With a never-ending flow of gadgets headed our way, there’s an ever-increasing need for power — a demand for good ole’ electricity whether we’re home, in the car, walking the dog, etc.
This quick list of charging options looks at some of the newer juicing options this winter, with a couple that emerged onto the market just after CES 2015.
Echo Connect Plus: After some research, and to the best of my knowledge confirming the designers’ claim, this multi-charging cable from Echo Connect (top) is the only gadget combining Apple’s Lightening charger connection and a micro USB unit. Apple doesn’t like to share real estate with anyone, so this is a true rarity. It’s a great option for anyone with multiple phones.
They’re selling it now though crowdfunding, so pricing depends on what and when you kick some money into the pot.
And it evidently goes well with a burger for some reason.
ZeroShock Battery Case: Personally, I can’t imagine life without a battery case. While traveling or covering an event, taking photos, using social media, etc., I would estimate my standard phone charge would last less than 90 minutes.
The latest iPhone 6 charger case comes our way via ZeroLemon (which sounds like an 80s techno-pop band, but I digress). The ZeroShock Battery Case ($59.99) looks to triple a device’s battery life, keeping you up and running for up to 60 hours.
Related: CES 2015: 88 Tauri – $6,000 Smartphone
Apelpi: Speaking of lawsuits, which we weren’t — but it’s a fun transition, the new $65 Apelpi is one bite away from logo infringement on the biggest company on Earth. Still, it’s a cute design for a portable external battery unit.
Available in multiple color options, the lightweight Apelpi arrives with a micro-USB to USB charging cable and can charge a smartphone 1.5 times from empty.
Powerskin PoP’n 3: Wasn’t PoP’n 3 the name of a chain pie restaurant from the 1980s? No, I’m told now that was Pop N’ Fresh, then Baker’s Square. My point is it’s not easy finding names for so many devices these days. Despite having a name vaguely reminiscent of a Charles Dickens character, the PoP’n 3 charges any smartphone or tablet up to 150%.
Powerskin makes some of the best charger cases available, and this unit adds to their external battery line.
Bracketron EZCharge USB: There’s no need for charger cases or external batteries while you’re in the car with the EZCharge USB ($12.99).
At first glance, it looks like another simple USB adapter for a car’s power socket (where the cigarette lighter once resided in more civilized times). But, the EZCharge adds the new concept of allowing a USB cable to connect and work immediately no matter how you plug it in at first attempt — no more upside down or right side up.
It’s not as though turning a USB cable up or down was backbreaking work, but it helps to be able to pop a cable in and go when you’re supposed to be driving.
