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Mitsubishi Concept CA-MiEV triples the i-MIEV's range, adds wireless charging
Mitsubishi's i-MiEV is known for many accomplishments in the electric car world, but long-range driving and staggeringly good looks aren't among them. Its just-unveiled Concept CA-MiEV solves the former by making at least a token gesture towards the latter. The combination of flat-packed, high-density 28kWh lithium-ion batteries and a sleeker, low-drag shape help the compact car last for 186 miles on a charge, or exactly three times what the i-MiEV could muster. It's enough that Mitsubishi describes the concept as a "suburban" EV that could last for a week of typical European commuting on one charge. As it's a showfloor darling, the Concept CA-MiEV naturally stuffs in a lot of technology that's only sometimes related to the battery: it can charge wirelessly using WiTricity's magnetic resonance, takes data from smartphones and will email the owner if it's stolen. Mitsubishi is quick to warn that the car isn't intended for production, like most concepts, but many of the developments found inside should spread to the automaker's worldwide fleet in the long run.
LG unveils world's smallest wireless charger, preps it for global availability
LG may have an obsession with hulking smartphones, but it's taken a different tact with its latest wireless charger, which is being hailed as the world's smallest. Christened the WCP-300, the pad juices up Qi-compatible devices such as the Nexus 4 (if you're not in the mood for a sliced sphere, of course) and the outfit's Optimus G Pro, Vu II and LTE II. South Korea will see the hardware arrive this week with a 65,000 won (roughly $60) price tag, but the charger is slated to roll out across the globe gradually, and the US is somewhere on its itinerary.
Duracell Powermat adding mesh network, scaleable power to its wireless charging plates
Duracell Powermat is announcing a pair of new features to encourage sales of its wireless charging gear. The first is "Mesh Network," a set of controls that let multiple hotspots be centrally monitored -- so if you're stealing all the juice in the Wall St. Starbucks, central office can cut you off. On the upside, those same network features will enable you to find another charging hotspot on your smartphone, including Madison Square Garden and Jay-Z's 40/40 club. The second feature is that the latest mats will be able to vary the power on offer between 5 and 50 watts, making them capable of recharging smartphones, tablets and (potentially) Ultrabooks. Now all we have to do is work out how to power all of our electronics without arousing the suspicions of Jay-Z -- we'd hate to add a 100th problem to his worry list.
Nokia Lumia 720 unveiled: 4.3-inch ClearBlack display, 9mm thick, 6.7MP Carl Zeiss, wireless charging capable
Notice Vogue in that live tile up there? That's because Nokia's toning down its focus on imaging innovation at this year's MWC (remember the PureView 808?) for a hyper-targeted take on the mid-range: the Lumia 720. Made for über-social types prone to late-night party shots, selfies and multimedia uploads, this 4.3-inch device builds on the polycarbonate unibody of its 920 elder, albeit in a much slimmer and smoother form factor. Measuring just 9mm in thickness and weighing 128 grams (4.5 ounces), the 720 also bears the distinction of being Nokia's most svelte Windows Phone 8 device to date. It also packs a dual-core 1GHz Snapdragon CPU (the same as the Lumia 520), 512MB RAM, 800 x 480 ClearBlack display, 2,000mAh battery, NFC and an option for wireless charging (enabled by a separate snap-on cover) into the trendiest design the company could create. To push that trendsetting message forward, Nokia's imbued the 720 with a dual-camera setup that's ideal for the party circuit (e.g., low-light shots and self-portraits). Up front, there's a 1.3-megapixel camera with wide-angle lens and a 6.7-megapixel rear shooter with f/1.9 lens on back, specifically crafted by Carl Zeiss labs to take in more light. And as a further lure for the vainglorious types that may pick it up, the 720 will also ship with a new digital lens pre-loaded: Glam Me. As the name implies, this proprietary filter allows users to edit their images (whiten teeth, oversaturate colors, widen eyes, etc.) before sharing on social networking sites. In addition to that proprietary camera software perk, Nokia's also tacked-on its full suite of Here apps (Drive, Transit and Maps), as well as Nokia Music -- all exclusives to the Lumia line. Nokia fans keen on a US release will have to sit and wait this one out (or opt for the Lumia 520 on T-Mobile). At present, the Lumia 720's only set to launch in Asia (specifically China) and parts of Europe in five colors (cyan, black, yellow, red and glossy white) for €249 (about $330 USD) this Q2 2013. Head on past the break for the official PR.
PowerbyProxi debuts wireless charging solution, aims to fully integrate it into future smartphones (video)
The pathway to innovation is paved with failed attempts to produce wireless charging solutions that a) actually work and b) people genuinely want to use, but we've got yet another upstart here at Mobile World Congress willing to give it a go. PowerbyProxi's solution looks pretty similar to renditions we've seen from Fulton Innovation, but it's quick to point out the differences. The loosely-coupled method uses a bantam receiver that's "efficient enough to be integrated into the processor board of a smartphone without causing over-heating." While previous industry designs have resulted in longer charging times than if the device were plugged into a wall socket, PowerbyProxi's solution reportedly "provides charging at the same speed as wired charging." In fact, it claims to offer the only system that can rejuvenate up to three devices at the same time at full power. If you're wondering what working group these guys are going to side with, that much is still up in the air -- it's remaining "agnostic towards the selection of an ultimate standard" for now. We spoke with the company here at Mobile World Congress, and it confirmed to us that it's working with the top five major battery manufacturers, and we should see wireless AA and AAA cells "within 12 months." It wouldn't confirm how soon we'd see it in phones, tablets or laptops (yeah, it'll work in all of 'em), but it's clearly working with some of the top OEMs and hoping for the best. In the demo we witnessed, specially equipped Galaxy S III handsets charged alongside one another, even when barely clinging to the charging pad. Despite a bunch of metallic objects being heaped on the pad, it was intelligent enough to only send power to the phones, keeping gum boxes and coins cool, calm and collected. Head on past the break for quick video tour as well as a press release. Dana Murph contributed to this report.
Nexus 4 wireless charger now on sale for $60 at Google Play Store (update)
When the Nexus 4 was first announced, we had a glimpse of a wireless charging dock that was meant to go with it. Well, good news for folks in the United States, as the induction dock has just popped up on the Play Store, and Nexus 4 owners can order one now for just $59.99. It puts out 1 amp of juice at 5 volts and joins a host of other Qi-enabled wireless chargers -- cord cutters rejoice! [Thanks, Luis] Update: As tipster Gen points out, the Nexus 4 in the image above shows a battery status screen that we haven't seen before. Google hasn't made mention of any software changes just yet though. Update 2: The good folks at Pocket-Lint have discovered that the battery status screen is actually a third party widget app that can be had at the Play Store for $1.99
Samsung-branded Qi wireless charging pad stops by the FCC for a dismantling
Samsung may be trying to usurp Qi's wireless-charging dominance, but for the moment it still has to play along with the de-facto industry standard. That's why the company has pushed this Qi-compatible wireless charging plate onto the green baize of the FCC's poker table, likely in preparation for a commercial release. Peel away the plastic and you'll find a beefy arc reactor electromagnet nestled at the heart of the device -- and since the Commission was kind enough to publish some pictures, we've thrown them into the gallery below.
LG VS870 surfaces at the FCC and WPC, may be an Escape for Verizon
AT&T brought out the LG Escape late last summer as a low-cost Android option with a better-than-usual battery and solid performance. If recent testing is any indicator, a Verizon edition might be in the cards. An LG VS870 (the Escape is the P870) has appeared at the FCC wielding support for Verizon's CDMA and LTE networks. Lest we worry that it's just a simple network switch, there's clues that Verizon is planning a little more: the same phone has already appeared at the Wireless Power Consortium, hinting at Qi wireless charging. How else it might change from the 4.3-inch Escape, if it's indeed similar, isn't visible. There might only be a short wait before we find out, as the roughly equivalent Lucid is long enough in the tooth that a replacement would be very timely.
Live from the Engadget CES Stage: an interview with WiTricity's Eric Giler (update: video embedded)
Here's an exciting one for all of you wireless charging nerds. We've got the Eric Giler, the CEO of WiTricity on-stage to discuss the future of over-the-air electricity. January 11, 2013 12:30 PM EST Check out our full CES 2013 stage schedule here! Update: video embedded
Hands-on with Alliance for Wireless Power's charging pad prototypes
The Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP), a group created through the joint efforts of Qualcomm and Samsung, is getting ready to tackle the growing wireless charging market by introducing its very own standard to compete against the likes of the WPC. This morning the consortium, which claims TI, Powermat and Deutsche Telekom (among several others) as members, not only went into greater detail on its plans for the future but also brought along some prototype pads and embedded furniture to show us. The A4WP's solution is a "non-radiative magnetic resonance-based wireless power transfer ecosystem" -- in short, it allows your phone, tablet or other A4WP-certified gadget (such as light bulbs, as demonstrated above) to charge from a small distance. What does this mean to you, dear consumer? In short, your device doesn't have to be directly touching the pad in order to receive a charge; instead, you could place your phone on top of a notebook or other obstruction (heck, you could even stack your phone on top of another phone or tablet) and still power up your handset. lt will also allow you to place more than one device on the same pad -- and even more than one device type, so tablets and phones can charge together in harmony despite the fact that they both have different power requirements -- and move them around anywhere on the pad without interrupting the charge. These are key differentiators that make A4WP's option a very tempting one for the general user.
Fulton Innovation launches eCoupled technology for bi-directional wireless charging (hands on)
Wireless charging is slowly creeping into more and more devices, and the convenience it brings is a welcome addition to our technological lives. But what if you don't have a charging pad nearby? With Fulton Innovation's eCoupled technology inside your device, you could use the charge in your tablet to charge your phone (or vice-versa). Essentially it enables the bi-directional movement of power between compatible devices. Any Qi enabled device can be charged by the eCoupled hosting device, and when two enabled devices are held back to back, then the one with the most power charges the other. In the demonstration given to us on the show floor, Fulton Innovation had a reference device (a Samsung tablet) containing the technology, and demonstrated it by simply resting a Qi enabled mobile on top, and instantly it charged -- just like placing it on a regular charging mat. Fulton were also keen to stress their intention to get the technology incorporated into the Qi standard, meaning that if this were the case, then bi-directional charging like this could eventually be common place. Beyond the more obvious application of charging devices, there are other applications that this idea opens up. One such example is the use of "printed electronics" that can be activated simply by resting your phone or other enabled device on top. As a demonstration, a printed picture of a DJ with some speakers become an interactive soundboard once the eCoupled device was rested on the relevant point. This could also mean lightweight printed keyboard, that wouldn't require any charging, springing to life once you place your device on them. Check the gallery to see the idea in action, and the press releases over the break for more info.%Gallery-175155% Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
iLuv outs three more Bluetooth speakers, NFC and Qi-certified wireless charging join the fray
Looking for wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity in your next speaker dock? If so, iLuv's most recent CES announcement may be of interest. The MobiRock is the company's first Bluetooth unit to sport Qi-certified wireless charging pad for re-juicing sans wires while blasting the latest Big Boi album. That's not all. The unit also features NFC capabilities as well. iLuv also outed the MobiAria: a speaker that streams wirelessly via Bluetooth with NFC lending a hand for easy pairing. A USB charging port and a 3.5mm aux jack for connecting the old fashioned way are also along for the ride. Finally, the Syren is the third member for the trio that sports NFC wares. Touting a rechargeable battery, built-in mic and auxiliary port, the device offers 360-degree sound blasts for those afternoon excursions. The MobiAria will be available in May, while the MobiRock and Syran are slated for a June arrival despite pricing info for the entire lot remaining elusive. For a look at all three, hit the gallery below to take a gander in the order of original mention. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Fulton Innovation to demo tablet that doubles as wireless charging mat at CES
Fulton Innovation comes to CES each year armed with the latest tricks in the field of wireless charging, and this year is no exception. Starting things out with a bang, the purveyor of all things Qi will be on-hand to demonstrate its newest feat: the ability to charge your Qi-compatible phone... on the back of a tablet. Indeed, your 7- to 10-inch slate may someday be able to double as its own wireless charging mat, allowing you to feed battery from your tablet to your smartphone just by holding the two devices back-to-back. Additionally, Fulton promises to show off a multi-device charging platform capable of powering up two devices simultaneously. Even better, this surface can recognize and adapt to the needs of each particular product -- in other words, tablets and smartphones can charge together on the same pad, each device receiving the proper amount of juice. Check out the video and press release past the break to see a few ideas Fulton is bringing to the table this week, and fortunately we'll get to take a closer look at all of them soon.
Engadget's CES 2013 Preview: Household
With CES looming like an electrically charged storm of news and announcements, it's time for us to give you our best bets on what you'll see come January. During the month of December, we'll bring you a series of CES preview posts, forecasting what you can expect when the news deluge begins. For more of what's to come, check out our hub. Last year, we saw the likes of Motorola, LG and Samsung continue to demonstrate their technical skills on washing machines, fridges, home automation and even cars. While some Engadget editors struggled to see even half the appeal of those WiFi-connected washing machines at CES 2012, Motorola's Connected Home gateway showed a realistic vision of how a wireless home should work, with its gateway router tying your Android devices to your thermostat, security system and lighting. However, we haven't heard much since January from Motorola when it comes to its household system, so it wouldn't surprise us if the Google-owned manufacturer has a refreshed, possibly deeper system to show us this time. But what else will the middle of Nevada have to offer the forward-looking homemaker in the next year? We have more ideas after the break.
Toyota 2013 Avalon Limited packs Qi wireless charging
Few if any of us are fans of buying 12V adapters to keep our phones powered up in the car. Those who buy the just-arriving 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited, if they choose the Technology Package, won't have to. A lid in the upgraded center stack provides Qi wireless charging to keep that Lumia 920 or Nexus 4 topped up without cluttering the console. As always, convenience carries a steep price tag: a gas-only Avalon Limited with the package costs $42,195 before the usual added fees and taxes, while a hybrid bumps that to $43,945. We wouldn't go out of our way just to skip the wires, then, but the wireless power may tip the balance for smartphone fans in the market for an entry-luxury sedan.
TI joins the Alliance for Wireless Power, tells the WPC it can still be friends
It's not quite a "Dear John" letter, but we're sure the Wireless Power Consortium is heartbroken all the same. One of its key members, TI, has just signed up for the Alliance for Wireless Power to build cable-free charging on what's effectively a competing standard. The chip designer doesn't view the move as abandoning a long-time partner, though -- it remains part of the WPC and plans to produce Qi-based wireless power chipsets alongside future A4WP components. Without any related chips to announce, there's a long wait left before we know how well TI can juggle the two charging formats without appearing to play favorites. We'd recommend that the WPC not grow too attached in the meantime.
JBL Power Up speaker and wireless charger combo now shipping, whimsically priced around $250
The fruit of JBL's partnership with Espoo, the Power Up wireless speaker and induction charger, has just landed at AT&T and Verizon. Aside from receiving your beats over Bluetooth, the 2 x 10-watt speaker can also charge Qi-compatible devices like the Lumia 920 and the Nexus 4. It uses TI's latest power chip for an enlarged charging area, and packs NFC for quick pairing. Unlike TDK's more portable option, the Power Up retains its power cable, but it does come in cheaper than its rival at $250. (Or, for some reason, $300 if you buy it at AT&T.) [Thanks, Brandon]
LG Spectrum 2 made official for Verizon, brings Optimus LTE II to the US for $100
Hints that LG would bring the Optimus LTE II to Verizon have persisted since the spring, which almost led us to wonder if the smartphone was still coming: not to fear, as it's finally here under the Spectrum 2 badge. Other than the expected switch-ups in navigation keys and the mix of both CDMA with global GSM roaming, the design will feel very familiar to anyone who's been on a trip to South Korea lately. The Spectrum 2 preserves the 4.7-inch AH-IPS display, dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4, 8-megapixel camera, 16GB of storage and support for wireless charging for those who buy a charging pad. We're also expecting a relatively light tweak of the software that keeps it running Android 4.0 for now, with LG's support for Tag+ stickers and QuickMemo being the standouts. We do wish we were looking at a quad-core Optimus G instead. For the moderate $100 post-rebate price, however, we'll take the two fewer processor cores -- especially when the Spectrum 2 is already on sale online and should be in retail stores sometime in the next few weeks.
Alliance for Wireless Power approves its specification, edges closer to truly cable-free charging
Design by committee might not be the death knell for technology after all. Over four months after the Alliance for Wireless Power was founded in earnest, the coalition has already greenlit a specification for its partners to work from. The guideline lets device makers start building devices that charge through a magnetic resonance technology more forgiving of distance and material than Qi while simplifying the process through short-range wireless formats like Bluetooth 4.0. While the A4WP group hasn't made all the details public, it's holding meetings this week to speed up the commercialization process -- it's here that we'll learn whether the corporate bureaucracy is just as quick at getting wireless charging hardware into our hands as it is handshaking on standards.
LG E960 support manuals confirm Nexus 4 name, 8GB and 16GB configurations
The information leaks ahead Google's Android event next week continue to flow, with the latest thanks to support manuals on LG's Australian and UK websites. While we're already familiar with the phone's hardware thanks to a detailed Belarusian review, the manuals confirm it is going to be called the Nexus 4, and that along with the 8GB version we've seen there will definitely be a 16GB edition available. As you can see above, it also includes an induction coil for wireless charging and excludes any microSD slots for additional storage. This all comes after two separate Nexus 10 leaks earlier today, as well as a report by Wired of a lost Nexus 4 recovered in a San Francisco bar (sound familiar?) last month. Hit the source link below to check out the LG E960 PDF for yourself (you may need to select the "show all" radio button), although there's only a few diagrams and support info waiting within. [Thanks, Tim aka Zurginator]
