Operator News

SteelSeries Updates Nimbus Mobile Controller

2020-05-13T00:00:00Z

SteelSeries announces the Nimbus Plus-- an update of the 2015 smartphone game controller designed for use primarily with Apple devices, thanks to MFi certification and charging via Lightning connector.

The Nimbus Plus promises a number of improvements over the previous version, including a 50-hour battery life and more responsive triggers. Like the first Nimbus it includes a mount allowing customers to set the iPhone on top of the controller, and SteelSeries says it is compatible with many games across iPhone, iPad and Apple TV.

A USB-C AirPods Charger

2020-04-20T00:00:00Z

Accessory maker Satechi announces a USB-C addition to the official AirPods charging case-- the self-descriptive USB-C Wireless Charging Dock for AirPods, a device customers can plug directly into a MacBook, iPad Pro or any USB-C device.

Available in white, the simple charging solution just large enough to hold an AirPods case on top. It does not connect to power outlets via a plug, and instead sips power from any compatible device through a larger USB-C port. As such it makes for a compact and cable-free means to power up the wireless earbuds, although one has to keep in mind something is sticking out of their tablet or laptop.

Transcend MicroSD Cards with SLC Caching

2020-04-06T00:00:00Z

Transcend launches the USD230I, a range of microSD cards with support for pseudo-SLC caching to boost burst write speeds. The company claims the cards offer data transfer speeds of up to 100MB/s, while random read/write reaches 3400 IOPS.

The cards carry both A1 and V3 badges, meaning they can be used to install Google Android applications with a minimum write speed of up to 30MB/s, or good enough for 4K video shooting. First introduced back in 2017, so far pseudo-SLC caching has not been used in other memory cards. The USD230I range uses 3D TLC NAND memory, necessitating the need for pSLC caching to boost writing performance.

A Logitech Touch Case for the New iPad Pro

2020-03-19T00:00:00Z

Logitech follows on the announcement of the latest iPad Pro with the launch of an appropriate case-- the Combo Touch, a keyboard case featuring Smart Connector compatibility and an integrated touchpad.

“The Combo Touch brings a new way to interact with iPad, giving you an on-screen cursor to edit documents, spreadsheets and presentations and to navigate in comfort with familiar gestures,” the company says. “Our new keyboard brings over 20 years of Logitech typing experience together with a trackpad, and is compatible with the Smart Connector for an all-new iPad experience.”

Logitech Charges 3 iDevices With Single Dock

2020-03-16T00:00:00Z

Logitech announces the Powered 3-in-1 Dock-- a "beautifully crafted and meticulously engineered" dock able to simultaneously charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods.

The compact dock is Qi-certified and supports 7.5W fast charging for wireless devices, and carries internal heat sensors and an automatic temperature-management guard against overheating. In addition, Logitech says it works with most cases 3mm or thinner. The dock holds the iPhone upright, allowing customers to use the phone while charging.

Potassium Key to Self-Healing Batteries?

2020-03-04T00:00:00Z

With the demand for batteries continually on the rise, the time is ripe for an alternative to lithium, the material making current batteries. Enter potassium, as researchers at the Rensselear Polytechnic Institute discover a means to turn the metal into a potential power source.

While lithium is expensive and mined using environmentally damaging means, potassium is cheap, abundant and easier to work with. It also offers energy densities (by both volume and weight) comparable to lithium in the shape of full potassium anodes. However potassium, like lithium, has a problem called dendrite formation. Essentially, during charging and discharging bits of metal attach to the anode and form dendrites, or spiky branch-like structures. Dendrites grow until they poke through the membrane separating the anode from the cathode, reducing the lifespan of the battery and increasing the risk of short circuits.

EP Demands Common Charger Regulation!

2020-01-31T00:00:00Z

The European Parliament (EP) votes favour for the mandatory introduction of common chargers for all mobile devices, with MEPs massively approving the resolution by 582 votes to 40, with 37 abstentions.

The EP now demands the European Commission (EC), the body in charge of drafting EU legislation, to adopt the delegated act foreseen in the 2014 Radio Equipment Directive by July 2020 or, if necessary, table a legislative measure by the same date. The Radio Equipment Directive calls for the development of a common charger, but efforts to "encourage" the industry to develop such a device fell short of co-legislator objectives. However some progress has been made since then, with the number of charging solution types dropping from over 30 in 2009 to just 3 in 2020.

More Powerful Batteries via Lithium-Sulfur?

2020-01-24T11:15:42Z

Researchers at Monash University claim to be on the brink of creating the "world's most efficient" lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery, one able to power a smartphone for days or an electric vehicle for over 1000km without need for recharging.

A study published in Science Advances on January 2020 describes technology using the same materials as standard lithium-ion batteries, only with redesigned sulphor cathodes able to accommodate higher stress without drops in overall capacity or performance. Interestingly, the design is inspired by a "unique bridging architecture" found in processing detergent powders, leading to a method to create bonds between particles to accommodate stress and deliver unprecedented levels of stability in a battery.

Put the AirPods in a PopGrip

2019-11-25T00:00:00Z

PopSockets, maker of the ubiquitous smartphone grips, combines the accessory with an AirPod case to bring about the PopGrip AirPods Holder, a means to stick the case to the back of the iPhone while making it easier to hold.

Originally designed for wrapping wired earbuds, PopGrips have expanded be anything from discs to better secure phones in one hand to means to make a fashion statement and even something akin to a wallet. The PopGrip AirPods Holder does not actually replace the charing case, mind. Instead, it holds the case, making it stick out on the back of the phone and ensuring the user does not forget it.

Olloclip Lenses for iPhone 11, Samsung S10

2019-11-19T00:00:00Z

"Mobile Lens System" maker Olloclip announces a range of products, including one-piece clips and protective cases, for use with the iPhone 11, Pro and Pro Max, together with the Samsung S10 and S10e.

“With the arrival of the iPhone 11 series and Samsung’s new S series, Olloclip is proud to continue innovating exciting solutions for mobile photographers who just want to shoot on their phones,” the company says. “Olloclip’s unique unibody clips make attachment to the phone a breeze, and our precise engineering ensures that whatever lens is being used fits perfectly every time.”

The clip system snaps on top of the smartphone, even if it is inside a case. Compatible lenses snap on the clip over the built-in camera module, creating an interchangeable lens system for mobile photography. Additions to the lens system include the Macro 10X Essential, Pocket Telephoto 2X Essential and a Stability Kit update complete with Bluetooth shutter release, "super-light" tripod and pivot grip stabiliser.