SISAREA

A quick glance of forums about the interwebs suggests that the EVO 4G has another potential defect that seems to be affecting a notable (though probably still very, very small) number of devices: problems with the micro-USB port, an issue that bit Nokia not long ago on the N900. The main symptom here seems to be that the phone will no longer charge or charges intermittently — and considering that your phone amounts to little more than a paperweight if it’s not properly juiced, we’d say it’s a big issue for affected folks. People returning their devices to Sprint have apparently have mixed luck getting reps to agree that the phone should be replaced, but for what it’s worth, we’ve just heard back from an HTC spokesperson who — in addition to emphasizing that the number of affected units seems to be small — says that the problem will be covered under the one-year warranty as long as “it is determined that the issue was not caused by customer misuse.” Anyone out there seeing this?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

HTC EVO 4G suffering occasional micro-USB port issues? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We had an eerie feeling it’d come to this, and come it has. Nearly two full years to the day after the government of Japan began a thorough investigation into the spontaneous combusting of iPod nano devices, that same entity is now mandating that Apple publish an “easy to understand” statement on the web that explains how customers can “receive replacement batteries and obtain advice.” So far, these volatile Li-ion cells have been blamed for four cases of minor burns in the Land of the Rising Sun, and while Apple has been replacing first-generation iPod nano batteries since 2008 for those that complained, it seems that Japan wants the company to make the option readily apparent to consumers. Be sure to keep an eye on Apple’s Japanese site for more, but as of now, we’re not seeing any such PSA posted.

Apple ordered to make public iPod nano battery fix in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Most cell phone manufacturers have charging standards these days, even if they can’t always agree on which version of USB to use, but as the hair-tearing message above shows, third-party renditions of Apple’s proprietary dock connector haven’t always been universal solutions for iPods and iPhones. Now we know another important reason why — secret resistors placed on the data lines in connectors for each iDevice. Minty Boost creator ladyada recently reverse-engineered the chargers for a variety of Apple gadgets, and discovered that iPhones in particular don’t draw electricity until they detect 2.8V and 2V signals when they attempt to charge. At that voltage, the handsets suck down about one amp, leading to a rapid filling of your device’s Li-ion belly, but by adding additional resistance to drop the voltage further, the iPhone can be coerced into accepting 500mA instead — perfect for the set of AAA batteries you stashed away in that Altoids tin. Video after the break, full explanation at our source link.

Continue reading Hacker reveals how Apple artificially restricts iPhone chargers (video)

Hacker reveals how Apple artificially restricts iPhone chargers (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple’s just slipped something into its iMac update press release that we didn’t want to go unnoticed: a battery charger. Apple’s AA battery-powered lineup now includes the wireless keyboard, the Magic Mouse (which seriously burns through the juice) and the Magic Trackpad, and for $29 you can score a dedicated charger for all that gear. The Apple Battery Charger comes with six long-lived NiMH rechargeable batteries which apparently have a lifetime of up to 10 years.

Update: We just had a chance to get a quick hands-on with the little guy, and well, it’s a battery charger. Apple tells us the charger has the lowest vampire power draw of any charger on the market — the idea is for users to keep two batteries in each of their peripherals and two in the charger, so they can quickly swap out as the cells run out. Interestingly, the batteries are some of the only Apple products in recent memory that don’t have an Apple logo on them — they’re just plain silver with “Rechargeable” printed on them. The charger itself has slightly nicer charging contacts than the usual spring-and-flap arrangement, and it features the same removable flippy-prong AC plug as Apple’s laptop and iPad power adapters, so you can theoretically swap it for a longer power cord if you like.

Apple Battery Charger gets official: a battery charger, only you know, better (update: hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Wireless Power Consortium took a big step forward this past week with the confirmation that its precocious Qi interoperability standard has been finalized. Composed of three documents setting out the interface, performance and compliance requirements, the new dictum has set itself the not inconsiderable challenge of making wireless charging universal, so that any Qi-approved phone can soak up juice from any Qi-verified base station, dock or omnitool. This first spec is limited to devices requiring no more than 5 Watts, an appropriately humble early goal, though cauldrons are already bubbling with ideas for laptops and the like. We just hope the impressive list of big time companies on the Consortium will succeed in taking Qi into the mainstream — who here hasn’t dreamt of their phone being compatible with the Touchstone?

[Thanks, MrStringTheorist]

Qi wireless power standard finalized, universal contactless chargers look closer to reality than ever originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We first learned of Horizon’s most recent fuel cell-powered aspirations back at CES, but the company has been radio silent ever since. Well, until today. As of this very moment in time, a trio of alternative energy charging solutions are up for pre-order on the company’s site, and while they promised that the family would be available by the end of 2010, it seems as if the first shipments will head out as early as next month. The Minipak — described as a charging device that integrates a passive air-breathing fuel cell and a ’solid-state’ hydrogen storage unit — is up for pre-order at $99.99, while the monstrous Hydrofill water-to-hydrogen-to-power converter can also be claimed for $499.99. Last (but certainly not least), the Hydrostik can be reserved for a penny under a Hamilton. Go on, give that source link a look — your angered AAs will peter out before they’re able to take up arms, anyway.

[Thanks, Mitchell]

Horizon’s Minipak, Hydrofill and Hydrostik fuel cell devices go up for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh, sure — Shelby’s practically nonexistent Aero EV can recharge in around 10 minutes, but if you’re hoping to find a similarly quick vehicle that’s even close to your price range, you’ve probably come up empty so far. Thankfully, Renault has a mind to change that with the new DeZir. Slated to take the stage at this year’s Paris Motor Show, the lascivious concept rolls with a mid-mounted electric engine capable of screaming a solid 100 miles before petering out. The good news here, though, is that the outfit’s Quick Drop technology enables the battery packs to regain 80 percent of their charge in just 20 minutes using a 400V three-phase current, though a standard household plug will require a good night’s rest (read: eight hours) to rejuvenate it fully. ‘Course, only time will tell if this beaut will ever hit the production line, but we’d go ahead and brace yourself for it to look far tamer should that green light ever get lit.

Continue reading Renault DeZir recharges while you stare, not while you wait

Renault DeZir recharges while you stare, not while you wait originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh, sure — Mophie’s Juice Pack Air may be quite the effective device when it comes to rejuvenating a dead iPhone, but what it sorely lacks is a dash of the atypical. Essential TPE has done the world one better with the introduction of The Icon, or what’s better known as the most incredible iPhone battery pack in the history of iPhone battery packs. Put simply, this portable cell plugs directly into the Dock Connector of your 3G or 3GS (iPhone 4 compatibility remains unknown), and an EL indicator lights up to show you how much juice remains in the stick. According to the company, it’ll provide an extra three hours of 3G talk time, up to 18 additional hours of audio playback and up to 5.5 hours of bonus web surfing. Currently, it looks as if the company is seeking a worldwide distribution partner, so if you’re into distributing awesome wares, well… you know where to get your next fix.

Icon iPhone battery pack combines visual bliss with bona fide utility originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 15:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading Orange Power Wellies convert all that dancin’ to juice for your mobile

Orange Power Wellies convert all that dancin’ to juice for your mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T’Light lamp for major nerds with good taste (should such a thing exist) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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