Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Silicon Image pushes new MHL 2.0 chips for phones and HDTVs with 1080p60 video, faster charging]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/27/silicon-image-mhl-2-0/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/27/silicon-image-mhl-2-0/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/27/silicon-image-mhl-2-0/#comments Silicon Image pushes new MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) 2.0 chips with 1080p60 video, faster charging

After taking a few years to get off of the ground, MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) technology is now found in many modern phones as well as HDTVs from LG, Toshiba and Samsung. Now, Silicon Image has announced its second generation of chips to go in those devices with enhanced features. MHL if you'll recall, lets mobile devices connect to HDTVs via HDMI, while passing power and control signals along with the video. According to Silicon Image its new chips, the SiI8240 MHL transmitter (for phones, tablets, cameras and laptops) and SiI9617 MHL Bridge (for HDTVs, monitors and projectors) and dual-mode IP core (like the one in Samsung's Galaxy S II) upgrade the previous generation's capabilities with the ability to pass 1080p video at 60Hz (up from 30Hz) and charge up to twice as fast. There's a few more details in the press releases after the break, if you're wondering whether or not your phone / HDTV is down with MHL then check the specs or hit the Wikipedia link below.

Continue reading Silicon Image pushes new MHL 2.0 chips for phones and HDTVs with 1080p60 video, faster charging

Silicon Image pushes new MHL 2.0 chips for phones and HDTVs with 1080p60 video, faster charging originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 May 2012 03:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p1080p60cellphonecharginghdpostcrosshdtvlgmhlmhl 2.0Mhl2.0minipostMobile High-Definition LinkMobileHigh-definitionLinkmobilepostcrossmonitorportsamsungsii8240sii9617silicon imageSiliconImagetoshibaSun, 27 May 2012 03:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Insert Coin: CordLite illuminated iPhone cable (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/19/insert-coin-cordlite-iphone-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/19/insert-coin-cordlite-iphone-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/19/insert-coin-cordlite-iphone-ipad/#comments In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

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On average, North American consumers will spend a lifetime total of five days on failed attempts to pair their dock connector cable with an iPad or iPhone. Yeah, that's not true, but we can certainly sympathize with frustrated device owners -- fitting a tiny connector to any gadget can be a chore, especially in the dark. Scrap Pile Labs' CordLite sets out to point the way to a successful connection with its built-in LEDs. The illuminated cable is quite simple to use -- with no buttons or switches to fuss with, the connector lights up when you touch the aluminum plates, and powers off the moment it's secured to your device. There's really not much else to it -- CordLite functions identically to an Apple-manufactured cable, though the dock connector itself is significant larger than the OEM variety, at least in its current prototype form.

The design team has turned to Kickstarter to get their project funded, with a $70,000 goal. If all goes to plan, they expect to ship black or white CordLites beginning in September at $35 a pop, but as always, getting in during the "pre-order" phase will net you a hefty discount. The first 200 backers can get an early-bird cord in the color of their choice with a $25 pledge, with the required amount jumping up to $30 from there. A $45 pledge gets you an exclusive laser-etched model, while $50 will be met with a pair of early-bird cords. As you may have gathered from the picture above, the first version will only function with Apple devices, though a microUSB cord is also said to be in the works. See it in action in the video demo just past the break.

Continue reading Insert Coin: CordLite illuminated iPhone cable (video)

Insert Coin: CordLite illuminated iPhone cable (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 May 2012 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple ipadapple ipad 2apple iphoneAppleIpadAppleIpad2AppleIphonecablecableschargingdock cabledock connectorDockCableDockConnectorfundfundinginsert coinInsertCoinipad 2Ipad2iphone 4sIphone4skickstarterLEDlightlightsmobilepostcrossnew ipadNewIpadpledgepledgesvideoSat, 19 May 2012 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[BYD intros dual-mode electric Qin vehicle, Remote Driving key for outside-the-car operation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/byd-dual-mode-electric-qin-vehicle-remote-driverless-f3-plus/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/byd-dual-mode-electric-qin-vehicle-remote-driverless-f3-plus/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/byd-dual-mode-electric-qin-vehicle-remote-driverless-f3-plus/#comments byd remote driving

The New York Auto Show may be done and over with, but the 2012 Beijing International Auto Show is just hitting its stride. Predictably, BYD is in attendance, and it's got a couple of new gizmos out on the red carpet. For starters, there's the Qin (pronounced "Chin," not Kin), a dual-mode electric vehicle that includes seven percent better efficiency, power and energy-saving in pure EV mode compared to the first generation's F3DM system. All told, the vehicle can scoot some 31 miles on a single 10KWh charge, and in hybrid mode, it can use both its 110KW electric motor and its 1.5 Turbo engine to output some 223KW of power and 440Nm of torque. For the technophiles, the car is also equipped with an intelligent cloud system platform, which incorporates things like "telematics, cloud-computing and a full-range of services 24 hours a day (like roadside assistance, vehicle positioning, remote monitoring, music and video downloads etc.)."

As if that weren't enough, the outfit's showcasing a new Remote Driving Controller for its F3 Plus, which enables owners to perform a variety of driving functions -- moving it forward / back, turning left / right and traveling at a "restricted speed" -- without having the owner inside of the vehicle. Naturally, we're anxiously awaiting a test unit of our own. Or, for a wave of lawsuits -- whichever comes first.

Continue reading BYD intros dual-mode electric Qin vehicle, Remote Driving key for outside-the-car operation

BYD intros dual-mode electric Qin vehicle, Remote Driving key for outside-the-car operation originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobileautomotivebeijingbeijing auto showbeijing auto show 2012BeijingAutoShowBeijingAutoShow2012bydBYD TechnologiesBydTechnologiescarchargingchinachineseclouddual-mode electric vehicleDual-modeElectricVehicleelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevf3 plusF3PlushybridqinTue, 24 Apr 2012 06:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan adopts 15 EV chargers, is first on nappy duty (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/nissan-free-ev-chargers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/nissan-free-ev-chargers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/nissan-free-ev-chargers/#comments Image

Nissan's concerned that Leaf owners aren't getting around enough. So, until IBM's super-batteries arrive or Exxon starts installing charging points in its gas stations, the car maker's got to do it itself. In partnership with charity Adopt-A-Charger, it's paying for 15 charging points in California, three at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and twelve at the Music Concourse in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Customers will have totally free access, with Nissan pledging to pay for the upkeep and electricity that the public uses. After the break we've got a video whose narrator probably makes Chris Hansen jealous of his voice.

Continue reading Nissan adopts 15 EV chargers, is first on nappy duty (video)

Nissan adopts 15 EV chargers, is first on nappy duty (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adopt a ChargerAdoptAChargerChargingEVEV ChargingEV RangeEvChargingEvRangeGolden Gate ParkGoldenGateParkLeafLos AngelesLos Angeles County Museum of ArtLosAngelesLosAngelesCountyMuseumOfArtMusic ConcourseMusicConcourseNissanNissan EV ChargingNissan LeafNissanEvChargingNissanLeafRange AnxietyRangeAnxietysan franciscoSanFranciscovideoFri, 20 Apr 2012 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Insert Coin: The PowerPot portable electric generator (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/insert-coin-the-powerpot/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/insert-coin-the-powerpot/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/insert-coin-the-powerpot/#commentsIn Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.
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Assuming you're not getting through the day with a bounty of fuel cell-powered gadgets, you've probably been in a situation where you needed power and it was nowhere to be found. The PowerPot isn't the most practical solution for every scenario, but it's likely to come in handy at least once. The power-generating pot uses thermoelectric modules to convert temperature differences into a 5-, 10- or 15-watt regulated power stream, sufficient for juicing up USB devices like smartphones, GPS devices and LED lamps. The most traditional method for creating this temperature difference is to put a pot of cold water over an open flame, but the device is adaptable to other configurations -- a pot of snow on a thermal spring, for example. Assuming you've taken the fire approach, you can also use the pot to boil water or cook food as you charge your gadgets.

The inventor has created a functional prototype that features fire-proof components and looks quite polished, but now the team is turning to Kickstarter to advance the project to production. Your pledge could net you any of a variety of PowerPots, ranging from a 5-watt portable V flavor for $125 to the 15-watt XV for $500. You can also pre-order a 10-watt PowerPot X for $199. If you're feeling generous, there's also an option to donate a PowerPot to folks in developing nations who may not have the cash to spare, but are in need of a cost-effective solution for power generation. Jump past the break to see the PowerPot V in action, and hit up the source link to scroll through the available configs before making your pledge.

Continue reading Insert Coin: The PowerPot portable electric generator (video)

Insert Coin: The PowerPot portable electric generator (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>campingchargechargingdonationelectricelectricityfundfundinggeneratoricinsert coinInsertCoinkickstarterpledgepotpotspowerpower generationpower potPowerGenerationPowerPotstartupvideoTue, 10 Apr 2012 07:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevrolet replacing 120-volt power cords on most Volt automobiles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/24/chevrolet-volt-replacing-120-volt-power-cords/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/24/chevrolet-volt-replacing-120-volt-power-cords/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/24/chevrolet-volt-replacing-120-volt-power-cords/#commentsImageIf you're one of the 10,000 or so folks who pay insurance on a Chevrolet Volt, you may have a new cable coming your way. According to The Detroit News and Yahoo! Autos, General Motors will soon be sending out replacement 120-volt charging cords for Volt automobiles, which are said to "offer some more consistency in charging," while also making it more durable. We're told that some of the newfangled chargers have shipped with recent Volts, but the majority of customers were sent home with the older model. Of note, GM won't be swapping out any of those optional 240-volt cords, and the company won't consider this a recall or safety issue. As for getting your replacement? Owners are slated to be notified directly in the "next few weeks."

Chevrolet replacing 120-volt power cords on most Volt automobiles originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120-volt power cord120-voltPowerCordautomobilecablechargingchevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevyelectric carElectricCargeneral motorsGeneralMotorshybridissueplugproblemvoltSat, 24 Mar 2012 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Insert Coin: JuiceTank is a two-pronged iPhone case]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/insert-coin-juicetank-is-a-two-pronged-iphone-case/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/insert-coin-juicetank-is-a-two-pronged-iphone-case/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/insert-coin-juicetank-is-a-two-pronged-iphone-case/#commentsIn Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.
Granted, claims by the JuiceTank's creators that their product is "the first ever iPhone charger and case in one" may be a bit overblown, but its design is certainly novel enough to make us give it a second look. The product looks like a pretty standard hard-shelled iPhone 4 / 4S case from the front -- flip it over though, and you'll see two charging prongs embedded in the back. Click the button just below and they'll pop up, allowing you to plug the handset directly into the wall -- no cords or separate chargers needed. Of course, this initial version is made specifically for North American-type outlets, so if you live outside the region or travel a lot, the novelty might be lost on you. If you're covered, however, you can pick up a limited edition green version by being one of the first 400 people to pledge $40 or more. Check out a video explanation / plea after the break.

Continue reading Insert Coin: JuiceTank is a two-pronged iPhone case

Insert Coin: JuiceTank is a two-pronged iPhone case originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecasechargingcharging caseChargingCasefundfundinginsert coinInsertCoiniphoneiphone 4iphone 4sIphone4Iphone4skickstarmobilepostcrossvideoFri, 16 Mar 2012 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[ELVIIS Volvo C30 EV charges from any standard outlet, bills the driver (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/elviis-volvo-c30-ev-charges-from-any-standard-outlet-bills-the/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/elviis-volvo-c30-ev-charges-from-any-standard-outlet-bills-the/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/elviis-volvo-c30-ev-charges-from-any-standard-outlet-bills-the/#comments The electric vehicle is still a fresh enough concept that the issue of redirecting the bill when filling up at a public outlet or a friend's house is of little concern. But once EVs gain more traction and the cost of electricity during that monthly dinner party starts to run upwards of 50 bucks, you'll definitely take notice. ELVIIS, a research collaboration between Ericsson and the Viktoria Institute in Sweden, may be the solution. Instead of pulling power from the grid blindly and billing the outlet's owner, the system provides driver and vehicle information to a server before charging begins, then redirects the cost for power consumed to whatever account you've registered with the vehicle, alleviating any concern about unexpected electricity bills. ELVIIS can theoretically serve other purposes, allowing you to select the least-expensive energy source, for example, or set the car to wait to charge until late-night, when rates are lower.

We jumped into the passenger seat of one of five existing ELVIIS cars -- built around an all-electric Volvo C30 -- and poked around the charging interface. The project isn't fully operational just yet, and was running in demo mode so there's no way to verify that it works as described, but it definitely appears to be solid, with Ericsson providing financial and development support. Eventually, it will use the car's GPS to identify nearby power outlets -- for now, you need to enter a specific outlet ID. There's also an Android app that allows you to monitor and reschedule charging, so if you programmed your car to be completely charged by 7AM but realized that you need to leave at 6, you can make sure you're covered without getting out of bed. But you don't need to go anywhere to see it in action -- just click on past the break.

Gallery: ELVIIS Volvo C30 EV hands-on

Continue reading ELVIIS Volvo C30 EV charges from any standard outlet, bills the driver (hands-on)

ELVIIS Volvo C30 EV charges from any standard outlet, bills the driver (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargingelectric carelectric powerelectric vehicleElectricCarelectricityElectricPowerElectricVehicleELVIISericssonevgridhands-onmobile world congressMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 12mwc 2012Mwc12Mwc2012powerpower gridPowerGridsmart chargingSmartChargingvideoViktoria InstituteViktoriaInstitutevolvovolvo c30volvo evVolvoC30VolvoEvTue, 28 Feb 2012 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers develop battery boosting Power Felt, encourages you to sit on your phone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/researches-develop-battery-boosting-power-felt-encourages-you-t/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/researches-develop-battery-boosting-power-felt-encourages-you-t/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/researches-develop-battery-boosting-power-felt-encourages-you-t/#comments

For whatever reason, researchers have long been stuck on the idea of harnessing the wasted energy potential of the human body. We've seen our nation's brightest try to siphon power off of our spare body heat, our breath and even our blood -- we haven't been able to cast off our wall chargers just yet, but progress is being made. Today's no-socket wonder comes from Wake Forest University's Center of Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials, and it falls into the body-heat category. Power Felt, a new fabric-like thermoelectric device comprised of layers of carbon nanotubes and flexible plastic fibers, can create an electrical charge from temperature differences.

The Power Felt's layered nanotubes allow it to generate more electricity than standalone carbon nanotube / polymer composite films and, according to researchers, could add only $1 to the cost of a charging cell phone cover. "Imagine it in an emergency kit, wrapped around a flashlight, powering a weather radio, charging a prepaid cell phone," said project head David Carroll, "Literally, just by sitting on your phone, Power Felt could provide relief during power outages or accidents." The thermoelectric technology still has a long way to go before it's ready for the market, however, leaving the US military's technology savvy tailors hanging off the edge of their seats.

Researchers develop battery boosting Power Felt, encourages you to sit on your phone originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon nanotubeCarbonNanotubechargingDavid CarrollDavidCarrollhuman poweredHumanPoweredpolymer composite filmPolymerCompositeFilmPower FeltPowerFeltSci/TechthermoelectricsWake Forest UniversityWake Forest University Center of NanotechnologyWakeForestUniversityWakeForestUniversityCenterOfNanotechnologySun, 26 Feb 2012 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Duracell Powermat WiCC could bring wireless charging to any smartphone, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/duracell-powermat-wicc-wireless-charging-card/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/duracell-powermat-wicc-wireless-charging-card/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/duracell-powermat-wicc-wireless-charging-card/#comments Powermat may have a bright future, but the company's products to date have been expensive, slightly clunky and a generally imperfect solution for bringing wireless power to mobile devices. That could all change with WiCC. The Wireless Charging Card (WiCC) is an IEEE Power Matters Alliance (PMA) standard, with the potential to integrate Duracell Powermat technology within every mobile gadget. The incredibly thin device resembles those wafer-like SmartMedia cards once used in early digital cameras, with a similar form factor, but significantly more practicality. Each WiCC includes all the PowerMat circuitry found in the company's charging cases, while also doubling as an NFC antenna. The card's success is of course contingent on cooperation from device manufacturers, who will need to add a slim connector above the battery leads, including two for power, two for NFC and two for data -- an app will monitor charging. Powermat reps say that such a connector would cost pennies to implement, however, making it a potentially easy sell.

Powermat President Daniel Schreiber sees this as a major breakthrough for the smartphone industry, saying "we're going to do for wireless power what the memory card did for storage in mobile phones." We had a chance to take a look at a mock-up of the wireless card at MWC, which was resting just above the battery in a Samsung Galaxy S II. Because the phone's battery is slightly recessed, both the card and battery fit below the device's original backplate -- the WiCC lies flush with the phone's camera lens. Overall, we think there's some serious potential here, assuming device manufacturers are game to come on board. Still, don't expect to see these hitting stores anytime this year -- the company expects its other products to come to market long before the Wireless Charging Card. So for now, jump past the break to take a closer look, but don't make any plans to toss that power adapter just yet.

Gallery: Duracell Powermat WiCC hands-on

Continue reading Duracell Powermat WiCC could bring wireless charging to any smartphone, we go hands-on (video)

Duracell Powermat WiCC could bring wireless charging to any smartphone, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargingcordlesscordless chargingCordlessChargingduracellduracell powermatduracell powermat wiccduracell powermat Wireless Charging CardDuracellPowermatDuracellPowermatWiccDuracellPowermatWirelessChargingCardexclusivehands-oninductiveinductive charginginductive powerInductiveChargingInductivePowermobilepostcrosspowerpowermatvideowiccwirelesswireless chargingWireless Charging Cardwireless powerWirelessChargingWirelessChargingCardWirelessPowerSun, 26 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar tulip, new discovered molecule and a colossal statue of Coca Cola crates]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/solar-tulip-new-discovered-molecule-statue-CocaCola-crates/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/solar-tulip-new-discovered-molecule-statue-CocaCola-crates/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/solar-tulip-new-discovered-molecule-statue-CocaCola-crates/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

The big news that had the world of green transportation buzzing this week was Tesla's unveil of its brand new Model X luxury car and we also saw the blazing fast Lightning GT EV hit the track for the first time. We also shined light on the futuristic solar-powered SPV car while Mitsubishi's i-MIEV electric car stole the greenest vehicle title from the Honda Civic and the Boulder EV became the first electric truck capable of hitting 70 mph. We were also excited to announce that San Francisco is set to launch its electric bike sharing program, French cyclists won the controversial right to run red traffic lights, and Volkswagen unveiled its Think Blue Beetle, which is made from 2,805 pieces of recycled trash.

Energy news sent shock waves around the world this week as Inhabitat reported that the US approved its first nuclear power plants in 30 years and the temperature of Japan's damaged Fukushima nuclear plant suddenly soared up to 45 degrees celsius. We also saw an energy-generating "Solar Tulip" power tower spring up in Spain, and a 10-year-old girl discovered a new molecule that stands to improve energy storage. Meanwhile, we brought you the scoop on the world's next tallest skyscraper in Azerbaijan and industrial giant AAB announced plans for a worldwide electric vehicle charging network.

In recycled design news, we saw a colossal statue made from 4,200 Coca Cola crates rise up over Cape Town and we shared a set of larger than life beasts made from recycled motorcycle parts. We also brought you a brilliant line of lamps made from recycled e-waste and a set of LEGO-like Earth Blocks made from coffee beans and tea chaff. Last but not least, we showcased an electronic suit that treats nerve disorders, and since Valentine's day is on the way we took a look at BIG's interactive LED heart sculpture in NYC, 6 adorable DIY cards, and 6 simple DIY V-Day gifts.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar tulip, new discovered molecule and a colossal statue of Coca Cola crates originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bikeBoulder EVBoulderEvcarchargingCoca ColaCocaColaDIYelectricelectric bikeelectric vehicleElectricBikeElectricVehicleelectronic suitElectronicSuitenergygiftgiftsinhabitatinhabitatsweekingreenLEGOminipostmoleculenew moleculeNewMoleculescienceskyscrapersolarSPV carSpvCarthisweekingreentransportationValentinesweekingreenMon, 13 Feb 2012 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Hertz charges into EV Plugless Power pilot program, can't say it three times fast]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/hertz-charges-into-ev-plugless-power-pilot-program-cant-say-it/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/hertz-charges-into-ev-plugless-power-pilot-program-cant-say-it/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/hertz-charges-into-ev-plugless-power-pilot-program-cant-say-it/#comments Hertz has been offering up electric vehicles amongst its fleet of rental cars, and now it's getting ready to pull the plug. The company is teaming with Evatran to test out the those cool little Plugless Power discs, installing some at its corporate headquarters this month. Hertz, along with a number of other companies will be logging "feedback on daily usage routines, user interfaces, and any additional functionality needed." No word on when such technology might see wider distribution.

Continue reading Hertz charges into EV Plugless Power pilot program, can't say it three times fast

Hertz charges into EV Plugless Power pilot program, can't say it three times fast originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcar rentalCarRentalchargerchargingelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevevatranhertzminipostplugless powerPluglessPowerwireless chargerWirelessChargerFri, 10 Feb 2012 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Cyber-shot TX300V inductive charging camera and dock hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/09/sony-cyber-shot-tx300v-inductive-charging-camera-and-dock-hands/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/09/sony-cyber-shot-tx300v-inductive-charging-camera-and-dock-hands/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/09/sony-cyber-shot-tx300v-inductive-charging-camera-and-dock-hands/#comments You may have thought that Sony's Cyber-shot TX200V was the company's most powerful point-and-shoot to date, but that's not exactly true. The company has a Japan-only version of the TX200V called the TX300V, and it's quite a compelling upgrade. The camera's most appealing addition comes in the form of a wireless charging and transfer dock -- it refuels your pocket snapper through inductive charging while also wirelessly transferring images to your computer using TransferJet. It can also draw power from your computer's USB port (no AC adapter required). Oh, and it ships in the camera box.

Sadly, there aren't any plans to sell this iteration outside of Japan, and Sony's mum on pricing and availability. The camera transferred images and charged without issue during our demo (the Charge indicator lit up, at least -- we didn't stick around to watch it charge the camera). We went hands-on with the TX300V and its charging dock at CP+ in Yokohama, and you can check the camera kit out in all its glossy black glory just past the break.

Gallery: Sony Cyber-shot TX300V hands-on

Continue reading Sony Cyber-shot TX300V inductive charging camera and dock hands-on (video)

Sony Cyber-shot TX300V inductive charging camera and dock hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameracameraschargingcp pluscp plus 2012cp+cp+ 2012Cp+2012cp-plusCpPlusCpPlus2012Cyber-shotCyber-shot DSC-TX200VCyber-shot DSC-TX300VCyber-shot TX200VCyber-shotDsc-tx200vCyber-shotDsc-tx300vCyber-shotTx200vd-slrdigital cameradigital camerasdigital slrDigitalCameraDigitalCamerasDigitalSlrDSC-TX200VDSC-TX300Vdslrhands-oninductioninductiveinductive chargingInductiveChargingjapanphotographypowersonySony DSC-TX300VSony TX200VSony TX300VSonyDsc-tx300vSonyTx200vSonyTx300vtokyotrade showtrade showsTradeShowTradeShowstransferjetTX200VTX300VvideoThu, 09 Feb 2012 01:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony PlayStation Vita charging accessories detailed in Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/sony-playstation-vita-charging-accessories-detailed-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/sony-playstation-vita-charging-accessories-detailed-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/sony-playstation-vita-charging-accessories-detailed-in-japan/#commentsSony's website now lists Japanese release dates and prices for two PS Vita power accessories that you're likely to need. The PCH-ZPC1 J portable charger is a 135g (4.8-ounce) unit that takes seven hours to charge to its full 5,000mAh capacity and is then good for around one and half charges of your console -- we reckon that'd equate to over 12 hours of mixed-use sessions or at least seven hours of solid gaming. It'll be out on April 5th for ¥4,500 ($60). Meanwhile, the PCH-ZCA1 J car charger will hit retailers a couple of weeks earlier on March 22nd priced at ¥1,500 ($20) -- and there's really not much more to say about it except that a dead Vita on a road trip would be both a travesty and an oxymoron. Oh, just in case it hasn't already been etched into your memory, February 22nd is launch day in the US and Europe.

Sony PlayStation Vita charging accessories detailed in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesaccessories-mainbatterybattery packBatteryPackcar adaptercar chargerCarAdapterCarChargerchargerchargingPCH-ZCA1 JPch-zca1JPCH-ZPC1 JPch-zpc1JPlaySation VitaPlaysationVitaplaystation vitaPlaystationVitaportable batteryportable chargerPortableBatteryPortableChargerpower accessoriesPowerAccessoriesps vitaPsVitasonysony playstation vitasony ps vitaSonyPlaystationVitaSonyPsVitavitaTue, 07 Feb 2012 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PowerPad 16 USB station charges your iPad and 15 others]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/powerpad-16-usb-station-charges-your-ipad-and-15-others/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/powerpad-16-usb-station-charges-your-ipad-and-15-others/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/powerpad-16-usb-station-charges-your-ipad-and-15-others/#comments So you've found the perfect solution for staying juiced up during your month-long African safari, but how are you possibly going to keep all 16 iPads powered until just before it's time to go? Why the Datamation Systems PowerPad 16 ES-IP-PP16 USB Charging Hub, of course! Sure, there's no practical household application for the PP16, even in the most gadget-obsessed of families, but it'd be more than welcome in an enterprise environment or even an airport (especially an airport). The PowerPad's maker claims that it was "designed for charging Apple devices," though there's no reason you wouldn't be able to put 16 2.1-amp USB ports to use with other battery-powered devices. And we do need to address the elephant in the room -- that rather beastly fan-sporting housing -- but as Datamation points out, the thing can always live under a counter and out of view. Hit up the source link for a closer look.

Continue reading PowerPad 16 USB station charges your iPad and 15 others

PowerPad 16 USB station charges your iPad and 15 others originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechargechargerchargingDatamationDatamation SystemsDatamationSystemsES-IP-PP16powerusbusb chargerusb chargingusb hubusb portusb portsusb powerUsbChargerUsbChargingUsbHubUsbPortUsbPortsUsbPowerThu, 26 Jan 2012 03:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Oregon Scientific Time & Wireless Charging Stations hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/oregon-scientific-time-and-wireless-charging-stations-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/oregon-scientific-time-and-wireless-charging-stations-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/oregon-scientific-time-and-wireless-charging-stations-hands-on/#comments Buried within the pile of gadgets at Oregon Scientific's CES booth were these two Time & Wireless Charging Stations. On the left we have the entry-level clock that's already out in the market, whereas the bigger "plus" model on the right made its debut at the show, boasting the extra clock projection and weather forecast feature. Also shown along side were the customized iPhone 4 Qi sleeves that Oregon Scientific will be offering online, and they actually had pretty high quality finish, too, especially with the texture coating on top of them. Do take a closer look in our hands-on photos below.

Gallery: Oregon Scientific Time & Wireless Charging Stations hands-on

Oregon Scientific Time & Wireless Charging Stations hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebarometercesces 2012Ces2012chargingclockclock projectionClockProjectionfeaturedfeatureshands-oniphone 4Iphone4oregon scientificOregonScientificqirechargesleeveTime Wireless Charging StationTime and Wireless Charging StationsTimeAndWirelessChargingStationsTimeWirelessChargingStationweather forecastWeatherForecastwireless chargingWirelessChargingTue, 17 Jan 2012 04:08:00 EST<![CDATA[TI's wireless charger for tablets does amazing things with electrons, sticky tape]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/14/tis-wireless-charger-for-tablets-does-amazing-things-with-elect/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/14/tis-wireless-charger-for-tablets-does-amazing-things-with-elect/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/14/tis-wireless-charger-for-tablets-does-amazing-things-with-elect/#comments Either TI has the hots for Arduino in a big way, or its latest wireless charging kit isn't quite ready for mass production. When it does arrive, however, it promises to do away with those cumbersome specialized sleeves and back covers that are currently needed for inductive charging. Instead, it'll deliver efficient in a package that's small enough to be installed as part of a device's internal circuitry. In addition to the Qi-standard 5W version we glimpsed a while back, the company is also working on a 10W variant for the iPad 2 and other tablets, which could wipe the smile off LaunchPort's face and perhaps make MicroUSB 3.0 superfluous before it even gets here.

TI's wireless charger for tablets does amazing things with electrons, sticky tape originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10wapplebatterychargingcharging coilChargingCoilinductive chargingInductiveChargingipad 2Ipad2qitablettabletstexas instrumentsTexasInstrumentstiwireless chargingWirelessChargingSat, 14 Jan 2012 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Powerskin's SolarCharge still believes in the sun]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/powerskins-solarcharge-still-believes-in-the-sun/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/powerskins-solarcharge-still-believes-in-the-sun/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/powerskins-solarcharge-still-believes-in-the-sun/#comments
Remember when Nokia poo-poohed the idea of solar charging as a viable way to keep a smartphone juiced? It seems that no-one told XPal Power, since its PowerSkin brand has just launched a new photovoltaic kit as part of its 2012 lineup here at CES:
  • SolarCharge is a silicone-wrapped brick with a solar panel on one end that'll charge most devices via a microUSB port. The 1000mAh battery tucked inside is rated to pony up around 350 minutes of talk time for your average smartphone. It'll set you back $70 when it arrives in February.
  • KeyCharge attaches to your keychain and can offer a quick boost 90 minutes of additional time on its 750mAh battery, again via its microUSB port. It'll cost a more modest $25 and will be available to order at the same time
Come with us, and you'll be, in a world of pure press releases, after the break.

Continue reading Powerskin's SolarCharge still believes in the sun

Powerskin's SolarCharge still believes in the sun originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidBatteryBlackBerryCESCES 2012Ces2012ChargingEnvironmentalGreenmobilepostcrossPowerSkinPowerSkin KeyChargePowerSkin SolarChargePowerskinKeychargePowerskinSolarchargeSci/TechSmartphoneSolar ChargingSolar PowerSolarChargingSolarPowerUSBXPal PowerXpalPowerWed, 11 Jan 2012 06:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Smartphones and tablets to get MicroUSB 3.0 ports, just in time for it to seem old]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/smartphones-and-tablets-to-get-microusb-3-0-ports-just-in-time/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/smartphones-and-tablets-to-get-microusb-3-0-ports-just-in-time/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/smartphones-and-tablets-to-get-microusb-3-0-ports-just-in-time/#commentsIs it impatient to wonder why our phones' MicroUSB ports are still just measly USB 2.0? The USB Implementers Forum just acknowledged the omission at CES, but said we'll have to wait until the end of 2012 or even the start of 2013 before we see the new standard reach handsets and tablets. It also warned that transfer speeds will be nowhere near the port's raw 5Gbps capability, maxing out at something like 800 megabits instead. The main reason for the upgrade might actually be faster charging, since 3.0 can transfer more power, but with other port standards and even wireless charging gaining ground, it's hard not to regard this as a year too late. Make it a host port, however, and that might be a different story.

Smartphones and tablets to get MicroUSB 3.0 ports, just in time for it to seem old originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES 2012Ces2012chargingconnectivitymobilepostcrossportsmartphonesmartphonestablettabletsusbusb 3usb 3.0USB Implementers Forumusb portUsb3Usb3.0UsbImplementersForumUsbPortMon, 09 Jan 2012 04:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Powerbag introduces a ton of ways to charge just about everything]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/powerbag-introduces-a-ton-of-ways-to-charge-just-about-everythin/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/powerbag-introduces-a-ton-of-ways-to-charge-just-about-everythin/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/powerbag-introduces-a-ton-of-ways-to-charge-just-about-everythin/#comments If there's one pain we know better than any at CES, it's the heartbreak of an empty battery. Powerbag feels our pain. The company has just launched a whole mess of ways to make sure your mobile gadgets don't lose their ever-precious charge. At the top of the list, of course, is the new Powerbag, the company's bread and butter. At tonight's CES kickoff event, it was showing off a messenger bag version of the product.

Not surprisingly, this carrier doesn't have the sort of cache of, say, a Crumpler bag. This is a big bag that charges up to four mobile devices at the same time -- it looks about as dorky as you'd suspect from such a product, but when it comes to the love of your mobile devices, sometimes such vanity has to go out the window, right? Among the upgrades to the line is a slimmer battery, for charging your devices on the go -- certainly a welcome change. You can pick a Powerbag up now for $140.

Also new is the myCharge Folio, an iPhone 4S case with a built-in USB cable that mimics the design of the Apple Smart Cover for the iPad and promises to double your battery life for $80. The $100 myCharge Duet also has a built-in USB cable and comes in two pieces, so you can slide off the battery, when you need the thing to be a little less bulky. The myCharge Concierge, meanwhile, is a portable charger with two USB ports for and an integrated car adapter that pops out. It'll run you $40.

The myCharge Scout runs the same, featuring an integrated USB cord and a proprietary Apple connecter. For $60, you can pick up the myCharge Quest, which packs in a USB cord, and connecters for Apple and microUSB devices.

Gallery: Powerbag introduces a ton of ways to charge just about everything

Gallery: Powerbag introduces a ton of ways to charge just about everything


Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.

Continue reading Powerbag introduces a ton of ways to charge just about everything

Powerbag introduces a ton of ways to charge just about everything originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebackpackbatterycasecesces 2012Ces2012chargerchargingiphonepowerbagSun, 08 Jan 2012 21:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Oregon Scientific's Time and Wireless Charging Station+ does what it says]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/oregon-scientifics-time-and-wireless-charging-station-does-wha/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/oregon-scientifics-time-and-wireless-charging-station-does-wha/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/oregon-scientifics-time-and-wireless-charging-station-does-wha/#comments Oregon Scientific Time and Wireless Charging Station+Oregon Scientific isn't usually known for making gadgets that get cozy with phones and whatnot, but this year we'll be seeing some changes. For starters, this Time and Wireless Charging Station+ will be the company's second Qi wireless charging station, and it shares many similarities with its smaller predecessor (which is conveniently dubbed Time & Weather Charging Station): you get a single charging pad along with a monochrome LCD for the time, indoor temperature and outdoor temperature (five channels; one sensor included). Of course, the plus sign in the name means there are some extra goodies, namely a radio-controlled clock, a barometer for weather forecast plus a projector for the time and temperature; but you'll need to pick up your own Qi phone sleeve -- Oregon Scientific sells one for the iPhone 4. Expect to see this clock on the market at some point for around $129.

Gallery: Oregon Scientific Time and Wireless Charging Station+

Oregon Scientific's Time and Wireless Charging Station+ does what it says originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES+2012Ces2012chargerchargingcharging+stationChargingStationIPhone 4laseroregon scientificOregonScientificprojectionprojection+clockProjectionClockqirechargerechargerSci/TechtimeTime+and+Wireless+Charging+StationTime+and+Wireless+Charging+Station+TimeAndWirelessChargingStationTimeAndWirelessChargingStation+Wireless+Charging+StationWireless+QiWirelessChargingStationWirelessQiSun, 08 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobee's Magic Feet and Power Bar juice up Mac peripherals, no more battery swapping for you]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/mobee-magic-feet-and-power-bar-inductive-charging/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/mobee-magic-feet-and-power-bar-inductive-charging/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/mobee-magic-feet-and-power-bar-inductive-charging/#comments Mobee's no stranger to the world of Mac peripherals these days, and you would've already come across the brand if swapping batteries is too much for you. Following its Magic Charger (for Apple's Magic Mouse) and Magic Bar (for Apple's wireless keyboard and Magic Trackpad), at this year's CES the company's decided to dish out an all-on-one charging station that features a second inductive charging pad plus four USB ports. But of course, there's a trade-off for this big daddy: in addition to the USB connection to your Mac, the Magic Feet also requires an AC adapter. However, given that each device has a battery life of up to 10 days only, this external power will actually come in handy for night time charging.

Alternatively, if you're not a fan of clogging up desk space with a charging station, then you can consider Mobee's Power Bar. Unlike its inductive-charging counterpart, this stick simply adds a 10-day battery and a micro-USB port to the Magic Trackpad, thus letting you plug-and-charge when needed. Oddly enough, Mobee doesn't say whether the Power Bar is also compatible with Apple's wireless keyboard, but the response we received was that it isn't a matter of technical limitation; but rather, it's simply that the company believes the Magic Bar is the better solution for owners of the wireless keyboard. Well, we'll let you be the judge.

Mobee's Magic Feet and Power Bar juice up Mac peripherals, no more battery swapping for you originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleCESCES 2012Ces2012charginginductive chargingInductiveChargingkeyboardmacMagic Feetmagic mousemagic trackpadMagicFeetMagicMouseMagicTrackpadMobeemousePower BarPowerBarrechargingtrackpadwirelesswireless chargingwireless keyboardWirelessChargingWirelessKeyboardSun, 08 Jan 2012 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Pvilion's solar charging station brings the battery-powered cars to the yard]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/pvilions-solar-charging-station-battery-cars-pflugerville-texas/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/pvilions-solar-charging-station-battery-cars-pflugerville-texas/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/pvilions-solar-charging-station-battery-cars-pflugerville-texas/#comments Ever had a hankering to tear through Pflugerville, Texas en route to... well, anywhere? If you're a proud owner of an all-electric vehicle, your answer to that may soon change. Pvilion has just unveiled a new solar charging station that looks fit for a Hollywood thriller, relying on 1/8-inch panels flexed onto stainless steel sheets to create the "twist" seen above. Details about installation and power remain under wraps, but you can dig into a bit more eye-candy in the Via link below.

Pvilion's solar charging station brings the battery-powered cars to the yard originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobilecarcar chargerCarChargerchargerchargingcharging stationChargingStationelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVPvilionvehicleThu, 05 Jan 2012 08:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Hacked Powermat lets you touch-to-charge your iPhone in stop-and-go traffic]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/hacked-powermat-lets-you-touch-to-charge-your-iphone-in-stop-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/hacked-powermat-lets-you-touch-to-charge-your-iphone-in-stop-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/hacked-powermat-lets-you-touch-to-charge-your-iphone-in-stop-and/#comments When you're cruising down the highway, you've got much better things to do than fiddling with iPhone cables -- like, you know, texting and playing Angry Birds. Thankfully, this handy little Powermat hack brings the fun of wireless charging to the comfort of your mobile office, to help free up your hands a bit -- at least until Siri learns how to steer. Video after the break and instructions in the source link -- but please, pull over to the side of the road before attempting to install.

Continue reading Hacked Powermat lets you touch-to-charge your iPhone in stop-and-go traffic

Hacked Powermat lets you touch-to-charge your iPhone in stop-and-go traffic originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carchargingdiyhackinductive chargingInductiveChargingiphoneminipostpowermatvideowireless chargingWirelessChargingMon, 26 Dec 2011 05:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf to get inductive charging, lose its stem in 2013 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/nissan-leaf-to-get-inductive-charging-lose-its-stem-in-2013-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/nissan-leaf-to-get-inductive-charging-lose-its-stem-in-2013-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/nissan-leaf-to-get-inductive-charging-lose-its-stem-in-2013-vi/#comments Nissan has big plans for the still-budding Leaf. The Japanese automaker lit up its impressive Leaf-powered Smart House at the Tokyo Motor Show last week, but also demoed its wireless charging solution for a much smaller crowd at the company's Oppama factory. The device uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power between a charging pad and a receiver on the bottom of the car, with an efficiency level between 80 and 90 percent -- simply park your EV directly above the system to begin charging, and monitor progress on the ground transmission unit's control panel. The pad is expected to become available as soon as 2013, but will only be compatible with new vehicles, so you won't be able to use it with an older Leaf, unfortunately. There's a silent demo video waiting for you just past the break.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf to get inductive charging, lose its stem in 2013 (video)

Nissan Leaf to get inductive charging, lose its stem in 2013 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarschargingelectricelectric vehicleelectricityElectricVehicleevinductioninductiveinductive charginginductive powerInductiveChargingInductivePowerleafnissannissan carnissan carsnissan evnissan leafNissanCarNissanCarsNissanEvNissanLeafpowervehiclevehiclesvideowirelesswireless chargingwireless powerWirelessChargingWirelessPowerMon, 05 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia promises software updates to fix Lumia 800 battery woes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/nokia-promises-software-updates-to-fix-lumia-800-battery-woes/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/nokia-promises-software-updates-to-fix-lumia-800-battery-woes/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/nokia-promises-software-updates-to-fix-lumia-800-battery-woes/#comments We experienced occasional battery and charging problems when reviewing the Lumia 800, and it looks like others have had issues too. In fact, it's become a sufficiently (un)popular topic on Nokia's support forums to encourage the company to post up a reply, confirming that two software fixes are in the works. The first will target power efficiency and arrive in early December, while the second will follow in January and hopefully improve charging. Only a minority of users are affected, we're told, so it's lucky for them that they're vocal.

Nokia promises software updates to fix Lumia 800 battery woes originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybattery lifebattery problemsBatteryLifeBatteryProblemschargingcharging problemsChargingProblemsfixlumiaLumia 800Lumia800mobilepostcrossNokianokia lumiaNokia Lumia 800NokiaLumiaNokiaLumia800software fixsoftware updateSoftwareFixSoftwareUpdateupdateThu, 24 Nov 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla bucks industry standard with new charging system for Model S]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/tesla-bucks-industry-standard-with-new-charging-system-for-model/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/tesla-bucks-industry-standard-with-new-charging-system-for-model/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/tesla-bucks-industry-standard-with-new-charging-system-for-model/#comments
At a time when most EV manufacturers are converging toward charging station conformity, Tesla is still marching to the beat of its own drum. Late last month, the company unveiled a new plug and charger that looks notably different from the J1772 connector -- the SAE International standard you'll find on most electric cars, including the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf. The new system, which will be available for the upcoming Model S, consists of a lightweight plug and wall-mounted unit that can supply 240 volts at up to 80 amps. It also features a comparatively thin cable that promises to deliver fast charging at 480 volts, which, according to the company, should give the Model S an extra boost. When connected to a 240 volt outlet, the car will be able to re-juice at a rate of 62 miles of travel per hour of charging. And while its streamlined aesthetics may signal a shift away from the J1772, Tesla's new charger does feature standard connectors for 120 volt and 240 volt outlets, and will ship with an adapter for industry standard plugs. So why did the manufacturer choose to ignore the J1772? CEO Elon Musk certainly has his reasons. Speaking to the New York Times, Musk poetically described the standard connector as "absolutely terrible, extremely ugly and low power." Tesla's system, by contrast, is more like "a beautiful advanced alien artifact that arrived in the middle of the night." He then went on to say how he really feels. Read more, at the source link below.

Tesla bucks industry standard with new charging system for Model S originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 04:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>240 volt240Voltchargingcharging stationChargingStationdesignelectric vehicleElectricVehicleElon MuskElonMuskenergyEVJ1772model sModelSplug inplug standardPlugInPlugStandardre chargeReChargeSAE InternationalSaeInternationalstandardTeslatesla model stesla motorsTeslaModelSTeslaMotorsMon, 07 Nov 2011 04:17:00 EST<![CDATA[PlugBug adds an iPad / iPod / iPhone USB charging port to your MacBook power adapter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/plugbug-adds-an-ipad-ipod-iphone-usb-charging-port-to-your-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/plugbug-adds-an-ipad-ipod-iphone-usb-charging-port-to-your-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/plugbug-adds-an-ipad-ipod-iphone-usb-charging-port-to-your-m/#comments Twelve South, the same South Carolina-based outfit that's been keeping the Bass(Jump) coming, has just outed the best MacBook power adapter accessory... ever. Almost. The PlugBug is an iPad / iPhone / iPod / USB-based-whatever charger that snaps right on top of your existing MacBook or MacBook Pro AC adapter, allowing you to charge your Mac laptop as well as a single USB-based device at the same time. It's a ten-watt adapter, so your iPad and those other high-powered gizmos should take take to it just fine, and it's actually capable of acting on its own should you ever need to dismount it. Unfortunately, those in need of a non-US adapter will be out of luck, but on the upside, this converts international adapters for US use should you head over this way. It's on sale now for $34.99 at the source link below, and if it only had more than one USB port, we'd recommend it without hesitation. Ah well -- there's always version 2.0, right? Promo vid's after the break.

Gallery: Twelve South intros PlugBug charging accessory

Continue reading PlugBug adds an iPad / iPod / iPhone USB charging port to your MacBook power adapter

PlugBug adds an iPad / iPod / iPhone USB charging port to your MacBook power adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesaccessoryapplechargerchargingipad chargerIpadChargeripod chargerIpodChargerperipheralPlugBugTwelve SouthTwelveSouthvideowall chargerwall wartWallChargerWallWartTue, 01 Nov 2011 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[EV manufacturers get harmonized, agree to build a universal charging system]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/ev-manufacturers-get-harmonized-agree-to-build-a-universal-char/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/ev-manufacturers-get-harmonized-agree-to-build-a-universal-char/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/ev-manufacturers-get-harmonized-agree-to-build-a-universal-char/#comments Fancy segregating EV charging stations by vehicle manufacturer? No? A slew of major automobile firms didn't like the idea much either, and have agreed on a combined charging system to use as an international standard. Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen now support a single-port fast charging system that integrates all charging configurations -- from spiffy quick charging setups, down to modest Level 1 rigs. The new system also crowns HomePlug Green PHY as the standard communication protocol, allowing charging stations to hook compatible EVs to Powerline Smart Grid applications. Where do all these fancy features leave you and your Leaf? Charged, of course -- the new "harmonized electric vehicle charging solution" promises to be backward compatible with current industry standard J1772 connectors. Hit the break for Ford's official press release.

Continue reading EV manufacturers get harmonized, agree to build a universal charging system

EV manufacturers get harmonized, agree to build a universal charging system originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 06:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiBMWcarchargerchargingDaimlereco-friendlyelectricelectric carelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesevEV chargingEV charging stationsEvChargingEvChargingStationsFordFord Motor CoGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsgmgreenHomePlug Green PHYHomeplugGreenPhyJ1772LeafNpowerplug inplug in vehiclesplug-inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridPlugInPlugInVehiclesPorscheprotocolstandardVolkswagenFri, 14 Oct 2011 06:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan's new charging technology will juice your EV in ten minutes, ten years from now]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/nissans-new-charging-technology-will-juice-your-ev-in-ten-minut/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/nissans-new-charging-technology-will-juice-your-ev-in-ten-minut/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/nissans-new-charging-technology-will-juice-your-ev-in-ten-minut/#comments
Nearly a month after unveiling its revamped quick charger, Nissan has now announced that it's working on new technology that would make EV charging... well, quicker. A lot quicker. Developed alongside researchers from Japan's Kansai University, the manufacturer's approach would allow drivers to fully charge their plug-ins in just ten minutes, without taking any toll on a lithium-ion battery's storage or voltage. Nissan says it could achieve this by tinkering with a charger's capacitor -- more specifically, by replacing its carbon electrode with one based on a composite of tungsten oxide and vanadium oxide. Industry insiders, however, say this technology may not reach the commercial level for another ten years -- substantially longer than ten minutes.

Nissan's new charging technology will juice your EV in ten minutes, ten years from now originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10 minutes10Minutesbatterycapacitorcarchargerchargingcharging stationChargingStationelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVEV chargerEvChargergreenjapanKansai UniversityKansaiUniversityLithium Ionlithium ion batteryLithiumIonLithiumIonBatterynissannissan leafNissanLeaftransportTue, 11 Oct 2011 09:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Rohm Wireless Power Transmission system hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/rohm-wireless-power-transmission-system-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/rohm-wireless-power-transmission-system-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/rohm-wireless-power-transmission-system-hands-on-video/#comments Wireless power demos abound at CEATEC, and Rohm Semiconductor had their own variant on hand with a complete mix of direct-draw gadgets, along with the omnipresent charging iPhone 4 (or was it a 4S?). Like Murata's prototype, the Rohm flavor uses square electrodes instead of the coils that you'll find in traditional wireless power solutions, like Qi. But unlike that seemingly identical solution from Murata, this version supports much greater power efficiency -- something in the 92 to 93 percent range (compared to the competing pad's 70-percent efficiency rating). That means that the prototype that we're looking at here loses just seven to eight percent of power during transmission -- which is still unacceptably high, mind you, but far more tolerable. Rohm's Wireless Power Transmission system also allows you to charge or power devices by placing them anywhere on the pad, rather than directly over charging positions, and it supports much greater transmission, with one prototype outputting up to 100 watts.

Since power efficiency isn't something we could verify visually, what we could see at the company's demo did appear to work quite well. Powering a gadget is as simple as dropping it on the pad. Well, resting it gently -- this is a prototype we're talking about, after all. The 50-watt pad was able to power a fan, LED light, and a couple of charging smartphones without issue. The light and fan jumped to full power as soon as they made contact. A second pad got the juices flowing to a large OLED light panel, which was plenty bright when positioned on its own pad, but glowed quite dim when joining other devices. There weren't any charging laptops on hand, like we saw over at Murata, but with power output at 50 and 100 watts, either pad could theoretically support it. Like many of the prototypes we've seen at CEATEC, there aren't any plans to actually bring the system to market, but the technology could be used in other devices. We go hands-on after the break.

Gallery: Rohm Wireless Power Supply System hands-on

Continue reading Rohm Wireless Power Transmission system hands-on (video)

Rohm Wireless Power Transmission system hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceatecceatec 2011Ceatec2011chargerchargingchibachiba japanChibaJapanelectricityhands-oninductiveinductive chargingInductiveChargingmobilepostcrossMuratapowerpowermatqirohmrohm powerrohm semiconductorrohm wireless powerRohmPowerRohmSemiconductorRohmWirelessPowertokyotokyo japanTokyoJapanvideowireless chargerwireless chargingwireless powerWirelessChargerWirelessChargingWirelessPowerThu, 06 Oct 2011 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Murata Wireless Power Transmission System supports laptops, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/murata-wireless-power-transmission-system-supports-laptops-we-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/murata-wireless-power-transmission-system-supports-laptops-we-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/murata-wireless-power-transmission-system-supports-laptops-we-g/#comments Do we really need another wireless charging system that's incompatible with industry standards? Murata seems to think that we do. The company's prototype uses neither conductive nor inductive transmission, instead bringing its new capacitive coupling technology to the cordless charging mix. Capacitive coupling uses square transmitter and receiver electrodes, instead of the coils used with Qi devices. It also doesn't require a physical connection like near-obsolete conductive tech, which dictates that both the charging pad and receiving device use metal connectors that must be joined to transfer current. The Murata system is far from being production-ready, with only 70 percent efficiency (30 percent of electricity is lost during transmission). The sample the company had on hand can support 16 watts of output with a maximum of 2.1 amps, making each pad capable of charging several small gadgets, or one larger device, like a laptop.

Murata seemed more interested in demonstrating the concept behind capacitive coupling than actually proving that it works -- the laptop we saw "charging" was a plastic mockup, though the base did glow red when the laptop's charging pad came into contact (though it also glowed blue at times, as you can see in the image above). We did take a close look at an iPhone case, however, which appeared to be remarkably thin -- much thinner than models from Powermat, for example, though the case does extend below the dock connector. Another advantage of the square electrodes is that you don't need to place devices in a certain position on the mat in order for them to charge -- they simply need to be positioned within the general charging area. We take a closer look in the video after the break.

Gallery: Murata Wireless Power Transmission System

Continue reading Murata Wireless Power Transmission System supports laptops, we go hands-on (video)

Murata Wireless Power Transmission System supports laptops, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceatecceatec 2011Ceatec2011chargerchargingchibachiba japanChibaJapanelectricityhands-oninductiveinductive chargingInductiveChargingmobilepostcrossMuratapowerpowermatqitokyotokyo japanTokyoJapanvideowireless chargerwireless chargingwireless powerWirelessChargerWirelessChargingWirelessPowerWed, 05 Oct 2011 07:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Crapgadget: 'it seemed like a good idea at the time' edition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/crapgadget-it-seemed-like-a-good-idea-at-the-time-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/crapgadget-it-seemed-like-a-good-idea-at-the-time-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/crapgadget-it-seemed-like-a-good-idea-at-the-time-edition/#comments We're sure that most inventors out there are genuinely looking to make the world a better place, but the best intentions don't always produce the best inventions, and while the following gadgets will all likely appeal to someone, somewhere, we can't exactly recommend, say, an ear-shaped iPhone case or a $300 toothpaste squeezer. But as the saying goes, "one man's crapgadget is another man's treasure."

Read - It's like a beanbag chair for your iPad! For your lap!
Read - At $300, this toothpaste tube squeezer should pay for itself exactly one day before the sun burns out.
Read - How is this iPhone case different than all other iPhone cases? Simple: it makes it look like you've contracted some sort of engorged ear disease. Never get bothered during important phone calls again!
Read - It's a battery charger! For the ladies!

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Crapgadget: 'it seemed like a good idea at the time' edition originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebatterybattery chargerBatteryChargerchargechargingcrapgadgetear phoneear phone caseEarPhoneEarPhoneCaseipadiphoneiphone caseIphoneCasetargustoothpasteMon, 26 Sep 2011 22:55:00 EST<![CDATA[IRL: WildBlue satellite internet, international charging, a flashing habit and failing to get work done on an iPad]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/21/irl-wildblue-satellite-internet-international-charging-a-flas/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/21/irl-wildblue-satellite-internet-international-charging-a-flas/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/21/irl-wildblue-satellite-internet-international-charging-a-flas/#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.
It's been a whirlwind two weeks of sitting inside concept cars, soaking up details about the PlayStation Vita and getting acquainted with Windows 8, and now that it's all wound down, we're getting back to the business of griping about gadgets we already own. This week, Darren dresses down the satellite service we used to hit posts in the wilderness, Tim takes a breather after a year of jet-setting, Joseph carries on his flashing streak and as for Joe, well, let's just say his honeymoon with the iPad has come to a sudden, unproductive end.

Continue reading IRL: WildBlue satellite internet, international charging, a flashing habit and failing to get work done on an iPad

IRL: WildBlue satellite internet, international charging, a flashing habit and failing to get work done on an iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidAppleapple ipadAppleIpadBelkinchargingcm7darren murphDarrenMurphEngadget IRLengadgetirlflashinggooglehackhacked romHackedRomhacksipadiPad 2Ipad2IRLJoe PollicinoJoePollicinoJoseph VolpeJosephVolpeKensingtonMIUInexus s 4gNexusS4goutletoutletspeter alfonsoPeterAlfonsoromsatellite internetSatelliteInternetsprintSprint Nexus S 4GSprintNexusS4gtim stevensTimStevenstravel adapterTravelAdapterWildBlueWed, 21 Sep 2011 13:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Touchstone mod blesses Samsung Epic 4G Touch with inductive charging powers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/touchstone-mod-blesses-samsung-epic-4g-touch-with-inductive-char/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/touchstone-mod-blesses-samsung-epic-4g-touch-with-inductive-char/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/touchstone-mod-blesses-samsung-epic-4g-touch-with-inductive-char/#comments
The Touchstone's future is just as unclear as any other webOS product at the moment, but it's sure getting a fair share of love from the mod community. Not only did we witness the inductive-charging unit work on a modded Samsung Galaxy S Plus, a bold and daring AndroidCentral Forums member also accomplished the feat on his three-day-old Epic 4G Touch in a process that's definitely not for the faint of heart. The modder (who goes by the name of "darrenf" on the forum) offers a full step-by-step guide on exactly how to do it, but advises that it's "a pretty delicate mod" and attempting it will likely void any warranties or return policies that were attached to the phone when purchased. It also doesn't result in the most aesthetically pleasing look since the charging coil had to be attached to the outside of the phone, but it's gotta give you some massive street cred if you pull it off, right?

Touchstone mod blesses Samsung Epic 4G Touch with inductive charging powers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidchargingepic 4g touchEpic4gTouchgalaxy s iiGalaxySIigooglehackhewlett-packardhphp touchstoneHpTouchstoneinductive chargingInductiveChargingmobilepostminimodmodifiedpalmpalm touchstonePalmTouchstonesamsungsamsung epic 4g touchsamsung galaxy s iiSamsungEpic4gTouchSamsungGalaxySIisprinttouchstonewireless chargingWirelessChargingMon, 19 Sep 2011 20:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Mr Fussy mods Samsung Galaxy S for inductive charging, without frazzling warranty (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/mr-fussy-mods-samsung-galaxy-s-for-inductive-charging-without-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/mr-fussy-mods-samsung-galaxy-s-for-inductive-charging-without-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/mr-fussy-mods-samsung-galaxy-s-for-inductive-charging-without-f/#comments It's not hard to find a good inductive charging smartphone these days, but German IT student Qian Qin absolutely had to have the feature on his Galaxy S Plus. What's more, it needed to be just right: no voiding of the warranty and no unsightly protrusions. So, instead of bumping his gums, he went out and purchased a Palm Pre back cover and a Touchstone dock for €30 ($40), ripped the charging circuit out of the Pre cover and stuck it into the Samsung's cover, then finally soldered a wire from the circuit to the micro-USB port (plus another wire to the microSD slot for 0V). Job done. At first, the mere mention of a webOS device gave us a twinge of sadness, but then the video after the break cheered us right up again -- you can tell within the first six seconds that this guy is a pure OCD perfectionist. You'll also find more detailed instructions at the source link, and they should work equally well for the original Galaxy S too.

Continue reading Mr Fussy mods Samsung Galaxy S for inductive charging, without frazzling warranty (video)

Mr Fussy mods Samsung Galaxy S for inductive charging, without frazzling warranty (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Sep 2011 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargingcustomcustomizationcustomizedGalaxy SGalaxy S PlusGalaxySGalaxySPlushackHP Palm PreHpPalmPreinductiveinductive chargerinductive chargingInductiveChargerInductiveChargingmobilepostcrossmodPalm PrePalmPreQian QinQianQinSamsungSamsung Galaxy SSamsung Galaxy S PlusSamsungGalaxySSamsungGalaxySPlusstudentTouchstonevideowebOSSun, 18 Sep 2011 19:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Iomega Mac Companion 2TB hard drive on sale now for $240, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/iomega-mac-companion-2tb-hard-drive-on-sale-now-for-240-we-go/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/iomega-mac-companion-2tb-hard-drive-on-sale-now-for-240-we-go/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/iomega-mac-companion-2tb-hard-drive-on-sale-now-for-240-we-go/#comments
The Mac Companion hard drive that we told you about back in early August has started to ship from Apple's online store and is ready to take its spot beneath your iMac's monitor. We got a little hands-on time with the HDD and have to say, it's a slick peripheral that will certainly fit in with the collection of the aesthetic-conscious Apple devotee out there, with a metal-bordered exterior that seems to have taken a few fashion cues from the iPhone 4. On the front of the drive are four white LEDs, which turn off one by one as you fill up more space, letting you know how much room is left on the thing.

The top of the drive is a glossy black surface, which is a bit of a fingerprint magnet -- again, familiar territory to those with Apple products. Upon plugging it in (Iomega gave us the 2TB version to play with, though there's also a 3TB model), the Mac Companion will ask whether you'd like to back your system up via Time Machine. Transfer-wise, the drive does USB 2.0 and FireWire. In our limited testing, we got around 35MB/sec and just under 60MB/sec, respectively.

The Mac Companion also doubles as a hub for your peripherals -- with two USB ports on the rear and a 2.1 Amp port on the side. The ports on the rear require the drive to be connected to a computer to charge and sync devices. The high-powered port on the side, however, will charge up devices like an iPad or iPhone even when the drive isn't connected to your Mac.

The Mac Companion is a fairly straightforward, good looking drive, which worked quite well out of the box on the Lion system we tested it out on -- and the fact that it does double duty as a USB port sets the thing apart from much of the pack. The 2TB version will run you around $240 online.

Gallery: Iomega Mac Companion Hard Drive hands-on

Iomega Mac Companion Hard Drive hands-on

Iomega Mac Companion 2TB hard drive on sale now for $240, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechargechargingexternal storageExternalStoragefirewirehands-onhard driveHardDrivehddiomegaipadiphonemacMac Companion Hard DriveMacCompanionHardDrivestorageusbvideoWed, 14 Sep 2011 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Mophie intros Juice Pack Plus Outdoor Edition for adventure loving iPhone owners (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/mophie-intros-juice-pack-plus-outdoor-edition-for-adventure-lovi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/mophie-intros-juice-pack-plus-outdoor-edition-for-adventure-lovi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/mophie-intros-juice-pack-plus-outdoor-edition-for-adventure-lovi/#comments 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: Mophie Juice Pack Plus Outdoor Edition hands-on

Continue reading Mophie intros Juice Pack Plus Outdoor Edition for adventure loving iPhone owners (video)

Mophie intros Juice Pack Plus Outdoor Edition for adventure loving iPhone owners (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleattatt iphoneAttIphonebattery caseBatteryCasecasechargechargerchargingexclusiveiphoneiphone 4iphone batteryiphone battery caseiphone caseIphone4IphoneBatteryIphoneBatteryCaseIphoneCasejuice packjuice pack plusjuice pack plus outdoor editionJuicePackJuicePackPlusJuicePackPlusOutdoorEditionmophiemophie outdoor gps appMophieOutdoorGpsApptopographyvideoWed, 14 Sep 2011 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan downsizes EV quick charger, slashes price while eying US, EU and Japanese markets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/nissan-downsizes-ev-quick-charger-slashes-price-while-eying-us/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/nissan-downsizes-ev-quick-charger-slashes-price-while-eying-us/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/nissan-downsizes-ev-quick-charger-slashes-price-while-eying-us/#comments Like a hamburger Happy Meal, Nissan's brand new quick-charge station is fast, cheap and easy, thanks to its tasty new electric circuit technology. Nissan claims the 49kW charger takes up less space, is easier to install and a heckuva lot cheaper than former models, leaving only a ¥1 million yen (or around $10,000) dent in your pocket compared to the former ¥1.47 million (or $19,088) crater. Hoping to sell around 5,000 units and set up charging stations throughout the Land of the Rising Sun by March 2016, Nissan sees the technology rolling out in the US and Europe sometime in the near future -- no toy included. Pull over for the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Nissan downsizes EV quick charger, slashes price while eying US, EU and Japanese markets

Nissan downsizes EV quick charger, slashes price while eying US, EU and Japanese markets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>49kW 3- AC200VCHAdeMOchademo standardChademoStandardchargerchargingelectric vehicleelectric vehicle chargerelectric vehicle chargingelectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehicleChargerElectricVehicleChargingElectricVehiclesEVEV chargerEV chargingEvChargerEvChargingJapanNissanNissan Leafnissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVNissanLeafNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvQuick Chargequick chargerquick chargersQuickChargeQuickChargerQuickChargersTue, 13 Sep 2011 21:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Philips Sonicare DiamondClean USB toothbrush to stay fresh at your desk]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/philips-sonicare-diamondclean-usb-toothbrush-to-stay-fresh-at-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/philips-sonicare-diamondclean-usb-toothbrush-to-stay-fresh-at-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/philips-sonicare-diamondclean-usb-toothbrush-to-stay-fresh-at-yo/#comments For the modern dental enthusiast, we present to you the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean USB toothbrush -- because keeping your stank breath fresh at your computer is essential for early morning Skype calls. Long since gone are the days where brushing your teeth was limited to the bathroom. Nowadays, you'll need to keep those chompers fresh no matter where you might find yourself, including (but not limited to): the computer lab at school, your home office, your boss' office, or maybe even the Apple Store. Claiming up to 100 percent plaque removal and 44 percent more bristles, some are going so far as to call this £250 ($405) teeth gleamer the "iPod of toothbrushes." Check out the full PR and the so fresh, so clean jam after the break.

Update: the folks at Philips emailed to let us know the USB toothbrush will sell for a suggested $219.99 in the US.

Continue reading Philips Sonicare DiamondClean USB toothbrush to stay fresh at your desk

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean USB toothbrush to stay fresh at your desk originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 01:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applechargerchargingcharging stationChargingStationcleandentaldental careDental healthdental hygieneDentalCareDentalHealthDentalHygienedentistdiamondcleaniPodphilipsPhilips Sonicarephilips sonicare diamondcleanPhilipsSonicarePhilipsSonicareDiamondcleanskypeteethtoothtoothbrushtoothbrushestoothpasteusbusb 2.0usb driveUsb2.0UsbDriveFri, 12 Aug 2011 01:41:00 EST