Tag Archives: Phonesuit

Simulcast 82: Google Overload

Posted on by
Reply

The gang’s all here this week even though Geoff joins late.

Google eBooks Official!
Google Maps getting major update with vectors – Video
Andy Rubin previews Honeycomb on Motorola tablet W00T
Chrome Webstore Launches
Google Chrome OS gets detailed, first laptops from Acer and Samsung coming mid-2011

Apple
Mac App store to Launch Dec 13th?

Microsoft
Bleh……

Misc
PS3 Gets Hulu+ and NHL Game Center App
AT&T is the worst carrier in the US – Consumer Reports

Listener email:
Hey Simulcast crew!

I was just listening to this weeks past show and wanted to email you since it seems not enough listeners do so… The past handful of shows have by far been the best in the entire life of the Simulcast. I love the direction you’ve taken. The informal approach mixed with actual, educated tech talk makes you guys seem really down to earth and not think of yourselves as iconic and unapproachable figures. You’re simply a show for the people.

Other than that, keep up what you’re doing. You each bring a different aspect in and I love it. Keeps things interesting.

We should start a donate or request button on the site to decide what beer Geoff drinks each week, and possibly pay for it. That’d be entertaining.
Thanks guys!
-Sam Eddie
@Nechsus from Twitter

Picks of the week
Bill – Nexus Kang Live Wallpaper
Dave – PS3 VUDU App
Steve – Box.net
Geoff – MOG music

Simulcast 82: Google Overload [ 1:18:46 | 36.09 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Primo Battery Cube

Posted on by
1

Have you ever been out far away from a power source with a fading battery in your favorite gadget? Wish there was a solution to this? Sure, many gadgets and smartphones allow you to swap batteries, but buying a spare battery for every device can get expensive, and it’s bulky to carry around a bunch of spare equipment.

PhoneSuit has the solution: The Primo Battery Cube. You may remember I reviewed a similar product back in February which was designed specifically for iDevices. The Battery Cube offers very similar functionality with a lot more versatility. Instead of the proprietary Apple connector, this compact package offers both mini and micro USB connectors for maximum compatibility.

The package itself is pretty neat. It’s 1.5″ in both length and width, and 3/4″ thick. On the front, it has a small mirror which hides 4 charging indicator arrows. The side houses two DC-in ports (both mini and micro USB). This offers nice charging flexibility. On the bottom, a small rubber flap covers two charging ports which ratchet out into position. This allows you to connect the Cube to your device and move it to a comfortable position while using it.

Here are the rest of the highlights:

  • Powerful 1000mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery
  • Integrated Micro-USB and Mini-USB charging tips to provide instant power to over 95% of SmartPhones.
  • Cube features two input ports as well so it can be recharged by either a Micro-USB or Mini-USB cable.
  • Charging tips rotate and lock into place allowing you to position the Cube for a comfortable feel while using your phone.
  • Tips fold cleanly away in the back for protection when not in use.
  • Extremely small size about one and half inches (40mm) in length and width
  • Four-Point LED meter displays the remaining charge
  • Includes one Micro-USB cable
  • Detachable keychain loop
  • Cube is also charge compatible with a large variety of Bluetooth headsets and USB powered electronic devices

I tested the Cube on several of my gadgets including my Nexus One, my Sansa Clip, and a couple of bluetooth headsets with excellent results. Although I have a spare N1 battery, sometimes I just need a quick 20% bump to make it the rest of the day. This is the perfect thing to throw in your bag and have the peace of mind that you won’t run out of juice.

At $39.95 and available directly from PhoneSuit.com, it’s a little pricey compared to just buying a spare battery for one device. The beauty of this Cube is in the flexibility it offers. It’s definitely a welcome addition to my gadget bag.

Primo Battery Cube from PhoneSuit

Posted on by
Reply

Today PhoneSuit announced the Primo Battery Cube, an innovative micro battery pack aimed at smartphone users who need an ultraportable charging solution for their mini/micro USB devices. The device itself measures 1.5″ square, and packs an impressive 1000mAh battery.

Here are the highlights:

  • Powerful 1000mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery
  • Integrated Micro-USB and Mini-USB charging tips to provide instant power to over 95% of SmartPhones.
  • Cube features two input ports as well so it can be recharged by either a Micro-USB or Mini-USB cable.
  • Charging tips rotate and lock into place allowing you to position the Cube for a comfortable feel while using your phone.
  • Tips fold cleanly away in the back for protection when not in use.
  • Extremely small size about one and half inches (40mm) in length and width
  • Four-Point LED meter displays the remaining charge
  • Includes one Micro-USB cable
  • Detachable keychain loop
  • Cube is also charge compatible with a large variety of Bluetooth headsets and USB powered electronic devices

The Cube Works With:

  • Android based Phones
  • Blackberry
  • HTC
  • Samsung
  • Motorola
  • Nokia
  • Over 95% of all SmartPhones

The Cube is available for preorder from PhoneSuit’s website for $39.99, and will be shipping on July 12th.

Review: Phonesuit Primo Battery Pack

Posted on by
2

Anyone who has used a modern smartphone for longer than a few hours knows that battery life is a concern. This is especially pronounced on the iPhone because of the non-removable battery. Many companies have made attempts to address battery life. However, sometimes you just need a little extra battery life without all the bulk associated with a case or ugly dongle sticking out the bottom of your phone.

Enter the new Primo micro battery pack from Phonesuit. It’s a small 800mAh lithium ion battery designed to plug into the bottom of the iPhone, iPod, etc and provide some additional juice when needed. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket, and comes with a cap that can be attached to your keyring. It charges via mini USB, and has lights to indicate charge status and battery life remaining. It’s not much larger than a lipstick case, and comes in an attractive case reminiscent of the iPhone’s styling with a chrome ring and black or white case.

Phonesuit claims an additional 3 hours of talk time with the Primo attached. I’m not a huge phone talker, but I had the chance to use it over the weekend to test some recharge cycles. I found that it will consistently recharge my phone an additional 65-75% before the Primo is drained. That makes sense considering the mAh it contains, and it’s a welcome addition to the lineup. Another advantage mentioned is that with the Primo attached, the speaker is no longer covered by your hand while playing games in landscape mode.

I’ve used several different external batteries/charging solutions. My favorite iPhone case/charger is still the MiLi Power Pack. However, I use a case with my phone, and I don’t want the hassle of removing my case every time I need a quick top-off and don’t have a charging cable with me. The Primo is perfect to slide in my pocket and carry with me; I know that it will allow me to continue using my iPhone 3Gs until I can get to a charger.

At the $34.95 price, this is something I’ve found is good peace of mind. There’s nothing worse than being stuck somewhere with a dead phone battery. Slip this in your pocket or purse, and head out the door. If you need to juice up, just plug it in. It is compatible with iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPod, iPod Classic, iPod touch, iPod touch 2G and iPod Nano.

A simple yet elegant solution.

Find it at Phonesuit.com