Earlier this week, we got news of ASUS working on a design revision for its ROG Ally handheld game console to fix the positioning of its microSD card slot that was causing card and card-reader failures due to its location close to a thermal vent. It turns out that this revision is a whole different product, and ASUS is naming it the ROG Ally X. There's more to this console than simply a relocated microSD slot that won't fry your memory cards.

Apparently, ASUS has used the opportunity to give it a larger battery, and a larger M.2-2280 SSD bay, compared to the M.2-2242 slot on the original ROG Ally. This would open up end-users to the widest possible array of SSD choices. As a final bit of product differentiation, the ROG Ally X comes with a new black chassis trim. The larger battery makes the ROG Ally X heavier than the original. Besides these three hardware changes, the new ROG Ally X features the same kit as the original, and is hence expected to offer the same performance, albeit with improved battery life. ASUS is expected to formally launch the ROG Ally X on June 2, 2024.

Sparing no effort in creating the cutting-edge mechanical keyboard for keyboard enthusiasts, Epomaker proudly presents the Brick 87.

TKL layout With Stackable Block Bar
In hopes of bringing better typing and visual experience to keyboard enthusiasts, the Epomaker Brick 87 features a concept of combining fun with a mechanical keyboard. To make the keyboard a perfect amalgamation of functionality and practicality, the TKL layout of Brick 87 conserves desk space without compromising usability. Users can now revel in an uncluttered and efficient workspace, fostering productivity and creativity. The Brick 87 was designed in a special angle, making it distinctive in the keyboard market. With the stackable block bar on the top, DIYers can put various blocks on it as decoration for the keyboard. Each Brick 87 will become unique and distinguished.

Featuring cutting-edge technology and premium materials for an unparalleled typing experience, Epomaker x Feker Galaxy80 delivers an outstanding sound performance and innovative design for keyboard enthusiasts.

Tenkeyless Compact Layout & Innovative Leaf-Spring Gasket Structure
The Galaxy80 redefines space efficiency with its TKL compact layout. This design integrates all the essential keys in a smaller footprint, making it perfect for streamlined desks and mobile setups without sacrificing functionality. At the heart of its design lies the innovative leaf-spring gasket structure, a groundbreaking feature that blends flexibility with stability. This advanced mechanism ensures a supremely comfortable typing experience, minimizing fatigue during extended sessions and offering a consistent, responsive touch with every keystroke.

Baseus Technology, the leading global consumer electronics brand, has prepared a stack of fast-charging USB-C chargers, the "Let's C" lineup. It includes fast chargers, power banks, charging cables, digital power strips, and car chargers for the iPhone 15.

Fast, Durable, and Sustainable Let's C Cables
Baseus Let's C Flash Series II, the USB-C to C Cable is a full-featured cord that supports up to 240 W fast charging and a data transfer speed of up to 40 Gbps, which is perfect for moving ProRes files shot with the new iPhone 15 Pro lineup. It was tested only to take 5s to transfer 10 GB files according to test results from Baseus, and it also supports a high-resolution output going up to 8K@60 Hz. This level would fascinate even videophiles.

We know that out of our Framework Laptop 16 Deep Dive series, this is some of the information you're most eager to hear. We read every Framework Laptop review, browse the Community and subreddit, and run regular post-purchase feedback surveys to learn what you want, and we use that to inform how we build products. Some of the most frequent asks on the Framework Laptop 13 were around improving speaker loudness and extending battery life, both of which we've delivered on this year. With the increased space we have inside the Framework Laptop 16, we advanced these areas even further, with a new high capacity 85Wh battery and excellent quad speakers powered by a smart amp.

We custom designed both the battery pack and cell, working with ATL, one of the biggest battery makers in the world and the maker of the 55Wh and 61Wh packs for Framework Laptop 13. The pack has a 4S1P architecture, meaning there are four lithium ion cells placed in series to reach the 15.48 V nominal pack voltage. A major improvement we've made based on feedback from the Framework Laptop 13 is on the battery connector. A connector on a short cable was one of the more finicky parts to handle, so we've switched to an integrated blade-type connector that makes battery swaps much easier. Finally, we've made sure that the battery has a long usage lifetime, supporting 80% capacity typically after 1,000 cycles.

The European Parliament has greenlit new rules relating to battery technologies that are likely to cause headaches for smartphone manufacturers (in particular). The organization published their summary of this environmentally conscious and sustainable strategy on June 14: "Parliament approved new rules for the design (on Wednesday), production and waste management of all types of batteries (including non-replaceable types) sold in the EU. With 587 votes in favor, nine against and 20 abstentions, MEPs endorsed a deal reached with the Council to overhaul EU rules on batteries and waste batteries. The new law takes into account technological developments and future challenges in the sector and will cover the entire battery life cycle, from design to end-of-life."

The section for portable device batteries (for smartphones, tablets and cameras) outlines new consumer rights, with a demand for easily removable and replaceable (DIY) cells. Smartphone manufacturers including market leaders Apple and Samsung will have to go back to the drawing board and figure out ways to reformat how their batteries are mounted and connected internally. Plenty of devices have their units sealed behind protective layers, requiring specialist tools and varying levels of user expertise to access and remove in a safe manner. The European Council has more work to do following their starter announcement: "(We) will now have to formally endorse the text before its publication in the EU Official Journal shortly after and its entry into force." News outlets have interpreted that these provisional rulings will go into effect by early 2027, but they also anticipate that big time players could appeal for extensions beyond that window.

Leading personal technology company and number one true wireless brand in the US, JLab, is today launching its latest addition to its new Go Work range which is designed for the new hybrid office environments. The Go Work Pop is a lightweight Bluetooth headset that is ideal for use during work. Featuring multipoint technology that can seamlessly switch between devices as well as impressive audio quality and clear voice calls, it is an extremely affordable and sleek option that will suit all. The JLab Go Work Pop are available to buy in black, teal or lilac for £39.99 from Amazon.

The perfect lightweight headphone for the working life, the JLab Go Work Pop bring clear calls and great quality audio with 50+ hours of playtime - enough to last a full working week. Always prioritising audio, the headset comes with the Lab Quality Sound that can be expected from JLab. Featuring both EQ2 voice and music mode, the Go Work Pop is impressive whether on work calls or even when having a break and listening to some music. The Voice EQ setting works to accentuate more mid and high frequencies to emphasise the human voice whilst the Music mode is the standard frequency response with an increased emphasis on the overall sound and bass.

Smart battery generators were a recurring theme this CES. These are devices with large batteries—usually lithium ion—connected to an integrated sine-wave AC inverter, and other goodies such as direct low-voltage DC charging points for all your devices. These come in pretty handy as a replacement for small gas-powered gensets you take along for camping, as the battery drains much slower than the genset burns fuel at its lowest-load state; and many of these batteries include a means to recharge with solar power, using portable, foldable PV panels.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the new Razer Naga V2 Pro and Naga V2 HyperSpeed, the latest in Razer's genre-busting MMO and battle-royale mice. Designed primarily for MMOs, with 3 interchangeable side plates on the Naga V2 Pro, and a wealth of new features in both mice, the new Naga V2 Pro and Naga HyperSpeed signal the return of Razer's most adaptable mouse, now better than ever.

Launched in 2009, the original Naga created the MMO mouse category, setting new standards for functionality and control with its groundbreaking multi-button side panel, immediately becoming the world's bestselling MMO mouse. The new Naga V2 Pro continues this legacy of excellence, with a series of upgrades and improvements that retain the shape and feel of the Naga series that players love, while focusing on the features that matter most to MMO players.

Power management company Eaton today announced a new innovation in backup power for video gaming with the North American launch of its Pure Sine Wave Gaming uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The new Tripp Lite by Eaton solution delivers clean, reliable power in AC and battery backup modes and is designed to prevent game crashes and audio/video problems.

"Whether you're a casual gamer or a seasoned pro, no one wants to have their experience interrupted by power problems," said Rusty Scioscia, product manager, Eaton. "Our Pure Sine Wave Gaming UPS was designed with gamers in mind to regulate voltage irregularities and provide reliable battery backup to make sure play continues without disruption."

Today, HYPER, the #1 Docking Station Brand in the USA, announced the immediate availability of the HyperJuice 245 W GaN Desktop Charger and 245 W USB-C Battery Pack after a successful crowdfunding campaign that garnered 5,000+ backers and generated over $1M in funding. The world's first and smallest HyperJuice 245 W GaN Desktop Charger is designed for the "work from home" professional or enterprise looking to maximize power connectivity when outlet space may be sparse. With four 100 W (max) USB-C Power Delivery ports powered by industry-leading GaN technology, users will be able to power four mid-size 60 W laptops (like the 13" MacBook Pro/Air) or quick charge two large 100 W laptops (16" MacBook Pro), tablet (iPad Pro) and smartphone (iPhone 13) all at the same time from a pocket-sized charger.

Need power on the go? The world's first HyperJuice 245 W USB-C Battery Pack takes the same 245 W of USB-C power on the road for the traveling professional. It boasts a whopping 100Wh/27000mAh airline-safe battery capacity, two 100 W (max) and two 65 W (max) USB-C Power Delivery ports, giving you the ability to charge four USB-C devices like laptops, tablets, DSLR cameras, smartphones, drones, gaming consoles all at the same time. It features an illuminated OLED screen to inform users about the remaining battery capacity and charging power of each port and comes with a 100 W input so that you can quickly recharge the battery in 1 hour using the HyperJuice 245 W GaN Charger or any 100 W USB-C charger.

According to TrendForce, market conditions in 1H22 were chaotic and there was disparate demand for chips of varying functionality. Given the global development of electronic devices and power systems, overall demand for power management ICs (PMIC) is still relatively good. PMICs are used in consumer electronics, communications, computing, industrial control, automotive and other fields. In 2H22, supply and demand gradually diverged and demand for automotive Switching Regulators, Multi Channel PMICs was strongest.

According to TrendForce, there are various specifications and types of PMICs, including Linear Regulators, etc. Even usage scenario dependent products such as Battery Charging & Management, Voltage References, and USB Power Delivery ICs all fall into this category.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers (Hong Kong Stock Code: 1337), is kicking off 2022 with new Razer Blade gaming laptop models including the Razer Blade 14, Razer Blade 15, and Razer Blade 17. The world's fastest laptops for gamers and creators are equipped with the recently announced NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series Laptop GPUs, up to an RTX 3080 Ti, making the new Blades better than ever, now shipping with Windows 11. All new Razer Blade gaming laptops now also include groundbreaking DDR5 memory, providing blistering clock speeds up to 4800 MHz, an increase in frequency by up to 50% compared to the previous generation.

"The Razer Blade series continues to be the best gaming laptop by providing desktop-class performance on-the-go," says Travis Furst, Senior Director of Razer's Systems business unit. "Additionally, we've enabled creators to work anywhere with gorgeous displays, available NVIDIA Studio drivers, and up to 14-Core CPUs. Users will have the ability to choose any model or configuration that best fits their gaming or creating needs, while getting the latest and greatest in graphics, memory and processing technology."

The pandemic has changed people's way of life. Changes in the consumption habits of the general public have led to rapid e-commerce and shipping market growth. Logistic processing efficiency has become one of the key capabilities of competing business owners. In addition, in the era of Industrial 4.0, smart factories extensively adopt machinery to replace manpower, thereby enhancing production efficiency and accuracy. Therefore, demands for unmanned Automatic Guide Vehicle-Unmanned Handling (AGV) and Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) will significantly increase in line with market expectations.

In order to ensure the smooth operation of AGV and AMR, battery and charger stability play an essential role. The FSP has developed a 600 W charger (FSP600-1UAC01) acceptable to a full range of input voltages, with an output voltage of 50.4 V-58.8 V and an output current of 10.0 A. The product has a streamlined appearance and a compact size of only 202*132*69 mm/2.2Kg.

I'll admit that I came across this almost immediately after the DUEX dual-screen laptop monitors yesterday, but had to do a double take after glancing at this thing which took a day! Having just moved across multiple oceans, yours truly was in the mood for a UPS for the review test setup and this got my interest in more ways than one. BLUETTI had launched a 2000 Wh energy storage device last summer, which was pretty good timing for all the work-at-home and energy shortage experiences shortly across the globe, and the company clearly saw a need to go even bigger. This time, they have up to a 5100 Wh "portable" UPS/battery that can be charged by AC mains or even solar power.

The portability comes in the form of a fairly compact and energy-dense device on wheels, with the intention being to roll this over to wherever you want. The increased energy density relative to a typical UPS is indeed with a Lithium-ion battery, but one that uses LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry instead. LFP chemistry, for those interested, is relatively new to the battery market owing to challenges until recently in increasing the electrical conductivity, but offers advantages over most other options in not using nickel or cobalt, thus making it more eco-friendly, safer, and less costly, while retaining increased charge/discharge cycles at a usable efficiency. Indeed, the BLUETTI EP500 Pro claims 6000 cycles of use at retaining ~70-80% capacity at this point, which alone means you can run a small house for 15+ years should you find the means to charge it consistently too. The company is providing the means to hook it up to solar charging kits, as well as a fusion panel for 240 V operation from the 120 V units to run high-power machinery. Yes, it's complete overkill for my needs and yours, and at $2799+ on Kickstarter for the SKUs it is priced out for many DIYers too, but it's still interesting tech from a materials and engineering perspective that perhaps may interest some home owners here. Apparently others agreed with this already, seeing as how it met its goals within 24 hours and has a little under 2 months left to go to break some crowdfunding records. Hit the link in the source for more info if you are interested!

At the ripe age of 98, Dr. John Goodenough, professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin (UT) and inventor of the lithium-ion battery, is looking towards future energy storage solutions through a newly launched partnership with Energy Exploration Technologies (EnergyX). Earlier this year, Goodenough, along with several members of his lab at UT, started working with EnergyX, a young energy technology company founded by entrepreneur Teague Egan and with labs near Silicon Valley, in an effort to radically rethink the approach to energy storage.

As the recipient of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Dr. Goodenough's pioneering work on the lithium-ion battery led to a revolution in portable electronic devices. While heading the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory at Oxford University nearly 40 years ago, he discovered the feasibility of lithium cobalt oxide as a cathode material, which enabled the commercialization of the first rechargeable lithium-ion battery by the Sony Corporation.

Apple late last week agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing it of slowing down iPhones without the knowledge or consent of users, motivating them to upgrade their devices or batteries. The settlement amount is marked at USD $500 million or $25 per member of the class (which could be adjusted depending on how many iPhones from the class are found eligible). The lawsuit is being heard by U.S. District Judge Edward Davila in San Jose, California, and its settlement offer by Apple is subject to his approval.

In the settlement offer papers by Apple, the company reportedly denies wrongdoing, and seeks to avoid the burdens and costs of litigation. Eligible members of the class are U.S. owners of the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus or SE that ran the iOS 10.2.1 or later operating system. It also covers U.S. owners of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus that ran iOS 11.2 or later before Dec. 21, 2017. Initial outcry after discovery of Apple's secret CPU throttling cause the company to apologize for the practice, promise transparency in the future, and introduce the "Battery Health" feature in iOS that informs users of the decay of their device's lithium ion battery (ability to hold charge), and give performance throttling control to end-users.

Sennheiser today launched the GSP370 gaming headset, which will allow you to immerse yourself in virtual worlds for as many as 100 hours between charges. Sennheiser have managed to improve power efficiency of the GSP370 over their current flagship, the GSP670, by more than five times - that one headset only lasts between 16 and 20 hours for each full charge. And this battery efficiency didn't come at the cost of maximum output levels - the 117dB SPL makes sure of that.

There's a noise-canceling mic in the headset, and memory foam pads appeal to comfort and extended gaming sessions. The GPS370 is compatible with PC, Mac, and PlayStation 4 (and Xbox as well with the headphone adapters or newer controllers) and is available on Sennheiser's website starting today for $199.95. Data transmission is taken care of by Bluetooth 5.0 (in a dongle adapter) and there's a micro USB charging cable in the box, which is enough to power the headset for usage even if its battery runs completely dry. Sennheiser will also include its GSA 50 headset hanger, which normally sells for $38, for free.

UL Corporation today announces that two new benchmark tests that will soon be coming to PCMark 10. The first is our eagerly awaited PCMark 10 battery life benchmark. The second is a new benchmark test based on Microsoft Office applications.

PCMark 10 Battery Life benchmark
Battery life is one of the most important criteria for choosing a laptop, but consumers and businesses alike find it hard to compare systems fairly. The challenge, of course, is that battery life depends on how the device is used. Unfortunately, manufacturers' claims are often based on unrealistic scenarios that don't reflect typical use. Figures for practical, day-to-day battery life, which are usually much lower, are rarely available.

Fujitsu is recalling the Panasonic lithium-ion battery packs used in their CELSIUS H720, LIFEBOOK E752, E733, E743, E753, P702, P772, S710, S752, S762, T732, T734, and T902 notebooks. The battery packs with the CP556150-03, CP579060-01 and CP629458-03 product numbers can overheat and cause serious injuries to consumers. Both the product and serial numbers are visible on the white sticker that's located on the battery. Out of the 5,800 units sold in the United States and 606 units in Canada, Fujitsu has only received one report of the battery catching fire so far. Owners with the affected models should remove their battery packs as soon as possible and contact Fujitsu for a free replacement. They can continue to use their notebooks normally by plugging in the AC power while they wait for the replacement battery.

LUXA2, a premier designer and manufacturer of unique and functional mobile accessories including holders, portable power, headsets and cases, is proud to announce a new product to its portable power family- The P2 5000mAh portable battery pack. LUXA2's P2 is a slim, lightweight, aluminum 5000mAh portable battery pack designed for users who desire that extra bit of power whilst on the move. With its premium look and feel, it provides the perfect companion for your smartphone or tablet in those power hungry situations. Let the P2 free your mind from those inconvenient power worries and allow you to get on with the important things in life.

Antec, Inc., the global leader in high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, is taking the opportunity provided by Computex 2012 to unveil a new PSU as well as a series of elegantly-designed lifestyle products intended to keep up with our increasingly social and mobile lives.

First up, Antec is showcasing its new high-performance enthusiast PSU guaranteed to take power supplies to the max. Designed with high-power users in mind, the HCP-1300 Platinum is meant to complement its 'little' brother the HCP-1000 Platinum. The HCP-1300 Platinum is sleeved, Stealth Wire cables integrate seamlessly in your setup while a plethora of available connectors enable users to set up a 4-way SLI or CrossFire in no time. With Platinum-rated efficiency, ErP Lot 6:2013 and all the strict energy standards already implemented in Antec's other HCP Platinum units, the HCP-1300 Platinum offers the perfect foundation for those who want to build an environmentally-conscious setup that still goes easy on your wallet when it comes time to pay your electric bill.

LUXA2 announces the launch of their power bank P1 7000 mAh High Capacity Battery & Charger, marking the company's first portable power solution for the iPhone and iPad accessories market. LUXA2's P1 external battery is designed to deliver a portable power solution for Apple device users who are always on-the-go. With a 7000 mAh power capacity, it is a powerful external power source available for iPhone and iPad on the market.

LUXA2's P1 power bank was expertly engineered to provide high output charging in a very compact design. It is also compatible with most USB devices on the market, including the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. With this power source, you can charge an iPhone 3.5 times from empty to full. You can also charge an iPad from empty to 78% fullness, which will give you 7 extra hours of usage time. Its lightweight and portable design also makes for easy carrying so users never have to go without power.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Hewlett-Packard Company (HP), of Palo Alto, Calif., has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $425,000. The settlement agreement (PDF) has been provisionally accepted by the Commission (3-1).

The settlement resolves staff allegations that HP knowingly failed to report immediately to CPSC, as required by federal law, that certain lithium-ion battery packs contained a defect or created an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death. The lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers. The packs were shipped with new HP Notebook computers, sold as accessories or provided as spare parts for various HP models.

Targus Inc., maker of the world's top-selling laptop computer cases and accessories today announced it is first to market with USB 3.0 docking technology. The Targus USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Video Docking Station (ACP70US) allows you to connect all of your peripherals while offering the benefit of enhanced speed and power associated with USB 3.0. It is the ideal solution for various work environments that support multiple laptop standards or where there is the need for a shared workspace, "Hot Desking" or "Hoteling". In addition, with the emergence of Ultrabooks, users will need additional USB ports for all of their necessary peripherals.

Utilizing USB 3.0 graphics technology by DisplayLink, the new docking station also includes dual video ports, which provides beyond HD video and graphics with up to 2048 x 1152 resolution. This is ideal for peripherals that require enriched image and text clarity such as external HD monitors. It also features the first-of-its-kind Gigabit Ethernet via USB for high-speed networking. The wedge design offers an ergonomic tilt and improved ambient airflow while its horizontal form factor allows users to place the docking station under a laptop, thus saving desk space.