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There are always a few solar charging products at the Macworld expo, and the 2013 show was no exception. Some of the companies have come and gone, but Goal Zero has continued to expand its charging products. MacNN stopped by the company's booth to check out the new Switch 8 kit and Sherpa 50 portable charging systems.
Accessory maker iLuv has announced a line of charging accessories for the iPhone 5, new iPods and iPad mini with the new Lightning connector. Five new products, expected to be available in January, will offer charge and sync cables, dual-USB and very compact USB car and home chargers for users with Lightning-equipped products. Each comes with a Lightning-to-USB charge and sync cable included that is compatible with most other USB-based chargers as well. All of the new offerings work with the iPhone, iPods and iPad mini.
Enfocus has released Instant PDF 10, an update to its PDF creation tool. Version 10 includes one of the most frequently requested features, annotated error reporting, as well as support for OS X Lion and Adobe CS 5.5. In addition, the update uses Enfocus PitStop Library 10, which provides users with the same level of error identification and correction as the highest-end Enfocus application suites. A fully-functional trial version can be downloaded online, while single user licenses start at $300.
Scosche has announced its 2010 netbook accessory lineup, which includes several new products such as headphones, chargers, and cases, among other items. The new skyCASTER wireless headphones feature an integrated microphone for gaming or VoIP calls. An included USB dongle works as a transmitter, with a claimed range of up to 100 feet over the 2.4GHz band.
USBfever has expanded its selection of iPod and iPhone accessories with the Super Chargers for iPhone 3G/3GS, Rear Mirror Mount for iPhone and the Wallet-Style Case for iPod touch. The Super Charger is a lithium-based rechargeable battery with a 4000mAh rating. It is claimed to add 10 hours of talk time or Internet use, 14 hours of extra video playback or 50 hours of audio playback. An LED provides status information for the internal battery and charging. The case is available for either in both black and white colors, with pricing set at $65.
XtremeMac has announced the upcoming release of a series of InCharge products, for iPhones and iPods. Five different products will become available in March. The InCharge Home is a dual-USB wall charger, capable of charging any two USB devices, and will retail for $30. A Home Plus kit will cost $10 more as a result of international power adapters.
Griffin has announced nine new products for iPhones and iPods at CES 2010. The iFM is an FM radio receiver which attaches to the dock connector of an Apple handheld. With a clickwheel iPod it activates embedded Apple radio control software, while on an iPhone or iPod touch, Griffin's free iFM Radio Controller app is required. It features user presets, and can tag songs for buying on iTunes. The iFM is due in March for $40.
Macally has launched a slew of new products in concert with the ongoing CES expo. The first is the AmpTune, a stereo speaker system for iPods and iPhones that offers a choice of vertical or horizontal docking. Handhelds charge while docked. The FMport is a full-channel FM transmitter for iPods and iPhones that includes a remote control. The PowerGo is a three-in-one battery charger, with an internal battery that takes power from AC, car or USB sources then transfers it to Apple devices via USB.
Several accessory makers have announced new iPhone and iPod touch cases in parallel with the ongoing CES expo in Las Vegas. mophie has unveiled a new version of the Juice Pack Air, now designed for the second- and third-generation models of the iPod touch. The case protects the back of a Touch while simultaneously extending battery life. The Air is distinguished from the regular Juice Pack by a compact design, which comes at the expense of battery life.
Technocel on Tuesday introduced two new products for its line of portable batteries and in-home chargers: the PowerPak XT and PowerPak Duo. Both devices are re-designed versions of the previously released PowerPak, and offer larger batteries. By using the interchangeable tips they are said to support roughly 95 percent of available handheld USB devices, along with any standard USB cable included with most wireless products. Each portable battery also features built-in LED indicator lights for displaying the amount of remaining power.
IvySkin has launched Zappak, the latest product in its line of iPhone and iPod accessories. Zappak works as an extra external battery for mobile devices, charging an iPod or any other USB-powered electronic. The pack can also be used to extend the battery life of an iPhone or BlackBerry. Built-in LED status lights display the amount of energy left within the battery, while the USB cable is attached directly to the case.
NewerTech has launched the NuPower Charge & Sync+, a pocket-sized charger. The unit can charge, power and sync iPhones and iPods, as well as simply charge and power USB-based cellphones, cameras and portable game consoles. It uses a rechargeable 1400mAh lithium-ion battery, and can charge both itself and another device when an AC connection is present.
Koyono has introduced two new products for its line of Mac and iPhone accessories, the HyperMac and the Magneat. The HyperMac is an external battery and car charger designed for all MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro notebooks, as well as all three iPhone models. It features a 5V/1A USB power port, which enables it to charge any USB-powered device and Mac simultaneously. It also supports both 16.5V and 18.5V output for different device requirements, adjusting automatically.
Technocel has announced the PowerPak, a new all-in-one portable battery and home charger. The PowerPak is designed to extend the run time of portable electronic devices when users are on-the-go and away from power outlets. It supports a wide range of devices including cellphones, PDA’s, MP3 players, or Bluetooth headsets. A variety of interchangeable tips are included, enabling the charger to work with almost any USB-powered product.
Callpod has announced its line of portable chargers will be available at Best Buy stores. The company’s set of chargers include the Fueltank Uno and Fueltank Duo, along with the original Chargepod six-in-one multi-device charger. Both the Fueltank Uno and Duo feature a rechargeable lithium ion battery that enables users to charge small electronic devices without the need of an outlet. Each charger comes with device specific adapters capable of supporting over 3,000 electronic items.
Digipower has announced a new line of universal battery chargers, led by its flagship product, the Jumpstart Sport. A variety of chargers should eventually emerge under the label, featuring different battery types and sizes.
Sanho has announced another addition to the HyperMac line, the DC Car Charger for all MacBook models. The company claims the charger as better than Apple's, citing an undistorted power signal. The signal is produced by negating the standard DC-AC-DC voltage adjusting process, and instead opting for a DC-DC method that Sanho believes can reduce fuel consumption and strain on a car's battery. The company also argues that its method is safer, on the basis that other power converters could be lethal should there be a short circuit or malfunction.
QuickerTek has announced an updated external battery/charger unit, designed for the 17-inch MacBook Pro. The 3lb. device can extend the notebook's battery life by as much as 18 hours, and can also charge a Pro while it is still in use. The charger is designed to provide 1,000 full cycles, and takes approximately 12 hours to recharge from an empty state.
SiK has launched the Pimp, a new iPod car charger that enables audio output through car speakers. A 3.5mm jack is present on the dock connector, while the power supply is compatible with most 12V sockets and based on a replaceable fuse. Housing is rendered in anodized aluminum and stainless steel, and the charger comes equipped with three feet of cable. Although compatible with most iPods from the fourth generation or later, SiK notes that it does not support the iPod shuffle.
Demonstrating at booth 1902 during Macworld, Griffin has revealed a number of the new iPod and iPhone accessories it will ship during the coming year. Prominent amongst these is the TuneBuds Fit, a pair of in-ear headphones with an "anatomically correct" curved design, meant to more comfortably slide into the ear canal. The shell of the headphones is made of aluminum, claimed to dampen resonance, while sound is produced via 10mm drivers. Fits should begin shipping in February for $50.
TUNEWEAR has launched three new products: the PRIE Ambassador and PRIE Slim for the iPod nano 4G, along with the TUNEMAX Car Charger, which supports all USB-based iPods. The Ambassador is a genuine leather case with a carabiner that hooks to belts or straps. The carabiner can be removed for pocket travel, and its loop can be used with a lanyard. The case gives access to the headphone jack and hold switch, and is lined with velvet to protect an iPod from scratches and impacts. It arrives with a screen protector, and is available in black or white leather with seven stitching accent colors. It is now shipping for $40.
Scosche Industries has launched a new adapter, the passPORT, which allows charging of iPhones, the second-generation iPod touch and the fourth-generation iPod nano from previously incompatible chargers. The technology functions by means of a female passthrough connection, which bridges iPhones and iPods with a variety of charging hardware. The gear is officially approved by Apple, and costs $30. It is available now at the Apple Store.
Scosche has announced the upcoming release of several new cases, chargers, in-vehicle mounting devices and clock radios, designed for the iPhone 3G and Apple's newest iPod models. The kickBACK is a hard shell case for the iPhone 3G that features two interchangeable back panels, one smooth and one with a hinged kickstand for landscape viewing. Each case also comes with a screen protector, and two additional sets of rubber traction feet. The case can be pre-ordered for $30.
Apple's ultra-compact power adapter recall should not substantially affect either the company or the iPhone 3G, says Shaw Wu of American Technology Research. The analyst comments that while the threat of electric shock is a "negative" with the potential for "headline risk," the number of people likely to be affected by the faulty adapters is believed to be minimal. Apple is also said to be doing the "right thing" by offering a free exchange and keeping its customer service standards up.
XtremeMac has introduced various new products, compatible with the iPhone 3G and the newest iPod models. These include the Micropack, Travel Dock and FireWire-to-USB adapter, as well as five InCharge models: the Duo, Auto, FM, Travel and Home. The Micropack is an iPhone 3G case that provides additional power, equivalent to an full charge. It costs $80, and includes a USB charging cable.
USBfever has announced two new products for the iPhone 3G: an external battery, and a replacement SIM tray. The Portable Power Station attaches to an iPhone through the dock connector, and wraps around the back of the device. It features LED lights to indicate power levels, as well as a built-in speaker to compensate for covering the iPhone's own. The battery casing also has a slot for the camera, allowing its full use even when the battery is attached. The replacement SIM tray fits seamlessly into the iPhone 3G's SIM slot, and is available in both black and white.
Kensington has announced "Works with iPhone" certification from Apple for its line of battery packs and chargers for the iPhone 3G. The line includes full-size and miniature battery packs, car chargers and September arrivals for an International Travel Charger and a Power and Sync Cable. The products work with the Apple iPhone 3G, 2G and iPod touch.
Accessory maker PDO has confirmed that its TopSkin case for the iPhone 3G, first announced in late June, is now shipping. The case uses a form-fitting, translucent design, and provides openings to key areas such as the camera, touchscreen, vibrate button and microphone. Black, blue, pink and white colors are being sold for $20.
Generic dealer USBfever has released a second Portable Power Station intended for the iPhone. The device serves as a backup battery, temporarily recharging the internal one when connecting to wall socket is impractical; it attaches directly to an iPhone's dock connector, and starts the recharge process immediately. A second port at the base of the PPS2 lets users charge both the internal and external batteries simultaneously, or alternately sync with a computer as usual.
