Accessories

The Future of Batteries: Small in Size, Big in Power?

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University of Illinois researchers create tiny lithium-ion batteries able to out-power even the most powerful capacitators-- batteries few millimetres in size able to recharge mobile devices "in the blink of an eye."

Ion CrossingThe key to the batteries' power is a redesigned cathode and anode structure. While standard li-on batteries consist of a solid lithium salt cathode and a graphite cathode, the University of Illinois battery uses a nickel-tin anode and manganese oxide cathode with a 3-dimensional internal microstructure.

The result is porous electrodes with a massive surface area allowing for more chemical reactions to take place, which results in a massive boost to power output and charging.

The first battery using the technology is a button-sized number the researchers claim combines the power output of supercapacitators and the energy storage of fuel cells.

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King of Protection: Protecting Mobile Displays the German Way

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What's your definition of a low risk, high margin business?

How about a Coupon System that offers retailers the widest range of high quality protection films for their customers who buy or own mobile devices?

Crocfol offers a range of protection films for mobile devicesCrocfol Germany saves their retailers from any inventory risk through a Coupon system that offers the customer a protective film specific to their model of mobile phone. The customer redeems the Coupon online and Crocfol mails the order from Germany.

So there's never the cost of inventory: the reseller simply displays and sells the 6 different Coupons available.

That's important in a product range where you need 3400+ different films to match the different displays on a variety of devices from mobiles to laptops and touch pads that need protection.

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Mobile Juice Anytime, Anywhere

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Lilliputian Systems claims it has a solution to your customers' mobile device power troubles-- the Nectar, a plug-less personal power device able to power devices for up to 2 weeks.

NectarCompatible with all USB 2.0 devices, the Nectar does not require access to a power socket to operate. Instead it uses "Power Pods," charge cartridges based on thin-film Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology.

Charge cartridges are hot-swappable and recyclable but not user rechargeable, meaning one needs to have a supply of cartridges on hand if they want to keep devices running.

The company claims the Nectar is x6 more efficient than traditional chargers plugged into wall outlets and cuts the carbon footprints of CE device charges by 83%, meaning it should also be of interest to more eco-conscious customers.

The Nectar and companion Power Pods should start shipping from Q3 2013.

Go Nectar

The Frisbee/"Amplifier" Combo

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FlitunesAre your customers forced to choose between buying either a portable media player amplifier or... a frisbee? ThumbsUp suggests they can do both, with the Fli Tunes flying disk/amplifier combo.

Apparently the "craziest trend that’s taking off all over Europe this summer" (not that we can tell from the miserable weather currently all over the continent), the Fli Tunes is little more than a hollow plastic disc in which one can put an phone, speaker or player.

ThumbsUp claims the gadget amplifies sound "doublefold" before one flattens it for a bit of flying disk fun. Err.

Go Fli Tunes

A Robot to Clean your... Mobile Displays

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Customers complaining about all the man hours they waste cleaning smartphones and tablets? No more-- Japan's Takara Tomy has an adorable mechanised solution with the "AutoMee S."

Automee SLooking like a palm-sized Roomba robot, the AutoMee S trundles on 5 tires (3 for maneuvers, 2 for cleaning) over devices, with sensors making sure the little robot does not fall off the edges while performing its duties.

Takara Tomy says the robot takes 4 minutes to clean a smartphone and 8 minutes for a tablet, and it even makes a "cute" sound once finished. Too bad the company denies responsbilities for potential damages to devices or their software...

The AutoMee S will be available in Japan from March 2013, with no mention of an international launch. No lie, we kind of want one.

Go AutoMee S