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Samsung crafts 'world's lightest' 3D glasses in partnership with Silhouette
You had to know that once LG sought a designer's inspiration for improving its 3D eyewear, Samsung too would be recruiting outside help with its three-dee goggles. Sure enough, Sammy has partnered up with Austrian design firm Silhouette to deliver what it claims are the world's lightest 3D glasses, weighing a measly 28g. The design is such that all the electronics are housed in two compartments at the rear of the specs, permitting for a perfect weight balance between the front and back. They'll supposedly fit on adults and children alike, will recharge wirelessly, and will also detect when 3D content is being beamed at them and automatically switch on and off. Their ability to deliver compelling content to make 3D TVs worth it, however, remains a mystery. We should be seeing plenty more of these active shutter lightweights at CES this week.
Mobee Magic Charger review: wirelessly juice up your Apple Magic Mouse
Aww, look at that cute little mouse cuddling up in its nest. Wait a tick... an inductive charging mat for the Magic Mouse? You won't currently find the Magic Charger at the Apple Store (something that could change soon) but the good folks at Mobee are finally taking orders for this intriguing product on its website. To mark this occasion, the Swiss company sent us a review unit for some sweet wireless charging action. Read on for our full review after the break.%Gallery-107485%
Duracell myGrid USB Charger gives your Kindle 100 extra hours of life for $35
While Energizer's moving forward with its newfound Qi partnership, its bunny-less arch rival seems content right where it's at. Duracell's WildCharge-based myGrid charging mat, which was actually introduced over a year ago, is finally gaining a second good reason to purchase one: the myGrid USB Charger. The nugget you see above is a rechargeable Li-ion battery with a USB output, and according to Duracell, there's enough juice in there to extend the life of most smartphones by four hours and the life of most e-readers (Kindle included) by up to 100 hours. It's available today at CVS, Walmart, Target and Amazon for $34.99, and that does indeed include both mini-USB and micro-USB adapters. The full release awaits your eyes after the break.
Inhabitat's Week in Green: serpentine solar, sustainable studios and shape-shifting shade
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green. This week we warmed up for cool days ahead by taking a look inside an incredible igloo made from 322 recycled refrigerators. We also showcased several feats of architecture that harness high-tech systems to achieve exceptional levels of efficiency - the ultra-modern world's most sustainable broadcasting studio, and Santiago Calatrava's shape-shifting pavilion for the Milwaukee Art Museum. We also saw transportation get a solar-powered supercharge as designer Mans Tham unveiled plans for a serpentine photovoltaic skin for the Santa Monica Freeway. If that seems a bit ostentatious for your taste, then check out this award-winning plan to create roads using sand and bacteria instead of oil. And speaking of eco infrastructure, this week we were thrilled to see the launch of the world's first wireless electric vehicle charger in the UK. We also showcased several new horizons for ultra-efficient lighting as we shared our top ten picks for stylish LED desk lamps, and took a look at a new interactive night light adorned with fun illuminated Glo balls. Finally, we were blown away by Levi's new WaterLess jeans, which can be produced using up to 96% less water than de rigueur dungarees.
iPhone 4, EVO 4G Powermats arrive at Best Buy
Well, ain't this exciting! If you own an iPhone 4 or EVO 4G, it looks like the tyranny of the charging cable is soon to be a distant memory. That's right: one of our moles at Best Buy has photographic evidence of new wireless charging systems, cases, and Powermats for both of the aforementioned handsets. Didn't know we had moles, did you? We also analyze 'chatter' and sniff out KIRFs. In fact, we're basically a full-blown Gadget Intelligence Agency -- SMERSH woulda been proud of us. [Thanks, Isaac]
Canon Cross Media Station pulls your pics and charges your cameras, wirelessly (video)
Pulling memory cards and downloading pictures? A pain. Keeping track of a drawer full of different-sized battery packs for your travel, studio, and video cameras? A headache. If that's you, Canon's Cross Media Station could be a big hit of aspirin. Finally shown to the world after being teased at the Canon Expo last month, the prototype device looks something like a chubby scanner from a dark future. However, the top is actually an inductive charging pad. Set your camera up there (up to three at once) and a blue light will pop on to indicate flowing electricity. While the power heads one direction the data goes whizzing by in the other, pictures pulled and categorized on the device based on time, place, and recognized faces. As you can see in the video after the break, photos can be displayed over HDMI onto your HDTV. We're guessing the wireless data spec is TransferJet, as Canon is a member of that consortium, but when it comes to the wireless charging we're somewhat in the dark. It looks like the models in the video are using adapters to enable this functionality, but surely this will be integrated eventually. You know, in the future, when all the best stuff happens.
Fujitsu says new wireless, contact-less charging system could hit products by 2012
There may be an increasing number of wireless charging devices available these days, but actual contact-less charging systems have so far been confined to experiments and slightly disconcerting demonstrations. It looks like Fujitsu could be set to change that, however -- the company has just announced that it will unveil a new system later this week that can charge several gadgets simultaneously over a distance of "several centimeters," and it says that it could hit cellphones and other products as soon as 2012. That system is apparently based on magnetic resonance technology, which Fujitsu notes can in theory work over distances as great as "several meters," although the efficiency is greatly diminished -- it reportedly has an efficiency of 85 percent at 15 centimeters. Details are otherwise still a bit light at the moment (including word of any actual products), but you can be sure we'll be keeping a close eye on this one.
Qi wireless power standard finalized, universal contactless chargers look closer to reality than ever
The Wireless Power Consortium took a big step forward this past week with the confirmation that its precocious Qi interoperability standard has been finalized. Composed of three documents setting out the interface, performance and compliance requirements, the new dictum has set itself the not inconsiderable challenge of making wireless charging universal, so that any Qi-approved phone can soak up juice from any Qi-verified base station, dock or omnitool. This first spec is limited to devices requiring no more than 5 Watts, an appropriately humble early goal, though cauldrons are already bubbling with ideas for laptops and the like. We just hope the impressive list of big time companies on the Consortium will succeed in taking Qi into the mainstream -- who here hasn't dreamt of their phone being compatible with the Touchstone? [Thanks, MrStringTheorist]
WiPower flees to 1974, returns with through-desk wireless charging system (video)
Based on just how intimately we studied Chris Berman's hairdo from ESPN's 1979 launch, we're more than confident in saying that the video produced here to showcase a "new" wireless desk is most certainly a relic from yesteryear. WiPower -- a company that was trumpeting its wireless charging pad way back in '07 -- has purportedly joined up with Gill Industries in order to showcase the planet's first production through-desk, wireless charging system at NeoCon 2010. The solution would enable laptop users to plop their machine down anywhere on their desk (within the charging area, of course) and have it instantly charge, and if you play your cards right, doing so may open up a wormhole to the era of your choice. In all seriousness, we already saw a working demo of a similar solution at Qualcomm's Computex booth, so there's a better than average chance that this stuff is ready to ship right away. Trouble is, there's no official launch date for Gill's new family of energy-infused tables. Blast the from past is after the break... if you're prepared.
Case-Mate's Hug wireless iPhone charging solution shipping now for $100
Remember that wireless induction charger that we saw poking around at the CES iLounge Pavilion earlier this year? Seems that Case-Mate has finally given that little doohickey a name, a price and a ship date. The aptly-titled Hug (which consists of the Hug Case and Hug Pad) slips onto one's iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS and allows Apple's darling to get recharged by simply laying on the aforementioned platter. Of course, the case itself is distractingly bulky, and this whole thing relies on the same eCoupled technology that we've been seeing for years now -- though, the fact that this pad will charge any other case that utilizes the same standard is worth noting. Is the ability to never need your dock connecting cable for rejuvenation purposes really worth the $99.99 asking price? We're guessing not, but those that disagree can get their own shipped out this very moment.
Wireless power takes another baby step at CES 2010 with Qi standard
It's our third year visiting with Fulton Innovation and the eCoupled wireless power booth at CES, and once again there's significant progress to be seen -- this time in the form of actual shipping products like the Case-mate Hug and the Dell Latitude Z. Fulton's really pushing the industry standard angle with eCoupled -- it's a founding member of the Wireless Power Consortium, which is just a few months away from finalizing a standard based on eCoupled called Qi. Qi's going to be backed by some pretty big names: Motorola, Nokia, RIM, Energizer, Duracell, Samsung, and Philips are all members of the WPC, along with several others, and the goal is for all this stuff to seamlessly play together. Fulton had some pretty hot demos to show off of the standard in action, including a Toyota Avalon interior with functional spots for two phones, a GPS, a Bluetooth headset, and a netbook, a slick first-class airline seat with a charging table, and a hotel room with several power points -- including a slick motorized dock built into the desk for the Dell. Our favorite demo, however, was a wall sconce: an eCoupled point in the wall was used to power a light fixture, which was then swapped for a digital photo frame. Nifty stuff, indeed. Still, the big challenge for Fulton and the WPC is going to be actually shipping a bunch of these products this year -- standards are nice, but without gear in hand they're meaningless, and the rival PowerMat crew has been making a pretty big push of its own. We'll see what happens in the next few months -- and how much has changed at CES 2011. Check a couple videos after the break! %Gallery-82951%
Fulton Innovation shows off mid-range eCoupled wireless power
Fulton Innovation has made some fairly impressive demonstrations of its eCoupled wireless power technology (along with a few less than impressive ones), but most of those have left little space between the power source and the device being powered. As you can see above, however, that's now changed in pretty a big way, with Fulton taking to YouTube to show off a new mid-range inductive power system. While it's obviously not quite ready for home use, this slightly unnerving contraption does indeed appear to work as promised, with it able to power a 12 watt lamp at a distance of 35 inches, or light up an LED at various points in between. Head on past the break to check it out this bit of black magic for yourself. [Thanks, Brandon]
Swarm robot project sounds ominous, uses open source
Why would you want to build a 100-strong swarm of mini robots? Well, aside from having them as your minions, you might be able to learn about "artificial self-organization," and "control in large robotic groups," which should come in useful during the inevitable robot insurrection. The swarm robot project, undertaken by the Universities of Stuttgart and Karlsruhe in Germany, aims to produce mini drones that can communicate with one another to avoid collisions, while keeping to a volume of less than three centimeters cubed. Built using open source software and hardware (full list of components is available under the GPL), the latest prototype, titled Jasmine III, achieves those goals while also being able to run "perpetually" thanks to a wireless charging platform. You can see it in close-up after the break, or hit the read link for all the geeky details.
Powermat wireless chargers unleashed into the atmosphere, for real
Oh, Powermat wireless chargers. We thought you were vaporware -- and then, like an undreamed dream -- you appeared to us in the flesh (and on video!) at CES. We didn't really hear much about it after that, and we'll be honest: we had nearly forgotten all about it! Well, it turns out these bad boys are now available. If you don't recall the details, the Powermat is a one pad, one plug system designed to charge all your gadgets in one place -- refreshing! Your phone or DS or whatever you want to charge will need a Powermat Receiver sleeve, enabling it to lock onto the mat and charge in the amount of time it takes to charge up traditionally. At $99.99 (plus around $40 per receiver), it's not the cheapest charging method we can think of, but it's sure to be a conversation piece at your next rager. Powermat's lineup is now available at Best Buy and Target stores. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Dell Latitude Z series to include wireless charging?
An article appeared in Forbes the other day that we found very interesting indeed. The gist? That our current economic hiccup is ending (we'll believe that when we see it) and if Dell plays its card right it can capitalize on the imminent post-recession uptick in sales that's sure to come as companies start clamoring to tend to their long-neglected technology. And the key to such a strategy? Newer, sexier gear, such as Dell's long-rumored, not yet confirmed Latitude Z notebook. The premium machine is said to feature a 16-inch display and "most likely, advanced wireless capabilities, perhaps even wireless charging." Apparently we can expect the machine to launch within the next few weeks, at a price point that is yet to be determined -- although we're guessing it ain't going to be cheap.[Via SlashGear]
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]
Nagano Japan shows off yet another contactless charging system
It's been little over a month since Showa Aircraft demonstrated a contactless charging system that boasts 90% efficiency over a distance of 60 centimeters -- and now what is this? Nagano Japan Radio Co Ltd. is touting a similar system that works up to one meter, with a pretty incredible 95% efficiency at a distance of 40 centimeters. According to Tech-On, the company is currently hard at work trying to ramp the output up from "several tens" of watts to several kilowatts. As opposed to Showa's recent outing (which relies on electromagnetic induction), this system uses magnetic resonance to achieve its effect. However, as this method "drastically lowers" its efficiency when the position of the sending and receiving units are displaced, the team designed a system that automatically detects coil displacement and reorients itself accordingly. The company hopes to someday charge electronic vehicles with the thing, although we'd be happy if it merely enabled us to stow our WildCharge pads out of sight. They seriously clash with the decor here at Engadget HQ.
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?
Showa Aircraft shows off contactless charging system, world backs on up a little
We've been hearing about true contactless charging systems for some time now (as opposed to simple wireless chargers like the Pre Touchstone), but it looks like Japan's Showa Aircraft is among the first to actually show off the real deal in action. Like some of those other proposed systems, Showa's rig uses an electromagnetic induction method, which lets it charge or power devices up to one meter apart, although it apparently works best at distances less than 60 centimeters, where it's able to reach a 90% transmission efficiency. Now, all that energy floating through the air can understandably raise a few eyebrows, but Showa assures us that it is completely safe, and they've demonstrated as much placing a frying pan between the two massive coils, which apparently did not heat up.[Via SlashGear]
Charge your iPhone wirelessly
Do you have Pre-envy due to the Touchstone and wireless charging capabilities? Well, good news then. A company called WildCharge has stepped in to give you similar charging capabilities with your original iPhone or iPod touch. The bundle is just shy of $80 and includes the charging pad and a gel skin that needs to be attached to your phone. Once installed, just lay your phone on the pad and get your charge on. The skin unfortunately adds an unsightly hump at the base where the dock connector is, but that may be a small price to pay if you really need your iPhone charged sans wires. The iPod touch version is available now with the iPhone version coming next month.
