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Mosoro releases its Bluetooth LE sensors and SDK for VIP appcessory developers
Since we last heard about Mosoro's Lego-brick sized Bluetooth LE modules, they've changed their names, picked up another member and are now making their way to iOS app developers. The 3D-Motion's got an accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer, while the Enviro measures temperature, humidity and barometric pressure. New to the team is Proximity, useful for triggering location-based apps and tracking motion for creating alerts. All three rechargeable Bluetooth low energy sensors have "shake-to-wake" support, an RGB "glow-cap" for notifications and a humble programmable button. They are expected to hit retail in fall 2012, but "VIP" app developers can grab them now, as well as the SDK which simplifies iOS Bluetooth integration. Got the ideas and inclination to become one of Mosoro's "rock star app-developer partners?" Then go sign up on the website and see if you make the VIP grade.
Boston-Power signs up HP as first partner for next-gen batteries
It's not exactly much of a surprise given that HP has already shown some considerable interest in the company, but Boston-Power has now finally officially announced that HP will be the first laptop manufacturer to offer its long-lasting (and less explosion-prone) Sonata batteries, which HP will sell under its new Enviro Series brand. According to Boston-Power, those batteries will be available as an optional upgrade in early 2009, and they'll be compatible with the "majority" of HP's consumer laptops. What's more, HP will also be offering a three-year warranty with the batteries, which is apparently the longest one available from a laptop manufacturer and, just as notably, this also apparently marks the first time that a US battery company has sold batteries to one of the top laptop manufacturers. One detail that hasn't been announced just yet, however, is the price, though we're guessing that little detail should be making itself known before too long.
Nintendo responds to Greenpeace pollution claims
It took a few weeks, but Nintendo has made a public statement regarding their recent dead last ranking in Greenpeace's "Guide to Greener Electronics." Not surprisingly, the company is quick to defend their environmental standards. "Nintendo takes great care to comply with all relevant regulations on avoiding the use of dangerous materials, recycling of materials etc.," the statement reads, in part. "For example, all Nintendo products supplied worldwide are designed to comply with relevant global standards."We're kind of surprised that Nintendo didn't break out the big guns and cite the company's detailed recycling policies or the Wii's relatively low power consumption. Then again, given Greenpeace's targeting of the game industry and history of violence, maybe Nintendo just doesn't want to antagonize the environmental group further. Hey, Greenpeace, look over there! Oil spill!
