aNewDomain — .Batteries are getting slimmer, lighter and more powerful. And the best ones can detect the maximum charging speed of your device for rapid charging. That comes in handy.
Here are the best batteries and charging cases coming out right now. All debuted at CES 2015. All feature rechargeable Lithium Ion (LiO2) batteries, unless I note otherwise.
Batteries/Power Banks
Ventev Powercell 10000+: A combination of portable 10,000 mAh battery and wall charger (with folding AC prongs). The Powercell 10000+ features a built-in 1.8A micro-USB cable and an embedded 2.4A Apple Lightning cable in addition to a universal 1.0A USB port. It has a total output of 5.2 amps and can charge three devices simultaneously. When plugged into a wall outlet, your devices have charge priority, so they get recharged first before the Powercell’s internal battery. And you’ll know exactly how much power is left because the Powercell 10000+ has a numerical LED readout. So when the device has used half of its power, the display will show 50 percent. It costs $99.99 and will begin shipping in April.
Ventev Powercell 3015c: A portable 3,000 mAh battery charger that comes with either a built-in micro-USB ($49.99) or Apple Lightning cable ($54.99).
Notable batteries I missed seeing at CES 2015
Although I didn’t see these batteries in action, these companies make good batteries, and I like their specifications.
MyCharge Hub 6000: A 6000 mAh battery pack with built-in Lightning and micro-USB cables. It’s available now and retails for $99.99, but Amazon sells it for less.
TYLT ENERGI 5K+: A slender 5200 mAh battery with a 3A output, a USB port and embedded micro-USB and Apple Lightning cables. It can simultaneously charge three devices. ENERGI 5K+ is available now and retails for $89.99.
iBattz ASAP Charger: A Lithium Polymer battery with a 20V 2A input, instead of the conventional 5V 1A input, which allows it to recharge your phone four times faster. It comes with a special wall plug that helps it charge faster, too. The ASAP charger should begin shipping this quarter. The anticipated price is $60 for the 5,600mAh battery and $90 for the 11,400mAh.
Battery cases
These battery cases offer protection and power for iPhone models 5, 5s and 6. LifeProof, Mophie and OtterBox also have a variety of options for Android phones and other devices.
LifeProof FRE Power: A waterproof 2600 mAh battery case that doubles an iPhone 6’s battery life while protecting it from water, snow, dust and drops. Smart charging technology automatically stops it from charging once the phone is fully charged. It will be available in the second quarter and retail for $129.99.
Mophie space pack for iPhone 5 and 5s: Although Mophie showed off a 3300 mAh Juice Pack Plus for iPhone 6, the 1700 mAh Space Pack still knocks my socks off because it offers both power and storage. I don’t believe any other case offers this winning combination for iPhone shutterbugs like me that frequently run out of storage. I have craved a space pack for my iPhone 5s since I saw it last August at Outdoor Retailer’s Summer Market. It comes with a free iOS app and is available with storage capacities from 16GB ($149.95) to 64GB ($249.95).
Video: Introducing the Mophie space pack
OtterBox Resurgence Powercase for iPhone 6: This case offers military-grade drop protection and twice the battery life of the normal iPhone 6 with a 2600 mAh battery that uses auto-stop technology to automatically stop charging when the phone is fully charged. The case should be available soon and will retail for $99.95.
Video: Resurgence Power Case for iPhone 6
Power in the Backpack
AMPL Smartbag: A smart backpack with an integrated SmartBattery for charging phones, tablets, etc. through seven USB outlets that are accessible from each pocket. With an optional expansion battery and AC Inverter, you can even charge a laptop or other devices that need a wall outlet like a camera battery charger. The AMPL Smartbag will have a mobile app that displays real-time battery levels so you can adjust charging priorities. The backpack even has embedded smart sensors to monitor power flows, weather conditions or alert you if you leave your bag behind. The AMPL Smartbag will be available this summer for $299.
Video: AMPL Smart Backpack from AMPL Labs on Vimeo
Also, consider the Levo PA71 power bank
Can you feel the power?
For aNewDomain, I’m Terry Gardner.
All Screenshots/Image Credits by Terry Gardner Courtesy of (in order): Ventev, MyCharge, iBattz, LifeProof, Otterbox
