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Race change available
The expected race change feature is now active on the Account Management page, at least on the US realms. One of our writers has gone through with the change, and it appears to be working. The charge is $25, five dollars less than the faction change feature released a while ago, and includes a full customization -- gender, name, and appearance if you choose to do them. The race changes do not include the new class combinations yet -- we'll probably have to wait until Cataclysm at least before those become available. It's not live on the EU realms yet either, as of this writing. There is also an extended FAQ, which we've posted after the break. This is something that we mostly never expected to happen, right up until Blizzard started saying that it would just a while ago. So at this point, once you roll a character, you're now able to (for an additional charge) change everything about it save for the actual class. It seems unlikely that Blizzard would ever let that happen (given that classes are the fundamental basis of a roleplaying game), but of course we've learned to never say never with them. Update: We've now received official blue confirmation that it is intended to be active. Enjoy, everyone! %Gallery-76618%
Technocel PowerPak pulls double duty as portable battery and home charger
Wouldn't it be nice if your home phone charger could double as a charging device itself when taken on the road? Yes, yes it would. Technocel undoubtedly agrees, as its PowerPak does just that. When plugged into a standard wall outlet, it can simultaneously charge whatever USB device is plugged into it (amongst others, considering the bundle of tips that are included) and juice up its internal cell; once unplugged, the integrated battery can provide enough power to a dead mobile to let you yap for around three hours, or just enough to make it through whatever sobfest your ill-willed SO has planned for you next week. It's expected to go on sale in around a fortnight at various retail locations and Sprint stores.%Gallery-75660%
Toshiba's DMFC fuel cell seen 'powering phones' at CEATEC (video)
Toshiba has been promising the world a healthy dose of fuel cell chargers for what feels like ages now, with its most recent swearing happening just two months ago. Here at CEATEC, the company's wares were being trumpeted by KDDI. We witnessed a standard handset have its stock battery removed and replaced with an admittedly bulky fuel cell container. The booth attendant proudly juiced up the cell, clipped it onto the phone's rear and mashed the power button. Within seconds, the device booted up normally, and a handy level indicator on the charger itself kept us in the know on how much life was left. Or -- you know -- maybe the whole thing was just an elaborate hoax to fool English-speaking media into thinking this stuff was really nearing its commercial release. Have a look at a brief video just beyond the break, but try not to get your hopes up too high. No need in having your heart broken again unnecessarily. %Gallery-74777%
Duracell announces myGrid wireless charger, WildCharge feels a little KIRFed
No, someone didn't just Photoshop the Duracell logo on a WildCharge pad -- this actually is the newest product from the ubiquitous battery maker. Available this October, myGrid kits (including charger and one power sleeve) will be available for Nokia, Motorola, and Blackberry handsets, as well as the many flavors of Apple's iPhone and iPod touch. No price yet, but you'll know as soon as we do. Update: Of course, this is probably the product of some sort of licensing deal -- but you'd think someone at WildCharge or Duracell would have mentioned it, right? [Via PhoneMag]
Ford's vehicle-to-grid communications system charges plug-in whips on command
If you're dreaming of always plugging your future AC-friendly hybrid in during the wee hours of the morning in order to juice up for the lowest price, you're certainly using your noodle. But what about instances where you can't choose when exactly you'll be plugging in? Fret not, as Bill Ford and Company has you covered. The automaker, in collaboration with a slew of utility partners, has today introduced an intelligent vehicle-to-grid communications system that would theoretically enable vehicle owners to plug their ride in and tell it precisely when to begin and / or end charging via the navigation screen. Users could also define the completion time for charging or the desired rates in order to better control spending, though all that planning could be ruined by some random prankster who decides to yank your cable when you're not looking. And really, who cares about saving a penny or two on charging when you can get two hundred and thirty miles per gallon? Oh, wait...[Via HotHardware]
WildCharge brings 'wireless' charging to hundreds of devices
We know you're jealous of your friends' ability to charge up their RAZRs and iPhones sans wires, so how would you feel if we told you that WildCharge's newest solution -- the PowerDisc -- would allow you to use its WildCharger with literally hundreds of devices? It's true! All you need to charge your previously incompatible hardware wirelessly is this one little wire that attaches the PowerDisc to the PowerLink adapter for your Nokia, Palm, LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Micro USB, or Mini USB device. Available on its own for $19.99 or bundled with the WildCharge pad for $64.99. And it looks like the PowerDisc also includes a lanyard -- we know how much you love lanyards! So, have you ordered one yet or what?
Kensington's iPhone / iPod charging dock throws a mini battery into the mix
At this point, you've probably assumed that there's simply no way any company can produce yet another iPhone or iPod dock that's significantly different from the legions of alternatives already out. And you're wrong. So wrong. In an effort to milk that Made for iPod / iPhone partnership for all it's worth, Kensington has just introduced its Charging Dock with Mini Battery Pack, which not only charges your dock connecting iPod or iPhone, but also energizes an external battery pack through the same USB cable. When you leave, you'll depart with a charged device as well as a charged battery pack in case you need to use 3G services for more than eight minutes. Brilliant, no? It's up for pre-order now for $69.99.[Via iPodNN]
Engadget's recession antidote: win a Scosche reviveLITE!
This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. We'll be handing out a new gadget every day (except for weekends) to lucky readers until we run out of stuff or companies stop sending things. Today we've got a Scosche reviveLITE on offer, perfect for keeping your iPhone charged and the Boogie Monster at bay. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! Hooray for free stuff!Big thanks to Scosche for providing the gear!The rules: Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too. You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad. Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) Scosche reviveLITE. Approximate retail value is $39.99. If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Entries can be submitted until Thursday, July 16th, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck! Full rules can be found here.
Energizer USB clip to charge camcorder / DSLR batteries via USB
Energizer's Energi To Go catalog just keeps getting sweeter. After introducing a new range of XPAL battery chargers last month, the company is evidently gearing up to reveal what's likely to be its most convenient and altogether useful product yet. The USB clip you see above is designed to make contact with DSLR and camcorder batteries and provide juice via USB; in other words, it's like a portable, highly mobile DSLR battery charger. OhGizmo points out that you may need one of Energizer's USB-equipped battery packs to charge up the 7.4V cells, but at least we're still talking about a non-proprietary charging connector. Per usual, there's no mention of dollars and cents, but hopefully it'll be rolled out for less than a song here soon.[Via OhGizmo]
Wireless charging comes to Apple's iPhone 3GS, thanks to WildCharge
Envious of your Pre toting pals and that Touchstone charging rig? Don't sweat it -- WildCharge is coming through in the clutch to bring similar wireless charging technology to Apple's own handset. Starting today, iPhone (3G and 3GS included) and iPod touch users can order up a WildCharge Skin along with a WildCharger Pad in order to bring wire-free charging to their smartphone. Just slap the skin on, plug the pad in and toss the handset down on said pad. Just like that, you've got fresh energy flowing without having to scour the house for that little AC adapter. The pain? $34.99 for the skin, or $79.99 for the skin and pad.
Willow Garage's PR2 robot breaks, enters, steals electricity
Robots may be impressive and occasionally frightening things that will some day rule our lives and societies, but right now they're rather co-dependent, unable to even recharge themselves without a helping hand. The latest from robo-startup Willow Garage is different, a bot called PR2 that's capable of maneuvering through a crowded office, opening (non-locked) doors, and pilfering a little taste of that good, good, alternating current juice. What's more, he's sensitive to your time constraints, so the demonstration video below has been thoughtfully edited to minimize footage of aimless wandering, spinning, and general confusion. Next step: learning to knock.[Via Robots.net]
Energizer expands Energi To Go charging line with more solar, iPhone options
We've seen Energizer dabble in portable charging solutions before, but we've yet to see it go all out like this. Thanks to a newfound partnership with XPAL Power, the company famous for making drum-toting bunnies famous has issued several new wares in its Energi To Go line. The rechargeable power packs and emergency chargers -- over ten of 'em in all -- will all ship by July of 2009 and will include devices for PMPs, PNDs, portable DVD players, netbooks and digicams. There's even an AP Charger that mounts your iPhone (à la mophie's Juice Pack Air), and the SP line consists only of solar-driven power packs designed to rejuvenated your iPod, camera and pretty much any other handheld device. There's no mention of price just yet, but as with anything Energizer, you can go ahead and brace for sticker shock.
Santok's USB-infused in-car charger is just what the doctor ordered
You know the dilemma all too well -- you need a cigarette outlet to charge up your PND, yet a spare USB socket would totally come in handy for juicing up that DAP whilst crossing the country in a '74 Chevelle. Enter Santok, which has just introduced what could possibly be the mother of all in-car chargers. Aside from turning a single cigarette socket into two, it also adds a pair of powered USB ports, leaving us only yearning for a couple of AC sockets to really cap things off. 'Course, we aren't so much for melted center consoles, so maybe we'll just color ourselves satisfied. Now, if only we could spot a price...[Via Coolest-Gadgets]
Thrustmaster intros T-Standee and T-Strap chargers for Nintendo DSi
Looking for a new way to burn money on your DSi? How's about a few new charging solutions from the folks at Thrustmaster? Today, both the T-Standee Charger and T-Strap Charger were introduced, with the former expected in mid-June for $12.99 and the latter checking in next month for a penny under $8. As the name implies the T-Standee is basically a charging kickstand / docking station, while the T-Strap builds a charging port right into the strap that can be connected to any powered USB socket for on-the-go recharging. Gnarly, right? Full release is after the break.
mophie launches $99.95 Juice Pack for iPod touch 2G
Dropping a Benjamin on mophie's iPhone 3G Juice Pack didn't seem too painful considering the alternative of possessing a brick after about four hours of 3G usage, but we get the feeling iPod touch 2G users are going to have a slightly more difficult time rationalizing this one. Launched today for $99.95, the Juice Pack for iPod touch 2G was specially crafted to hold Apple's latest touch, and it promises to practically double the amount of jam time by including a rechargeable Li-ion. The case / battery extender also sports a pass-through USB cable design, and the four light LED status indicator gives you visual cues on battery level. Specifically, mophie claims that this device adds up to 42 hours of audio playback or 7 hours of video playback, and if you've already decided to become an early adopter, you can head on over and get one shipped out today. Full release is past the break.%Gallery-48165%
MIT's quick charging batteries could revolutionize the world, maybe
Okay, so maybe the headline is a tad on the sensational side, but seriously, this has sensational written all over it. A team of brilliant MIT engineers have conjured up a beltway of sorts that allows for "rapid transit of electrical energy through a well-known battery material," something that could usher in smaller and lighter cells that could recharge in moments versus hours. There's even talk that this technology could be adapted for use in automobiles, and honestly, it doesn't take an electrical engineer to understand how rapid charge / discharge batteries could "induce lifestyle changes." Hey, laptop battery makers -- could you guys look into getting these ready to go in machines by CES 2010? That'd be swell, thanks.[Via BBC, thanks Simon]
Wall charger takes one AC outlet, provides juice for five USB devices
We've seen some nifty chargers in our day, but this bugger is probably one of the most practical to ever hit the market place. Rather than sending along 800 various tips to keep track of lose while traveling, this wall charger converts a single AC outlet into power for five USB devices (4 USB A female and 1 mini-USB). These days, it's rare to find a device that can't optionally be charged via USB, and if it can't, let's face it -- it's about time you threw that thing to the local thrift store. Grab one now for just $25.99.
Freeplay's ZipCharge spotted, priced and dated
Freeplay's ZipCharge has already made its debut, but it's showing itself once more at Mobile World Congress now that it has a definitive ship date and price. For those out of the loop, this here power stick can charge up in just ten minutes, and the supplied cable provides all sorts of tips to juice up whatever random gadget you have laying around (Palm's Foleo notwithstanding). The device is expected to splash down on store shelves this April for around £60 ($85), and you can peek a few more hands-on shots in the read link below.
Nyko brings Wand Wii remote, Charge Station EX and Kama Charge kit to CES
What would CES be without a little video gaming, huh? Thanks to Nyko, we won't ever have to find out (at least in 2009), as it's bringing a smattering of new Nintendo Wii accessories to the desert. Kicking things off right is the simply titled Wand, which is said to be the "world's most advanced alternative to the Wii remote." Aside from doing everything the Wiimote does, the April-bound device also features the firm's Trans-Port technology, which "enables control and vibration feedback to be electrically replicated on a compatible attachment accessory." Up next is the Charge Station EX ($34.99 this April), which improves upon its successor by adding a LED battery indicator and a "new sleek look." Finally, the Kama Charge Kit is an all-in-one charging solution while simultaneously stores and charges both the Wiimote and Kama controllers in one unit. All the fine print is hosted just after the break.
Nintendo sued over DS Lite charger
Back in January of 2007, a fire raged through a Kentucky home. The victims of the fire were compensated according to their insurance coverage. But, now that insurance company has filed a complaint (warning: pdf link) against Nintendo with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky yesterday, stating "The [DS] was defective in design, manufacture and/or because it failed to warn consumers as to dangers associated with it... due to defects existing within the Product which caused a risk of overheating and fire, the Product was recalled by Nintendo."The Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company is seeking the 263,000 they paid out to the family, as well as court costs and interest. %Gallery-22256%
