Tech & Accessory News
Just Mobile introduced its latest mobile accessory today called the TopGum, an ultra-portable backup battery that features a short built-in, retractable Lightning connector charging cable for hassle-free iPhone, iPad and iPod charging. Like Just Mobile's celebrated Gum++ battery, the Top Gum has a 6,000mAh battery capacity capable of charging an iPhone up to three times and an iPad mini up to 75%.
No, Braven's new BRV-BANK isn't another smart wearable device. It is, however, the world's first Bluetooth-enabled smart portable backup battery pack that's also designed to be an essential piece of gadgetry for use out in the great outdoors as well as for emergency preparedness using a number of safety features wrapped in a everything-proof enclosure. With a 6000mAh rechargeable battery encased inside a sealed silicone-clad exterior that's ultra-tough, impact and water-resistant, the BRV-BANK is capable of charging two devices simultaneously using its two flap-covered USB ports no matter the terrain or weather condition. There's a fast 2.4A USB charging port designed for large devices like tablets, and a 1A USB charging port which you can use to either charge a smartphone or power on the included USB flashlight attachment accessory.
Jump is Native Union's one-of-a-kind, all-in-one Lightning connector cable and backup battery pack charger designed for the iPhone 5s, 5c and iPhone 5. Android, Windows Phone and any remaining BlackBerry users will be glad to know that the Jump is also being offered in a micro-USB version alongside the Lightning connector variant. Native Union's Jump combines a lengthy yet neatly organized Lightning connector to USB cable made out of a durable nylon material that works just like the one Apple provides with iPhones, but in the center it features a highly-portable battery pack with just enough juice to charge your iPhone back to 30% in case of an emergency battery drainage. You can technically use the Jump as a Lightning connector charge and sync cable with an iPad Air or iPad mini, but you definitely wouldn't want to use it as a backup battery charger for tablet use considering its ill-equipped battery capacity.
The all-in-one unit charges its built-in 800mAh rechargeable battery once it senses that your iPhone completed its charging, and intelligently switches the power from your computer's USB port or any other USB power adapter in order to charge itself without requiring additional charging cables like traditional backup battery packs. Though this may be an early flaw for the Jump if users won't be able to charge it by itself without having to connect its Lightning connector cable to an iPhone. Although we think Native Union may have simply left that small detail out with regards to charging the Jump on its own. Update: and indeed Native Union has reached out to us to clarify that the Jump will in fact recharge itself even when it isn't connected to a smartphone device.
The Jump features a cable organizer that let's you wrap excess cable when you're either charging your smartphone or fully wrap the 19" long cable around it when it's time to slip it into your pocket. And because the Jump is as light as two AA batteries and small enough to fit into your tiny coin pocket on your favorite pair of jeans, you won't have an excuse not to take it with you at all times. There are three battery status LED indicators to let you know the battery status of the Jump with a push of a button.
Native Union's Jump is currently available as an early pre-order gizmo over a Kickstarter for $35 - $40. Native Union is targeting the month of May as a final shipping date for pre-orders.
New Trent's new PowerPak Xtreme backup battery taunts a gut-punching ruggedized design that's equivalent to LifeProof's all-weather cases, because this thick rubber-clad battery pack is water, drop, dirt and shock-proof. An ideal set of skills geared for outdoor seekers and travel enthusiasts who want to ensure their USB-based devices stay powered up anytime, anywhere and at any weather condition.
Weighing in at 11oz and measuring 5.5" long by 2.75" wide with a thickness of 1.25", the PowerPak Xtreme features a massive built-in 12,000mAh rechargeable battery with dual, not-so-high-powered USB ports enabling it to charge two mobile devices simultaneously. As for performance, New Trent claims that its PowerPak Xtreme's 12,000 battery capacity is enough to fully refuel a full sized iPad once and then some, and that smaller devices like the iPhone 5 can be fully recharged up to 6 times. Tablets like the iPad will charge with 2A of power, while all smartphones get only 1A of power through charging. The good news though, New Trent's PowerPak Xtreme retails for a cool $60. Not so bad for a mobile powerhouse. Now where's that battery LED meter indicator?
PowerSkin unveiled its new Pop'n accessory that's compatible with the iPhone 5, iPhone 4/S and most Android devices including the Galaxy S3. Contrary to the Juice Pack cases and the like, PowerSkin's Pop'n is a unique and versatile external 2000mAh slim battery pack attachment that securely sticks to the back of your bare device using 24 tiny tentacle-like suction cups. In addition, the Pop'n's unique hybrid design let's you use most slim cases if you prefer having the benefit of protection so long as they've got a flat surface for the suction cups to adhere; and a wide enough bottom port opening to fit the Pop'n's charging connector.
The Pop'n battery connects using to a device using a unique Flex Tip connector, which is basically an interchangeable plug that's available in Lightning, micro-USB and 30-pin variants. It can flex to fit different types of devices and protective cases which have different thicknesses. You can find the full list of compatible Android and iOS smartphones after the break.
The Pop'n's glossy plastic back features a set of four battery status LEDs with an on/off button. PowerSkin says that you'll be able to purchase separate Flex Tip connectors soon, and that additional colors will be available. But the good news is that the Pop'n battery attachment is now available in white and black colors for the iPhone 5 and smartphones with a micro-USB. The Pop'n with a Lightning connector will set you back $80, while lucky Android users pay $10 less for the micro-USB variant.
Mobphie's new $40 Juice Pack Reserve Micro backup battery pack is a micro-USB, keychain battery charger that boasts an internal 1,000mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery that'll provide ultra-fast recharging, and is compatible with almost all smartphones and gadgets with a micro-USB charging port. The Juice Pack Reserve Micro features a slimmed soft-touch exterior finished portable enclosure, multi-colored LED battery status indicator and a concealed flexible USB cable for charging. You can grab one starting today.
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