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Apple to replace European iPhone chargers
Apple has launched an exchange program for 5W European USB Power Adapters that were sold between October, 2009 and September, 2012. The affected adapter is Model A1300. Apple illustrates exactly how to identify it here. Apple has determined that this model may overhead and become a safety risk. Those with affected adapters are encouraged to make an appointment at a local Apple Store or authorized retailer. Those who can't get to a store may contact Apple directly. All A1300 adapters manufactured during the identified time period will be replaced free of charge.
Apple swapping older European iPhone chargers due to overheating risk
Apple recently launched a takeback program for faulty, third-party iPhone chargers, but should've looked inside its own glass house first. It has just issued an advisory that Apple-branded iPhone USB adapters sold between October 2009 and September 2012 could pose a safety risk by overheating. The affected model number "A1300" came with European versions of the iPhone 3Gs, 4 and 4s. The good news is that you can get it replaced free of charge with a redesigned adapter (A1400) at an Apple Store, authorized service provider or through Apple technical support. Apple has a full list of the affected countries (including most of Europe but not the UK), along with information about how to swap it at a dedicated support page. In case you've already purchased a third-party replacement adapter, Apple will also give you a full refund. Update: Apple has told us that it voluntarily introduced the program, meaning it's not a recall per se. We've update the post's headline to reflect that, and Apple's full statement is below. Apple has voluntarily introduced a program for customers to exchange the Apple 5W European USB Power Adapter which came with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S models through September 2012, because in rare cases the adapter may overheat and pose a safety risk. For full program details, visit http://www.apple.com/support/usbadapter-european/.
Nintendo resurrects its best controller for Super Smash Bros. on the Wii U
Not only is one of Nintendo's most loved games soon to arrive on the Wii U, but you'll also be able to play it using one of the game company's best controllers. An officially licensed adapter will let you plug in up to four GameCube controllers when playing the next-gen iteration of Super Smash Bros. As Joystiq points out, we don't know if there'll also be support for Nintendo's wireless Wavebird via the same piece of kit, or whether GameCube controllers will work with other Wii U titles. Neither do we have any pricing. What we do know is that the adapter will be shown off during a tournament at E3 on June 10th (check out the video below at 2:20). It''ll then presumably go on sale in time for the launch of Super Smash Bros. on the Wii U this winter -- and, from Nintendo's perspective, it surely can't come soon enough.
Nintendo reveals GameCube controller adapter for Smash Bros. Wii U
An officially licensed adapter will allow Super Smash Bros. Melee veterans to play the upcoming Wii U version of Super Smash Bros. with GameCube controllers, Nintendo announced today. The peripheral allows players to connect up to four GameCube controllers to the Wii U via a USB dongle. Nintendo has not announced whether WaveBird wireless controllers are supported, or if GameCube controller support is planned for other Wii U games. Smash Bros. brawlers have plenty of input options to choose from, including Nintendo's own Wii U Pro Controller, Wii Classic Controllers, and PDP's upcoming Wired Fight Pad. The Wii U version of Super Smash Bros. will launch this winter. [Image: Nintendo]
Here's an all-in-one travel adapter for your MacBook charger
Road warriors who carry a MacBook may already have Apple's world travel adapter kit, or even Twelve South's PlugBug for that extra USB port; but both products require swapping plugs for different regions. Konnext's OneAdapter Twist, however, caters to the slightly lazier travelers: It's essentially a chunky all-in-one travel adapter that sits atop any MacBook charger, though it also works just fine by itself. To switch plugs, simply twist the ring in the middle until it clicks. There's also a 2.4A USB socket (PlugBug's is only 2.1A), and if you need more, you can slot an optional three-socket USB hub in between. The OneAdapter Twist won't be launching until June for around $29 to $39, but for now, we have a quick demo video of a prototype after the break.
The 'world's smallest' laptop adapter debuts on Kickstarter for $79
Back at CES in January, MIT spin-off FINsix unveiled the "world's smallest" 65W laptop adapter, and it even managed to nab a nomination for our Best Startup award. Fast forward to today, the company is launching this nifty device -- now dubbed the Dart -- on Kickstarter for as low as $79 per unit. Here's a quick reminder: this charger is four times smaller and six times lighter than its regular counterparts, and it also comes with a 2.1A USB port. The enabling technology here is a highly efficient VHF (very high frequency) power conversion, as refined and patented by MIT. As you'd expect, the Dart is compatible with most laptops, and there's even a special version for MacBooks that don't need more than 65W of power.
Some caveats come with Xbox One headset adapter [update]
Not all models of headset will be compatible with the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter coming out in March. Tritton's Warhead model, as well as the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset and Xbox 360 Wireless Bluetooth Headset are incompatible, as is any headset with the type of dongle you see pictured above. Even if your headset is compatible, however, there are a couple caveats to keep in mind. According to an Xbox One troubleshooting page, a 2.5mm-to-3.5mm adapter cable included with the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter will allow you to connect to the device for chat audio, but not game audio. For that, you'll need additional cables. If your headset uses an optical audio cable, plug one end into the headset or headset receiver, and the other into the Xbox One's optical audio output port. If your headset connects using RCA, you'll need RCA audio output ports or a 3.5-mm headphone jack output on your TV. If you've got the latter, you'll also want a 3.5mm mini-to-RCA adapter cable. The upcoming Xbox One Stereo Headset uses a single 3.5mm jack for both game audio and chat audio, so using it is a simple matter of plug and play. Mostly. Before you use either the Xbox One Stereo Headset or the Stereo Headset Adapter, you'll need to update the firmware on your Xbox One controller. And how do you do that? You connect to Xbox Live, remove the controller batteries, plug in the adapter and headset of choice, install an update, and replace the batteries. Update: While Microsoft's support page also lists the Tritton Primer model as an incompatible headset, a Mad Catz representative told Joystiq that information is incorrect. "The TRITTON Primer should work fine via the adapter," Mad Catz PR Director Alex Verrey tweeted.
Xbox One stereo headset and adapter arrive in March
The DualShock 4 just has a simple 3.5mm audio jack baked right into its body. The Xbox One controller, on the other hand, has a small proprietary port that wasn't designed for connecting a headset to... at least not without some help. In early March, Microsoft will start selling an adapter that will let you connect your favorite pair of cans to your controller for $25. The small adapter finally opens the console to third-party headsets, be they Turtle Beach or SteelSeries. The tiny matte plastic accessory even has buttons for controlling volume and muting your microphone. The latter will definitely come in handy for privately cursing the weak link on your Titanfall team without taking your hands off the controller. If you don't already own a headset though (and don't want to settle for the monophonic chat accessory) you can pick up an Xbox-branded one, with the nearly universal adapter included, for $80. Either way, if you're a multiplayer FPS addict, you're probably going to want to pick up one of these when they hit shelves early next month.
Designing a better MagSafe 2 connector
Apple's original MagSafe connector was a simple, but revolutionary new feature for its notebooks. Its T-shaped design also hates being placed in a lap. The straight-out shape makes it difficult to rest a MacBook on a pair of crossed legs without snapping the charger out of place. The second generation of the MagSafe addressed this issue by changing to an L-shaped form factor. Problem solved, right? Well, it was, until the MagSafe 2. For whatever reason, the new, thinner MagSafe 2 connector took a step backward with the lap-unfriendly T-shape. Users on forums across the web weren't pleased with this, and predicted that the change was made so that the company could come out with a "new and improved" L-shaped version at a later date. But rather than wait on Apple to potentially roll out a better MagSafe 2 product in the future, I decided to have a go at designing one myself. Things started modestly, and all I had to work off of was the dimensions of the existing MagSafe 2 adapter. I took those into account and made sure the surface area of the magnetic portion matched perfectly, along with the overall length and width of the connector. After I had the core dimensions in place, it was time to start smoothing a few of the edges and tweaking how far the charger would protrude from the side of a MacBook when plugged in. I used the L-shaped MagSafe 1 adapter as a guide for how thin I could make it. I also added the cord at this point. After adding the materials to the project, I came up with the first version of the adapter, and I thought it looked pretty good. But after walking away for a while and coming back, it struck me just how round the whole thing felt. That would be fine for some of the later polycarbonate MacBooks with their bulbous edges, but not so much for today's Airs and Pros. So I did some additional tweaking. I sharpened a few of the edges and once I did it really started to look like something I could see stuck to the side of my MacBook Air. It's as narrow as the L-shaped version of the original MagSafe adapter, has the exact contact surface of the current MagSafe 2 adapter and doesn't hate your lap. This one is free, Apple.
Tesla formally recalls more than 29,000 Model S wall charging adapters
Tesla may argue that it's being proactive by replacing Model S wall charging adapters, but that still constitutes a recall by most anyone's definition. Accordingly, the company has sent a letter (PDF) to the NHTSA announcing a voluntary recall of the 29,222 first-generation adapters that theoretically pose a fire hazard. As before, Tesla stresses that the adapter replacement program is a "precautionary measure" -- an earlier software update addressed the underlying problem by accounting for unexpected changes in power input. The formal notice doesn't change much (if anything) for Model S drivers, but it at least means that the right authorities are aware of what's happening.
Tesla will give Model S owners safer wall charging adapters to prevent fires
Tesla isn't relying on software alone to reduce garage fire risks for Model S owners. The automaker will soon offer drivers a free, upgraded wall charging adapter with a thermal fuse. The new device will cut electricity when it detects overheating, even if circuit breakers in the car or house don't intervene. Both new and existing Model S owners should start receiving new adapters within weeks, Tesla says. While the company doesn't believe that the chargers are necessary to minimize the danger to customers, it doesn't want to leave anything to chance -- even if it's prepared for the worst.
FINsix laptop adapter is tiny, yet powerful, arriving in time for summer
It's 2014, and while some of you have already upgraded to an Intel Haswell laptop, many still have to carry a bulky power adapter for the more demanding machines. Luckily, MIT spin-off FINsix has come up with a breakthrough technology that dramatically reduces both the size and weight of laptop adapters. As you can see above, the startup's new 65W brick is dwarfed by its conventional counterparts; the claim is it's four times smaller and six times lighter. The new adapter also comes with a handy 2.1A USB port alongside the laptop plug, both of which can be used at the same time. Fret not, MacBook users, as FINsix is working on getting Apple's approval to make a MagSafe version as well. We won't go too deep into the technical details, but in a nutshell, the FINsix adapter is enabled by MIT's VHF (very high frequency) switching technology, which is a thousand times faster than what we use today. As with all legit electronics, this new product will go through the usual safety compliance tests, so there should be nothing to worry about once it hits the shelves. There's no pricing just yet, but watch out for a pre-sale campaign in two months' time ahead of the summer launch. Check out our video after the break, in which the lovely CEO Vanessa Green introduces her company's product at CES.
Keyboards and mice connect to and control next-gen game consoles with XIM4 adapter (video)
Perhaps you're a long-time PC gamer, but the massive marketing campaigns waged by Microsoft and Sony have had the desired effect, and you've taken the next-gen plunge. But in doing so, must you exchange your mad mouse and keyboard skills for the clumsy controls offered by DualShock and Xbox controllers? Nay! For a new XIM adapter is here to hook your PC peripherals to your Xbox One or PlayStation 4, providing you the precision PC control you're accustomed to -- and allow you to use your existing Bluetooth or USB headsets to work with those consoles too. This newest XIM currently works with Xbox One, and you can see a video of a prototype device being used to play on Call of Duty: Ghosts after the break. Aside from bringing next-gen compatibility, XIM4 also has a companion app that lets you configure your controls wirelessly with your Android device running 2.3.3 and up -- as opposed to the old adapters that required you to wire them up to a PC to do so. You see, for XIM's tech to work, users must download a different profile for every game, as each title has its own control quirks -- but as new games come out, the app prompts users automatically to download the latest profiles. The XIM4 won't be released until next year, but a beta will be opening up soon to folks who own a XIM Edge (the previous-gen XIM that works with Xbox 360 and PS3), and work is ongoing to get it functioning with Sony's DualShock 4. Stay tuned. [Thanks, Nicolas]
IK Multimedia intros AmpliTube 3.0 with timeline editing, ships iRig HD
Artists going all-out on mobile music editing have relatively few options -- GarageBand won't always cut it for the pros. IK Multimedia thinks its newly launched AmpliTube 3.0 could be the solution for those producers on the move. The $20 iOS app introduces a full, multi-track audio editor that can create a final masterpiece. With the help of a guitar rig and customizable drum loop, the suite is theoretically good enough to keep computers out of the studio. Even if musicians don't want to go that far, they may be happy to hear that IK Multimedia has shipped the iRig HD. The $99 interface gives iOS and Mac users a preamped adapter for instruments with quarter-inch plugs. While we're sure some performers would rather stick to traditional recording methods, those who've embraced digital with open arms can check out both AmpliTube and iRig HD at the source links.
Insert Coin: Snapzoom gives Kickstarters a crack at its smartphone scope adapter (video)
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. Snapzoom stole a lot of hearts at Engadget Expand, but it didn't quite steal enough votes to win our Insert Coin contest. Now you can exact some justice, as the smartphone adapter for binoculars, telescopes and microscopes is up for grabs on Kickstarter to let you zoom in on the moon, bacteria or whatever else you can think of. So far it's vacuumed up $15,000 toward its $55,000 goal, and while the early bird offer is sold out, backers can still grab one starting at $60, a hefty discount from the final $80 retail price. For $90, you'll even get a basic 10x25 compact Bushnell travel binocular tossed in, so if you want to see what made our Insert Coin judges go zoom-crazy, hit the source or video after the jump.
Panasonic brings out a Miracast adapter for Japanese TV viewers (video)
It's easy to snag a Miracast-capable device if you're willing to shop for a brand new TV or a set-top box. but it's much tougher if Miracast is the only thing you're looking for. Minimalists will be happy, then, that Panasonic just released a dedicated adapter for the job. Plug the very utilitarian-looking brick into an HDMI jack and you can wirelessly stream HD-grade video from any supporting device on the same WiFi network; Panasonic would naturally prefer that it's the company's new Eluga X smartphone. The adapter is so far only available in Japan for an estimated and rather steep ¥8,980 ($95), although we're hoping that it eventually crosses the Pacific at a price that befits the narrow focus.
Thuraya's SatSleeve docks your iPhone onto its satellite network, charges it too (video)
Despite the Gorilla glass, we're not sure if it's a great idea to bring that iPhone to K2. Still, if you can fire it up, you can now make satellite calls from Apple's iPhone 4 and 4s handsets thanks to Thuraya's SatSleeve. Always-on globetrotter types can slip one of those models into a cradle, dial their pals from virtually anywhere via the company's own satellite network and even place emergency calls without the handset. The device also includes a built-in battery pack to stretch call times by charging your phone -- though given satellite rates, you may get charged more than you think. Thuraya said that an iPhone 5 version's also in the works, but if you're okay with Cupertino's prior models, hit the break for more.
Apple's Lightning AV Adapter packs an ARM SoC, may use AirPlay-like decoding
The developers at Panic didn't start their days with the intention of ripping open a Lightning Digital AV Adapter, but that's exactly what happened once they suspected it held some secrets. At first, the group hooked the cable up to various iOS devices expecting 1080p mirroring, but were greeted with 1,600 x 900 as the highest possible resolution. A bit bewildered, they noticed MPEG artifacts, which led them to believe the dongle was acting as a small AirPlay-like receiver that supports streaming and decoding. Now entirely suspicious, the team tore the cable asunder and exposed an ARM SoC apparently packing 256MB of RAM. According to the devs, it's possible that the Lightning connector's small number of pins prevented Cupertino from delivering raw HDMI output, so they were forced to improvise with the added silicon. We've reached out to Apple to nail down just how the cable works.
IK Multimedia's iRig HD adapter for iOS, Mac lets guitars ride the Lightning port
IK Multimedia spent a lot of time at CES 2013 courting Android musicians, but we neglected to mention equal attention spent on iOS at the show through the iRig HD. The company's new adapter pipes audio from a guitar or other instrument with a quarter-inch plug into Lightning-equipped Apple devices, keeping them in IK's musical world (and inviting terrible Metallica puns). It's not exclusively built to jam with an iPad mini or iPhone 5, either, as a modular approach brings the analog-to-digital conversion both to earlier iOS gear and to Macs' USB ports through relevant adapters. About the only disappointment is the absence of firm launch details, although those should be coming "soon."
Linksys reveals a trio of 802.11ac WiFi routers with beamforming, and a USB adapter to match
Like most of its peers, Cisco's Linksys badge started off modestly in the 802.11ac WiFi world last year, offering just one router and one bridge for early adopters. It's taking the complete plunge in 2013 with three new routers and a USB adapter. The AC 1200 (EA6300), AC 1600 (EA6400) and AC 1750 (EA6700) routers all introduce beamforming, which optimizes the signal path and theoretically doubles the real-world speeds versus many past routers. The trio likewise carries gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 to maximize the speed for wired and shared devices, although you'll need to upgrade to higher-end models to enjoy brisker wireless speeds. The AC 1200 tops out at 867Mbps on 5GHz airspace, while springing for the AC 1600 or AC 1750 supplies the 802.11ac spec's full 1.3Gbps capacity; Linksys' lone USB adapter, the AC 580, tops out at a relatively pokey 433Mbps. A few software tricks are also up the company's sleeve with the new routers. It's possible to set up any of them with a phone or tablet, in addition to a tap of an NFC-based card that's now included in the box. Life gets easier once everything's up and running, too -- a new visual network map provides a better sense of just where any bandwidth bottlenecks might be. Linksys hasn't given pricing for any of the upgraded WiFi devices, although it's just as well when they won't ship until the spring. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
