Solar-powered chargers just got very sexy and very cool thanks to the upcoming ReNu product line from Regen. The product line is basically made up of two parts – the ReNu panel which consists of a solar panel charging a built-in Lithium Ion battery – and an accompanying accessory such as an iPod dock, an iPod sound dock, or a side light.

The ideas pretty straightforward. While you’re out, you leave the ReNu panel in direct sunlight where the Lithium Ion battery gets charged. Once you come back home, simply place the ReNu panel into the appropriate accessory to charge/power the accessory – whether it’s the iPod dock, the Sound Dock, or the side light. Each accessory has a slot where the ReNu panel easily slides into – providing the necessary power to the accessory.

According to Regen, the ReNu takes 9 hours to fully charge battery in direct sunlight outdoors and 20 hours to fully charge battery in direct sunlight indoors. Once fully charged it takes 1.5 hours to charge an iPhone from a ReNu.

Other specs to the panel include:

• Measures 8.85 x 8.85 x 0.748 inches and weighs 1.1 pounds
• 3.7V 4Ah Lithium-Ion battery capable of > 2 iPhone charges when fully charged
• USB A socket (power only)
• Custom connector for connecting to dock and other accessories allows both power and data transfer
• 3.7 hours to generate enough power to fully charge an iPhone in direct sunlight outdoors
• 7.3 hours to generate enough power to fully charge an iPhone in direct sunlight indoors

Prices for the ReNu product line are as follows:

• ReNu panel – $199 with pre-order deposit of $50 dollars
• ReNu panel + iPod dock – $249 with pre-order deposit of $75 dollars
• iPod dock – $89 dollars with pre-order deposit of $25 dollars
• Sound dock – $149 with pre-order deposit of $149 dollars
• Side Light – $89 dollars with pre-order deposit of $25 dollars.

Regen expects the ReNu product line to ship between February and March of 2010.

[Check it out via DVICE.com]

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We’ve been waiting for Powermat to introduce their wireless charging solution and we’re happy to say the devices are finally available for purchase at locations such as Best Buy and Amazon.com. In fact, if you’ve been watching TV recently, you’ll have probably noticed a commercial here or there for Powermat.

Have you forgotten about Powermat? Well the concept’s pretty straightforward. You purchase one of their charging mats (say the Powermat Home & Office mat for $99.99 dollars) and then a wireless charging accessory which you connect to the portable device at hand. When you’re ready to charge your device simply place the accessory and the mat and you’re good to go. No wires to connect whatsoever (although the mat needs to be connected to the outlet). For devices such as mobile phones, Powermat offers the wireless charging accessory as part of a phone case thereby providing two solutions in one.

PC Magazine is one of the first publications out with a review of the system – giving the Powermat Home  & Office 4 out of 5 stars and saying:

“The Powermat Home & Office does exactly what it claims to do—charges your portable devices wirelessly—but the technology’s future potential in broader applications is what has us really excited.”

The only real downer to the Powermat is the cost factor.  The Powermat itself typically runs you $99.99. Each charging adapter will run you around $29 dollars – $39 dollars making this wireless charging solution a bit pricey.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Powermat Home & Office, Wireless Charging, Powermat, PC Magazine Review

The Belkin “Conserve Surge with Timer” is a new surge protector with a built-in automatic timer designed to help minimize power consumption by automatically shutting off six outlets after 11 hours.

Why build an automatic timer into the surge protector? Simple – most of us are pretty lazy. We all know we should completely shut off all of our gadgets and devices but how many of us are willing to unplug every single device from the outlet? With the Conserve Surge with Timer. laziness is addressed through the use of an automatic timer.

The timer controls six “auto-off” outlets which turn off devices after 11 hours of operation. What about devices that need constant power you say? No problem – the surge protector comes with two always-on outlets too.

Finally, Belkin packages a one-touch on/off button wired to the surge protector that resides on your desktop – allowing you to control the six auto-off outlets. The Belkin Conserve Surge with Timer is available now for a price of $34.99.

[Check it out]

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WildCharge also announced a Universal Adapter for mobile devices that’s able to charge over 150 different mobile phone models through the use of interchangeable tips.  The Universal Adapter bundle with mini-USB tip is available for $79.99.

The iPod touch skin is available today for a price of $34.99. The iPhone skin will be available in early July. Skins are also available for other handsets. You can also purchase the WildCharger Bundle which provides a charge pad and an iPhone skin for $79.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: WildCharge Skins, WildCharge Pads, wireless power, Apple iPhone, Apple iPod touch

Kudos to Timex Group USA for being a bit more green.

The company recently completed an installation of 800 solar panels outside its Middlebury headquarters in CT. This would make the facility one of the largest ground-mounted solar electric installations in that state as well as the northeastern U.S. This 2.5 million dollar project (which was partially financed through a $920,000 grant from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and tax credits) consists of 27 rows of 244kW solar panels which can generate 285,439 kilowatt-hours a year – enough electricity annually to power 32 average CT homes. According to the company, the output will “avoid over 6.6 million pounds of carbon dioxide, 28,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide and 11,000 pounds of nitrogen oxide over the 25-year life of the system.”

Alteris Renewables handled the installation of the panels which can be monitored on the web through this website here. Yes.. since it’s night time, the system is generating nothing thus far.. BUT it has generated approximately 12,021.7 kWh already. Pretty sweet.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Timex Group USA, Solar Power, Solar Panels

Duracell also had a couple of interesting prototype devices on display at CES 2009. Here are three of the devices for your viewing pleasure.

First up, here’s a compact cigarette lighter USB charger/adapter (sorry we don’t have the official product names) – perfect for devices that charge via USB which of course includes the latest iPod/iPhones.

Next up, we have yet another cigarette lighter adapter – except this adapter comes with a three prong outlet which is perfect for larger devices say.. a notebook system.

And finally, the following is a concept solar cell charger with a micro-USB swivel-out port.  Given that solar cells eek out only so much power, this product is probably furthest out in terms of actual realization.. but it’s great to think ahead. That’s it for now!

Technorati Tags: Duracell, USB charger, solar charger, CES 2009

If you’re looking for convenient on-the-go charging for your iPod, BlackBerry, or latest Motorola Phones, then you should check out the Duracell “My Pocket Charger” device. Simply load two AA batteries into the small charger, connect it to your device, and watch your device get charged. iPod nanos get up to 24 hours of music playback, and mobile handsets from BlackBerry or Motorola get up to another hour or so of talk time.

There will be two “My Pocket Charger” models – one for the iPod and one for the BlackBerry/Motorola handset. Each charger comes with two AA batteries, a connector for the respective target device, and a wrist strap. Both chargers measure 2.8 x 1.2 x 0.8 inches and are available in a variety of colors.

Technorati Tags: Duracell, My Pocket Charger for iPod, My Pocket Charger for BlackBerry, Motorola, CES 2009,

Now before I get into this, let’s consider the following. Most of us carry at least one, if not two consumer electronic devices on a daily basis – whether it’s a mobile phone, a portable music player, a PDA, a notebook, or a digital camera. What’s one common activity we perform with all of these devices? We need to charge them on a near daily basis.

Charging a device can be a real pain at times because 1) we need to remember to charge the device and 2) if we do, we still need to get the charger or dock together and then insert or connect the device to the charger. If you ever walk into my home office, I’ve got a myriad of wires and AC adapters running all over the place simply to charge several small devices. Things get even worse on the road because you need to carry all sorts of chargers and cables – many of which are larger than the devices you actually use.

In comes Powermat – the first company to truly create a consumer-friendly wireless charging platform. The secret to the platform? Powermat’s magnetic induction technology which according to the press release “renders traditional conductive charging technology obsolete”.

The product line boils down to a simple ultra-thin charging mat, which you plug into the outlet, (there are 5 models to choose from for different scenarios) paired with a variety of receivers designed to work with different consumer electronic devices.  The receivers attach to the respective device’s charging port and then begin delivering power to the device when placed on the charging mat.

As we mentioned above, there are five different Powermat charging mats designed for different situations. For the home environment, you can choose a simple rectangular charging mat. Going back to the scenario above, think how cool it would be to simply come home, take your devices out and place them on the charging mat. No charger to find; no cables to connect.

Here’s a real world example of Powermat would be used and deployed. The following picture is an iPhone receiver which also doubles as a case for the iPhone. No need to remove the receiver – simply carry the entire package with you wherever you go. Once you come home, simply place the iPhone and receiver/case onto the charging mat and watch the wireless charging begin. How nifty is that?

Here’s a close-up of some of the devices on the charging mat. You can place up to four Powermat- enabled devices on this mat.

Want to charge your devices by the bedside? Not a problem. Powermat will have a charging mat designed with the bedroom in mind. Here are pictures of that scenario which includes a wireless alarm clock that Powermat will also offer.

You charge up to three devices on this bedside mat.

My favorite mat? The travel mat of course! Again – think about it. You now only have to worry about packing your devices, a small travel mat, and their small respective receiver devices. No wires or charging bricks to deal with.

I absolutely love how the Travel mat folds into a compact form factor. Like the bedside charger, the travel charger supports up to three devices.

Speaking of notebooks, here’s a picture of a Powermat charging this Dell notebook.

Walking out of the booth, I couldn’t help but be truly excited with the premise of Powermat. Seriously – if I could have one now, I would take one in a heartbeat. Finally, a wireless charging platform that’s easy to use, easy to integrate with existing devices, and even fashion conscious to boot. Consolidate all your charging needs and accessories to charging mats and their wireless receivers. Oh yeah and the best thing? Each of the Powermat enabled devices will charge at the same rate as if the device was charging with its own charger.

What about pricing? No official word but it will in fact be affordable for consumers. And as far as availability – expect the Powermat this summer in retail stores all around the country.

If you’re interested in purchasing Powermat, make sure to sign up for email notifications.

Technorati Tags: Powermat, Wireless Charging

• A new structure designed to provide additional room for extra active materials
• An improved sealing technology making the battery more durable
• New active materials that “facilitate a chemical reaction that delivers superior performance”
• A new manufacturing process that packs the active materials more evenly and densely in the battery

Here are some of Panasonic’s test results from their press release:

• A digital camera powered by EVOLTA batteries took 272 shots compared with 209 shots when powered by Panasonic’s current Alkaline Plus batteries — an increase of 30%.
• An FM radio played up to 14 hours longer when powered by two EVOLTA AA batteries than when powered by Panasonic’s current Alkaline Plus batteries.
• A remote-controlled car traveled as much as 8.7 miles farther when equipped with six EVOLTA AA’s than when powered by Panasonic’s current Alkaline Plus batteries

The EVOLTA was launched in Japan in April and will be coming to the U.S. this October. AA and AAA batteries will be offered in four and eight back combinations. The AA or AAA four pack will sell for $4.99 while the AA or AAA eight pack will go for $8.99.

Panasonic is also launching an EVOLTA sweepstakes starting on October 1st and running until March 31st of next year (2009). Consumers can enter for a chance to win a variety of Panasonic products with a total value of $25,000. Check out the EVOLTA website for more info.

[Check it out]

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i.Sound has released a new rechargeable 2 in 1 Charger and Back Up Battery pack for the Apple iPod and iPhone device. Calling it the “smallest of its kind”, the 2-in-1 Charger and Back Up Battery is the only device to feature a two-in-one USB AC adapter which allows it to recharge while simultaneously charging your iPod/iPhone. The pack works with all iPod models that feature the 30 pin connector and provides up to 30 hours of music, 6 hours of video, and 3 hours of talk time. There’s also a status indicator for battery life. You can purchase the i.Sound 2-in-1 Charger and Back Up Battery pack for $49.99 at the i.Sound website here.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: i.Sound, 2-in-1 Charger and Back Up Battery

Many of today’s electronics often operate in a sleep or a standby mode once “turned off”. Thus when you think you’ve turned off the device, you’ve actually switched it to a standby state where the device is still consuming a bit of electricity. All sorts of devices do this – ranging from TVs, receivers, computers to battery chargers. The only real way of making sure the device is truly powered off is by either removing the plug from the outlet or surge protector or removing the surge protector from the wall which is usually a pain to do since they’re typically hidden away.

Belkin’s solution is the Belkin Conserve – an 8 outlet surge protector which makes it extremely easy to turn off devices by using a wireless remote control. With the remote control, you can completely shut off power going to a device that consumes standby power. Six of the eight outlets are “switchable” while two of the outlets are “always-on” outlets. Now when you turn off your device, you can also switch off the outlet that the device is connected to making sure no power is delivered to the device in standby mode.

Features include:

• 8 surge protected outlets – 6 switchable and 2 always-on
• Slim sleek design
• Single remote control multiple Conserves
• Comes with $100,000 Connected Equipment Warranty

The Belkin Conserve will be available in North American starting in the Summer of 2008 and in Europe and Australia in the Fall of 2008 for $49.99

Technorati Tags: Belkin Conserve, Surge Protector, CES 2008

Looking for an alternative way of recharging your mobile device? Check out Brunton’s SolarRoll flexible solar panels. These flexible panels allow travelers a convenient way to recharge or power their electronic devices. When not in use, the SolarRoll simply roll up for easy storage. You can purchase different sized SolarRolls depending on your power need. The lowest priced SolarRoll is the SolarRoll 4.5 which comes in at around $199.

Features of the SolarRoll include:

• Amorphous solar cells for effective low-light performance
• Reverse flow protection
• Tefzel fluoropolymer construction for extreme durability
• Waterproof
• UV transparent
• Link multiple like-units together for even more output
• Rolls and stores in convenient storage tube
• Includes vehicle outlet cable & multi-linking cable
• One-year warranty

Seems like the perfect accessory item for folks here in Southern California!

[Check it out via Crave]

Technorati Tags: Brunton, SolarRoll, SolarRolls, Solar Power