Hasta La Gadget!

One of the biggest components in any of today’s portable devices is the battery. However if researchers can commercialize their latest innovation–paper-thin lithium-ion rechargeable batteries–that could all change.

According to a report on the Chemical Engineering News web site, Stanford University scientists took a regular sheet of paper, coated both sides with a layer of carbon nanotubes and then a thin layer of lithium compound to create a functioning, rechargeable battery. These thin, flexible batteries outperform other super-thin power sources and the prototypes handled at least 300 recharges.

With thin batteries, super-tiny components and possible flexible displays, paper-based and even rollable cell phones may not be that far away.

photo: Yi Cui/Stanford U

The first of the portable edge lit LED TVs from VIZIO that were announced at CES is now shipping, as the 7-inch VMB070 is available at the company’s online store and Wal-mart stores everywhere. In case you’ve forgotten, it’s still a 1-inch thick, 1 pound 800×480 resolution LCD screen with edge LED lighting that can tune into 1080i or 720p ATSC broadcasts through a flip up antenna, packs a battery with a claimed 3.5 hours of life and display video from a composite input or pictures via USB. You’ll have to wait for the step-up 9- and 10-inch models if features like ATSC M/H tuning for viewing on the go or HDMI inputs are a necessity but with its $159 MSRP some cuts may be excusable to avoid running down your cellphone / laptop battery watching Slingboxed broadcasts at the tailgate party or out in the backyard on Saturdays and Sundays.

Continue reading VIZIO’s 7-inch portable VMB070 Razor LED TV now available

VIZIO’s 7-inch portable VMB070 Razor LED TV now available originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While miscreants are harvesting organs from unsuspecting tourists, researchers are busy harvesting energy from the human body. One promising tech that could power future generations of implanted medical devices is the Glucose BioFuel Cell (GBFC). In fact, a team of researchers have created the first known GBFC to function inside a living body — 11 days inside “Ricky” the lab rat’s peritoneum, to be exact. The small device produced 2 microwatts of power over several hours, achieving a peak energy density of 24.4 microwatts per milliliter. The study concludes that a larger GBFC could be used to power a standard pacemaker (requiring ten microwatts of sustained power) yet still be smaller than the batteries in use today. Co-author Serge Cosnier of the Université Joseph Fourier says that an improved GBFC could even power biosensors like the ones proposed for insulin pumps. Until that day arrives, click through for the before- and, um, organic after-implant pics. The fact that the rat’s body had coated the GBFC device with tissue and newly grown blood vessels is proof that the body had accepted it for glucose and oxygen processing.

P.S. That’s the Engadget Lolrat, not Ricky, pictured above. Ricky was apparently unharmed… this time.

Continue reading First biofuel cell successfully implanted into living creature, living creature to be implanted into The Matrix

First biofuel cell successfully implanted into living creature, living creature to be implanted into The Matrix originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 07:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You’re probably wondering why Mophie has apparently crafted a device that’s not also a case. Believe it or not, you actually aren’t living in a parallel universe, and this is — in fact — the outfit’s first product made compatible with other USB devices. The Juice Pack Powerstation is most obviously targeting heavy iPad users, but the beastly battery pack is quite capable of rejuvenating your PND, PMP or smartphone provided you have the necessary cabling. Most interesting, however, is this unit’s ability to automatically switch between desired mAh charges, including 500 mAh, 1A and 2.1A, while a standby toggle switch ensures no drainage when it’s idle. There’s also a USB pass-through so users can charge a device and the Powerstation simultaneously, and if you’re interested, all 3600mAh can be yours starting today at $99.95.

Continue reading Mophie’s Juice Pack Powerstation is smarter than you think

Mophie’s Juice Pack Powerstation is smarter than you think originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 02:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Build it, and they will come. We suspect the same is true with shipping papers. Go Solar USA most certainly hopes so, as it has just inked a deal with Chinese developer Yosion to bring the much-hyped Apple Peel 520 to the US of A. For those unaware, this slip-on case effectively turns your iPod touch into an iPhone, as it equips your PMP with a SIM card slot and the software needed to make / receive calls and texts. Granted, it’s not without its flaws, but for “around $60,” it’s not a half-bad alternative to handing over your cellular soul to AT&T. Both companies have reportedly agreed to work together to distribute it in the United States, but it’s unclear when those shipments will start and how much it’ll retail for once it arrives. Oh, and don’t hold your breath for compatibility with the latest and greatest touch — just sayin’.

Continue reading Apple Peel 520 coming to US shores shortly for an undisclosed amount

Apple Peel 520 coming to US shores shortly for an undisclosed amount originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 07:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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