Tech Gadgets That Make Traveling a Breeze

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Supposedly half the fun of travel is getting there, but what if traveling could be fun from start to finish? This year's CES was all about travel tech designed to make your next vacation (or business trip) a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable. 

Of course, an open mind and adventurous spirit are the most important things to bring with you on any voyage but there are plenty of gadgets and accessories that are worth packing. Here's some of the newest travel tech, some of which debuted at CES 2016, that's equally useful for world travelers and weekenders.

The Egg – a Phone to Cloud Photo Solution

Eggcyte's personal cloud device, the Egg, is a must have for phone-wielding shutterbugs who have more subject matter than storage space. 

The Egg can connect to your phone from anywhere in the world so you can share up to 50,000 snapshots with friends and family back home. And after you've said goodbye to your favorite destination, scrolling through those vacay pics is as easy is firing up the app. 

Samsung's Galaxy S7 – Best in Class Photos on the Go

The Samsung Galaxy S7 has premium specs that include a best in class camera with 4K capture capabilities, low-light optimization, a cool menu of effects and a fully outfitted manual mode. Why make this your go-to travel phone? 

The brand's latest offering brings back IP68 dust resistance and long-term water resistance up to 3m, which means you can bring it just about anywhere. And best of all, if you get it from T-Mobile this phone comes with a free year of Netflix, perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows on the go.

Bluesmart – the Smartest Suitcase 

This four-wheeled, extra strong carryon-friendly bag does more than keep your stuff safe. Bluesmart can weigh itself, has not one but two USB charging stations, and comes with a built-in tracker that's smart enough to alert you if it senses that your luggage is on its way to Timbuktu. 

Want the tracker without all the extras? Stash Trakdot in your suitcase and you'll always know where in the world your bags are. 

Zagg – Untethered Audio Anywhere

The retractable earbuds on Zagg's versatile Flex Arc headset let you curl up and forget about your neighbors on the plane. 

And then when you get to your destination, you can get the party started with built in external speakers that offer surprisingly souped-up sound for such a small package. 

Sol – a Bag that Does Double Duty

Samsung C&T's Sol Bag is a stylish oversized clutch that features integrated solar panels that charge your devices whenever you're walking in the sun. Of course, if you're traveling to an out of the way destination a high capacity power bank makes more sense.

In that case, grab Aukey's portable charger – it has enough emergency backup juice to charge your iPhone ten times plus a built in flashlight.

Bedphones – Promoting a Good Night's Sleep

DubsLabs has created Bedphones, a new kind of nighttime earbud designed to combat the challenges travelers face when falling asleep away from home. This speaker sits outside your ear so you can bliss out with white noise or fall asleep to your favorite podcast without the uncomfortable feeling of something in your ears. 

Better still, the Bedphones app senses when you've nodded off and automatically shuts off your audio to save you power. 

Mobi EyeFi – for Faster Photo Transfers

The Eyefi Mobi WiFi SD card makes the chore of transferring photos from camera to device a breeze.

Your snapshots are automatically sent from your camera to your iOS, Android, or Kindle device using wifi. 

What else do you need to stash in your carryon? Definitely check out the latest on-the-fly audio translators and ultra light laptops – especially if it's business bringing you to the far reaches of the globe. Ultimately there's no such thing as 100% stress free travel but with the right tech you can come pretty close.

READ ALSO: Transportation Options While Vacationing

As always, would be great to hear what you think!

*by andreascy*

10 Gadgets that Will Make your Life so Much Easier

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Hello everyone! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Still recovering and sluggishly getting back to work? Grab a coffee while reading our new posts. 

More than a few people have uttered the phrase: “Isn’t there something to make this job easier?” If you haven’t then you’re probably in the minority, or maybe you already own all those things. 

Listed in this article are 10, sometimes silly, gadgets that can make life less of a hassle. So if you’re not one of those people that own everything, maybe one of these can help you with a current problem that you seem to keep running into.

1. AquaNotes

Have you ever noticed that the shower is where you come up with a lot of your good ideas? You may have also noticed that you sometimes forget that idea before you even turn the water off. With AquaNotes that’s no longer a problem. It’s a waterproof notepad that sticks to the wall in your shower. 

Now those million dollar inventions will never be lost. This is a great gift for an inventor, song writer, and entrepreneur.

2. Wrinkle/Wash Free Pants 

Next to doing the dishes, the laundry is one of the most tedious tasks in anyone’s life. A company called Bluffworks has made it easier to be just a bit lazier. The pants can be balled up and stuffed in your backpack or luggage and still be good to go. 

They also come with pockets for smartphones like the Galaxy or iPhone. These are perfect for any bachelor. 

3. Hovding Airbag for Cyclists

Do you like riding your bike but hate the clunky helmets that are on the market? Or maybe you don’t feel comfortable placing all your trust into a piece of padded plastic and rubber. A company in Sweden called Hovding has invented a new ‘invisible’ bike helmet. 

The device is worn around the neck and is deployed like an airbag around your head and neck if you happen to run into anything. Or if anything happens to run into you.

4. Lock Laces

Do you hate tying your shoes? Maybe you are one of those people that just leaves your shoes tied so you can slip in and out of them easily. With Lock Laces, you can have your shoes done in seconds. They’re elastic laces that have a stopper on them similar to snowboard boots. 

They are a step up from Velcro but people with still probably make fun of you for ‘not being able to tie your shoes. That’s ok though because you can just make fun of them for taking forever to get out the door. 

5. Onion Goggles

These are exactly what you think they are. These goggles fit tightly around your eyes so no more tears when you’re cutting onions. 

They may seem silly; some people are really sensitive to juices that onions omit when they are being cut. They make you look like an Olympic swimmer when you’re preparing your food. 

6. Light up Charging Cables

These may seem gimmicky but they’re actually pretty convenient. Instead of having to look at your device when it’s charging, all you need to do is pay attention to the light patterns. 

A fast current means your device is less than 65% charged, while a slower one means it’s over 65%. Once it’s fully charged the light shuts off. Neat huh?

7. The CanStand

This isn’t just a cool way to hold your beer or soda. The CanStand is a beverage cooler that also reflects the heat of the sun. You just stick it in the ground like those bug torches and you’re good to go. 

It works if you’re standing or sitting, so now you can enjoy a cold one next to the grill without the radiant heat warming up your beverage. 

8. ibattz Mojo Refuel & Invictus Battery Case for iPhone

We’ve all been stuck somewhere with no outlet and a battery that’s on 10%. Or worse you are at the airport with plenty outlets but they’re all being used. Enter the ibattz Mojo Refuel or Invictus Battery Case for the iPhone. 

It works just like most iPhone cases, only this one comes with a small replaceable battery capable of recharging your phone. Not only that but it amplifies the speakers on your phone too. 

9. SleepPhones

If you’re one of those people that like to listen to music when they sleep, this is perfect. Ear buds are comfortable, but not when you’re laying directly on one and jamming it further into your ear. 

This is a headband with earphones sewn into it. Not the best sound quality but still more comfy than rolling over onto an ear bud.

10. StickNFind

This is a nifty little device that you can stick to those items that you lose all the time. You can stick them on your keys, wallet and your TV remote. You can then use your phone to locate them. 

The only downside to this is if your phone is one of the things you’re constantly losing, you may have a tough time.

Conclusion 

There you have it 10 things to make your life easier. In today’s complicated world we could all use a leg up on those frequently annoying problems. Now if they could only invent a machine that grants wishes, that is something that could make your life way easier.

SOMETHING ELSE TO READ: 10 Gadgets to Help You Catch More Fish

Please remember to LIKE and Comment. Thanks for visiting!

 

(DISCLOSURE: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I only ever endorse products that I have personally used and benefitted from personally. Thank you for your support!) 

*by andreascy*

10 Gadgets to Help You Catch More Fish

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Fishing has changed dramatically over the past decade with the increasing popularity of smartphones and other technology. Even those who have strongly resisted the change are giving into the pressure to adapt. Once there is a smartphone in your pocket, it's difficult to keep refusing time-saving, fish-catching options. 

Here are 10 tech tools that will make your outing both safer and more successful without ruining the great outdoors.

Find Where to Go

Fishing Hot Spots Maps: It's an old tool in a new format. You no longer have to track down paper maps for the water you want to fish but rather this company provides digital maps for both freshwater and saltwater. You can even get maps that work with older units and handheld devices.

The Fishidy Mobile App: This app provides maps as well as a community for sharing tips and up-to-date reports. You can track your fishing successes on a map using GPS in addition to identifying water depths, underwater contours and fishery data.

Learn How to Get There

Broadband RADAR: This tool boasts that it is the most significant radar breakthrough since 1940. It has much lower power requirements and crystal clear images, which helps for limited visibility situations or tight maneuvering. Plus, it does not require a license.

SIMRAD: This tool is very similar to Broadband RADAR. It also has clear imagery, low power consumption and low emissions. Whether you combine navigation with your fishfinder or separate the two, broadband technology is taking hold quickly.

Locate the Fish

Lowrance HDS-12 Gen3: There are plenty of fishfinder models to choose from, but the new Gen3 model uses a broadband sounder, supports wireless signals and uses Spotlight Scan Sonar, making it a top-notch gadget.

Raymarine Dragonfly: For CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse) lovers, Raymarine Dragonfly is the tool for you. This new unit delivers incredibly clear images and includes Navionics charts on microSD in addition to a temperature sensor and 50-channel GPS.

Play it Safe

Iridium Satellite Phone: Whether speaking with family or getting out an emergency call to the Coast Guard, you can always contact land and other satellite-equipped vessels when you pack a satellite phone. They also claim that their call quality is three times better than their competitor's.

C-pod Security: The C-pod sends current status information about location, heading, intrusion, battery voltage and other vital statistics to your phone or computer. Remote on/off capability allows you to be in control of C-pod sensors from the helm.

Stay in the Game

XPand: If you are you taking a green seafarer along on the next voyage, consider the Xpand anti-motion sickness glasses to keep queasiness at bay. Pills and patches often cause drowsiness and confusion, but the sunglasses use electro-optical systems to reduce motion sickness in a noninvasive way. They are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion polymer cell.

Gomadic Solar Charger: Stay prepared with a solar charger to keep any of these gadgets charged and ready to use. It can charge multiple devices simultaneously, and does it just as quickly as a wall outlet would.

Prices in each category can vary widely, so be sure to do your homework. Many times you can cut back on features to make a tool better fit the budget. Yesterday's top-dollar fishfinder or navigation aid, for instance, can often be found at rock bottom prices as others switch to broadband units. So, get ready, be prepared and fish on!

SEE ALSO: Science Nation - Electric Fish Charges up Research on Animal Behavior

Join the discussion by posting a comment below or tweeting #OFFICIALANDREASCY. Let me know what you think.

(DISCLOSURE: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I only ever endorse products that I have personally used and benefitted from personally. Thank you for your support!)

*by andreascy*

VERSI - The Ultimate Dock Stand Charger For Tablets & Smartphones

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Rorabaugh Designs officially launched on crowd-funding platform Kickstarter, VERSI Docker/Stand, the best powerful and highly functional docker stand on the market today. 

Accommodates iPhone, iPad/mini (including iPad Air), Android, Microsoft, Sony, Apple, Nokia, Samsung, HTC, Kindle, Huawei or any reader, tablet or smartphone. Simply bring it anywhere and it's ready to boom your day! 

Adjusts to any viewing height, angle or position and gives you the freedom to interact with your device without even worrying about touching it. You'll have better posture, be able to work longer, organize your work area and also feel better. 

VERSI stand is stunning to look at, it's deceptively lightweight and integral for any serious user. It holds and charges virtually any smartphone or tablet (both with or without a case). Ergonomically rugged and enterprisingly stable, the VERSI “charges anything USB,” says Rorabaugh Designs. 

The DUAL VERSI Docker/Stand (as shown above) holds both your tablet and smartphone. Dale Rorabaugh, Founder of Rorabaugh Designs, said: “While the dual docker stand holds both a tablet and a smartphone at the same time, it also uses a unique Hidden Cable Management System that makes use of, and hides, any factory cable within the products deeply grooved design. The product is optimum in every regard.” 

It's made of extruded Machine-Age aluminum (or anodized aluminum) so it's very sturdy and has a premium feel. It's actually the only dock and stand that you will ever need for your lifetime - no matter what you own. It comes also with or without a 12 V LED Light. Check out the video!

Starts at $69.00.

It's time your content met our audience. THE OFFICIAL ANDREASCY, home of Top stories, Daily and Unbiased Tech News, is determined to make your marketing & promotional goals come to life! Advertise with us.

So, what are your thoughts on this? Leave your "good" comments in the section below. Cheers!

*by andreascy*

4 Effective Tips for Reducing Your Electricity Bill

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

These days it's way too easy for the typical American household to have an enormous electricity bill. Between home appliances, televisions, video game systems, computers, and phone chargers we consume a lot of electricity. 

Thankfully, it is entirely possible and actually very simple to live a comfortable life without a huge electricity bill. Here are four simple tips that will help lower your electricity bill. 

1. Use Your Air Conditioner Wisely

Using an air conditioner can add a lot to your electric bill. Instead of turning up your air conditioner and wondering why your energy bill is so high, try keeping it at 78 degrees when you're home. If that isn't cool enough for you, there are other things you can do to keep your home comfortable in the summer. Ceiling fans can help a home feel cooler even if they don't actually cool the surrounding air, and closing the blinds on your windows can give your home some much-needed shade. 

Using an air conditioner wisely also means keeping it in working order. Check the filters at least every thirty days, and clean or replace them as needed. Schedule a maintenance check with an air conditioner repair specialist every season. A good central air conditioning system will last for years, but if it isn't maintained it will be forced to work harder and cost you extra on your energy bill.

2. Invest in Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Fluorescent light bulbs may be initially more expensive than incandescent light bulbs, but they last about ten times longer and are much more energy efficient. Overall, a single incandescent light bulb costs as much to operate as six fluorescent light bulbs. With this type of inefficient light bulb Invest in fluorescent if you really want to save money on your electricity bill.

3. Pick the Right Oven

Microwaves consume 90 percent less energy than an electric oven, so you should be using your microwave more often if you are trying to save money on your electric bill. If you would rather not use a microwave for your cooking, there are other energy-efficient options available. For example, a toaster oven is perfect for baking or roasting smaller items, and it still uses less energy than a conventional oven. A convection oven also cooks food 35 percent faster than a conventional oven. 

4. Make Sure Things are Turned Off

Turning off the lights in a room before you leave should be a no-brainer, but these days people leave their computers and video game systems on all the time, even when they aren't using them. Even in standby or sleep mode, electronics are still using electricity. Many of these devices require an extra step to actually shut them down completely. If you're not going to use them anytime soon, take that extra step to make sure they aren't wasting electricity.

For your needs we recommend to seek a professional help from a home renovator or a DIY specialist who can offer you specific energy efficient solutions. Let us know about the details and we'll guide you step by step how to achieve it.

*by andreascy*

Top Tech Money Savers for Your Business

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Running a business is expensive. That’s just the name of the game. Them's the breaks, as they say. You need to pay your employees. You need to pay your taxes. You need supplies and for your utilities to stay on. All of those things cost money. 

There is no rule, however, that says you have to pay full price for everything all the time. Here are some of the best ways you can save money on technology for your business and use technology to save your business money:

1. Print Smart

If you’re paying full price for your toner and ordering it directly from the printer manufacturer, stop it! That’s like taking your car to the dealership for an inspection. There are much better ways to get your toner needs taken care of, and this includes your toner cartridge, premium LaserJet options or repairs for your copy machine. Why pay full price and then some if you don’t have to?

2. Go Solar

Solar chargers are going to be the best thing that happened to your office and your business utility bill. Solar chargers (especially if you get the “expanded editions” AKA, bigger cells that can store more power) make it possible to charge everything from cell phones and PDAs to laptop computers without ever having to plug those things in to an A/C outlet. This cuts down on the amount of energy your company uses (which reduces your electric bill). 

They’re also portable so they can help your employees keep their devices charged no matter where they are. Plus, going green is good karma, and what business couldn't use good karma!

3. Tablets Rule, Desktops Drool

Switch to tablet computers instead of forcing your employees to use desktops. Microsoft has great deals for small business owners who want to furnish their employees with tablets (Apple has similar deals if the iPad is more your company’s style). A few years ago switching to tablets was a pipe dream. Now, though, thanks to accessories like keyboards, styluses, etc you can get your tablet to function just like your desktop (sometimes even better).

This also helps make your workplace more portable. Your employees won’t require as much space to do their jobs. You can donate the desktop computers to charity for an additional business write off. Everybody wins!

4. Independent Contractors

Independent contractors and freelancers offer you the ability to get top notch work done for a fraction of what you’d pay for a full time employee. Plus, thanks to web based tools for teleconferencing, desktop sharing, etc—people can work together no matter where they are physically located. The primary benefit of working with an independent contractor or freelancer is that you only have to pay for the number of hours spent actually working or the work that actually gets completed. You don’t have to pay for time spent sitting in the office surfing Google News or playing Candy Crush on Facebook.

Even better, independent contractors and freelancers manage their own taxes and finances so you’ll save time and effort on your payroll duties.

Conclusion

These are just some of the things you can do to save money for your business (while also embracing the latest technologies). What are some of the things you’ve done to help save money and keep your business up to “techno-date”?

READ ALSO: Tech for the Sales Team

You are free to leave your questions below. Thank you for your time!

*by andreascy*

Top 21 Weatherproof Products and Aluma-Tough Tags

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

From a Notebook that sustains water jets to anodized aluminum tags that last 20 years in sea salt, these cutting-edge products stand up to just about anything. 

Stay connected, organized and dry with the top 21 weatherproof products of 2013. Ranging from quirky to practical, these products were carefully selected as shining examples of how technology makes everyday products better, and people’s lives easier.

Links to all the items are available here.
If you liked this infographic then discover even more and feel free to share them with your friends and other social circles. Send your suggestions or contact us if you want to feature your infographics on our Blog. 

*by andreascy*

5 Top Tech Toys For Your Car

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Dogs and technical car gadgets are a man's best friend. There's something about a man and his ride. But, after he obtains this favorite wheels, he must have his technical toys to use along with it.

Actually the truth is that a lot of car tech toys are pretty practical and savvy for today's rising technology. Who says they are only for men? Women love these gadgets too. Let's examine the 5 top tech toys for your car. 

Stereo equipment 

Today just the men are switching to digital audio especially during the car ride. Because of the Bluetooth, more audio manufacturers are changing from the standard input receivers for USB inputs and iPod connections. Moreover, the needs for custom stereo equipment setups are sought after. 

In North America, auto manufacturers are forced to offer a higher quality stereo system with their car sells. They can range in price from $20K to over $200K allowing men or any consumer to make a satisfactory purchase under any budget level. From this wide range of price tags, auto stereo equipment brands can include names such as Pioneer, Alpine, Bose Media or 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound System, Harmon Kardan, THX or Rockford Fosgate Audio System. Any of these and others offer some of the top quality sounds for your car. 

Rims 

There is no doubt about it that a nice rim will always make your car look good. Rims for your car are like a woman putting on a sexy new dress. It just makes all the difference because it's the first thing your eyes notice. If you ask any average male about the selection of rims for his ride, you will get many different answers from many different styles and vehicles. There are literally hundreds of custom rims to choose from at every price range. 

Security 

Security is another essential cost to protect the thousands of dollars you've put into your car especially once you've gotten it all together with the custom rims. Sure there is insurance to cover your lost, but once your car is gone it's gone along with all the money you've put into it. Not to mention all the frustration, waste of time and energy to replace it. 

Therefore, why not invest in a good security system for car. Since, car thefts are increasing depending on the city, vehicle or area of the country your car is parked in, will remain an issue of concern. Some top of the line auto security systems include OnStar, LoJack and even DNA recognition security systems are upcoming for the future. 

Plantronics K100 

The Plantronics K100 is a great tool because it works along with your iPod, Blackberry or cell phone. This cool device operates by broadcasting your calls, has GPS navigation for directing you to the boss's house from anywhere. It also plays your favorite playlists from your cell phone all while you're driving down the highway. The best part is that once you arrive at your destination, you can pocket this toy, take it with you and continue listening to your favorites songs without missing a tune. 

The Powercup 

The Powercup is too cool and very practical. Actually it looks like a white coffee cup with the Starbucks logo on it, but it is an inverter power outlet source. It provides you with two additional 120 volt outlets that are powered by your car's lighter outlet. Since we can never go wrong with another outlet to plug in our tech car toys like the Plantronics K100, cell phone charger, iPod and other upcoming gadgets, it just makes good sense. The Powercup is good for up to 400 watts of continuous power for continuous tech toy enjoyment. So you will have the look of two coffee cups in your cup holder while you drive into work without even giving anyone a second glance.

DON'T MISS: Cars Of Tomorrow - 3 Technological Advances That Will Change Driving

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*by andreascy*

How To Care For Your Motorola Batteries

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Motorola batteries are manufactured using the latest cutting-edge production technology. The batteries enable smooth two way radio communication and you must take good care of them. Here are some battery care tips that will help you optimize performance: 

1. Always charge your batteries in the night before using them in the day. This process is referred to as “initializing,” and it helps you derive maximum mileage from your Motorola batteries. Here are a couple of specific tips: Charge Nickel Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries for about 15 hours; Continue charging Lithium Ion/Polymer batteries for up to 2 hours after the charger light glows steady-green.

2. Motorola has launched IMPRES batteries, which come with an Impres charger. This charger shows the calibration cycle, which glows yellow till the battery is fully charged – and then it goes green. Remember, you should not stop the charging process or remove the batteries until they are completely charged (a steady green light indicates that the batteries are fully charged). Leave non-Impres batteries for an extra 1-2 hours in the charger after the steady-green light materializes.

3. New batteries that have yet to be initialized must be stored in cool, dry and very well ventilated place. This will kill any potential capacity loss and enhance battery cycle life. If you follow these rules, you can store Nickel Cadmium up to 2 years and Nickel Metal Hydride and Lithium Ion/Polymer for up to 1.5 years.

4. If you want to remove used Motorola batteries from service for more than 30 days then you should ensure that such batteries are 50% discharged. After removing batteries, store them in a cool and dry place.

5. If you intend to use batteries that have been in storage for over two months, then you must fully discharge and then recharge these. Remember to follow the charging protocols specified in #1 above.

6. Never leave your 100% charged battery in the charger because that will shorten battery life. Also, refrain from using the charger as a radio stand.

7. Do not charge a battery when it is not required. The golden rule is - if it is not fully discharged, do not recharge it. Always carry a spare to overcome this problem.

8. Before recharging Motorola batteries ensure that the room temperature is stable at around 72 degrees F. Do not charge batteries when temperatures are below 40 degrees F or above 104 degrees F.

SEE ALSO: TED - Liquid Battery - The Battery of the Future

These tips will help you take better care of your Motorola batteries. Like what you're reading? Like us on Facebook for more!

*by andreascy*

TED : Liquid Battery - The Battery of the Future

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

A liquid battery that runs on dirt could be the answer to sustainable energy. Dr. Donald Sadoway of MIT has developed an innovative new battery technology, which could change the future of renewable energy. 

Professor Donald Sadoway is building liquid metal batteries to try to separate power supply from power demand. The goal is to help the electrical power grid do a better job of storing energy, including renewable energy. 

Sadoway dreamed up the idea of combining magnesium and antimony, a process he diagrammed at TED with chalk on a blackboard. Among other benefits, like cheap materials and long lifespans, liquid metal batteries are built to run hot, so they can handle temperature increases.

Sadoway’s research team - which is now also a company funded by Bill Gates - has created a pizza-shaped 16-inch cell battery with a capacity of 1 kilowatt hour, and it expects to manufacture a version four times as big in two years, Sadoway said.

*by andreascy*

TED : Donald Sadoway - The missing link to renewable energy

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

What's the key to using alternative energy, like solar and wind? Storage - so we can have power on tap even when the sun's not out and the wind's not blowing. In this accessible, inspiring talk, Donald Sadoway takes to the blackboard to show us the future of large-scale batteries that store renewable energy. 

As he says: "We need to think about the problem differently. We need to think big. We need to think cheap."

*by andreascy*

Accutronics : Smart Li-Ion Batteries the Size of a Credit Card

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Accutronics has launched two new lithium-ion batteries in its Intellion series of credit card sized batteries. Designed to provide a high level of functionality and safety the CC2300 and CC3800 batteries allow integration of smart lithium ion battery into handheld portable products with minimal effort and cost.

The batteries feature an active electronic protection system that prevents them from being overcharged, over discharged or short circuited and to ensure that the battery will remain safe if externally abused. In addition, they have an impedance tracking fuel gauge that constantly tracks battery status, providing information such as remaining battery capacity, state of charge, run time to empty, battery voltage and temperature.

The new batteries fulfill the requirements of IEC 62133 and UN 38.3 to ensure compliance with international safety and transportation standards and they are excepted from Dangerous Goods regulations. Comprehensive technical back-up and accessories are available to help OEM designers integrate the batteries into their systems.

*by andreascy*

Sony: New Concept Envisions in 2030 With Pay As You Go Power

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Sony is looking to revolutionize the inefficient way in which we consume power.

A new concept video from the electronics giant shows how we could use power more efficiently in the year 2030 by switching to smart outlets with authentication and wireless charging on a broad scale, assuming we survive the Zombie Mayan Apocalypse.

The prototype power outlet, integrated with a short-range wireless FeliCa transmitter (and a new RFID over power line technology), allows the user to swipe a pay card across the faceplate and pay for energy on the spot. What makes it truly interesting is if humankind keeps progressing towards alternative energies (such as wind, solar, and biomass), then our outlets could give us options as to what source from which we obtain our power.

The video description below notes that with this outlet, "the user can actively control and manage power consumption on a user basis as well as on a device basis."

Imagine not having to use power from the electric company for a TV-viewing session, instead drawing from a battery in your house that contains stored power from your solar- and wind-power generation sources. These outlets, if available all over a city, can offer people with electric cars the ability to charge up and pay for that energy easily.

The proposed power control center app (for tablet or smartphone) would enable consumers to observe how much power is available from various power sources in the home. With the app, one could check how much juice the electric car in the garage contains, enable or disable outlets in various areas of the house, or remotely control devices connected to a power outlet.

In a recent press conference in Tokyo, reps at Sony spoke about the developments, says AV Watch (check out their hands-on pics, too). A timetable for commercializing these smart outlets seems "ten years away," according to Taro Tadano from Sony Japan's business development department. Admittedly, he wants to speed up the process of development and integration, but reliability, safety, and patent battles present several roadblocks.

While the overall idea seems grand, one must also wonder about cost.

Regardless, he and many others at Sony are working hard to strengthen relationships with various Japanese companies related to this field with hope of moving this past the concept stage and into reality. 

One cannot help but admire the craveworthy Sony concept products (from 2030) also shown in the video, such as: a TV that you turn on by facing a wall and drawing a rectangle with your hand, a flexible tablet, and easy wireless charging.

ARTICLE OF THE DAY: Some Emergent Internet Applications

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*by andreascy*

Launch Port iPad Dock : Charge your iPad2 without wires

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

After much anticipation Dana Innovations is proud to announce LaunchPort, the world’s first inductive charging and mounting system for iPad 2. LaunchPort goes where no iPad 2 accessory has gone before and changes the way people use iPad 2s in their homes.

 “We wanted to turn the idea of mounting and charging an iPad 2 anywhere, bring it to life, and allow anyone to have access to it,” explains Derick Dahl, Product Manager at iPort. “LaunchPort raises the bar in consumer inductive charging technology by offering consumers the first mass produced 5v 2.1 amp induction circuit. 

More on : 

http://www.launchport.com

*by andreascy*

Will Super Capacitors and Batteries be Coupled to a Hybrid Soon?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Almost everyone is familiar with the annoying need to replace the battery or to charge it. It can be the notebook during a presentation, a wireless or cellular phone stopping during a very important conversation with a customer, or a camera in the middle of taking pictures. There are endless incidents of that kind that we face as consumers and users. 

In Industrial Electronics there are many, most harmful battery failures, causing disturbances and security threats. From one side, batteries are not capable supplying high current pulses, from the other side most communication devices are power hungry, demanding high current pulses. Batteries are aimed to supply voltage continuously while delivering high current pulses is damaging their chemistry and shortening life time.

Many electronic devices are using communication protocols that are defined by various current pulses like GSM , Zigbi and WiFi. Other electronic devices such as digital camera or Smartphone need high current during a snapshot to operate the shutter, the flash led or data transmission. One of the best existing solutions today for extending battery life is Pulse Supercapacitors (SC).

A pulse supercapacitor is an “Energy storage” component with high capacitance and low internal resistance (ESR) that unlike a battery is built to deliver pulses of current almost endlessly (hundreds of thousands of charge/discharge cycles) and can be calmly recharged by a battery during the standby time between the pulses.

Hybrids of Battery and SC are coming more and more popular and recognized by the engineers. There are three limiting issues though :

1. Size and shape

Most of Pulse SCs in the market are cylindrical and large in size to be integrated in the miniature trendy market.

2. Environment friendliness

Some of the Pulse SCs contain organic electrolytes and solvents are harmful, flammable and not accepted environmentally (i.e. Acetonitrile which is used in organic electrolyte based SCs).

3. Cost

Pulse SCs are known to be expensive and as so, are not able to join most of consumer electronics bills of materials.

All these three issues were challenged by Cellergy Ltd. Cellergy manufactures its SCs by implementing Printing technology that enables to build flat, thin and in a wide range of sizes down to 12X12.5 mm, yet the smallest form factor of Pulse SCs in the market. Their SCs contain aqueous electrolyte and are green products.

Cellergy’s patented manufacturing process is based on Automation and Robotics, which helps to reduce costs to a level that enables them to be integrated not only in industrial products but also in consumer electronics. Partial list of Cellergy’s SCs applications can show the large penetration into the electronic industry. Check it out :

(a) Industrial Electronics :

- Automated metering (AMR)

- GSM/GPRS Modules

- M2M communication

- Active RFID for animals tracking, vehicles tracking, prisoners tracking, medical equipment tracking, and container tracking, etc.

- Medical drug delivery pumps

- Fuel Automated payment solutions

- Wireless computers mouse and keyboards

- Home security

- Home Automation

- Electronic locks

- Irrigation control

Energy harvesting for sensors

- Energy harvesting for mechanical movement operations

- LaserRangefinders for civil and for military applications

- Military pulse applications

- Cellular communication and led flash

(b) Consumer Electronics :

- Personal Pagers

- Sound improvement of loudspeakers

- Wireless audio devices

- PDA’s

Supercapacitors contribute to a breakthrough in power management design. The combination of batteries and supercapacitors enables the transmission of pulses of the many electronic devices surrounding us, and results in extending the life of batteries of those devices, thus lowering end customer expenses and making it affordable for use.

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*by andreascy*