The word is spreading here near the end of 2013: USB is over, if you want it. USB PD (Power Delivery) is set to be the new standard for the next generation, working with standard specifications set to start taking effect as early as 2014. This technology may very well change the way we power […]
If you think that viruses and malware only affect PCs or laptops, then think again. A lot of them are already making the rounds on mobile devices, such as your smartphones and tablets.
The unfortunate thing is that most people don’t think about getting an anti-virus app for their device because they never even considered the idea and danger of mobile malware in the first place.
If you’re one of those people, then it’s high time for you to learn a thing or two about mobile security and take the necessary steps to safeguard your data and device–before it’s too late. The good news is that a number of anti-virus providers have released mobile anti-virus programs that can be downloaded through various app stores, depending on your operating system.
Taking things one step further is Kaprica Security. They’ve worked with Belkin to come up with a phone charger called Skorpion that scans your device for the presence of any virus, malware, or malicious rootkits. Some of these malware work by stealing your personal information (which could lead to identity theft) and by accessing your phone remotely (which could lead to atrocious charges from your telco provider), which could result in bigger problems down the line.
All you have to do is plug in your phone and Skorpion will get to work. It will take all of two minutes to detect the presence of malware on your device. A comprehensive scan of the OS will also be done and you’ll be alerted to any potential problems or threats that have been found afterward.
Kaprica Security only works with Android devices. Belkin will be manufacturing the Skorpion, although a release date has yet to be announced. As for pricing, the Skorpion charger unit will cost $65(USD) and you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription fee of $3-$4 for continued protection.
[via Technology Review via Gizmodo]
Anyone who’s on the road a lot for work, school, or pleasure knows it can be a challenge keeping your gadgets charged up and ready to use away from an outlet. If your travels take you outdoors a lot, keeping your gadgets charged and keeping you in touch can be particularly troublesome. A company called […]
One of the biggest challenges in rolling out a electric vehicle charging system in cities around the world is where to place the chargers and how to wire them into the electric grid. Some interesting wireless electric charging devices are expected to land in New York City in early 2014 from a company called Hevo Power. The coolest part about these wireless charging systems isn’t the fact that they don’t need wires, but rather that they hide in plain sight looking like manhole covers.
Hevo CEO and Founder Jeremy McCool says that the idea to hide his wireless EV charges as manhole covers came to him while walking down the streets of NYC. He said:
I was walking down the street, pondering how wireless charging could be deployed. I was standing at 116th and Broadway, and I was looking down and saw a manhole cover. And thought, that’s the ticket. There are no cords, no hazards. Everything can be underneath the manhole cover.
That realization is where the idea of the company’s wireless charging systems came from. Hevo plans to roll out the charging systems in Washington Square Park in early 2014. The initial wireless chargers will be usable by a pair of Smart ForTwo EVs operated by NYU. The wireless charging technology from Hevo uses resonance charging rather than inductive charging used by other EV charging systems.
Hevo Power says that inductive charging is inefficient, but it’s resonance system uses coils in the vehicle and the charging plate connected with capacitors that resonate a specific frequency. That resonance technology minimizes energy losses, and allows energy to transfer at a faster rate and across a wider gap. The Hevo wireless charging system has three components including the power station that can be bolted to the street or embedded in the pavement. The receiver has to be connected to the EV battery system and a smartphone app is used to help drivers line the vehicle up on the charger to start charging.
Hevo’s current system is classified as a Level 2 charging station providing 220 V and up to 10 kW of energy. The system can produce more than 10 kW of energy depending on the application. Hevo is talking with major companies that operate large vehicle fleets including Pepsi, Walgreens, and City Harvest to potentially use the system for larger fleets of electric vehicles.
[via Wired]
True friends will be there for you through thick and thin. But this seemingly ordinary cable will tell you who’s the truest of them all. The one willing to drain their phone’s battery so you can keep using yours. This is 21st century mooching right here folks.
The cable has two male microUSB connectors. The one with a thicker plastic head goes to the uh, chargee, while the smaller head is meant to connect to your selfless buddy’s phone, which will act as a charger. If you can’t find anyone willing to have their device drained, use the USB adapter that comes with the cable to plug into a computer or USB charger instead. Try not to cry when this happens.
The cable will only work with mobile devices running Android 4.0 or later that have a microUSB port and a USB host mode. You can order the smartphone-to-smartphone charger cable from GeekStuff4U for $15.30 (USD). Knowing who has your back? Priceless. Knowing that no one has your back? Depressing.
[via CRNCHY]
What if you are camping or find yourself in the wilderness and you need to use your phone? Chances are you will need a charge. Good luck finding a power outlet out there. But that’s okay. FlameStower has your back. This device uses the heat from fire to charge cell phones and other electronics via USB, making it perfect for camping or during emergencies due to power outages.
In the worst of situations, you can almost always start a fire. It will work over a cook stove, campfire or any fire source, and starts charging gadgets in seconds.
This project is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter through October 24th, and it seems like a worthwhile investment. A pledge of at least $80(USD) will get you your own FlameStower when it starts shipping this December.
[via Laughing Squid]
You know what makes a fuel cell charger in your pocket a little less frightening? Colors! CEATEC mainstay Rohm has arrived back in Japan with a new set of hydrogen-source fuel cell chargers, with the latest prototype lot boasting a litany of new hues that may very well match up with that iPhone 5c you’re (presumably) picking up soon. The actual technology used within hasn’t changed from last year, but the company is evidently considering the release of such portable chargers for those who’d prefer something a bit less drab. We’re told that a fully-fueled pack can keep the average smartphone alive for twice as long as it would otherwise last, but as has become the norm at this show, there’s nary a hint of a price / release date.
Mat Smith contributed to this report. %Gallery-slideshow99598%
Filed under: Peripherals
There are several factors that will come together to help promote more consumer adoption of electric vehicles around the United States. A couple of those factors include vehicles with battery packs that allow longer driving range and faster charging stations. GM has announced that the San Diego Fashion Valley Mall has become the first location […]
Palo Alto is an ideal place for electric vehicles when it’s full of wealthy, tech-savvy executives. It only makes sense, then, that the city council has voted in favor of a proposal requiring that new homes include wiring for speedy Level 2 EV chargers. The mandate should add less than $200 to a home’s price, and could represent a bargain for future residents — they’d have to pay four times more for a retrofit, Mayor Greg Scharff says. Established locals may also catch a break, as the council wants to simplify the process of getting an EV charger permit. The moves aren’t very bold — many in the area could buy a Model S with spare change — but they may start a trend that spreads to less affluent regions.
[Image credit: Steve Jurvetson, Flickr]
Filed under: Transportation
Via: VentureBeat
Source: San Jose Mercury News
There are plenty of external batteries on the market that have USB ports allowing you to keep your smartphone or tablet charged up on the go. The thing I never liked about those battery packs is that you have to carry your charging cable with you. I think we should be getting away from cables, not trying to carry more cables with us on the go.
Mugen Power has announced a new portable power bank that sheds those wires, assuming your smartphone is compatible. The cool new feature is that the Mugenizer N11 supports Qi Wireless charging. That means if you have a smartphone that has integrated Qi charging technology or a phone with an accessory battery door (and a Qi battery pack), you need no cables.
All you need to is place your Qi enabled phone on the surface of the battery and the power will flow. The N11 has a 4800 mAh battery, so you should be able to get about two charges out of it with most smartphones. The device also has a conventional USB port so you can charge via cable if you need to. Of course you still need to plug in the battery to juice it up too.
You can pick up the Mugenizer N11 battery pack right now for $69.99 (USD).
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