Kensington's New Power Bricks Charge Them All
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Kensington claims its chargers can recognize the specific device and optimize the charge.
CREDIT: Kensington |
Accessory maker Kensington today (Sept. 20) debuted five new universal chargers that it says can automatically detect the type (and even model) of device attached to them and provide the optimal amount of power — measured in amperage — which results in a faster overall charge.
While a standard USB charger works with just about any device, chances are it is not providing the optimal amount of power, a Kensington representative told TechNewsDaily. The device might be getting too much, which can cause it to overheat and possibly damage it, or too little, taking much longer to charge than normal.
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A chip inside the chargers will detect what particular device is attached. From there, the correct amount of power is supplied to the device’s battery.
Kensington says that its line of PowerWhiz chargers works with a range of devices including those from Apple, LG, Nokia, Panasonic, RIM and Samsung. The chargers will be available starting in October.
Kensington will sell two wall chargers, one that is made for smartphones and another that charges either a tablet or smartphone. They will retail for $20 and $25, respectively. Kensington is also offering two car chargers, again one intended for each type of device, retailing for $15 and $25 respectively.
A third car charger, selling for $30, can power up to two devices (smartphones, tablets, or one of each). However, this charger can power only two tablets on the same platform at the same time. Kensington says it is working on a model that can charge tablets on different platforms simultaneously. That will go on sale “in the near future,” the company told us.
