Tag: cell phone accessory

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Tech Accessories

InfiniteUSB lets your USB cables live out their Lego dreams

Laptop users with a limited number of USB ports often run into problems when they want to connect several devices to their computer.

patent-claimedInfiniteUSB solves this problem with a daisy-chainable connector solution which allows users to connect a theoretically infinite number of devices to a laptop with just one USB port.  As a result, InfiniteUSB can ably charge multiple mobile devices while still keeping other USB ports open for important peripherals like a mouse. InfiniteUSB is compatible with iOS, Android and any other device that offers USB connectivity support. Each unit costs $21 with an expected shipment date in June. Its maker is hoping to raise $10,000 via Kickstarter by April 22.

Infinite USB holds a tremendous amount of promise, solving a problem that many computer users are all too familiar with. Its small form factor and magnetized ends allow it to be folded over, thereby making it extremely portable. One possible negative is that it’s arriving just as the industry is starting to transition to USB-C cables which allow, among other things, greater charging capability (up to 100 watts) than current USB cables. As it stands today, InfiniteUSB doesn’t support USB-C though a USB-C compatible version is in the works with a working prototype expected by April.

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Cell Phone Accessories

Peacetong interprets foreign languages so you don’t have to

The inability to understand foreign languages is often a major problem while traveling abroad. While this can be alleviated if a traveller learns a new language before arriving, not everyone has the time to do so.

The makers of Peacetong are out to change that with separate devices that will allow users to quickly interpret both live voices and other audio emanating from a TV. The Personal Interpreter portion works in combination with a planned app designed to work on both Android and iOS devices, two Bluetooth headsets, and one Bluetooth microphone to interpret conversations. The Video Interpreter, which is used to interpret any audio coming from a TV, is a separate device which resembles a portable radio. It operates by keeping the original sound intact and adding an interpreter’s voice over it. Users can connect the device to their TV via an HDMI port. The anticipated retail price of the Personal Interpreter is $400 while the anticipated retail price for the Video Interpreter is $465. A Personal Package which includes one of each is expected to cost $800. Both products will ship in September if Peacetong’s makers canraise $100,000 by April 23.

Peacetong’s concept is promising as there is undoubtedly a market for such a product. But the need for separate devices to achieve what one device could probably do seems to be a major drawback. Another negative is that the Personal Interpreter is unable to interpret audio from a phone call, even though it was designed to be used with smartphones. That said, its creators say that such functionality will be an option added later on via a free app update in the future.

 

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Cell Phone Accessories

WonderCube is a multi-talented smartphone charger you won’t want to leave at home

One problem with smartphones is that they require users to carry around multiple accessories, most notably a charging device. Sometimes, this isn’t always the most efficient way to travel and go about one’s day.

The WonderCube — a tiny device featuring eight-in-one mobile functions —  aims to end that problem. The WonderCubs is small enough such that it can conveniently be attached to a key ring. Some of its features include a foldout flexible USB cord measuring 3 inches when extended; gold-plated connectors that allow quick charging through any USB port; USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality that provides 64 GB of smartphone storage via a built-in microSD card reader; a battery charger that allows users to plug in a 9-volt battery in order to provide an emergency power boost to a depleted phone battery; a mini LED flashlight; and a phone stand function that can be used in either portrait or landscape mode.

WonderCube’s cable can be used for quick file transfers and backups, as well as for syncing photos, music and videos. Notably, transfers and backups can be achieved even when a network connection isn’t available. The device is scheduled to ship in August in two versions –- one with an Apple Lightning connector for iOS devices and another with a micro USB connector. Each version will set you back $69. Its maker set a goal of raising $50,000 by April 15.

The WonderCube has a lot of potential on account of its small size and its many mobile functions. To be fair, not all of those features are clear winners. Specifically, it’s debatable whether or not smartphone users really need a mini flashlight when there are already multiple apps capable of providing that feature. The OTG function also only works on Android devices for now, although iOS compatibility is expected to be added.

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Tech Accessories Travel

Trix lets you keep outlets hidden up your sleeve. Or anywhere else.

Power strips have become a must-have tech accessory for people who travel a lot — or even for those who spend loads of time at Wi-Fi hot spots and desperately need to charge their smartphones, tablets and computers. All too often, one has to compete with others for only a couple of outlets, but toting a couple of outlets allows the power-starved to plug in and still let others juice up.

The Trix power strip is a very small (90mm x 90mm x 38mm) and colorful portable power strip with three AC outlets that makes it easy to plug in wall warts without worrying about them overlapping.  It also avoids having to drag along extra USB chargers since it has two USB ports in the fourth face of its X-like design. Trix costs $40 and will ship in September. Also planned is a Traveler’s Pack that adds a universal converter at $60, also coming in September. Its maker is hoping to raise $58,042 by April 30.

One edge that Trix has over theMonster’s Outlets To Go power strip is its design, which is smaller and easier to fit in a pocket.Trix’s curved design also makes it easier to grip. Its minimalism can also come in handy at home for preventing cable sprawl.

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Tech Accessories

Sawtooth dock charger holds up to six devices in its jaws

Most smartphone or tablet docks tend to handle only one or two mobile devices at a time. That’s fine for a single person living alone, but not so handy for a home with multiple people who each own at least two devices that need to constantly remain charged.

The Sawtooth dock charger features six USB ports and a series of ridges that can accommodate the same number of mobile devices. Its design was inspired by the sawtooth roof architecture of the early 19th century. Each port can charge up to 2.4 amps of power independently. Additionally, each port is equipped with OptimalPeak technology that automatically detects and selects the optimal charging amps for each specific device.

One particularly standout feature is the product’s ability to be connected to other Sawtooth docks, thus enabling multiple docks with six devices each to work in unison with just one wall outlet. This feature should certainly come in handy for classrooms and businesses. Sawtooth will ship in April at $85 for Kickstarter backers, with retail pricing expected to be about 20 percent higher. Its maker is looking to raise $10,000 by April 12.

Sawtooth stands to be appealing to many consumers with multiple mobile devices in their homes, as well as in classrooms that use multiple devices. Its feature set clearly stands out among rival products like the Varius Dock.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories Chargers/Batteries

Juicer uses one Android device to help juice another

Power-hungry smartphones often need to be charged frequently. Unfortunately, there isn’t always a charger around or a free electric outlet in sight.

The maker of the Juicer is out to remedy that. The Juicer is a dual-sided charging cable that enables Android phone users to transfer battery power from one Android device to another. The device costs only $10 and will ship in August. Its maker is hoping to raise $65,000 by April 10.

The Juicer holds some promise for Android users. While it isn’t the fastest-charging device around (it’s about as fast as a computer’s USB port) it’s still useful as sometimes all that’s needed is a quick 5 or 10 percent bump, just enough to make a call or send a few texts. Another plus is that the device is small enough to fit on a key ring or inside a purse. On the negative side, its lack of iPhone compatibility significantly limits the device’s addressable market.

 

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories

Indi robotic dock waves arms to signal you have a phone call

The problem with putting a mobile phone in vibrate mode is that the user will often miss an important call, especially when the phone is kept on a desk at work and there is no way to feel or hear the vibration. The Indi robotic phone dock from a U.K. inventor is attempting to resolve that issue.

The dock has a set of robotic arms that signal when a phone call is coming in. The device consists of a docking unit containing an Arduino micro-controller and an app that users will be prompted to download the first time they plug it into a phone. Initially, the device will only support Android phones, but iPhone support is on its way. Backers who pledge £35 (~$53) will get one when it ships in May as part of an early bird discount deal on its Kickstarter campaign. Indi’s maker is hoping to raise £2,500 (~$3,800).

Indi is a clever spin on the traditional phone dock. It could be especially useful to hard-of-hearing smartphone users. But one inherent drawback is that it is only useful when the user is stationary. Even then, however, if the user is busy, it is possible that person won’t see the small robotic dock’s arms moving when a phone call comes in.

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Cell Phone Accessories

Squido weds vents and a suction cup for a clean phone mount

Trying to figure out where to put one’s mobile phone while driving and using the GPS app might be one of the more looming questions of the 21st century. Squido is a unique Swedish gadget that has a suction cup on one side and a set of four thin prongs on the other. Drivers can then stick the suction cup on the back of the phone and hook the prongs on the other side into their vehicle’s vents. The nice thing about this is that a person’s view is not obstructed as with other car phone holders that have a suction cup that sticks to the windshield. While a small portion of heat or air conditioning may be blocked when Squido is being used, it does seem that it would be fairly universal with most iPhones and car vents. Other options for backers seeking a mobile phone mount include Ultima S, EverDock Go, and Neutron S. This campaign seeks to raise kr60,000 SEK ($8130.08 USD) by November 20, 2014. For kr89 SEK ($12.04 USD) backers get one with an expected delivery of December 2014.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories

ALLCOM ONE pushes a rugged push-to-talk accessory for smartphones

allcomoneSmartphones seem capable of nearly any mobile application these days. Still, sometimes they are limited by their hardware design  and can wind up cumbersome instead of convenient. The ALLCOM ONE is a handheld device that can be clipped or held to enable push-to-talk walkie-talkie style communication through apps, and also function as a loudspeaker for calls or music. The ALLCOM ONE is durable, withstanding falls up to two meters, is dust-proof, and water-proof up to one meter in depth — a bit of overkill for consumers but great for public safety pros who may not need dedicated walkie-talkies. Backers who want to talk with one hand while leaving the smartphone pocketed or put away can get an ALLCOM ONE for $125 in October 2014.