FastCharge
Latest
Tesla's Model 3 can now use DC fast chargers across the US
Tesla has finally made it possible for Model 3 owners to use DC fast chargers that aren't part of its own Supercharger network. It just released an update for the EV that adds compatibility with all "CHAdeMO" DC fast chargers across North America. Now, Model 3 owners can pay $450 for the same adapter that's been available to Model S and Model X owners for a long time now, and get a fast charge at nearly any third-party station.
Pixel XL may lose fast charging after Android Pie update (updated)
Android Pie has been out for a week; now Google's latest mobile operating system has a problem. Users of the company's own Pixel XL from 2016 are reporting issues with fast chargers after they've updated to Pie. People aren't seeing the "Charging rapidly" message they used to see before the update.
Porsche's electric Mission E will pack up to 670 horsepower
We've already noted that Porsche is gunning for Tesla with its Mission E sports car, and has even been spotted testing it against the Model X and Model S. Now we know more about what you'll be able to buy when it goes on the market, reportedly in 2019. Automobile reports that it will likely release three all-wheel drive versions with 300 kW, 400 kW and 500 kW (402, 536 and 670 horsepower). It'll have a two-speed transmission and, as we've noted earlier, will hit 0 to 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph, and go around 300 miles on a charge.
Apple's new iPhones can fast-charge, if you have the right adapter
One of the biggest (and most widely predicted) improvements that Apple revealed at its event yesterday was the addition of wireless charging for the iPhone. The glass-backed phones will allow for Qi inductive wireless charging, which means that you can charge them using ubiquitous third-party surfaces. But there are perks if you're willing to continue to use a wire to charge your phone: You can fast charge the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X battery to 50 percent in just 30 minutes.
Samsung's fast wireless charger is available for pre-order, sort of
When Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+, it also revealed a fast wireless charging pad that takes advantage of the smartphones' new, speedier Qi charging spec. Well, you can now pre-order that charging pad... in a manner of speaking. The $70 peripheral is available to purchase on Samsung's website as I write, but dropping it in your cart reveals that it's back-ordered and doesn't have an estimated ship date. You'll be waiting an unspecified number of weeks before this is sitting on your desk, then. If you can afford to wait, however, it could be a good complement to Samsung's latest supersized devices -- you won't have to wait ages to top up your phone just because you hate cables.
Softbank announces the Arrows A, can fast-charge a day of use in just 10 minutes
Softbank has just held its biannual showcase to reveal its new smartphone family and, as is often the case with Japanese carriers, there's a few interesting devices alongside the more predictable iPhone fare. Poring over the company's Winter 2013 collection, it's Fujitsu's Arrows A 301F that immediately jumps out, with the particularly useful ability to charge up "a full day" of use in just 10 minutes. However, we're not sure whether that's thanks to the processor or a "dedicated" AC adapter that comes with the device. The 2,600mAh battery will reportedly offer three days of use on a full charge and is accompanied by some more familiar smartphone specs, like a 5-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 800 processor, and 13-megapixel camera sensor. Talking of sensors, there's one other feature that's had plenty of attention elsewhere recently: a fingerprint reader. On the Arrow A, it's located on the rear, just below the flash and camera sensor, although the company hasn't elaborated on its uses. The phone will launch in Japan this December.
Texas Instruments brings fast charging, extended life to Li-ion batteries
Yesterday Texas Instruments introduced a couple of new chipsets (fuel gauge an charger ICs) designed to improve the charging speed and life expectancy of single-cell Li-ion batteries. The technology, called MaxLife, is expected to provide an improvement of up to 30 percent in battery service life and faster charging times. Cell impedance is carefully monitored by the fuel gauge chip while the charger IC uses a model of battery degradation to charge the cell in the most effective way. Both chips are connected via an I2C bus to form an autonomous battery management system which, according to the company, is safer and more thermally efficient than existing solutions. The two chipsets (2.5A and 4.5A) are now available along with a development kit, so it's only a matter of time until this technology lands into handsets and other devices that use single-cell Li-ion batteries. Check out the details after the break.
Acer Allegro hands-on at MWC 2012
We covered Acer's two Android devices at last week's show, but what in the world happened to its Windows Phone? It's easy to forget about the Acer Allegro because we haven't seen it show up beyond the reaches of Asia and France, but we hunted one down at Mobile World Congress and snapped a few shots for posterity. Intended to tempt bargain hunters, the device offers a 3.6-inch WVGA display, 1GHz single-core Qualcomm MSM8255 CPU, 8GB internal storage, 5MP rear camera with LED flash and a 1,300mAh battery. It also features Fast Charge, which provides the Allegro with a full battery two and a half times faster than a standard Acer. On the unfortunate side, it's also 13mm thick and lacks a front-facing shooter, which may be enough for the hardcore Windows Phone fan to lose interest. But if you're still reading on, feel free to gaze upon our pics below.%Gallery-149195%Sean Cooper contributed to this hands-on.For more coverage of MWC 2012, visit our event hub!
Acer's first venture into Windows Phone arrives in France as the Allegro
Remember the Acer W4? After seeing it at IFA 2011, it seems that it's finally ready to make some first impressions, and its blind date is with France. Known officially as the Allegro, Acer's inaugural Windows Phone isn't going over the top in the spec department: it has a 3.6-inch WVGA (800 x 480) display, 1GHz single-core Qualcomm MSM8255 CPU, 8GB internal storage, 5MP rear camera with LED flash and a 1,300mAh battery. However, a unique addition to this €299 ($425) device is a feature called Fast Charge, which allows the Allegro to get juiced up to 2.5 times faster than the rest of the company's lineup. Expect the device to land in France in mid-November with two color options -- white and dark blue iceberg. Just make sure, Acer, to walk your date all the way back home from dinner.
Toshiba's Super Charge Ion Battery gets 90% full in 10 minutes
Imagine this -- you, sitting in a dingy airport terminal waiting on your flight with a lifeless laptop and just 10 minutes to spare. You've got oodles of spreadsheet work to do before 8:00AM tomorrow, and unless you get it done on this flight, you're fubared. Toshiba is looking to make said scenario seem like one that's not so grim, as its prototype SCIB (Super Charge Ion Battery) purportedly has the potential to get 90% full in just 10 minutes. The battery was unveiled at CEATEC 2008 in Japan, though little was known about its eventual availability. Shame development cycles can't be fast tracked in a similar manner, huh?[Via UberReview]
Lightning's 120,000 all-electric sports car unveiled in London
Well, would you have a look at that. That, dear friends, is Lightning's immaculate GT -- a £120,000 ($239,400) motorcar that is just one of two vehicles in the world to rely on lithium-titanate battery technology. Said innovation enables the vehicle to go from dead to fully charged in "just minutes," though you will have to find a location that provides three-phase industrial power in order to see the benefits over traditional Li-ion cells. The firm's Chris Dell asserts that the nearly exclusive quick charge tech more than justifies the exorbitant price tag, and he's even looking to UK-based businesses to hopefully strike a deal in which motorists can swing by, juice up and be on their way while traveling. Anxious to take delivery? Looks like you'll be waiting until sometime next year.
