the system through its paces, and hopes to expand the tests to as many as 30 vehicles by January. Ready to ditch pumps and plugs forever? Start saving: a complete Plugless Power system (including vehicle retrofitting) will set you back as much as $5000 after production starts sometime in 2012. Don't be too surprised, cool stuff rarely comes cheap -- besides, that old adage has to apply to something, doesn't it?
Verizon swaps misbehaving Fascinates with phones that'll make you flip
If you're among the unfortunate handful of Verizon users whose Samsung Fascinate consistently fails to receive inbound calls after the latest update, we've got good news: Big Red is replacing these unruly handsets free of charge (and without contract extension). Now keep in mind, an in-store Verizon representative must confirm that your phone cannot properly receive calls, because telephone support agents obviously can't verify this one. Once you jump through a few hoops, however, the company will toss you a Certified Like-New Replacement of a Droid Charge, Droid Incredible 2, or Droid X2 as compensation for your plight. Sure it's used, but so is your Fascinate, so chin up -- this time, there's reason to be glad your smartphone doesn't work. [Thanks, Geremy]
Vitamin Water bus-stop ad lets devices juice-up before the commute
Battery running low during the rush-hour commute? Glacéau's Vitamin Water Energy Bus Shelter by Crispin Porter & Bogusky wants to help you get charged while you're waiting to board. The new billboards feature a bottle of the vitamin / caffeine-packing drink, sporting a triple-USB port, which you can plug your devices into for some extra juice. Apparently, you'll be seeing these if your daily public-transit hustle takes you through the fine cities of Boston, New York, Chicago or Los Angeles -- we'd imagine owners of HTC's Thunderbolt will find them very useful.
Scientists find less damaging defibrillation method, heart tissue relieved
Good news, aging Earthlings: a team of researchers have found a way to shock a coding patient's heart, while leaving other organs and tissues undamaged from the defibrillator. The device send a single high voltage pulse of electrical energy to a patient's chest in order to fix an irregular or nonexistent heart beat; traditionally, what often results is damage to point of contact and surrounding skin cells, muscles and tissues, but a team of whiz kids have seemingly figured out a way to dodge the dreadfulness. Led by scientists Stefan Luther and Flavio Fenton, the team claims that by using a series of five pulses of less potent shocks (instead of a single concentrated charge), docs can see an 84 percent reduction in damaging power. This new technology -- coined low-energy antifibrillation pacing (LEAP) -- can also be used in implanted defibrillators, not just the well-known flappy paddles. Due to the relatively low emissions, both the patient and such implants have extended lives. And that, friends, is good for us all -- given the impending Robot Apocalypse, we'll be needing those extra years just to hold down the fort.
LG Revolution review
The army of high-speed broadband phones is actively seeking new recruits to join its rapidly-growing force, and the LG Revolution is the latest to graduate from boot camp. We've witnessed the emergence of three Verizon LTE handsets in as many months, beginning with the HTC Thunderbolt and the Samsung Droid Charge a few weeks later. As if this wasn't enough choice to tempt your tastebuds already, the LG Revolution -- the entertaining climax to the classic 4G trilogy -- was born one full moon after that. With three options, all so close to each other in dimension and features, it's natural to compare all of 'em and make the call on which one is the best of the bunch. Is LG's first crack at Verizon's LTE network truly a game-changer, as its name suggests? Or does this Revolution fail to even get its feet off the ground? Read on after the break to find out. %Gallery-126319%
Apple patent app sheds light on wireless charging dreams, NFMR love affair
Apple threw quite the wireless party by introducing PC Free and iCloud at yesterday's WWDC keynote, but it seems that the engineers in Cupertino may have even more tricks up their sleeve. Judging by a recently filed patent application, the company's hoping to add charging to its list of cord-cutting services. Specifically, the patent describes building a NFMR (near-field magnetic resolution) power supply directly into your iMac so it can charge your iPhone, iPad, or even peripherals -- such as a keyboard or mouse, when equipped with a special antenna -- without the assistance of your ol' trusty charging cords or batteries. Sporting a somewhat mature iMac that's operating sans NFMR? Pop a special USB dongle in that bad boy and presto, you're good to go. The patent points out that the range is limited to one meter, though there may be ways to install repeaters in peripherals to extend that distance further. Of course, patents won't guarantee we'll be grabbing the scissors to cut our cords anytime soon, but at least we won't have to rely on these things for the rest of eternity.
Mophie Juice Pack Plus iPhone charging case now Verizon-friendly
Until now, Verizon iPhone owners looking for the Mophie battery boost had three options: lugging around a Powerstation plug-in, settling for the Juice Pack Air's measly 1500mAh battery, or slipping into an ill-fitting Juice Pack Plus AT&T case -- an awkward fit, thanks to a slight difference in the handsets' button placement. That long national nightmare is finally over, however, now that the 2000mAh Juice Pack Plus is compatible with both carriers, giving users up to eight more hours of 3G talk time and a few extra millimeters of thickness for around $100. The rubberized charging case is available in black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and a limited edition purple, of which only 2,000 were made. Oooh, exclusivity.
Samsung Droid Charge gets minor update to Media Hub, Verizon extends free Thunderbolt hotspot offer
Wondering why your barely-out-of-the-box Droid Charge is already getting a software update? Wonder no more, as it's merely a tweak for Samsung's Media Hub application that disables downloads over 3G. It's kind of a shame, really, as that means if you don't live in an LTE market you'll need to be tied to a WiFi hotspot to get your multimedia there, but Verizon claims it's a compromise to "ensure quality and speed." Meanwhile, Verizon's other LTE handset is getting an additional boon -- the carrier's extending its free wireless hotspot offer through June 15th for the HTC Thunderbolt, after which you can expect to pay $20 a month for the WiFi tethering privilege. Enjoy it while it lasts, folks.
Droid Charge to finally light up on Verizon Wireless tomorrow (update: official!)
Our testing of the Droid Charge got off to a bit of a rough start thanks to Verizon's wee tiny LTE outage that just so happened to hit at the same time as the phone. Thanks (at least in part) to that, the official launch of the device was delayed, and while we still don't have confirmation of why or just how long the delay was supposed to be, we do have multiple tips from multiple lovely readers in multiple positions at Verizon telling us the phone will be properly hitting stores on the 14th. We're working on official confirmation but, for now, it sure looks like tomorrow you'll be able to mosey on over to your local VZW outlet and get yourself $299 worth of LTE and OLED. Update: We just got official confirmation from Verizon that the phone will be available tomorrow in-store and online tonight! Details in the PR below. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Droid Charge to revive its battery via induction, completes Verizon's Qi-based trifecta
After many unexplained delays, Verizon's Droid Charge has coaxed many anxious consumers toward the edge of their seats, but we've now uncovered a tidbit that's sure to drive these folks up the wall -- an FCC document confirms this elusive Droid supports inductive charging. Just like the Thunderbolt and Revolution, the Charge uses Qi-based technology to accomplish this wizardry, which combines an optional back plate that pairs nicely with Big Red's forthcoming charging pad. As for the launch of the phone, we've stopped holding our breath. Many local Verizon resellers report the handset is in stock, however the carrier seems content in toying with the hearts of its devotees. Jump the break for a quick peek at the FCC label, which admittedly is rather bland... although it delivers the proof we all desire.
Engadget Podcast 238 - 05.06.2011
We'll tell you what: if you even blink these days, you're gonna miss a special guest on the Engadget Podcast. This week we've got Joystiq's Chris Grant in the house to shoot the shizzle on Sony's network hurt and the Wii 3D IMAX rumors bubbling up all around us. And we lure Richard Lawler to step out on his old lady, the Engadget HD Podcast, for a romp on the possibly slightly wilder side of the tracks. Let's do it: let's talk tech.Host: Tim StevensGuests: Chris Grant, Brian Heater, Richard LawlerProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: You Shook Me All Night Long02:15 - Apple iMac hands-on, with dual 30-inch displays! (video)03:00 - Apple iMac refresh official: Thunderbolt and next gen quad-core processors03:45 - AT&T officially announces HP Veer 4G, available May 15th for $100 (update)04:55 - Star Wars Blu-ray set ships Sept. 12th/16th (world/NA), has 40 hours of special features06:35 - Dish Network, EchoStar will pay TiVo $500 million to settle DVR lawsuit07:55 - Latest Windows 8 leaks reveal cloud-based settings, more app store evidence09:35 - Droid Charge review11:16 - Verizon document suggests LG Revolution will have Netflix pre-installed13:47 - Sony promises 'phased restoration' of PlayStation Network and Qriocity starting this week20:22 - Sony woes continue as SOE confirms data breach (update: 24.6 million accounts affected)31:03 - Sony responds to Congress: all 77 million PSN accounts compromised, finger pointed at Anonymous33:52 - BlackBerry Bold 9900 hands-on (update: video)34:30 - BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 (Bold Touch) official34:45 - BlackBerry Bold Touch makes brief appearance on RIM's website35:05 - Android apps on PlayBook eyes-on (video)35:48 - RIM announces BlackBerry 7 OS with better browser and BlackBerry Balance, but no legacy support38:10 - Nintendo drops Wii price to $150 from May 15th, throws in a free Wii Wheel and copy of Mario Kart48:05 - Nielsen estimates show first drop in TV ownership in 20 years, Mayans nod approvingly50:40 - We won some Webby Awards, and now you can win a BlackBerry PlayBook!51:44 - Listener questionsHear the podcastSubscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)LISTEN (OGG)Contact the podcastSend your questions to @tim_stevens.Twitter: @tim_stevens @bheater @chrisgrant @rjcc
Verizon's Droid Charge expected to invade Costco, beckons with free ravioli samples
The Droid Charge, our recently reviewed silent knight for Verizon, is expected to blaze into stores this week now that its retail embargo has lifted. Of course, this news comes like a blast of cold air following news that the handset would be indefinitely delayed. Android Central shares all the juicy details (thanks to a gutsy Costco employee), with the warehouse club expecting shipments to arrive on Thursday. As a side note, if you're intimidated by the $300 price tag, Costco's inventory screen suggests it will sell the phone for $250. Of course, given Verizon's hesitancy in bringing this LTE device to market, any additional hiccups wouldn't exactly surprise us, but if you're willing to brave those warehouse crowds and there's nary a Charge in sight, at least there's plenty of tasty morsels to nibble on.
Droid Charge review
We're still shaking our heads and sighing longingly at the performance of Samsung's Galaxy S II, a phone that wowed us in Europe but likely won't be coming to American shores for some time -- and who knows what it'll look like when it does. But don't get too down, dear reader, because here comes another slice of Samsung and this slab has that same 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display tucked in there. It's a little less slim, a little less classy, and a little less quick than Sammy's latest world-conquering wunderphone, but the LTE-equipped Charge is a proper contender in its own right. Read on to see why.
Verizon freezes Droid Charge launch indefinitely, blaming 'unexpected delays' (update)
Can't say we're surprised by this, but turns out Verizon's decided to delay the launch of its Samsung Droid Charge -- originally scheduled for today -- at the very last minute. According to an internal email we obtained, the blame's on "unexpected delays" and no new date has yet been set. This makes sense, considering it wouldn't do Verizon much good to launch a new 4G Android when its LTE service is still down (for over 24 hours and still counting). Ah well, this 4.3-incher better be worth the wait. [Thanks, Anonymous] Update: We're hearing reports that LTE is gradually being restored across the states, and our own Myriam Joire also sees 4G connection in San Francisco. That said, at this stage it's unlikely that the Droid Charge will resume launch today. Update 2: Apparently the folks at Target aren't picking up what Verizon's putting down, as a tipster has told us it's releasing the Charge today as planned. Picture's after the break.
Samsung releases Droid Charge source code ahead of phone's launch
This isn't right... this isn't right at all. As a possible tip of the hat to enthusiastic coders, or merely a curious oversight, the source code for Verizon's forthcoming Droid Charge has appeared on Samsung's open source portal. Nothing earth-shattering here (as we've known of this 1GHz LTE handset for a while), but we reckon there's a few industrious readers who will appreciate hacking this Droid's software ahead of launch. So if you count yourself among that bunch, follow the source link and type 'SCH-I510' in the search box -- happy coding!
Google helps electric car owners find battery charges, peace of mind
The biggest challenge of owning an electric vehicle aside from having to awkwardly pal around with Ed Begley Jr. all of the time? Finding a place to charge it, of course. The ever-green folks at Google have teamed up with the US Department of Energy and more than 80 companies to form the GeoEVSE Forum, an organization aimed at bringing diverse electric car resources under a single umbrella. Looking for one of those elusive Best Buy charging stations? Use the Google Maps database, helmed by the DOE, which currently offers some 600 alternative fueling stations, including electric charging, hydrogen, and natural gas. Now if only it could help us find a good deal on a Tesla.
Ralph Lauren's solar-panel backpack charges your phone in hours, your credit card in seconds
We here at Engadget are in favor of hitting the books from time to time, but we can't have lame gadget-less backpacks hurting our true techie rep. That's why we're excited to see Ralph Lauren outing its first solar-equipped knapsack as part of its RLX sports line. Four solar cells around back harness the sun's power to generate 3.45 watts -- completely juicing up an iPhone in a purported two-to-three hours, assuming you've got "proper sunlight orientation," of course. Like the optional orange hue (it also comes in black), the sun-sucking cells aren't particularly low profile -- but for $800 don't you want something, uh, recognizable? Still, if you simply must be that guy be sure to hit the source link and don't look back, but for everyone else, might we recommend a portable USB charger for a little less coin?
Samsung's Droid Charge spotted in leaked promo material, multimedia dock in tow
Like it or not, it's a Big Red kind of day. The latest VZW news to splash down in our inbox is the shot you see above -- the first hint of promotional material surrounding Samsung's Droid Charge. If you'll recall, this phone began its (public) life at CES 2011 sans a name, but as a source correctly predicted, the name shown above will be the one that sticks. Proving that the Atrix 4G setup was more than just a fluke, Sammy's also showcasing a must-have peripheral: the multimedia desktop dock. Said accessory ships with a built-in battery charger and spare cell, but with no apparent signs of a video output, we're having a hard time getting too hot and bothered.
