One Mobile Phone Charger To Rule Them All September 23, 2007

Read more Gizmodo UK , Mobile Devices , Mobile phones , Peripherals , Portable Media , Smartphones

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In a move of welcome, if uncommon, common sense the major mobile phone companies have agreed that there should be only one kind of phone charger and connectivity cable technology used in the future.

For anyone that has ever used phones from more than one player, you’ll know just how welcome this is. The Open Mobile Terminal Platform (OMTP) group – which represents them – has announced that micro USB is the winner. In a statement, the group says:

“The OMTP s paper recommends that the micro USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard is used across mobile devices. USB is the de facto standard for the PC industry and it is a technology understood by consumers. Reaching mobile industry agreement on USB will help streamline the whole value chain and provide end users with a larger choice of the most popular peripherals.

The customer will also be able to use their legacy home entertainment and PC equipment, as well as creating a new market opportunity for peripheral vendors.”

Like mini-USB, micro USB also allows mobile phones to be charged from PCs but is a lot more durable.-Martin Lynch

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PURE Chronos II DAB Radio Gets Green September 23, 2007

Read more Digital Audio , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , Music , Online , Radio

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PURE is on the launch trail these days, following up the recent introduction of its first DAB radio/iPod dock, the Chronos iDock, with the environmentally friendly Chronos II DAB radio.

The new radio – which adds FM and RDS functions - has a power consumption of less than 1W in standby and 2W in operation – which is preety damn low. PURE claims this is well-below the industry average. The Chronos II also gets a Gold Star for Green-type-stuff as the packaging and documentation are made from almost all recycled material.

Conveniently, the radio can be set to send you to sleep listening to one relaxing DAB station and wake you up in the morning with something a little livelier, while the alarm sounds are designed to wake you gently, not cause a stroke. The brightness of the clock display automatically adjusts to the room’s lighting and display text can be paused and scrolled.

Due out at the end of October, in white or aluminium, for £70.-Martin Lynch

[PURE]

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