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Mophie's latest portable battery pack has a flip-out Apple Watch charger
It revealed three new wireless charging stations designed for Apple devices.
Mophie's cheapest battery packs yet start at just $30
There are two things Mophie has always been known for: Delivering attractive mobile cases and battery packs that fit right alongside Apple's aesthetic, and making you pay a premium to own its products. That all changes with the company's next batch of mobile battery packs, which are up to 50 percent cheaper than their previous models. They're still sleek, but of course, Mophie had to make some manufacturing tweaks to lower its production costs. Now instead of being encased entirely in metal, they're sandwiched between two pieces of aluminum.
Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation delivers slim portable charging, on sale Monday
The iconic iPhone battery case from Mophie, the Juice Pack, hasn't made the transition from the iPhone 4/4S 30-pin connector to the newer Lightning interface yet. That's put some extra attention on the standalone battery packs in the company's lineup. We tested the Juice Pack Powerstation, the mid-range 4,000 mAh model. It's on sale today for Cyber Monday at US$59.95, $20 off the regular price. Mophie's gear always delivers with sleek, engaging industrial design, and the Powerstation line is no exception. This black and brushed-metal pocket-sized battery pack could scarcely be simpler: one full-size USB port, one micro USB port, and a charge/check button are the only controls. It's got roughly the same footprint as an iPhone 4, but somewhat thicker. Getting this much battery into slim packaging requires a few compromises. Unlike similar-capacity battery packs from MyCharge or Powerstick, the Powerstation does not include AC or solar-charging capability. You charge it from a USB connection, preferably a high-power connection such as the one on your laptop. Just connect the included micro USB cable to the source and the Powerstation will charge. But, it will not charge a device simultaneously. The outbound charge port on the Powerstation will charge most USB devices and supports the 2A iPad fast-charging mode. The 4,000 mAh capacity should be enough to recharge an iPhone several times and will give an iPad a partial recharge. The full product line includes the slimmer Powerstation Mini, the dual-output Powerstation Duo, and the water-rated, 6,000 mAh Powerstation PRO. All models are discounted for Cyber Monday at mophie.com. I found the Powerstation to be a great charging companion for slim iPad bags or to tuck into a jacket pocket; its relatively small size compared to other battery units makes me much more likely to take it along for the ride -- although I do love the solar trickle charge panel on the Powertrip. You can certainly get cheaper look-alike units such as this dual-port 3,000 mAh package from Monoprice, but you won't find one as well-built or dependable.
Nissan says Leaf charger will start powering homes in July, details new battery (video)
We kicked the tires on Nissan's Leaf-based EV Power Station in Tokyo a while back, and now the company has announced that Japanese customers will start receiving the home power backups in July. On top of trundling you around town, the EV's battery will supply 6kWh of juice to your house, keeping it powered for up to two days. It also features an advanced charger, which can juice the Leaf to 80% capacity in only four hours, compared to the eight usually required to get to that level. It'll be sold through Nissan dealers and will run 480,000 yen ($6,000), or less with government subsidies -- in addition to the $35K you'd need for the car itself, of course. Roll on past the break for the video details.
Mophie Juice Packs for iPhone 4, iPad en route to Apple Store
We have some details for you on Mophie's upcoming Juice Pack Universal line. Ready? Okay: available at the Apple Store sometime this month (and at Mophie's website now), all the new models, including Boost ($60), Reserve ($40) and Powerstation ($100), are compatible with all iPhone and iPod touch form factors, while the latter also throws iPad compatibility into the mix. Additionally, Reserve and Boost both feature one amp current (which, as the company points out, means they'll charge your device twice as fast as your standard 500 mAh charger), while Power Station boasts 2.1 amps. Not bad, eh? PR after the break.
Mophie Juice Pack family portrait: Powerstation, Reserve, Boost, and Air for iPhone 4
Mophie's had quite a few product announcements recently, from an iPhone 4 case / battery pack to a credit card solution with intuit. Hot on the heels of this week's Juice Pack Powerstation unveil, the company stopped by to give us a glimpse of their revised lineup. In addition to all the aforementioned, we also got to check out the Reserve and Boost that formally debuted back in June. We didn't get enough time to really put 'em through their battery charging paces, but we did get pictures -- hey, you're welcome. %Gallery-102596%
Mophie's Juice Pack Powerstation is smarter than you think
You're probably wondering why Mophie has apparently crafted a device that's not also a case. Believe it or not, you actually aren't living in a parallel universe, and this is -- in fact -- the outfit's first product made compatible with other USB devices. The Juice Pack Powerstation is most obviously targeting heavy iPad users, but the beastly battery pack is quite capable of rejuvenating your PND, PMP or smartphone provided you have the necessary cabling. Most interesting, however, is this unit's ability to automatically switch between desired mAh charges, including 500 mAh, 1A and 2.1A, while a standby toggle switch ensures no drainage when it's idle. There's also a USB pass-through so users can charge a device and the Powerstation simultaneously, and if you're interested, all 3600mAh can be yours starting today at $99.95.
Australian power grid attacked by virus, Linux saves the day
This isn't the first time we've heard of an institutional virus outbreak -- even the crew of the International Space Station had a neat little scare not too long ago -- and now various outlets in Australia are reporting that Integral Energy, which supplies energy to homes and businesses in New South Wales and Queensland, has suffered a particularly nasty visit by the W32.Virut.CF virus. When all was said and done, the company had to repair all 1000 of the facility's desktops. Furthermore, the Sydney Morning Herald reports that the company's anti-virus software hadn't been updated since at least February. Between the lack of anti-virus updates and the fact that segregation between the company's main network and the grid was "typically none at all" this story has all the makings of a disaster. Luckily, the grid itself runs on Sun Solaris -- and when control systems became infected, how did they fix the mess? That's right: by replacing them with Linux machines. A word to the wise: they do make anti-virus auto-updates for a reason.[Via The PC Report]
Rechargeable Wii Remote batteries and dock in 2007
Joytech is preparing a Wii Remote docking station with built-in charger for an early 2007 release. While we could care less about the company's plastic rackets -- although the second definition of "racket" is fitting -- we're interested in this disposable-battery replacement.We expected Nintendo to release this sort of charger, but if it works, we don't care who makes it. Joytech gives you rechargeable batteries and replacement covers for two Remotes. Nestle a controller into the dock, and it will lap up delicious electrons. While the design isn't perfect -- the pull-out claws that hold the Nunchuks look useless -- the $39 charger may be able to draw power from the Wii's USB port, saving an outlet in our rat's nest of power cables.[Via Engadget]
JoyTech announces Wii PowerStation to keep your Wiimotes juiced
JoyTech's no stranger to the Wii accessory scene, and the firm is hitting us up once more with its Wii PowerStation. As the title implies, this docking unit can safely house two Hattori Hanzo swords potentially dangerous Wiimotes, and comes stocked with twin rechargeable battery packs to save you those late night trips to the battery department. Additionally, there's a pull-out cradle on each side to place your nunchuck, and while there's nothing to prove (or disprove) the theory, it looks as if the charging station can receive power from any USB port. So if the days on end of Wii Sportin' it are chewing through the Engergizers at an unacceptable rate, you can pick this up in late January for £19.97 ($39).[Via VideoGamesBlogger, thanks Mark]
