Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2013 AOL Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Mophie's $40 Juice Pack Reserve Micro charges your smartphone, fits on a keychain]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/24/mophies-40-juice-pack-reserve-micro-charges-your-smartphone/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/24/mophies-40-juice-pack-reserve-micro-charges-your-smartphone/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/24/mophies-40-juice-pack-reserve-micro-charges-your-smartphone/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Mophie unleashes $40 Juice Pack Reserve Micro, charges your smartphone and fits on a keychain

Last we heard from Mophie, it revealed its upcoming Juice Pack case for Samsung's Galaxy S III. While there's still no further info for that model, the company recently took to its Facebook and Twitter accounts to announce it's new $40 Juice Pack Reserve Micro. The palmable battery pack is nearly identical to the 30-pin friendly Juice Pack Reserve, but, as the Micro in its name implies, this one charges Micro-USB devices. The unit features a key chain loop and stores a total load of 1,000mAh, which gets re-filled via its secondary USB 2.0 plug. There's more info at the source links below -- here's to hoping for a Lightning variant soon.

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Via: Gizmodo (AU)

Source: Mophie, (Facebook), (Twitter)

]]> 1000mahbatter packBatterPackbatteryjuice pack reserveJuice Pack Reserve MicroJuicePackReserveJuicePackReserveMicromicro usbMicroUsbminipostmobile batteryMobileBatterymobilepostcrossmobilepostminimophiepower backPowerBacksmartphonetiny Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:51:00 -0400 21|20331204 <![CDATA[Apple appeases European lawmakers with Lightning-to-microUSB adapter]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/13/apple-lightning-to-micro-usb-adapter/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/13/apple-lightning-to-micro-usb-adapter/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/13/apple-lightning-to-micro-usb-adapter/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Apple appeases the EU, announces Europeonly Lightning to microUSB adapterWe do love products that only exist to circumvent the finer points of legislation (hello there, Aston Martin Cygnet), but even better are the ones that actually serve a purpose. To comply with the European Commission's insistence that all smartphones must have a microUSB connector, Apple is putting out a Euro-specific adapter for its new Lightning standard. It's turned up in the UK and French stores so far, setting you back £15 / €19 ($25) -- and we imagine it won't be long before some entrepreneurial soul starts buying them in bulk to sell to microUSB users Stateside.

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Via: TechnoBuffalo, 9to5Mac

Source: Apple Store (UK)

]]> AppleApple Lightning to microUSBAppleLightningToMicrousbECEUEuropeEuropean CommissionEuropean UnionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnioniPhone 5Iphone5iPod NanoiPod TouchIpodNanoIpodTouchLegislationLightningLightning to microUSBLightningToMicrousbmicro USBMicroUsb Thu, 13 Sep 2012 04:13:00 -0400 21|20322506 <![CDATA[VESA's Mobility DisplayPort standard links smartphones to PC displays, jabs MHL]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/vesa-mobility-displayport-standard-links-smartphones-to-pc-displays/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/vesa-mobility-displayport-standard-links-smartphones-to-pc-displays/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/vesa-mobility-displayport-standard-links-smartphones-to-pc-displays/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments VESA's Mobility DisplayPort standard links smartphones to PC displays, jabs MHL

If you own a modern Android smartphone, there's a reasonable chance you're familiar with MHL for video out to a TV. The format saves the trouble of adding an extra port, but it's really only intended for HDMI-based destinations and occasionally runs into compatibility issues. VESA is hoping to settle all that with its newly available Mobility DisplayPort standard, or MyDP. Existing micro-USB ports will still serve as the output, but you'll have the option of plugging into DVI or VGA displays with the right adapter, in addition to HDMI and full-size DisplayPort. Picture connecting to an older projector and you'll see why that might make sense. The new spec will charge up your device like with MHL, but it also has about 1Mbps of bandwidth for input, such as keyboards and trackpads in some future lapdock. Video still tops out at 1080p and 60Hz, so there's no hooking into a 4K display here. The real advantage, for many, is simply in having a broadly-adopted standard in the first place: VESA backing sees 180 companies tacitly endorsing the idea, producing a big improvement over the patchwork results that we've seen from MHL's much smaller alliance. The chief obstacle is the wait for the first smartphones, Ultrabooks and tablets with MyDP, which could be months or more away.

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]]> cellphonecellphonesdisplayporthdmimicro usbmicro-usbMicroUsbmobilepostcrossmobility displayportMobilityDisplayportmydpsmartphonesmartphonesstandardstandardstablettablet pctablet pcsTabletPcTabletPcstabletsultrabookultrabooksvesavideo outVideoOut Thu, 28 Jun 2012 03:28:00 -0400 21|20267267 <![CDATA[Innergie PocketCell can power over 10,000 USB devices, just not at the same time]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/innergie-pocketcell-portable-usb-battery-charger/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/innergie-pocketcell-portable-usb-battery-charger/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/innergie-pocketcell-portable-usb-battery-charger/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Between your tablet, phone, GPS and whatever else, keeping powered up on the move is a challenge for us all. Innergie wants to crush that problem with its PocketCell battery pack. Yep, it's a power cell, yes it fits in your pocket, but here's what you might not have worked out from the name: it has a 3,000 mAh capacity, mini / micro USB connectors built-in along with an Apple 30 pin adapter (as it's based on its Magic Cable design we loved so much) and a fast "Smart Charge" function for the impatient. There's five built in protections against unstable voltage, so you can be confident your digital world won't burn out in your hand. The makers reckon you can get an extra 4.5 hours of iPad usage and about 15 more hours on the horn to mom -- though, we're sure your mileage may vary. You can get charging from today for $79.99, which includes the Magic Cable, or touch up the PR after the jump for more info.

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]]> batterycesces 2012Ces2012chargerinnergieinnergie pocketcellInnergiePocketcellmagic cablesMagicCablesmicro usbMicroUsbmini usbMiniUsbpocket cellpocketcellportable chargerPortableChargerpowerusb Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0500 21|20141492 <![CDATA[Tritton's latest Bluetooth headset lands at the FCC, hopes to find refuge with PS3 owners]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/trittons-latest-bluetooth-headset-lands-at-the-fcc-hopes-to-fi/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/trittons-latest-bluetooth-headset-lands-at-the-fcc-hopes-to-fi/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/trittons-latest-bluetooth-headset-lands-at-the-fcc-hopes-to-fi/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments No, that isn't some robotic fingernail -- it's MadCatz / Tritton's latest Bluetooth headset, which has just made its way through the FCC's underground bunker. Geared for audio chat on the PS3, the "Wireless Headset featuring Bluetooth technology," as it's not-so-creatively dubbed, is the apparent successor to the company's late AX Micro. A quick perusal of its manual confirms that aside from the science fiction-eqsue looks, the unit is essentially an average Bluetooth earpiece. Over the past few months, Tritton's been heavily catering to the Xbox 360 crowd with a smattering of officially licensed gaming headsets, so it's a pleasant surprise to see that Blu-ray spinning gamers are still getting a some love. Is this a taste of what's to come from MadCatz at this year's CES? You can be sure we'll find out once we hit the show floor in the coming days, but for now, check out the gallery below for a better look.

Gallery: Tritton Wireless Bluetooth Headset FCC

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]]> audiobluetoothbluetooth headsetBluetoothHeadsetcesces 2012Ces2012chatcommunicationgame chatGameChatgamingheadsetmadcatzmicro usbMicroUsbminipostps3soundtrittonvoicevoice chatVoiceChatwirelesswireless bluetooth headsetWirelessBluetoothHeadset Tue, 03 Jan 2012 07:31:00 -0500 21|20138988 <![CDATA[Innergie Magic cables wed USB and 30-pin connections, let you break 'em up on the fly]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/innergie-magic-cables-wed-usb-and-30-pin-connctions-let-you-bre/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/innergie-magic-cables-wed-usb-and-30-pin-connctions-let-you-bre/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/innergie-magic-cables-wed-usb-and-30-pin-connctions-let-you-bre/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Apple's 30-pin connection got you feeling down in a world filled with USB? Wish your iDevice cable worked with more of your gizmos? Fret not, as Innergie recently introduced its effort to solve this dilemma with its Magic Cables. The idea is simple, one end is fitted with a standard connector and the opposite side terminates into a mini-USB plug that can be fitted with different tips. Twenty bucks will snag you the Duo variant with a 30-pin adapter and for $5 more you can pick up the Trio if you also need a micro-USB tip. All told, we're not sure that keeping track of minuscule adapters will prove much better than having a few cables, but if you're ready to consolidate your cords it may be worth a shot. Full press release just past the break.

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]]> 30 pin30 pin connector30Pin30PinConnectorappleApple IncideviceInnergieipadiphoneipodipod touchIpodTouchmagic cable duomagic cable triomagic cablesMagicCableDuoMagicCablesMagicCableTriomicro usbMicroUsbmini usbminipostMiniUsbmMcomboUniversal Serial Bususb Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:42:00 -0500 21|20122802 <![CDATA[Official iPhone micro-USB adapter quietly sneaks into UK Apple Store]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/official-iphone-micro-usb-adapter-quietly-sneaks-into-uk-apple-s/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/official-iphone-micro-usb-adapter-quietly-sneaks-into-uk-apple-s/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/official-iphone-micro-usb-adapter-quietly-sneaks-into-uk-apple-s/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
It looks like Apple's making good on its promise to standardize its charger port for EU territories. Behind all the big hitters announced by Apple today, an official micro-USB adapter has shuffled into the UK's online store in a very typically English way. Sure, there have been third-party options for a while, but this one's the real deal and looks set to go on sale on October 14th, alongside the newly crowned iPhone 4S. We hope and expect that this will come packaged with Apple's latest phone in Euroland -- but on the off-chance that it doesn't, we'd question whether charging an extra £8 obeys the spirit of the regulation.


[Thanks, Cameron]

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]]> announcedappleapple iphoneapple iphone 4apple iphone 4sapple iphone 5AppleIphoneAppleIphone4AppleIphone4sAppleIphone5attbreaking newscupertinoEUgsmiosios 5Ios5iphoneiphone 4siphone 4iphone 5Iphone4Iphone4sIphone5keynotelets talk iphoneLetsTalkIphoneliveliveblogmicro usbmicro-usbMicroUsbmobilepostminismartphonestandardized chargerStandardizedCharger Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:45:00 -0400 21|20073761 <![CDATA[dockBoss+ adapter brings iOS speaker dock compatibility to Android, BlackBerry and WP7 handsets*]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/21/dockboss-adapter-brings-ios-speaker-dock-compatibility-to-andro/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/21/dockboss-adapter-brings-ios-speaker-dock-compatibility-to-andro/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/21/dockboss-adapter-brings-ios-speaker-dock-compatibility-to-andro/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments A while back, you probably splurged for that insert-iPod-sound-system-here thinking you'd get some pretty good mileage out of it. If you also jumped ship at some point along the way (read: switched to Android), CableJive can help keep your bookshelf system cranking for a little while longer. The dockBoss+ adapter features micro-USB and audio plugs opposite a 30-pin connector, the latter of which fits nicely in one of the eight quadrillion iOS-compatible sound systems currently on the market. Now, you can port that valuable charging action to your existing handset -- plus, the accessory also features a built-in charge converter for FireWire-enabled cables and docking stations, if needed. Not only that, but the dockBoss+ will also work in tandem with your iOS-centric car or home stereo -- unless you're still clinging to the factory head unit in your VW Beetle... bummer. Those looking to pick one up can do so starting September 28th for $30; a handful of Lincolns is much easier on the ol' wallet than a brand new one of these, that's for sure.

*Assuming, of course, that you're cool with a few cables hanging out, and that your handset actually uses micro-USB.

[Thanks, Gregor]

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]]> adapteraudioaudio signalAudioSignalcableCableJivedockBossdockBoss+iOSiPadiphoneiPodmicro USBMicroUsbmobilepostcrosssmart adapterSmartAdapterspeaker dockSpeakerDockspeakers Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:10:00 -0400 21|20047838 <![CDATA[Kanex's MHL HDMI adapter brings your smartphone content to an HDTV near you]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/kanexs-mhl-hdmi-adapter-brings-your-smartphone-content-to-an-hd/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/kanexs-mhl-hdmi-adapter-brings-your-smartphone-content-to-an-hd/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/kanexs-mhl-hdmi-adapter-brings-your-smartphone-content-to-an-hd/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Want to get content from your Samsung Galaxy S II to your HDTV, but don't want to shell out for the fancy new Toshiba Regza? Shortly after yesterday's announcement of the Australia-only WL800A, Kanex unveiled its $29 adapter, letting users connect their MHL-capable handsets to HDTVs via the HDMI port. The adapter is available now -- full PR after the break.

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]]> adaptercablecordhdmihdpostcrosskanexmhlmicro usbMicroUsbminipostmobilepostcross Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:34:00 -0400 21|20031025 <![CDATA[Fossil's Meta Watch delayed once again, clearly has trouble keeping time]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/fossils-meta-watch-delayed-once-again-clearly-has-trouble-keep/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/fossils-meta-watch-delayed-once-again-clearly-has-trouble-keep/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/fossils-meta-watch-delayed-once-again-clearly-has-trouble-keep/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments If you were planning on outfitting your arm with a new Meta Watch this month, you're out of luck, because Fossil has just announced that the wristpieces won't start shipping until September. The watches, which use Texas Instruments' CC2560 Bluetooth controller to sync with smartphones, tablets or desktops, were originally scheduled for a July launch, but that timeline was eventually pushed back to August, due to part delays. Now, manufacturers have discovered a new batch of issues with the devices' programming clips (used for micro USB connections) and the analog-digital version's steel case, meaning that the pair won't reach Hong Kong distributors until the beginning of next month, after which they may take another one to two weeks before shipping to consumers. The countdown clock continues to tick away, but you can still pre-order a Meta Watch for $200, at the links below.

[Thanks, Glen]

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]]> analoganalog digitalAnalogDigitalbluetoothcaseCC2560CC2560 BluetoothCc2560Bluetoothdelaydesktopdigitaldistributorfossilhong kongHongKongmeta watchMetaWatchmicro usbMicroUsbpre orderPreOrderpriceprogramming clipProgrammingClipshipmentshippingsmartphonesteel caseSteelCasesynctablettexas instrumentsTexasInstrumentsTIwatchwatcheswristwatch Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:32:00 -0400 21|20023217 <![CDATA[Best Buy adds $50 dock to its collection of HTC Flyer accessories]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/best-buy-adds-50-dock-to-its-collection-of-htc-flyer-accessorie/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/best-buy-adds-50-dock-to-its-collection-of-htc-flyer-accessorie/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/best-buy-adds-50-dock-to-its-collection-of-htc-flyer-accessorie/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Surely by now you've recouped that $80 you begrudgingly forked over for your Flyer stylus, right? Good. Because the parade of accessories for the 7-inch slate continues. Now, Best Buy's selling a matching white micro-USB dock for $50. It's perfect for transforming the slate into the aluminum-clad bedside alarm of your dreams, but you can also connect your own MHL adapter to the rear micro-USB port, allowing you to output video to an HDTV. Looks like more than a few folks are sweet on the idea of porting HTC Watch to a bigger screen -- the dock's back-ordered with a one- to two-week delay. But is it worth the fifty bucks? We'll leave that to you and your wallet.

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]]> accessoriesBest BuyBestBuydockdocking stationDockingStationFlyerHTCHTC FlyerHtcFlyermicro USBmicro-USBMicroUsbperipheralstablettablet dockTabletDock Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:11:00 -0400 21|19967511 <![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy S II first with MHL port for dual-purpose USB or HDMI out (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-first-with-mhl-port-for-dual-purpose-usb-or/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-first-with-mhl-port-for-dual-purpose-usb-or/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-first-with-mhl-port-for-dual-purpose-usb-or/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments There's a small but important fact about Samsung's newest Android flagship that slipped under our radar last week at Mobile World Congress. The Galaxy S II is the first smartphone to feature an MHL port. MHL, as you'll recall, was first announced in 2008 as the Mobile High-Definition video Link "standard" for mobile devices promoted by a consortium that includes Nokia, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony, and Silicon Image. So yeah, another mobile interconnect standard just like DisplayPort, mini-HDMI, or Light Peak. Essentially, the micro-USB shaped MHL jack at the base of the Galaxy S II features internal circuitry that recognizes USB or MHL impedance and then automatically switches the phone into USB data / charging or MHL audio / video / charging modes. A special 5-wire micro-USB to HDMI cable lets you send video and audio to existing HDMI-equipped displays. Unfortunately, the TV won't charge the Galaxy S II during playback unless you insert a phone charger adapter between the GSII and TV or wait for MHL-enabled TVs to begin shipping later this year. Once connected, you can then use your TV's HDMI-CEC compatible remote to navigate and control the Galaxy S II's media interface. The GSII is just the first MHL device with a half-dozen phones, at least one tablet, and a few TVs coming this summer. More details are available in the video interview after the break.

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]]> cecgalaxygalaxy sgalaxy s 2galaxy s iiGalaxySGalaxyS2GalaxySIihdmihdmi-cecmhlmicro usbmicro-usbMicroUsbmobile world congressmobile world congress 2011MobileWorldCongressMobileWorldCongress2011mwcmwc 2011Mwc2011samsungvideo Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:59:00 -0500 21|19855318 <![CDATA[European Union's 'One charger for all' starts sampling, coming this year]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/09/european-unions-one-charger-for-all-starts-sampling/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/09/european-unions-one-charger-for-all-starts-sampling/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/09/european-unions-one-charger-for-all-starts-sampling/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
It was way back in summer of 2009 that Nokia, Apple, RIM, and the rest of the mobile world agreed to make micro-USB the connector around which all future European chargers would be built. Since then, most of those companies have transitioned their hardware to micro-USB without further prompting, but the European Union is still pushing ahead with a universally compatible charger standard to make sure everything is nice and harmonized. The details of what's expected of these chargers were published in December and now the first samples of the new hardware have been produced. The EU expects all manufacturers to have chargers adhering to the new guidelines by the end of 2011 -- and if you're wondering about how Apple, one of the signatories to this agreement, will handle it, there's a note to say that adapters will be allowed on phones without a micro-USB port. Full press release after the break.

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]]> cellphoneschargercommoncommon chargercommon standardCommonChargerCommonStandardcompatibilitycompatibleeceueuropeeuropean commissioneuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionharmonizationincompatibilitymicro usbMicroUsbphone chargerPhoneChargersamplesamplingsmartphonesstandardstandardizationstandardizeduniversaluniversal chargerUniversalChargervideo Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:26:00 -0500 21|19836055 <![CDATA[European standardization bodies formalize micro-USB cellphone charger standard]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/european-standardization-bodies-formalize-micro-usb-cellphone-ch/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/european-standardization-bodies-formalize-micro-usb-cellphone-ch/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/european-standardization-bodies-formalize-micro-usb-cellphone-ch/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments It's been more than a year since Nokia, Apple, RIM, Motorola and just about every other major cellphone manufacturer agreed on a micro-USB cellphone charger standard for Europe, but the two key European standards bodies have just now finally followed up on their end of the bargain. CEN-CENELEC and ETSI have today published harmonized standards for a universal cellphone charger based on micro-USB, which has now put the ball back in the manufacturers' court to actually produce phones that rely on the newly standardized chargers. According to the European Commission, the first of those are expect to arrive sometime "in the first months of 2011," and it expects the chargers to be "predominant" within two years. Head on past the break for the official announcement.

[Thanks, Pavel]

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]]> cellphone chargerCellphoneChargerCEN-CENELECchargerETSIeuropeeuropeanEuropean CommissionEuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionmicro usbmicro-usbMicroUsbphone chargerPhoneChargerstandardstandards Wed, 29 Dec 2010 13:28:00 -0500 21|19780544 <![CDATA[Logitech's Wireless Illuminated K800 keyboard boasts ambient light and proximity sensors, costs $100]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/18/logitechs-wireless-illuminated-k800-keyboard-boasts-ambient-lig/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/18/logitechs-wireless-illuminated-k800-keyboard-boasts-ambient-lig/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/18/logitechs-wireless-illuminated-k800-keyboard-boasts-ambient-lig/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments It wasn't too long ago that we were pondering the relative scarcity of backlit desktop keyboards, so let's all warmly welcome a new entrant into this niche category. The K800 from Logitech picks up where the wired Illuminated Keyboard left off: it has the requisite inflated price, adjustable and intelligent illumination to please functionalists, and a dagger-like profile for aesthetes. Ambient light sensors will align the keyboard's brightness to your environment, while proximity detectors will only flip the switch when your hands are in position to start writing. There's also a Micro USB cable to refresh your battery when it starts running low -- it's rated for up to 10 days of wireless use -- but whether this whole package of smart convenience is worth the $99.99 we'll leave up to you. The K800 should be shipping out later this month, and you can find out more about it in the press release after the break.

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]]> ambient light sensorAmbientLightSensorbacklightbacklitbacklit keyboardBacklitKeyboardilluminatedilluminated keyboardIlluminatedKeyboardIlluminationinputinput deviceInputDevicek800keyboardlightlight sensorLightSensorlogitechlogitech k800LogitechK800micro usbMicroUsbmotion sensorMotionSensorperipheralproximity sensorProximitySensorunifyingunifying receiverUnifyingReceiverwirelesswireless keyboardWirelessKeyboard Wed, 18 Aug 2010 06:05:00 -0400 21|19598078 <![CDATA[T-Mobile's new charger line is surprisingly interesting: fast, extra port, integrated cord management]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/t-mobiles-new-charger-line-is-surprisingly-interesting-fast-e/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/t-mobiles-new-charger-line-is-surprisingly-interesting-fast-e/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/t-mobiles-new-charger-line-is-surprisingly-interesting-fast-e/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments We know what you're thinking: what could possibly be cool about a simple micro-USB charger? Well, lots of things, turns out -- and T-Mobile's latest three-pack of aftermarket chargers might just be worth the cost of admission over the standard wall wart your phone's manufacturer tossed in the box. There are three models available -- a wall charger, car charger, and 2-in-1 model that'll do both -- and all of them promise to charge your handset 20 to 50 percent faster than a standard model. What's cooler, though, is that they all feature extra USB ports in addition to the built-in micro-USB cord, allowing you to plug in and charge a second device of your choice, and the cord's never going to get too messed up thanks to an integrated spool that lets you keep everything wound up when it's not in use. If you're feeling green, take heart -- both the wall and 2-in-1 models have the best possible Energy Star rating. They're available now for between $30 and $40 online and in "select" stores, with a nationwide roll-out following on July 19. Follow the break for T-Mobile's press release.

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]]> 2-in-1 charger2-in-1Chargerac adapterAcAdaptercar chargerCarChargerchargermicro usbmicro-usbMicroUsbt-mobile Fri, 07 May 2010 13:35:00 -0400 21|19469017 <![CDATA[Nokia N900 micro-USB connectors prone to failure?]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments The N900's well on its way to developing a solid reputation as a hacker's dream, but here's the thing: hackers need a way to charge their device. Actually, we all do, which makes a trending problem with N900s in the field particularly worrisome. It seems that the micro-USB connector's surface mount design is causing it to become misaligned or disconnected completely, and affected users seem to be having mixed results getting the issue covered under warranty. One of the symptoms of a misaligned connector is that it's unusually snug or difficult to connect, and thinking back to our review unit, we did have some minor issues there but didn't really think anything of it at the time. Anyone out there run into this nasty little issue?

Update: Mark Squires, head of social media at Nokia, dropped by our comments with an update. In short, Nokia is looking into the matter and anyone who experiences the issue should be covered by local Nokia customer care assuming that the N900 hasn't been mistreated.

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]]> connectorissuemicro usbmicro-usbMicroUsbn900nokiaproblemwarranty Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:48:00 -0500 21|19353024 <![CDATA[Support for universal micro-USB phone chargers grows with ITU approval]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/support-for-universal-micro-usb-phone-chargers-grows-with-itu-ap/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/support-for-universal-micro-usb-phone-chargers-grows-with-itu-ap/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/support-for-universal-micro-usb-phone-chargers-grows-with-itu-ap/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments The entire wireless industry has been congealing around micro-USB as a universal charging standard for a while now, and we've taken yet another important step toward completely ridding the world of bizarre proprietary connectors (you know what we're talking about, Samsung) with ITU ratification this week. The UN-backed International Telecommunication Union isn't just making the move to make our lives a little less hellish, though -- it's also a strategic environmental move on a couple fronts, since universal chargers mean consumers will be able to hold on to a single charger over the life of several phones and modern chargers are far more power efficient than models that are even just a couple years old. The ITU move isn't binding or compulsory, but there's enough momentum behind micro-USB at this point that it's pretty much going to happen for any phone you'd ever consider buying going forward, and many of the big players have already hopped on the bandwagon. We won't lie, we won't miss the days of buying a $40 car charger that powers, like, two LG models.

[Thanks, d0mth0ma5]

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]]> accessorieschargercharginginternational telecommunication unionInternationalTelecommunicationUnionitumicro usbmicro-usbMicroUsbmobile Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:40:00 -0400 21|19207581 <![CDATA[Support for universal micro-USB phone chargers grows with ITU approval]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/support-for-universal-micro-usb-phone-chargers-grows-with-itu-ap/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/support-for-universal-micro-usb-phone-chargers-grows-with-itu-ap/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/support-for-universal-micro-usb-phone-chargers-grows-with-itu-ap/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments The entire wireless industry has been congealing around micro-USB as a universal charging standard for a while now, and we've taken yet another important step toward completely ridding the world of bizarre proprietary connectors (you know what we're talking about, Samsung) with ITU ratification this week. The UN-backed International Telecommunication Union isn't just making the move to make our lives a little less hellish, though -- it's also a strategic environmental move on a couple fronts, since universal chargers mean consumers will be able to hold on to a single charger over the life of several phones and modern chargers are far more power efficient than models that are even just a couple years old. The ITU move isn't binding or compulsory, but there's enough momentum behind micro-USB at this point that it's pretty much going to happen for any phone you'd ever consider buying going forward, and many of the big players have already hopped on the bandwagon. We won't lie, we won't miss the days of buying a $40 car charger that powers, like, two LG models.

[Thanks, d0mth0ma5]

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]]> chargercharginginternational telecommunication unionInternationalTelecommunicationUnionitumicro usbmicro-usbMicroUsb Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:40:00 -0400 21|19207515 <![CDATA[Nokia, Apple, RIM and others agree on micro-USB phone charger standard for Europe]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/nokia-apple-rim-and-others-agree-on-micro-usb-phone-charger-st/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/nokia-apple-rim-and-others-agree-on-micro-usb-phone-charger-st/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/nokia-apple-rim-and-others-agree-on-micro-usb-phone-charger-st/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments While the free-market works pretty well when, uh, left alone to be free, sometimes it needs a push from a visible hand. Case in point, phone chargers, at the moment some 30 different types of chargers are used on handsets throughout Europe. Today, the European Commission received industry backing of its phone charger standard that relies on a micro-USB socket. The standard is now backed by all the majors (representing 90% of the European mobile market) including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Apple, LG, NEC, Qualcomm, Research in Motion, Samsung and Texas Instruments with compatible devices starting to appear in Europe next year. Or course, the micro-USB charger standard already has the blessings of CTIA, OMTP, and GSM Association which implies a broader adoption beyond Europe, someday. One charger for any mobile phone... where's the catch?

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]]> accessoriesApplebreaking newsBreakingNewschargereceueuropeeuropean commisionEuropeanCommisionLGmicro usbmicro-usbMicroUsbmobileMotorolaNECNokiaQualcommresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimsamsungSony Ericssonsonyericssonstandardstandard chargerStandardCharger Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:15:00 -0400 21|19081193 <![CDATA[Nokia, Apple, RIM and others agree on micro-USB phone charger standard for Europe]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/nokia-apple-rim-and-others-agree-on-micro-usb-phone-charger-st/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/nokia-apple-rim-and-others-agree-on-micro-usb-phone-charger-st/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/nokia-apple-rim-and-others-agree-on-micro-usb-phone-charger-st/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments While the free-market works pretty well when, uh, left alone to be free, sometimes it needs a push from a visible hand. Case in point, phone chargers; at the moment some 30 different types of chargers are used with handsets throughout Europe. Today, the European Commission received industry backing of its phone charger standard that relies on a micro-USB socket. The standard is now backed by all the majors (representing 90% of the European mobile market) including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Apple, LG, NEC, Qualcomm, Research in Motion, Samsung and Texas Instruments with compatible devices starting to appear in Europe next year. Or course, the micro-USB charger standard already has the blessings of CTIA, OMTP, and GSM Association which implies a broader adoption beyond Europe, someday. One charger for any mobile phone... where's the catch?

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]]> Applechargereceueuropeeuropean commisionEuropeanCommisionLGmicro usbmicro-usbMicroUsbMotorolaNECNokiaQualcommrimSony Ericssonstandardstandard chargerStandardCharger Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:15:00 -0400 21|19081186 <![CDATA[CTIA follows industry trend, throws weight behind micro-USB]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/ctia-follows-industry-trend-throws-weight-behind-micro-usb/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/ctia-follows-industry-trend-throws-weight-behind-micro-usb/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/ctia-follows-industry-trend-throws-weight-behind-micro-usb/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments The EU's already given micro-USB its blessing as the preferred charging standard for all things mobile, and now, CTIA has done the same in the States. The move makes perfect sense considering that the OMTP and GSM Association have both endorsed it -- and if there's one thing the entire universe can agree on, it's that proprietary connectors suck. Micro-USB is being lumped together with Energy Star compliance to form the Universal Charging Solution initiative with the goal of getting everyone on the same page by the beginning of 2012. We think that's a pessimistic goal, truth be told; tons of modern phones are already rocking micro-USB, so why can't we make this happen by, say, the beginning of 2010 instead?

[Via Phone Scoop]

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]]> chargerchargingctiaenergy starEnergyStarmicro usbmicro-usbMicroUsbmobileucsuniversal charging solutionUniversalChargingSolutionusb Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:54:00 -0400 21|1525241 <![CDATA[The $1.94 reason micro-USB is the new phone charging standard]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/23/the-1-94-reason-micro-usb-is-the-new-phone-charging-standard/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/23/the-1-94-reason-micro-usb-is-the-new-phone-charging-standard/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/23/the-1-94-reason-micro-usb-is-the-new-phone-charging-standard/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Yep, we're all gonna get squeezed for accessories again as the member companies of the GSM Association begin standardizing on micro-USB chargers, and while we're happy that the madness is over, we can't help but feel the decision to use micro-USB over the already-ubiquitous mini-USB was purely greed-driven -- sure, micro-USB's supposedly more robust connector can handle something like 10x more disconnects, but if mini is good enough for everything from pro-level DSLRs to rugged portable hard drives, it's probably good enough for your average flip phone, don't you think? Sigh.

[Via Geardiary]

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]]> accessoriesgsm associationGsmAssociationmicro usbmicro-usbMicroUsbmini usbmini-usbMiniUsbmobilephone chargersphone chargingPhoneChargersPhoneCharging Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:26:00 -0500 21|1468245 <![CDATA[The $1.94 reason micro-USB is the new phone charging standard]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/23/the-1-94-reason-micro-usb-is-the-new-phone-charging-standard/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/23/the-1-94-reason-micro-usb-is-the-new-phone-charging-standard/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/23/the-1-94-reason-micro-usb-is-the-new-phone-charging-standard/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Yep, we're all gonna get squeezed for accessories again as the member companies of the GSM Association begin standardizing on micro-USB chargers, and while we're happy that the madness is over, we can't help but feel the decision to use micro-USB over the already-ubiquitous mini-USB was purely greed-driven -- sure, micro-USB's supposedly more robust connector can handle something like 10x more disconnects, but if mini is good enough for everything from pro-level DSLRs to rugged portable hard drives, it's probably good enough for your average flip phone, don't you think? Sigh.

[Via Geardiary]

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]]> gsm associationGsmAssociationmicro usbmicro-usbMicroUsbmini usbmini-usbMiniUsbphone chargersphone chargingPhoneChargersPhoneCharging Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:26:00 -0500 21|1468239 <![CDATA[OMTP agrees on micro-USB standard for mobiles]]> http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/21/omtp-agrees-on-micro-usb-standard-for-mobiles/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/21/omtp-agrees-on-micro-usb-standard-for-mobiles/ http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/21/omtp-agrees-on-micro-usb-standard-for-mobiles/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Just over eight months after the USB Implementers Forum completed the micro-USB specification, the Open Mobile Terminal Platform (OMTP) has recommended that the protocol be accepted as a universal standard for charging and syncing mobile devices. Reportedly, the "OMTP's paper recommends that the micro-USB standard" be adopted across the mobile industry in order to "streamline the whole value chain and provide end users with a larger choice of the most popular peripherals." Still, we're not told when handset manufacturers will start offering up the new port en masse, but at least we're makin' progress, eh?

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]]> chargingmicro usbmicro-usbMicroUsbmobilenokiaOMTPprotocolstandardusbusb-if Fri, 21 Sep 2007 13:59:00 -0400 21|995311