Altec Lansing launches ruggedised mobile accessories at CES

Altec Lansing has announced new collections of "everything-proof" chargers, power banks, cables and cases for smartphones and tablets which are designed to withstand wear and tear as well as less-than-hospitable conditions. Scheduled for roughly Q216 release, the new accessories will provide ruggedised features such as IP67-rated, military-grade construction to ensure reliable waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant operation and device protection.

The new products will include:

Altec Lansing Everything Proof 3,000, 6,000 and 10,000 mAh Power Packs for smartphones, tablets and MP3 players, providing up to 100 hours of talk time, 75 hours of music, 50 hours of video and 4.5 full charges depending on the model. All three will be IP67-rated for waterproof protection even in three feet of water for up to 30 minutes; sealed from dirt, dust and sand; designed to float to prevent loss if they accidentally go overboard; and come pre-charged and ready to use out of the box. Each will incorporate a carabiner for on-the-go attachment to belts, backpacks and other equipment. (Manufacturers' suggested retail pricing [MSRP] US$29.99, US$39.99 and US$69.99)

Altec Lansing 3.4 Amp Dual USB Rapid Car Charger, a quick-charge unit that will charge two devices simultaneously. Protective silicon seals over both USB ports defend the charger against moisture, dirt and other materials. Supports iPhone and Android smartphones and tablets. (MSRP US$19.99) 

Altec Lansing 3.4 Amp Dual USB Rapid Wall Charger, offering the same rugged construction, two-device charging ability and durability as the car charger. (MSRP US$19.99)

Altec Lansing Shock-Proof Lightning Cable, a 3' braided, tangle-proof cable with extra layers of protection including a spring coil that provides strain relief to prevent fraying and breakage at the tip. Other protections include dustproof construction and silicon tips for additional breakage resistance. Compatible with iPhone 6/6s, iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus, iPhone 5/5S/5C, iPod Touch 5th Generation, iPad 4th Generation and iPad Air. (MSRP US$19.99)

Altec Lansing Shock-Proof Micro Cable, featuring the same 3' braided, extra-durable construction as the Lightning cable. Compatible with Android, BlackBerry and Samsung smartphones and micro USB devices. (MSRP US$14.99)

Altec Lansing Everything Proof Smartphone Cases built to provide maximum protection for iPhone 6/6S and Galaxy S5/S6 smartphones. Features range from 5' drop protection, 360-degree impact protection and dirt-proofing to IP67-rated waterproofing, depending on the model. (MSRP US$29.99 and up)

Interested?

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about Altec Lansing's new earbuds at CES.

Hashtag: #CES2016

Lenovo posts worldwide Thinkpad battery recall

Lenovo is expanding a battery recall announced March 27, 2014 to all affected lithium-ion batteries worldwide. In late April 2015 the company announced that the batteries were manufactured for use with ThinkPad notebook computers that shipped between February, 2010 and June, 2012. 

"In the interest of public safety, Lenovo will offer customers free-of-charge replacement batteries for all recalled batteries," the company said in a statement.

Lenovo sold the batteries with new notebook computers or as optional or replacement batteries for the:

Edge 11, Edge 13, Edge 14, Edge 15, Edge 120, Edge 125, Edge 320, Edge 325, Edge 420, Edge 425, Edge 430, Edge 520, Edge 525, Edge 530;
X200, X201, X200S, X201S, X220, X220T, X100E, X120E, X121E, X130E;
T410, T420, T510, T520;
W510, W520;
L412, L420/421, L512, L520;
T430 (China and Europe only) and
X131E (Australia only)

Lenovo advises owners to turn off the system, remove the battery, and only power your ThinkPad by plugging in the AC adapter and power cord until the replacement battery arrives.

Next steps?

View the battery recall FAQs.

Determine if your battery is being recalled. This solution works with a ThinkPad notebook PC. 

Learn how to remove the battery.

Noontec launches small power bank, lightweight battery pack

Noontec has launched an ultra power bank called the Giant Mini and possibly one of the lightest portable chargers in the market today, the Polo, in collaboration with its exclusive distributor Signeo SEA (Spring-Cass) in Singapore.

Source: Noontec. The
Giant Mini.

The Noontec Giant Mini 10,000mAh Ultra Power Bank uses the same kind of batteries generally used in electric cars, which are more efficient during power transfers. The device (85 mm L X 61 mm W X 32 mm H) weighs 240 grams, and is available in black and white. It has a suggested retail price of S$89.

The Noontec Polo Mobile Battery Pack, available in white or green, features a 5,600mAh battery capacity with two USB ports for charging two devices simultaneously. Weighing 120 grams, the Polo has built-in circuitry that provides over-current, over-charging, over-discharge, and over-voltage protection. The Polo has a SRP of S$49.

Source: Noontec. The Noontec Polo.

Both power products are available at Epilife, HMW, Mustafa, Lucky Store, and at Changi Airport (T3 - Electronics Hub and T2 - iSound).

*Prices include GST.

Six times the power with Duracell batteries

Source: Duracell. In celebration of 50 years of portable power, Duracell partners TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION, the fourth film in director Michael Bay's global franchise, in a showdown of good versus evil.

Duracell, the battery people, celebrates 50 years of portable power this year. While the shape of the classic battery hasn't changed much, advances in battery technology have improved battery life considerably. 

The latest Duracell CopperTop AA and AAA batteries with Duralock Power Preserve Technology, the type used in wireless mice and keyboards, last six times longer than ordinary batteries* and are rated for reliable operation in temperature extremes from -20°C to 54°C. A higher compression seal and enhanced crimp leakage resistance reduce the likelihood of leaks. The Duracell batteries also have up to a 10-year guarantee in storage. 

“Duracell is the world’s No. 1 battery brand and that drives us to innovate and excel. When you choose Duracell batteries, you are choosing 50 years of innovation powering the devices that keep us connected, protected and entertained,” said Stefan Sallandt, Commercial Director of Duracell Asia.

*Based on technical tests on digital cameras vs. ordinary zinc carbon batteries.

Kickstarter focus: Solar power for the rest of us

Spor Solar Charges promises portable solar battery chargers for the rest of us. According to the company, Spor is a self-regenerating battery charger for USB devices. It can be charged with AC power, or via the sun. "It can charge multiple devices at once, and can charge your phone practically as fast as a wall outlet," says the company on the Kickstarter page.

Source: Kickstarter. Spor Solar Chargers hope that the compact solar chargers will be the start of bigger things.

For US$50, a backer can get a 3D printed limited edition Spor charger, with an additional US$10 required to ship overseas.

The funding campaign ends on June 30. View the associated video here.

Kickstarter focus: iFind, powered by ambient electromagnetic radiation

WeTag's iFind tags communicate with iOS or Android devices using Bluetooth and do not need to be charged. As with other locator systems, a tag is placed on the item and tracked through the phone. 

If the item moves out of range, the owner is alerted through the 'Rope' feature, and nearby phones can help detect the object through Bluetooth via the 'UHelp' feature. A fascinating feature for iFind is that shaking the iFind tags will cause the phone to vibrate, WeTag said.

Source: Kickstarter.

The difference is that the iFind tag does not contain a battery and is powered by ambient electromagnetic radiation, WeTag says. "It recycles electromagnetic energy and stores it in a unique power bank. This exciting feature frees you from the trouble of charging batteries or replacing them through the manufacturer," say the makers on the Kickstarter page.

For US$16, a backer is entitled to one locator in one of a dozen colours. Overseas shipping costs US$10.

The funding campaign ends June 30. View the associated video here.

This blog has posted on two other location-based projects: Tile, and Phone Finder.