Aug 25 2009 Geekologie Reader's DIY Cell Phone Charger

Proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that you all are the most cunning, clever and best looking blog readers out there, Geekologie Reader Magnus recently fashioned himself a cell phone desk charger MacGyver style.

As my new phone came with no desk charger I had to make one. The desk charger was fashioned from my old N95 which did not survive the 40degree wash (thanks for that Jo), the better part of an eraser, a broken cigarette lighter and about 30 Royal Mail elastic bands.

Plus, it looks better than anything you could buy. I still think it could use some more rubber bands though. And maybe a stapler.

Photos

Thanks Magnus, now how about a docking station for my pager? I know it takes regular batteries, I just want one!

Feb 18 2009 Universal Cell Phone Charger Here By 2012

The major cell phone manufacturers (Apple excluded) have agreed to adopt a universal microUSB charger for cell phones by 2012. And I think I speak for all of us when I say I say, "it's about freaking time!" And also, "can you hear me now?" *slamming balls in dictionary* Jla`#@82[wa;g@!h.!! I deserved that.

As a result of the universal standard, smartphone makers may well end up incorporating both a micro USB adaptor, and a proprietary one for specialist data transfers to their devices. That'll require at least an extra lead or two in the box, losing some of the environmental benefit, and placing a constraint on product designs. Maybe that's why those cellphone makers who agreed to the standard have only promised "the majority" of cellphones will use the connector by 2012, and avoided a binding agreement.

Wow, that seems kind of ridiculous. I hate to break it to you, folks, but I can charge cellphones with my mind. Don't believe me? Take your cell phone out of your pocket and look at it. Does it have a charge? I did that. Now call me, I've got rollover minutes about to expire.

Cellphone Makers Agree on Universal Charger, But is it a Good Idea? [fastcompany]

Thanks to mike and Klye, who charge their phones the way God intended, like a bull.

Oct 16 2008 The Future Is Now, And Not What I Expected: Walking Powered Shoe Chargers

I hate walking. That's why I run. Or Hoveround (screw you Rascal!). But for those of you that don't mind, how about making the most out of your two legged transportation. NTT has developed a shoe that promises to charge your gadgetry while on the go.

Their soles are filled with water, displaced as the wearer walks and forced through a tiny turbine. Current prototypes generate 1.2 watts of electricity, enough to power your iPod as you strut, but by the time these things hit production in 2010 the hope is to more than double that to 3 watts so that you can charge up your mobile, too.

Sure, why not. But I'd still prefer to see the breast-powered charger instead. Literally, I want to see it in action. And, I dunno, maybe some light touching.

NTT says one of these days these boots are gonna charge your gadgets [engadget]

Thanks to Julian, who's currently out on the the hunt for the best damn burrito in NYC.

Aug 20 2008 Solar Panel Tie Can Charge Your Gadgets

This solar panel tie collects light and, through a process that even Scientologists don't understand, converts it to usable energy. The tie has a little pocket on the back that stores the gadget you're charging, and is completely impractical. I'm all for green shit (figuratively), but I just don't see these catching on. The majority of guys that have to wear ties (like me) work in fluorescent cubicle farms where this thing would get little to no charge. I mean, I can't even see a freaking window from here. We used to have one, but management boarded it up when they found out we liked looking out of it. What somebody needs to do is invent solar powered hard hats or something a landscaper would wear, like, I dunno, a suntan. Oh my God, I'm brilliant.

Hello, patent office? Are you sitting down? Good, now put this in your pipe and smoke it -- solar-powered suntans! I drew a picture and everything. Well, it's on a bar napkin, so I'll just tell you -- it's a really tan guy on a lawnmower charging a boombox. It's great, he's got a cord coming out of his belly button and everything. Hello? HELLO?

Solar Powered Tie Seems Great, Probably Won't See Much Light [ohgizmo]

Jun 24 2008 Phone Charger Powered By Dance, Ecstasy

The Dance Charge is a prototype phone charger that powers your phone by harnessing the kinetic energy of your dance moves. You just strap the thing to your arm, drop some ecstasy, and then let your eyes roll up in the back of your head while you flail around like an epileptic.

The device - which weighs 180grams and measures about the same size as a pack of cards - will be strapped to peoples arms and tested at Glastonbury Festival this week.

As the dancers moves their arms along to the music - a specially designed system of weights and magnets creates an electrical current which provides a top-up charge to a connected mobile phone.

The charger was developed by Orange UK and 'GotWind', a renewable energy company, and is being tested at the Glastonbury festival this week. But the device isn't just limited to harnessing dance energy. It also works if you swing your arms while you run or masturbate like a crazy person.

Dance powered phone charger for Glastonbury Festival [newslite]

Thanks to Charles and Damn Luddites, now lets go to a rave and make out with some chicks in the moonbounce

May 7 2008 The Naturmobil Is A One-Horsepower Vehicle

The Naturmobil is the brainchild of Dubai (you know, the United Arab Emirate that's always building crazy stuff) resident Abdolhadi Mirhejazi. It's a one-horsepower vehicle. Literally! Can you see the horse in there? He walks on that treadmill, which both powers the vehicle and charges a battery. I don't know if they have to dangle a carrot over his head or not.

Mirhejazi also discovered the horse can power two LCD advertising screens mounted on the sides of the Naturmobil.

"Bearing in mind the originality and uniqueness of the idea, Naturmobil was designed and built to achieve the maximum level of attention from its audiences," said his marketing manager, F. Minooeifar.

Wait a minute. This Mirhenjazi character has a marketing manager? I don't have a damn marketing manager. Of course, I don't have a one-horsepower eco-vehicle either. What I do have is a wicked magic act that features two mind-blowing card tricks. I'm seeking representation. Anybody interested? Come on, I can even work a pigeon into the act.

Several more pictures, including one of the device that catches the horse's crap while he's walking (I know I was curious), after the jump.

Continue Reading " The Naturmobil Is A One-Horsepower Vehicle "

Nov 26 2007 Flying 'Robot' Sure To Be A Hit For Christmas

The XPV R.A.D. Robotic Air Defense toy ($65) is billed as an awesome flying robot toy. While the unit does fly, and the figure attached does light up and do some talking, I'm hard pressed to call him a robot. I expect more out of a robot than blinking eyes and missile sounds. However, the thing still seems cool.

Capable of performing amazing aerial stunts. Flight range of over 300 feet. Flies up to 30 MPH and over 20 stories. New, super-light stealth styling inspired by real stealth planes. Twin turbo engine design. Made with impact resistant material. Includes first aid vehicle repair kit. Detachable blaster included. 2 Channel controller.

Not only that, but the thing drives on land and the XPV battery charger can charge other USB devices you may have on you. Whoo-wee! Last Christmas I bought one of those micro-helicopters for myself because no one else loves me. It was pretty fun until I wrecked it in the ceiling fan trying to evade a cat. This year I may treat myself to one of these bad boys and chase squirrels around the yard. Because that's what you do when you have no friends.

Video demonstration after the jump.

Continue Reading " Flying 'Robot' Sure To Be A Hit For Christmas "

Nov 16 2007 Bird Bath Induction Charger Looks Good

Induction recharge devices have existed for a little while, but this one adds some flair to the typically boring design of such units. This unnamed charger by designer Sun Kyung Kim resembles a little bird bath. When you place your phone on the unit the water ripples act as a visual indicator of your current charge level. It looks good in a cute sort of way, but I can't get one. I just don't have room in my tenement for a phone charger the size of a huge dinner plate. Well that and the whole no electricity thing.

Visual Desktop Charger [yankodesign]

Nov 16 2007 USB Wall Plugs: Brilliant, Awesome, Colorful

The Brighton Bi-Plugs are AC adapters for USB devices. You plug one side into a wall outlet, and then plug your USB gadgetry (i.e. iPod) into the other -- for immediate use or charging. These things are awesome, and I wish I had invented them. No price yet, but they go on sale at the end of the month. And do you know what else is going on sale at the end of the month? All my roommate's stuff. The jerk went on vacation to Europe without paying rent so I'm liquidating all his personal property. It's my little way of saying "I hope you had a great vacation, you don't live here anymore. Oh, and did you bring me one of those cool beer steins from Germany?"

Bi-Plugs Lets You Charge USB Gadgets Almost Anywhere [ohgizmo]

Nov 15 2007 Duracell Provides Solution To Dying Gadgets

The Duracell PowerSource Mobile 100 is a rechargeable power supply for your precious gadgets and gizmos.

The Duracell PowerSource Mobile 100 is the portable, rechargeable AC and USB power solution for all your mobile needs. It will extend the runtime of all of your mobile electronics such as an iPod, BlackBerry, video camera, cell phone and more. It will provide up to two hours of extended run time for your laptop. The Duracell PowerSource Mobile 100 has one AC outlet and two USB charge ports, so you can run or charge multiple devices simultaneously. You no longer have to carry extra cords, chargers and device-specific batteries.

They retail for $140, and I think I may be getting one. That is if I'm on Santa's good list this year. Apparently last year I was on the bad list. Christmas comes, Santa shows up and eats his milk and cookies, then kicks me in the balls and tells me I should burn in hell. This year I'm setting a trap for good measure. I'm taking the fat bastard's whole present sack.

Duracell PowerSource Mobile 100 [ubergizmo]

Nov 6 2007 Huff And Puff: Breath Powered USB Charger

Someone on instructables has posted DIY instructions on how to create a 'Breath Powered USB Charger'. It actually works on the movement of your chest when breathing, and not exhaled air.

Using some parts scavenged from an old CD-ROM drive, a simple electronic circuit, and a few rubber bands you will soon be huffing and puffing your way to fully-charged pseudo-useful electronic gadget nirvana.

You strap this thing around your chest, and the system uses the slight chest expansion while breathing to get some gears turning, and eventually, a small charge generated. If you wear one to work tell people it's responsible for keeping a "very serious condition" from killing you. Then they'll bring you all sorts of "get well" cookies/flowers/balloons. You take these, discard the cards, and give them to your girlfriend back home. Tell her you love her (even if you don't), and hope for sex. Breath Powered USB Charger and Sex Generator.

Breath Powered USB Charger [instructables]

Aug 20 2007 Wind Powered Phone Charger

Orange, a U.K. based telecommunications firm is dropping the Orange Mobile Wind Charger. It, um, charges your cell phone with the power of the wind! Amazing. Reminds me of that time I developed a perpetual motion machine, the wind powered windmill. Brilliant really. I'm not totally sold yet, but maybe you are. Are you a hippie? Do you smell like patchouli? If so, get one of these bad boys, strap it to the basket on the front of your bike, and you'll be the talk of the commune. You may even get lucky with a chick that doesn't shave her legs or armpits. Go you!

Wind Powered Phone Charger [PC World]