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Lytro video camera 'a possibility', would need more processing muscle

Mat Smith — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:36:00 EST

While we impatiently await a Lytro to call our own -- or at least rigorously review -- it looks like the light field technology could be used for video. Ren Ng, CEO of Lytro and the man behind the camera's focus-dodging optical wizardry, mentioned that the main barrier between the curious camera lens and video recording is the amount of processing power required to manipulate all that fully-lit input. He also mentioned that Lytro is continuing to develop the wireless connectivity within the device, something that wasn't fully baked during our hands-on. If it's a processing power issue, those incoming quad-core smartphones might be able to help squeeze some video out of that f/2.0 lens...

Lytro video camera 'a possibility', would need more processing muscle originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Innergie PocketCell can power over 10,000 USB devices, just not at the same time

James Trew — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST

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.

Continue reading Innergie PocketCell can power over 10,000 USB devices, just not at the same time

Innergie PocketCell can power over 10,000 USB devices, just not at the same time originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analogix Slim Port technology lets you connect your phone to your TV via its microUSB port

Michael Gorman — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:06:00 EST

Sometimes, the simplest ideas are the best ones, and Analogix Slim Port technology certainly qualifies as both. It's a cabling solution that allows you to mirror what's on your phone (while charging it when connected via HDMI) or tablet's screen to your TV via microUSB -- instead of needing an extra HDMI or MHL port. Analogix's secret sauce is on a chip embedded in the jack portion of the cable and because it's based on DisplayPort technology, it can connect using HDMI, VGA, or DVI connections. Of course, as an OEM, Analogix won't be selling the cables when they go on sale this summer, but retailers like Belkin and BizLink will probably put one in your bag for around $20 or $30 bucks.

Analogix Slim Port technology lets you connect your phone to your TV via its microUSB port originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tritton's latest Bluetooth headset lands at the FCC, hopes to find refuge with PS3 owners

Joe Pollicino — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 07:31:00 EST

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

Tritton's latest Bluetooth headset lands at the FCC, hopes to find refuge with PS3 owners originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Innergie Magic cables wed USB and 30-pin connections, let you break 'em up on the fly

Joe Pollicino — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:42:00 EST

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.

Continue reading Innergie Magic cables wed USB and 30-pin connections, let you break 'em up on the fly

Innergie Magic cables wed USB and 30-pin connections, let you break 'em up on the fly originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ice Cream Sandwich supports USB game controllers and HDMI, turns your phone into full game console

Brad Molen — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 06:08:00 EST

Take that, Xperia Play. USB gamepads are already supported in Honeycomb, so we had plenty of hope that Android 4.0 -- also lovingly referred to as Ice Cream Sandwich -- would offer the same functionality. We finally have the answer, and it's a resounding yes, courtesy of Google framework engineer Romain Guy's Twitter account. The cool part, though, is that HDMI's playing nice as well. In short, you could hook up an external gamepad to a USB-to-microUSB adapter on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, connect it to your TV and transform your handset into a fancy portable gaming console. It's definitely something we can see developers flock towards, and we'll expect some cool stuff to come out of it. Just in case you thought the Nexus wouldn't let you get anything else done around the house already, this pretty much seals the deal. Move below the break to see a screenshot from the SDK.

Continue reading Ice Cream Sandwich supports USB game controllers and HDMI, turns your phone into full game console

Ice Cream Sandwich supports USB game controllers and HDMI, turns your phone into full game console originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 06:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lytro camera hands-on (video)

Dante Cesa — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:26:00 EST

You knew Lytro was up to something, but with its infinite focus light-field powered camera out of the bag, how does it actually stack up in real life? In a word: novel -- you certainly won't be tossing your regular camera for this shooter, at least not in its current incarnation. Still the concept of shoot now, ask focus questions later is revolutionary, so hop on past the break for our initial impressions.

Gallery: Lytro camera hands-on

Continue reading Lytro camera hands-on (video)

Lytro camera hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lytro introduces world's first light field camera: f/2 lens, $399, ships early 2012

Dante Cesa — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:50:00 EST

Ready for the world's first consumer light field camera -- you know, the spiffy kind that can infinitely focus? After demoing the tech earlier this year, Lytro's unveiled the world's first shipping product -- a little something it calls the Lytro camera. Within the anodized aluminum frame, the consumer-friendly camera totes an f/2, 8x zoom lens which utilizes an 11-mega-ray light-field to power all that infinite focus magic. It's instant-on and the rubber back-end wields only two physical buttons: one for shutter and the other for power. The company's added the ability to change the focus on-camera, a task accomplished via its touchscreen glass display.

It'll ship in two versions: the $399 8GB flavor can hold 350 pictures, and comes in graphite or blue, followed by a $499 16GB model, which sports an electric-red finish and stores up to 750 images. Pre-orders go live at Lytro's website today, and will ship in early 2012 on a first-come first-serve basis. Our hands-on impressions are here, with PR and sample images after the break.

Gallery: Lytro keynote

Gallery: Lytro camera press shots

Gallery: Lytro camera up-close

Continue reading Lytro introduces world's first light field camera: f/2 lens, $399, ships early 2012

Lytro introduces world's first light field camera: f/2 lens, $399, ships early 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official iPhone micro-USB adapter quietly sneaks into UK Apple Store

Mat Smith — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:45:00 EST

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]

Official iPhone micro-USB adapter quietly sneaks into UK Apple Store originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kobo Vox eReader Tablet hits the FCC, shrouded in bookish mystery

Brian Heater — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:51:00 EST

What's this mystery e-reader? It's the Kobo Vox, and it just made its debut on the FCC's site. Is it a reworked version of the relatively recently released Touch Edition? Is it a brand new reader from the company? The device is listed as being an "eReader Tablet," so perhaps it's something more akin to Barnes & Noble's Nook Color or the Kindle tablet reportedly in the works from Amazon. And will Kobo's recent appearance at f8 play into the equation? It's hard to say, but there are a few things worth noting here. First, if the above rough image is to be believed, the device is touchscreen, as with the company's current product. The design, however, looks a lot more like the latest version of the Nook than the new Kobo. A side shot reveals what appears to be a microUSB slot (no shocker there) and a headphone jack, something missing on both the latest Kobo and Nook (though both the latest Kindle and the Nook Color rock one), while a "multimedia headset" was used in the testing. Also listed among the testing materials is a microSD card, so there seems a pretty good chance that this thing has expandable memory -- again, not a surprise, nor is the fact that the reader is listed as being WiFi-enabled.

Continue reading Kobo Vox eReader Tablet hits the FCC, shrouded in bookish mystery

Kobo Vox eReader Tablet hits the FCC, shrouded in bookish mystery originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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dockBoss+ adapter brings iOS speaker dock compatibility to Android, BlackBerry and WP7 handsets*

Billy Steele — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:10:00 EST

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]

dockBoss+ adapter brings iOS speaker dock compatibility to Android, BlackBerry and WP7 handsets* originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Medion announces LifeTab P9514 tablet, mysterious Android smartphone at IFA

Amar Toor — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 13:18:00 EST

Medion enjoyed a pretty eventful weekend at this year's IFA in Berlin, where the German PC maker unveiled a new Android tablet and a rather obtuse Gingerbread smartphone. Known as the Lifetab P9514, the company's 32GB, 1.6-pound slate is powered by a 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, runs Honeycomb 3.2 and features a capacitive multitouch display with 1280 x 800 resolution. The device also supports both quad-band 3G and WiFi connections, along with the usual smattering of HDMI, microUSB, and microSD ports. Medion's new phone, meanwhile, remains decidedly more mysterious. At this point, we know that the 4.3-inch handset rocks a five megapixel shooter and comes pre-loaded with the manufacturer's GoPal satnav app, but further details remain murky. Both devices are expected to ship within Europe during Q4 of this year at unconfirmed prices, though rumor has it that the LifeTab will run for €399 (about $564). No word yet on whether we can expect to see either product hit the US anytime soon, but you can catch a glimpse of the freshly unveiled smartphone, after the break.

Continue reading Medion announces LifeTab P9514 tablet, mysterious Android smartphone at IFA

Medion announces LifeTab P9514 tablet, mysterious Android smartphone at IFA originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kanex's MHL HDMI adapter brings your smartphone content to an HDTV near you

Brian Heater — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:34:00 EST

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.

Continue reading Kanex's MHL HDMI adapter brings your smartphone content to an HDTV near you

Kanex's MHL HDMI adapter brings your smartphone content to an HDTV near you originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fossil's Meta Watch delayed once again, clearly has trouble keeping time

Amar Toor — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:32:00 EST

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]

Fossil's Meta Watch delayed once again, clearly has trouble keeping time originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best Buy adds $50 dock to its collection of HTC Flyer accessories

Dana Wollman — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:11:00 EST

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.

Best Buy adds $50 dock to its collection of HTC Flyer accessories originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy S II first with MHL port for dual-purpose USB or HDMI out (video)

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:59:00 EST

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.

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy S II first with MHL port for dual-purpose USB or HDMI out (video)

Samsung Galaxy S II first with MHL port for dual-purpose USB or HDMI out (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European Union's 'One charger for all' starts sampling, coming this year

Vlad Savov — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:26:00 EST

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.

Continue reading European Union's 'One charger for all' starts sampling, coming this year

European Union's 'One charger for all' starts sampling, coming this year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European standardization bodies formalize micro-USB cellphone charger standard

Donald Melanson — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 13:28:00 EST

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]

Continue reading European standardization bodies formalize micro-USB cellphone charger standard

European standardization bodies formalize micro-USB cellphone charger standard originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitech's Wireless Illuminated K800 keyboard boasts ambient light and proximity sensors, costs $100

Vlad Savov — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 06:05:00 EST

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.

Continue reading Logitech's Wireless Illuminated K800 keyboard boasts ambient light and proximity sensors, costs $100

Logitech's Wireless Illuminated K800 keyboard boasts ambient light and proximity sensors, costs $100 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 06:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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tPhone competes with Apple Peel 520, turns your iPod Touch into a chubby phone

Tim Stevens — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:33:00 EST

Well, it didn't take long for the Apple Peel 520 to go from pioneering phone-maker to competition. Enter the tPhone, an also derivatively named and similarly positioned device that attaches to an iPod Touch and turns it into a phone. This one packs a 1,200mAh battery, 50 percent larger than the Apple Peel, but offsets that by existing as a "super-duper thick" hard case that clips on to the Touch. It naturally also offers a SIM slot and a dock port, augmented by a handy microUSB port on the side. It'll set you back ¥700, about $100, so you're paying a bit of a premium over the $75 Apple Peel. Worth it given the extra bulk and cost? That depends: just how big are your pockets?

tPhone competes with Apple Peel 520, turns your iPod Touch into a chubby phone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Primo Battery Cube brings extra life to mini or micro-USB devices, is not actually a cube

Tim Stevens — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 07:31:00 EST

If you, like we, were disappointed by mophie's unwillingness to support anything lacking an Apple dock port in its new line of juice packs, here's an alternative. PhoneSuit is launching the Primo Battery Cube, a decidedly non-cube-shaped device that is perhaps a bit chubby but manages compatibility with either micro or miniUSB devices. The $40 battery, which launches on July 12, charges over USB, packs a 1,000mAh cell inside, and sports four LED lights on top to give you an idea of just how many of those milliampere-hours have yet to be served. Oh, and it's shape, because of its unequal sides it's actually a cuboid, not a cube. But of course you knew that, you geometry whiz you.

Gallery: Primo Battery Cube

Primo Battery Cube brings extra life to mini or micro-USB devices, is not actually a cube originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile's new charger line is surprisingly interesting: fast, extra port, integrated cord management

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:35:00 EST

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.

Continue reading T-Mobile's new charger line is surprisingly interesting: fast, extra port, integrated cord management

T-Mobile's new charger line is surprisingly interesting: fast, extra port, integrated cord management originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 May 2010 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia N900 micro-USB connectors prone to failure?

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:48:00 EST

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.

Nokia N900 micro-USB connectors prone to failure? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Support for universal micro-USB phone chargers grows with ITU approval

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EST

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]

Filed under: Accessories

Support for universal micro-USB phone chargers grows with ITU approval originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Support for universal micro-USB phone chargers grows with ITU approval

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

Support for universal micro-USB phone chargers grows with ITU approval originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia, Apple, RIM and others agree on micro-USB phone charger standard for Europe

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:15:00 EST

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?

Filed under: LG, Motorola, Nokia, RIM, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Accessories

Nokia, Apple, RIM and others agree on micro-USB phone charger standard for Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia, Apple, RIM and others agree on micro-USB phone charger standard for Europe

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:15:00 EST

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?

Filed under: Cellphones

Nokia, Apple, RIM and others agree on micro-USB phone charger standard for Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CTIA follows industry trend, throws weight behind micro-USB

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:54:00 EST

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]

Filed under: Misc

CTIA follows industry trend, throws weight behind micro-USB originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The $1.94 reason micro-USB is the new phone charging standard

Nilay Patel — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:26:00 EST

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]

Filed under: Accessories

The $1.94 reason micro-USB is the new phone charging standard originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The $1.94 reason micro-USB is the new phone charging standard

Nilay Patel — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

The $1.94 reason micro-USB is the new phone charging standard originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OMTP agrees on micro-USB standard for mobiles

Darren Murph — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 13:59:00 EST

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?

Filed under: Misc

OMTP agrees on micro-USB standard for mobiles originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Sep 2007 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OMTP agrees on micro-USB standard for mobiles

Darren Murph — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

OMTP agrees on micro-USB standard for mobiles originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Sep 2007 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mobile phones to adopt smaller micro-USB connector

Darren Murph — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 00:19:00 EST

Just when you think another protocol change couldn't possibly surface and force you to purchase more adapters in order to operate your gadgets, it does. Sure enough, the USB Implementers Forum has recently announced that we loyal consumers will all be shelling out a few extra bucks as new mobile handsets, PDAs, and digital cameras adopt a new, smaller "micro-USB" adapter for syncing / charging. As the RAZRs of the world get thinner and thinner, so too must the port with which we charge it. While there's no apparent size specification just yet, all we know is that it'll be smaller than the current implementation, and inevitably require additional purchases in order to use. Additionally, the USB-IF stated the new standard would support USB On-The-Go, and will feature a "stainless steel shell" to reportedly yield "more than 10,000 insertion cycles" before your charging port is rendered completely inutile. No word on when to expect the ultra-diminutive port to start showing up on handsets, but look for it on the first mobile barely thicker than a credit card.

[Via Mobileburn]

Filed under: Cellphones

Mobile phones to adopt smaller micro-USB connector originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Jan 2007 00:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mobile phones to adopt smaller "micro-USB" connector

Darren Murph — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 00:19:00 EST

Just when you think another protocol change couldn't possibly surface and force you to purchase more adapters in order to operate your gadgets, it does. Sure enough, the USB Implementers Forum has recently announced that we loyal consumers will all be shelling out a few extra bucks as new mobile handsets, PDAs, and digital cameras adopt a new, smaller "micro-USB" adapter for syncing / charging. As the RAZRs of the world get thinner and thinner, so must the port in which we charge it, and while there's no apparent size specification just yet, all we know is that it'll be smaller than the current implementation, and inevitably require additional purchases in order to use. Additionally, the USB-IF stated the new standard would support USB On-The-Go, and will feature a "stainless steel shell" to reportedly yield "more than 10,000 insertion cycles" before your charging port is rendered completely inutile. No word on when to expect the ultra-diminutive port to start showing up on handsets, but look for it on the first mobile barely thicker than a credit card.

[Via Mobileburn]

Filed under: Misc

Mobile phones to adopt smaller "micro-USB" connector originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Jan 2007 00:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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