Tag: charging

Apple iPhones And iPads Might Get A New Type Of Charging Port

For years, Apple’s iOS devices have come with a lightning port for charging and data syncing. In fact, it has been the only port on an iPhone since 2016 after the company ditched the headphone jack. While the rest of the smartphone makers are making a switch to the USB Type C port for all their devices, Apple might have different plans.

A leaked patent has revealed that the company might introduce a new type of charging port for its upcoming iPhones. The new charging port will be wedge-shaped for better water resistance while charging. The new port will have a wedge-shaped pin and a rubber gasket. This arrangement will squeeze to create a vacuum, making the charging port water and dustproof.

It is worth noting that the same arrangement has been applied to the USB Type C ports found on the company’s laptops. If this does happen to be a legitimate plan, it won’t be surprising. In fact, it was surprising to see Apple go the Qi standard route for its iPhone X. Everyone expected a proprietary technology of wireless charging as well.

Conclusion

Many have called for Apple to switch to USB Type C ports for its iOS devices. Apple has already made its laptop lineup almost only USB Type C so it makes sense for the company to do it with its iOS devices. This will play well into Apple’s ecosystem as well. People who own a MacBook and an iPhone could only carry a single cable to charge their devices.

March 10, 2018
Tips to Prolong Smartphone Battery Life Cycle

With an abundance of apps and services available today that require a significant amount of juice to run, we all have at some point of the other felt the pain of our smartphone battery dying on us. Honestly, for all its superpowers of computing, your smartphone is still at the mercy of the Lithium-Ion battery that powers it.

iGyaan today comes to you with tips and tricks to better care of your smartphone’s battery so that you can prolong it’s life, and delay the inevitable.

Power Cycling the Battery

Lithium-Ion batteries run for a limited amount of charge cycles before they start showing signs of deterioration. This process can be slowed down significantly, and battery life prolonged by understanding and using these charge cycles properly.

For optimum use of these limited cycles, partial discharging of the phone is recommended. Complete discharges and full charging of the battery is to be avoided as it puts undue pressure on the Lithium-Ion pack. The Lithium-Ion battery inside your device is a complicated beast to tame, and as such it prefers constant and even charge patterns to irregular ones.

For an average user, trying to discharge the smartphone’s battery down to 40% most times, and then juicing it up back to 80%, before removing the charger is recommended. This habit mixed with a complete discharge once every 30 cycles, or say a month, will ensure a happy battery set to a nice charging pattern.

Lose the Heat

No amount of stressing on this one single point can be enough. Lithium-Ion batteries in your phones have no bigger enemy than heat. It is their Kryptonite. The battery inside your smartphone will degrade at a faster pace if the thermal levels aren’t to its liking. Regardless of it being used or not, if it runs hot, it sees its maker.

So if you love the battery inside your phone enough, try what’s recommended, and keep the phone in cool conditions. Best tip here would be to avoid charging it inside a hot car, or charging/using it when the phone gets too hot. FHor emergency charging situations, car chargers should be avoided, and power banks should rather be used.

Say No to Non- Branded Power Banks and Chargers

Non-Branded chargers and power banks can cause irreparable damage to your smartphone’s battery. Irregular power surges could lead to the device’s battery frying itself in a minute. Even if you’re lucky enough to avoid a disaster like this, using such power banks and chargers to juice your phone could over time lead to the battery prematurely aging, and as a result, starting to malfunction.

Lithium-Ion batteries as stated above prefer continuity, and can malfunction if there are irregularities when it comes to power being fed to them. Cheap car chargers and power banks are notorious for not being able to maintain power flowing through them, and as such should be avoided in any case.

Another quick tip here would be to avoid plugging your phone into any random USB ports for charging. Laptops, wall outlets and branded power banks that promise a constant ampere rating should be used.

Avoid Wireless and Fast Charging

Don’t hate us for this, but avoid Wireless charging as much as possible. This fancy new tech that the race of smartphones has been introduced to is convenient alright, but it also does harm to your Lithium-Ion battery. The inductive, wireless chargers in the market generate waste heat during the charging process. This waste energy also heats your battery in the process causing it to run hot, and degrade at a faster pace.

Fast Charging, on the other hand, does not produce waste heat but instead forces the Lithium-Ion battery to charge in a way that it does not like. These batteries inside your phone like to be fed slow and steady, and any change to that habit upsets them. But having said that, this one’s an extreme measure really. Since fast charging only applies the extra voltage at the start of the cycle which does not last too long this particular nifty charging trick does not end up doing too much damage after all.

February 14, 2016
Apple Developing Tech That Allows Charging From a Distance

Apple is working on wireless charging which would allow devices to be charged even at a distance from the charging port. The Cupertino-based company is reportedly collaborating with American and Asian partners to develop this tech.

Currently, the Apple Watch is capable of getting charged even from a few millimetres away from the source. But that isn’t really a groundbreaking development. Also, increased distance between the device and the charging source means a fall in efficiency. Apple is currently focusing on overcoming these problems and making wireless charging smoother. We can expect to see this kind of technology in 2017.

If this development is adopted in future Apple devices, the user could charge their phone while walking around the room. Charging your phone could be like using any other wireless tech like Wi-Fi. Apple made a patent application in 2010 which makes an iMac a source of wireless charging for Apple devices at a distance of 1 metre using a technique called near-field magnetic resonance.

Though wireless charging still exists, it’s only in its nascency. There is a long way to go before it can be employed in a useful and productive way. Let’s see if Apple becomes a pioneer in incorporating this kind of charging in its devices.

Source

January 29, 2016
Top 5 Power Banks of 2015

2015 is coming to an end and tradition tells us to cap it off by looking back at some of the best gadgets of the year. So, today we look at some of the best power banks that came out this year.

Xiaomi Mi Power Bank (10,400 mAh)

Xiaomi’s power banks have changed the way consumers in India look at power banks. They did exist before Xiaomi came into the picture, but one needs to credit the Chinese company for coming out with great looking power banks at a very reasonable price. The Mi Power Bank balances portability with capacity.

Asus Zen Power (10,050 mAh)

The Asus Zen Power is pricier than the Xiaomi Mi Power Bank and has a lower capacity compared to the latter. Light Weight aluminum outer casing gives a smooth and premium finish to the gadget and stays true to the Zen aesthetics. It also features fast charging capabilities with up to 2.4 A output which is the USP of the device. However, the cost remains a dampener here at Rs. 1,670.

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Honor Powerbank (13,000 mAh)

The Honor Powerbank has enough juice to charge your device up to four times. Not only is this power bank big on capacity but it also comes with two ports which means you can simultaneously charge two devices like your phone and tablet. It has an aluminium unibody construction that is resistant to dust, can withstand light splashes of water and is protected from sweat corrosion. The device is priced at Rs. 1,399.

OnePlus Power Bank (10,000 mAh)

Chinese makers love to create beautiful devices. The OnePlus Power Bank is curved and has a delicately crafted design that feels comfortable in the hand. You get two OnePlus signatures textures to choose from: Silk White & Sandstone Black. The device requires only 5-6 hours for power bank to charge to full capacity. It also contains 2 USB ports, 5V/2A, allowing fast charging of more than one device at the same time. The Power Bank is currently sold out but keep your eyes open for when it comes back.

Sony CP-V10A Power Bank (10,000 mAh)

Not only does this power bank charge your smartphone and tablets, but it’s also compatible with other devices including XperiaTM, Cyber-shotTM, Handycam and Walkman players which can be charged via computer’s USB port or AC-USB adapter. The device is priced at Rs. 2,328.

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December 17, 2015
Samsung Galaxy S7 to Have a Pressure Sensitive Display

Expected to make its debut during the Mobile World Congress in February 2016, Samsung Galaxy S7 is likely to arrive with a pressure sensitive display.Though Samsung is tight-lipped about its new smartphones, its silence hasn’t done much to keep speculations and rumours in check as Wall Street Journal reports that the display of S7 will be pressure sensitive.

Looks like Samsung is all set follow in the footsteps of Apple which cannot stop talking about the 3-D Touch of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus.

Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge

Additionally, Galaxy S7 will have a Type C USB Port which means the device will charge significantly faster. WSJ quotes sources that say that a single round of charging would “allow for a full day’s charge in under 30 minutes and in some cases significantly faster than that.”

There are rumours of a retina scanner as well to be included in the smartphone, but things are quite uncertain at this point. Like the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S7 will arrive in two variants, that is, S7 and S7 Edge. Once unveiled in February, it would take another couple of weeks before the smartphone is finally up and ready for shipping hopefully in March. Hold your breath until then.

December 15, 2015
A Smartphone With 10,000 mAh Battery That Will Last You 10-15 Days

Oukitel is reportedly working on a phone that comes equipped with 10,000 mAh battery. Could this mean gone are the days of power-banks and bulky battery cases? The company’s new smartphone K10000 will last 10-15 days per charge under ‘normal’ usage.

Yes, this does seem a little too good to be true, and your doubts are not unfounded. The phone has a modest quad-core 1GHz MediaTek processor, 720p screen, 8-megapixel rear camera, 2-megapixel front cam and only 16GB of expandable storage.

Basically, the device is more like a power bank which has a basic phone attached to it. Don’t be surprised if there is not 3G or LTE support on the K10000. The phone is priced at a $240 (about Rs. 16,000) and begins shipping on January 21st.

This won’t be the first of its kind device though. Recently, a Chinese company too launched a phone with 9,000 mAh battery. However, once again that was the only highlight of the device, with its low end specs and bulky design. There seems to be still a long way to go before companies start combining decent specs with a long-lasting battery in their smartphones.

December 14, 2015
Power Struggle: Xiaomi and OnePlus Play Tug of War

These days if there is another gadget which is more sought after than a smartphone, it’s a powerbank. Since smartphone manufacturers have failed miserably at providing batteries that last more than a day, the powerbank industry is currently booming.

OnePlus and Xiaomi, two manufactures that entered the Indian market last year, recently launched their own battery packs in the country. If you haven’t noticed, the young Chinese companies have kept an eye on each other. Their current flagships, the Mi4 and the One, both come with similar specifications and a similar price tag. So much so that the OnePlus One and Xiaomi Mi4 have even faced price cuts at the same time.

Now it seems like OnePlus and Xiaomi are playing the same game with their powerbanks.

OnePlus, after teasing their portable charger endlessly, finally brought it to India earlier this month. The charger provides 10,000mAh of power, can easily slip in your pocket and apparently charges the OnePlus One 3 times on a single charge. OnePlus introduced the power bank at an affordable price tag of Rs. 1,399. Less than a month later, Xiaomi retaliated.

Yesterday, Xiaomi announced they’re bringing in the massive 16,000mAh external battery, priced same as OnePlus’ power bank, down to the last Rupee.

Other than the amount of power they provide and their design, the two power banks are almost identical in features. Both feature two USB 2.0 ports and one Micro-USB port; both can charge two devices at the same time. Since it’s an additional device you need to carry around, it is worth mentioning that the OnePlus power bank weighs 225g and the Xiaomi power bank weighs, 350g.

We have an inkling that the OnePlus powerbank may face a price cut within the next few weeks. Only time will tell how the company decides to play its cards – it’s time for their move.

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May 30, 2015
uBeam to Bring Revolutionary Wireless Charging Technology to Market

Los Angeles-based startup uBeam is developing a wireless charging technology that will allow people to charge their devices without cords and without having to be right next to the charging station.

The uBeam system developed by Meredith Perry uses ultrasound and converts electricity into sounds, that are then transmitted by ultrasound to the required devices, charging them in the process.

Originally Perry studied astrobiology at the University of Pennsylvania with the goal of finding life on other planets. However during this process she accidentally stumbled upon the wireless charger technology to charge portable electronics using the ultrasound system. Perry explained :

“This is the only wireless power system that allows you to be on your phone and moving around a room freely while your device is charging. It allows for a Wi-Fi-like experience of charging; with everything else you have to be in close range of a transmitter. If wireless power is everywhere, then the size of your battery can shrink because it’s always charging. You’ll never need a cord again, and you won’t need international charging adapters.”

Ms. Perry’s company, uBeam, announced on Wednesday that it took an early prototype concept of this technology, first developed for Ms. Perry’s college innovation competition, and turned it into a fully functional prototype that the company now plans to build for consumers.

The company’s technology converts electricity to ultrasound, which is then picked up by a receiver in the device, where the ultrasound is converted back into energy. The transmitters can fill a room with ultrasound, charging devices that are equipped with receivers (much as Wi-Fi can provide connectivity to an entire room). Larger transmitters are being developed for stadiums and other large spaces. uBeam’s charging technology is expected to enter the market within the next two years.

Check out their video here:

August 9, 2014
Apple Files Patent For Wireless Charging Technology

When it comes to wireless charging, today’s options aren’t exactly as cord-free as the label would suggest. Things like charging mats or other wireless docking options are fine and all, but adding more accessories and bulky cases to the mix is often more trouble than it’s worth. As Wired reports, a patent filed this week by Apple side steps these pesky add-ons and could offer true wireless charging for the first time on Apple hardware.

An Apple patent application published Thursday, “Wireless Power Utilization in a Local Computing Environment,” uses a different approach. Apple’s implementation would utilize a near-field magnetic resonance (NFMR) power supply to deliver juice to nearby devices that have an NFMR resonator circuit within.

In the patent filed by Apple, the company claims they will “utilize a near-field magnetic resonance (NFMR) power supply to deliver juice to nearby devices that have an NFMR resonator circuit within.” This approach would create a “virtual charging area” within about a yard of this power supply, which would thereby charge your device.

A secondary benefit is that wireless devices like the mouse and keyboard could ditch their batteries, helping the environment. Eco responsibility is a cause that, despite challenges with product repairability, Apple is quite dedicated to.

Interesting!

December 3, 2012
Another complaint comes up as Samsung probes Ireland’s S3 explosion

Samsung is currently investigating a report that one of its Galaxy S3 handsets exploded in a user’s car in Ireland, and another model allegedly exploded in a Korean schoolboy’s pocket.

The news comes as the electronics giant gears up to launch its flagship handset in its native Korea on Monday. A schoolboy in Korea was earlier reported to claim his handset’s battery exploded while in his back pocket.

In that incident, Samsung claimed the external pressure pre-empted on the device was what caused it to explode.

The Galaxy S3 is Samsung’s flagship device and these incidents would certainly put a doubt in the consumer’s mind.

June 24, 2012
CES 2012 : Smartphones and Tablets meet with MicroUSB 3.0

The USB Implementers Forum has confirmed at CES that tablets and smartphones will begin to get MicroUSB 3.0 ports end of 2012 and all throughout 2013. The port has raw speeds unto 5Gbps but portable devices will see maximum connectivity of 800 Megabits /sec. The new ports will not only increase data transfer speed but will also lead to faster charging times for such mobile devices.

January 10, 2012
PlugBug Lets you charge your iPhone/iPod/iPad on your Macbook adapter (PR)

The new PlugBug by Twelve South is an amazing space saving, Macbook power adapter add-on. It lets you utilize your existing Macbook power adapter to charge your iDevices or any other device that charges via a USB port – Tablets and Mobiles alike. The design fits onto the Power adapters plug connector and adds a US type plug, which could be inconvenient for some (including those in India) But that is only a little disadvantage to deal with if you have just one powerpoint. Now the big deal over here is that most people in India would rather buy a 100 Rs. (2 Dollar) Multiplug that would give you not two but three outlets from the same outlet. Especially considering that this badboy costs a pretty steep US $34.99 or about Indian Rs. 1800.

You Decide!

[toggle title_open=”Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]

Meet PlugBug, the iPad/iPhone travel charger that snaps onto your MacBook Power Adapter

Charleston, SC, November 1, 2011 – Twelve South is pleased to unveil PlugBug, an iPad/iPhone wall charger that piggybacks onto a MacBook Power Adapter, allowing you to charge a MacBook and an iPad/iPhone simultaneously from one power outlet. Made to fit all MacBook Power Adapters, PlugBug is available now at twelvesouth.com for $34.99.The ingenious PlugBug connects to all MacBook Power Adapters. Simply snap PlugBug onto a MacBook Power Adapter, in place of the adapter’s AC plug, and you now have one handy device that charges MacBook and iPad or iPhone at the same time, using only one wall outlet. This can be a real lifesaver when you need to charge both before a meeting or – even more stressful – between connecting flights with only one outlet available.

Along with a beautiful design, PlugBug packs 10 powerful watts, charging iPad as fast as technically possible. In fact, many public USB charging stations, like those found in airports, lack the power to charge an iPad. Not only will PlugBug provide the proper charge, it will charge your iPad up to twice as fast as many competing chargers. Now you can carry just one compact PlugBug to charge your iPad or iPhone and leave the other chargers at home, reducing the clutter in your computer bag. Forget about worrying whether or not you remembered your iPad charger – with PlugBug it’s always connected to your MacBook charger. For those times when you only need an iPad charger, you can disconnect PlugBug from your MacBook Power Adapter and still use it as a stand alone device.

Andrew Green, Creative Director at Twelve South, said, “PlugBug is a dream product for us. It improves on MacBook’s own Power Adapter, adds a completely new idea to iPad/iPhone chargers, and it simplifies the lives of die-hard Apple fans – like me – who carry multiple Apple devices wherever they go.”So why is PlugBug red? Noted author and original Mac Evangelist Guy Kawasaki gets credit for the color. When shown an early prototype, Kawasaki insisted PlugBug should carry a show-stopping hue viewable from across the room – or airport. The “Kawasaki Red” PlugBug was born.Those outside the U.S. and Canada can use PlugBug as the perfect U.S. adapter and iPad/iPhone charger. Not only does PlugBug convert any non-U.S. MacBook Power Adapter into a North American-compatible adapter, it also serves as a bonus USB charger for iPad and

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November 2, 2011
Touchstone mod brings Wireless Inductive charging to the Samsung Galaxy S Plus and Epic 4G Touch

lusModders are getting it on with inductive charging mods using hardware from old PALM PREs. First it is a Samsung Galaxy S Plus. German IT student Qian Qin ripped apart a palm pre back cover and installed it on his device. The result is a physically indifferent device which now charges wirelessly. check out the video below.

Next it is the new Samsung Galaxy S2 variant Epic 4G Touch . This modder hacked his 3 day old device to charge via the dock using bolder moves. cutting open the back cover and soldering the wires right onto the board. You can check out the full systems in a step by step carving of the new device at AndroidCentral Forums.

September 20, 2011
Fresh Tech : USB Tooth brush from Philips is Clean Tech with Style

Philips new Sonicare toothbrush charges via USB, dubbed the “DiamondClean” it includes a colorful case and charges via a stylish, white dongle and cable. It also includes a cup that is both a drinking glass and an inductive charger, wow.

Apart from the fancy tech the toothbrush also has more bristles than previous Sonicare models and an improved diamond-shaped head. It promises to clean better than any other automated toothbrush out there.

[toggle title_open=”Collapse PR” title_closed=”Read The Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Philips Sonicare Launches Two Revolutionary New Oral Health Care Products — AirFloss and DiamondClean

STAMFORD, Conn., July 20, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — The number one dental professional recommended power toothbrush brand, Philips Sonicare, is leveraging years of science-based research to expand its product portfolio beyond power toothbrushing for the first time. Last night, Sonicare unveiled its new AirFloss against a fitting backdrop at the New York City Museum of Art and Design. A proof point to Sonicare’s commitment to develop meaningful innovation, AirFloss is a first-in-class flossing device that effectively cleans between teeth using microbursts of air and water droplets that remove more plaque that brushing alone. Also on display at the event was the new Sonicare DiamondClean power toothbrush.

“Philips Sonicare has taken innovation to a whole new level with AirFloss and DiamondClean,” remarked Dr. Bill Dorfman, DDS, who hosted the event and has appeared on TV shows such as Extreme Makeover and The Doctors. “As an innovator and entrepreneur, I draw inspiration from brands that use both science and consumer insights to develop new technologies that meet people’s needs, and ultimately, improve their lives.”

Sonicare AirFloss

Philips Sonicare AirFloss is a breakthrough interproximal cleaning device that provides people with an easy and effective way to clean in-between their teeth, without the hassle and mess of string floss.

“Research has shown that there are many barriers that prevent people from flossing regularly, from time and convenience, to dexterity,” said Erik Hollander, Sr. Marketing Director at Philips Consumer Lifestyle. “AirFloss was designed to make flossing easier and less time-consuming, and the oral health benefits are indisputable.”

According to a survey conducted on behalf of Philips Sonicare, one out of two Americans admit they do not floss as much as they should, and with 80 percent of Americans suffering from some form of periodontal disease(1), there is significant room for improvement.

With this insight in mind, Philips Sonicare created AirFloss to simplify this every day task, and during Philips’ consumer testing, 86 percent of users found it easier to use than string floss(2). Sonicare AirFloss was also designed to maximize plaque removal and improve gum health. Studies found that it is clinically proven to remove up to 99 percent more plaque in-between teeth than brushing with a manual toothbrush alone(3).

Sonicare AirFloss uses microburst technology, a rapid burst of air and water droplets, to push plaque and bacteria from in between teeth. The microburst is directed using a nozzle guidance tip that ensures targeted cleaning between teeth, and the point and click one-button operation cleans the entire mouth with less than one teaspoon of water in less than a minute. It has an ergonomically designed handle and angled nozzle to access all areas of the mouth and its cordless, rechargeable handle fits on the same charger as the Sonicare FlexCare+.

Consumers can win a Philips Sonicare AirFloss by visiting www.Facebook.com/PhilipsSonicare and taking the quiz on the “Love Sonicare” tab.

Sonicare DiamondClean

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean takes power toothbrushing to its most sophisticated level yet. It harnesses Philips Sonicare’s patented sonic technology to produce a powerful dynamic cleaning action for a difference that users can see and feel. DiamondClean is gentler on teeth and gums than a manual toothbrush, helping to keep teeth stronger and healthier for longer.

DiamondClean is clinically proven to remove up to 100 percent of plaque from hard-to- reach places than a manual toothbrush and to improve gum health in just two weeks(4). It is also clinically proven to whiten teeth in one week and protect against gum irritation and recession to help reduce sensitivity(5).

With five brushing modes, users can customize their brushing experience to their needs, while DiamondClean delivers a “unique whole mouth clean” feeling. The modes include Clean, White, Polish, Gum Care and Sensitive.

Sonicare DiamondClean brush heads have a new diamond-cut shape for a more efficient brushing experience, with 44 percent more bristles than the standard Philips Sonicare ProResults brush heads. It also features the latest in inductive technology to charge the toothbrush in a sleek glass cup that doubles as a drinking glass and comes with a travel case that allows for easy charging via USB port.

For more information about Philips Sonicare AirFloss and DiamondClean or the Philips Sonicare range, including copies of clinical studies, visit www.sonicare.com

(1) National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)

(2) An Ease of Use Study to Evaluate Philips Sonicare AirFloss, String Floss and the Waterpik Waterflosser (IHUT). S. Krell, A. Kaler, J. Wei.

(3) A Randomized, Parallel Design Study to Evaluate the Effect of AirFloss (Chinook) on Removal of Interproximal Plaque and Reduction in Gingivitis. Jain V, Wei J, Jenkins W, Delaurenti M.

(4) Plaque removal efficacy of two novel Philips Sonicare DiamondClean brush heads, Putt M, Milleman J, DeLaurenti M, Schmitt P. Data on file, 2010

(5) Evaluation of stain removal by Philips Sonicare DiamondClean power toothbrush and manual toothbrushes, Colgan P, DeLaurenti M, Johnson M, Jenkins W, Strate J. Data on file, 2010[/toggle]

August 12, 2011
Skypump – The Green Charging Station

The Sanya Skypump is a wind powered charging station for electric vehicles and it has been developed by Urban Green Energy in collaboration with General Electric. While still in the conceptual stages, the Skypump combines a GE Wattstation with a urban green wind turbine which can capture up to 4KW of wind energy.

The turbine is 13m high and can easily be installed in parking lots, rest stops and other areas. As it is attached to the grid, once the station is fully charged and a vehicle is not plugged in, the Skypump will keep pumping electricity back into the grid. The company is also producing a version of the charging station for domestic use. The domestic version will be using a wall mounted GE Wattstation which can charge an electric car in four to eight hours. There is no news on whether the Skypump will offer similar efficiency.

July 29, 2011