Keep ’em juiced: Here are 8 of the best solar chargers that money can buy

Dead phones and tablets are no fun, and it’s even worse when you don’t have access to a power outlet right away. Fortunately, the sun is always on (at least during the day). So why not harness the power of solar energy to keep your devices running even when you’re trekking through the middle of nowhere? Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best solar chargers available, especially when it comes to performance and value. Most of them can charge several of your devices with a single charge — as long as there are clear skies, of course.

We’ve also compiled a list of ways to improve your iPhone’s battery life, along with a piece outlining various deals on some of our favorite camping gadgets.

Fuse 6W Solar Charger ($129)

• Capacity — 4,000mAh
• Outputs — 1 USB (1A)
• Weight –1.3 pounds
• Solar Panel –6.15 Watts

Many solar chargers are marketed as ultra-portable solar options, however, few measure up to the Fuse 6W Solar Charger. The unit comes with a universal attachment system, complete with a set of interlocking clips. This allows you to fasten the charger to the back of your current pack and adjust the straps for a firmer fit. The Fuse 6W charges an external battery, though you can also charge the latter component via a traditional wall outlet or USB. Either way, once charged, the device should provide enough juice to fully charge your smartphone at least once. We tested the Voltaic’s panel-equipped backpack earlier this year, so if you’re in the market for a dedicated solar pack, we suggest giving our Voltaic OffGrid Solar Backpack review a gander.

Buy one now from:

Voltaic Systems

Solartab ($129)

• Capacity — 13,000mAh
• Outputs — 2 USB ports (2.1A)
• Weight — 2.65 pounds (1.2kg)
• Solar Panel — 5.5W

Solartab really impressed us with its 13,000mAh capacity and the ability to charge an iPhone completely in as little as 90 minutes. The design of it reminds us a lot of the first-generation iPad, although at 2.65 pounds, it feels much heavier. The charger comes with a tiltable stand so you can always position the solar panel with the best angle to the sun, and a battery level indicator is available on the side. If you want, you can also charge the Solartab through the included micro USB cable, so you don’t always need to depend on solar power to keep the device fully charged.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Arc 20W Solar Charger Kit ($265)

• Capacity –19,800 mAh
• Outputs — DC Output, USB Output (1A)
• Weight — 3.25 pounds
• Solar Panel — 19.8 Watts

Unlike some of the clunkier, hard-shell builds on the market, the Arc 20 Watt Solar Charger easily fastens to a variety of awnings, packs, and tents, allowing for consistent charging throughout your adventure. This kit also includes Voltaic‘s V72 Universal Laptop Battery, which is designed with a DC Output, meaning you can charge most laptops at least once. The external battery also includes protection against short circuits and overcharging, so you need not worry about frying your devices.

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Voltaic Systems

JOOS Orange ($150)

• Capacity — 5,400mAh
• Outputs — 1 USB port (1A)
• Weight — 24 ounces
• Solar Panel — 2.4W out of the box

While JOOS comes in as the most expensive solar charger we looked at, it’s worth it if you’ll be using it in places where it may fall or you’re likely encounter harsh conditions. The body is made of metal, and the panels are recessed to help prevent cracking should the device fall. You can also purchase reflector panels for an additional $25, which double the panel’s effectiveness and provide charging times that are close to what the Solartab offers. Another cool feature of the JOOS? It’s waterproof and capable of charing underwater.

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SolarJoos

Yolk Station Solar Paper ($126)

• Capacity — None
• Outputs — 1 USB port (1A)
• Weight — 4 ounces
• Solar Panel — 5W

Solar Paper is the thinnest solar charger available. It measures a mere 0.45 inches at its thickest point, and though it doesn’t contain a built-in battery, a display on the top of the unit will let you know if the charger is receiving enough energy to charge your device. In theory, with no battery to worry about, this particular solar charger could last a long time. There are several different options available, from the basic 5W version ($135) up to a 15W version ($335). Just keep in mind that you’ll need the 5W model if you want to charge your phone, or the 10W if you want to charge tablets or more than one device at a time.

Buy one now from:

Amazon Yolk Station

Anker PowerPort Solar ($60)

• Capacity — None
• Outputs — 1 USB port (up to 3A)
• Weight — 14.7 ounces
• Solar Panel — 21W

Despite having no battery storage capabilities, Anker‘s PowerPort Solar wows us with up to 21 watts of power production, which is more than enough to charge any portable device quickly. Another feature, called PowerIQ, also adjusts the amperage of the power supplied to match your device, thus ensuring your device charges quickly and safely. The device’s compact design — it measures 11.1 × 6.3 inches when folded and 26.4× 11.1 inches when opened — makes it easy to store, too, and eye holes on each end allow you to anchor it to just about anything. While it might not work the best when there are clouds in the sky, in direct sunlight, the PowerPort Solar has little competition.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Solio BoltBattery Pack + Solar Charger ($70)

• Capacity –2,000mAh
• Outputs — 1 USB, 1 Micro USB
• Weight — 4.8 ounces
• Solar Panel — 5W

Weighing a mere 4.8 ounces and measuring less than 4-inches long, the Solio Bolt is one of the most compact solar chargers on the market. The device can also hold a charge for up to a year, rendering it ideal for an emergency kit. The Bolt utilizes a central axis point, allowing it to open into a pair of individual panels. The small hole in the center of the unit was specifically designed to fit around a pencil, enabling individuals to firmly plant the solar panel in the ground and then position it toward the sun.

If you’re looking to prepare yourself for an unforeseen disaster, we also have an article outlining what to put an outdoor emergency kit. After all, things happen.

Buy one now from:

Solio

ECEEN Foldable Solar Charger ($40)

• Capacity — Not specified
• Outputs — 2 USB ports
• Weight — 9.3 ounces
• Solar Panel — 13W

The ECEEN 13W 2-Port is one of the best 13W chargers we’ve seen. The entire unit weights a mere 9 ounces and measures an inch thick, rendering it exceptionally light and compact. A convenient pouch on the back of the charger also allows you to stow your mobile phone, iPad Mini, and other mobile accessories while charging or on the move. A simple stand on the back of the device extends functionality even further, giving you a means for positioning the solar charger in direct sunlight. And at under $40, ECEEN’s model is currently one of the more affordable solar chargers on the market.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Best Gamepad For Samsung Gear VR

• Best Overall
• Best for portability
• Best Value

Best Overall

SteelSeries Stratus XL

See at Amazon

The folks at SteelSeries have a long history of quality controllers for mobile platforms, and the Stratus XL kicks that up a notch. Instead of focusing on portability and pocketability like the other controllers in this product line, SteelSeries focused on comfort and capability which makes it an incredible choice for the Samsung Gear VR. It has all the quality of a major console controller, with great battery life and a $50 price tag to match.

It pairs instantly to your Samsung phone and works with dozens of Gear VR games right out of the box. Stratus XL is an all around quality gamepad, with a layout that is easy to remember when you eyes are in VR.

Bottom line: If you want the best overall gamepad for your Gear VR, SteelSeries is where you want to be.

One more thing: This version of the controller only comes in black. If you see a white version of this controller, it’s the iOS-only version and won’t work with the Gear VR.

Why the SteelSeries Stratus XL is the best

Everything you need in a gamepad you’ll be using without your eyes.

Three things matter most when it comes to a VR-friendly gamepad — comfort, battery life, and durability. SteelSeries has checked all three boxes with the Stratus XL. This is an Xbox-esque gamepad that looks and feels familiar with a button layout you will quickly become comfortable with despite not being able to look down at it while in VR. This gamepad will easily survive the occasional drop when you are spooked in VR thanks to its rugged plastic design, and the use of standard thumbsticks means the chances of breaking them on a drop is unlikely. On average this controller will get you through 30 hours of constant use, which means the only way you’re charging this controller once a week is if you are really and truly invested in VR Minecraft. If you do run out of power in the middle of a game, the use of a microUSB port means just about everything can charge this controller quickly.

Best for portability

Moga Hero Power

See at Amazon

Having an Xbox-style gamepad is great for familiarity, but the Gear VR is a portable virtual reality platform and it makes sense that you’d want the gamepad to be equally as portable. That means it stows in a bag easily, and doesn’t take up a ton of space. Moga’s Hero Power gamepad offers this exact experience, with buttons and joysticks nearly flush with the casing and shorter palm grips that flow in line with the rest of the body. This gamepad also doubles as a more traditional phone gamepad with its foldable phone clip, which is pretty sweet when you consider it’ll only set you back $25!

Bottom line: If you value portability above all, Moga Hero Power is what you want.

Best Value

Beboncool controller

See at Amazon

It’s portable, it’s plasticky, and at $20 it’s way cheaper than most other Bluetooth gamepads that play nice with the Gear VR. Beboncool makes a bunch of gamepads for tablets and phones alike, but this smaller controller is perfect for portable Gear VR gameplay. The battery is rated for 12 hours of constant gameplay, but the auto-off feature ensures you’ll only be using power when you’re actually playing.

Bottom line: If you want a better Gear VR gameplay experience without spending a ton, Beboncool has you covered.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for console-class gaming on your Gear VR, SteelSeries is where you want to spend your money. There’s always a place for portability, though, and Moga has what you need if you’re on the go. If all you really want is an affordable gamepad to save you from constantly tapping the side of the Gear VR while playing your games, Beboncool is a great gamepad at a reasonable price.

Best overall

SteelSeries Stratus XL

See at Amazon

The folks at SteelSeries have a long history of quality controllers for mobile platforms, and the Stratus XL kicks that up a notch. Instead of focusing on portability and pocketability like the other controllers in this product line, SteelSeries focused on comfort and capability which makes it an incredible choice for the Samsung Gear VR. It has all the quality of a major console controller, with great battery life and a $50 price tag to match.

It pairs instantly to your Samsung phone and works with dozens of Gear VR games right out of the box. Stratus XL is an all around quality gamepad, with a layout that is easy to remember when you eyes are in VR.

Bottom line: If you want the best overall gamepad for your Gear VR, SteelSeries is where you want to be.

One more thing: This version of the controller only comes in black. If you see a white version of this controller, it’s the iOS-only version and won’t work with the Gear VR.

Updated August 2017: The SteelseriesStratus XL is still the best Bluetooth gamepad for the Samsung Gear VR.

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• Gear VR review
• The Best games for Samsung Gear VR
• Inside Samsung’s Gear VR web browser
• Gear VR vs. Google Cardboard

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Samsung now makes the best phone for Google Daydream

To get the best experience on Daydream, you’ll want the best phone for the job.

Google Daydream delivers an excellent way to comfortably jump into and enjoy VR. Trying to figure out which phone is the absolute best for VR as well as be a solid phone can be a bit of a hassle. That’s why we’ve done the legwork with you!

From it’s excellent display, to better Bluetooth functionality, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is the absolute best phone for enjoying Daydream. Here’s why!

Read more at VRHeads!

Google fires author of controversial gender differences memo

Controversial memorandum argued biological differences are to blame for the lack of women in engineering positions.

A memorandum released by a Google engineer went viral over the weekend after being released company-wide to internal networks. The memorandum in question asserts that the gender gap in engineering positions within the company are due to biological differences between men and women and that Google’s diversity initiatives are misplaced because of these differences.

The memo comes at a time when Google is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor for failure to comply with equal pay laws, specifically paying female employees less than their male colleagues. This also comes shortly after another Silicon Valley company, Uber, had their CEO Travis Kalanick resign amid allegations of sexual harassment.

Sundar Pichai’s statement reads as follows:

From: Sundar

Subject: Our words matter

This has been a very difficult few days. I wanted to provide an update on the memo that was circulated over this past week.

First, let me say that we strongly support the right of Googlers to express themselves, and much of what was in that memo is fair to debate, regardless of whether a vast majority of Googlers disagree with it. However, portions of the memo violate our Code of Conduct and cross the line by advancing harmful gender stereotypes in our workplace. Our job is to build great products for users that make a difference in their lives. To suggest a group of our colleagues have traits that make them less biologically suited to that work is offensive and not OK. It is contrary to our basic values and our Code of Conduct, which expects “each Googler to do their utmost to create a workplace culture that is free of harassment, intimidation, bias and unlawful discrimination.”

The memo has clearly impacted our co-workers, some of whom are hurting and feel judged based on their gender. Our co-workers shouldn’t have to worry that each time they open their mouths to speak in a meeting, they have to prove that they are not like the memo states, being “agreeable” rather than “assertive,” showing a “lower stress tolerance,” or being “neurotic.”

At the same time, there are co-workers who are questioning whether they can safely express their views in the workplace (especially those with a minority viewpoint). They too feel under threat, and that is also not OK. People must feel free to express dissent. So to be clear again, many points raised in the memo — such as the portions criticizing Google’s trainings, questioning the role of ideology in the workplace, and debating whether programs for women and underserved groups are sufficiently open to all — are important topics. The author had a right to express their views on those topics — we encourage an environment in which people can do this and it remains our policy to not take action against anyone for prompting these discussions.

The past few days have been very difficult for many at the company, and we need to find a way to debate issues on which we might disagree — while doing so in line with our Code of Conduct. I’d encourage each of you to make an effort over the coming days to reach out to those who might have different perspectives from your own. I will be doing the same.

I have been on work related travel in Africa and Europe the past couple of weeks and had just started my family vacation here this week. I have decided to return tomorrow as clearly there’s a lot more to discuss as a group — including how we create a more inclusive environment for all.

So please join me, along with members of the leadership team at a town hall on Thursday. Check your calendar soon for details.

— Sundar

The memo’s author, James Damore, confirmed his dismissal to Financial Times. Damore has stated that he is “currently exploring possible legal remedies.”

How to improve Bixby Voice using Samsung Feedback

Bixby improves as you interact.

Bixby Voice is the built in pocket assistant for Galaxy S8 users and it can easily answer your questions and help you access the apps you want with just a few words. However, if Bixby Voice doesn’t understand what you are saying, then you definitely aren’t going to get the results that you’ve been hoping for. There is an easy way to help fine tune what Bixby hears while you’re speaking to it, and it’s by using feedback to correct incorrect words or phrases.

We’ve got the details for you here.

How to use feedback with Bixby

Ask Bixby a question.
Tap Teach Me under Bixby’s response.

Tap the word that Bixby misunderstood.

Type out the correct word or phrase.

Tap the arrow icon to teach Bixby.

Questions?

Have you had issues with having to regularly teach Bixby? Do you try to correct Bixby if it does make a mistake? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+

• Galaxy S8 and S8+ review!
• Galaxy S8 and S8+ specs
• Everything you need to know about the Galaxy S8’s cameras
• Get to know Samsung Bixby
• Join our Galaxy S8 forums

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Keep an eye on your home while away with the $29 Yi Home Camera

Our friends at Thrifter are back again, this time with a deal on Yi’s wireless security camera!

The Home Camera by Yi is currently available at Amazon for only $28.99 when you enter promo code YP5S6XQ4 at checkout which saves you $11 off the regular price of this item.

This wireless camera records in 720p and has a built-in microphone and speaker so you can speak back and forth with someone by using the YI Home app which is not only available for smartphones but Windows and Mac computers as well, allowing you to always have a way to keep an eye on your home.

You can also customize the camera’s features using the app, with options to define what areas to watch, how sensitive the motion sensor is and which areas shouldn’t be activated by it. You can even set up activity alerts so that you get notifications whenever motion is detected.

A MicroSD card is required to store your footage, with 8GB cards having the capacity to store 18 hours of footage. Once the card is full, the first hour of footage will be deleted and the recording will continue. This product can only support up to a 32GB card, which would suggest a recording capacity of 72 hours. If you need one, this Samsung MicroSD with 32GB is just $12.99.

See at Amazon

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• Upgrade your makeup bag this summer on a budget
• How to avoid baggage fees

For more great deals be sure to check out our friends at Thrifter now!

Google Calendar takes on Facebook with improvements for large events

G Suite users will now have additional tools at their disposal for events with more than 200 attendees.

Google has announced a set of new features for Google Calendar that will allow event organizers to better manage their events if the event has more than 200 attendees. These will certainly come in handy for anyone that has to wrangle a lot of employees from different physical locations. The first feature is the ability to export guest lists into Google Sheets for easier visibility of everyone attending the event.

The next improvement is an update of an existing feature. Before this update, invitations would not update based on someone being added to a mailing list. Now, new members of mailing lists will automatically be invited to events that those mailing lists have been invited to. This will streamline things for even organizers, and make sure that the new guy or gal on the team isn’t awkwardly forgotten.

This update will roll out to all G Suite users within the next few weeks.

Learn more about Google Calendar

Transform your standard outlet into one with Quick Charge 3.0 USB ports for $28

Our friends at Thrifter are back again, this time with a deal on a wall outlet with two USB ports built in!

This Topgreener wall outlet with Quick Charge 3.0 USB ports is down to $28.38 on Amazon with the promo code TX3R8KN4. This outlet normally goes for $33.39, and it has never dropped below $29 through a direct price drop.

Unlike some of our previous wall outlet deals, this one actually sacrifices an outlet to make room for the USB ports. But in this case, the USB ports feature QC3.0 technology the other ones didn’t. Given that most of the outlets in your house are probably already half filled with some sort of charging cable, I don’t think you’ll miss that outlet too much. Features include:

• Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 USB charger featuring 4x faster charging to enabled devices
• Quick Charge 3.0 features INOV technology, with an output range of 3.6-6.5V/3A, 6.5-9V/2A, 9-12V/1.5A to optimize power transfer while maximizing efficiency
• Refills 80% power in 35 minutes to all quick charge enabled devices and backward compatible with Quick Charge 1.0/2.0
• Ultra high speed charging to non-Quick Charge devices, such as iPhone, iPad Air and iPad Pro, up to the power need of the device or up to 2.4A per port (5VDC)
• 120VAC, 15A TR Tamper Resistant Outlet; dual USB ports total 36W, 3 Interchangeable Face Covers, USB A to Micro B Cable included

This outlet has 4.6 stars based on nearly 100 user reviews.

It doesn’t come with a face plate, but those are pretty cheap and you can add them to your order for just $3-4 like this one from Leviton.

See at Amazon

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• Upgrade your makeup bag this summer on a budget
• How to avoid baggage fees

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Deal: Get the Sony Xperia XZ Premium for $100 off!

Sony’s latest flagship is on sale for $100 off.

Sony’s Xperia XZ Premium is a great phone that is a bit on the spendy side. Andrew noted in his review of the device that, at the suggested retail price of $799, there are a few major compromises that keep the phone from being universally recommended. Other phones in the price range offer better cameras, similar specifications and, most importantly, a fingerprint sensor.

For a limited time, Amazon has the phone on sale for $699, making it a more worthwhile endeavor. This is the U.S. version and includes a U.S. warranty. There’s still no fingerprint sensor — unless you want to flash a different version of the firmware of the phone (which voids the warranty). The Sony Xperia XZ Premium is compatible with GSM carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile.

Anyone taking Amazon up on the offer? Let us know in the comments below!

See at Amazon

GM is beta testing a ride-hailing app for autonomous EVs

General Motors acquired Cruise Automation last year to boost its self-driving car efforts. Cruise made kits that turned Audi S4 or A4 vehicles into autonomous vehicles, and the company’s know-how helped GM’s plans to place more than 300 driverless cars with Lyft, a company GM has invested heavily with. Now GM is testing a beta app that lets employees in San Francisco hail an autonomous Chevy Bolt EV to anywhere in the city. According to TechCrunch, the car company claims that the new service, “Cruise Anywhere,” has become the primary way some of its employees get around.

“We’ve always said we’d launch first with a ride share application, and this is in line with that and just further evidence of that,” Cruise CEO and co-founder Kyle Vogt told TechCrunch. “We’re really excited about how the technology is evolving, and the rate at which it’s evolving. This is a manifestation of that – putting the app in people’s hands and having them use it for the first time and make (autonomous vehicles) their primary form of transportation.”

Employees can use the Cruise Anywhere service up to 24 hours a day, says TechCrunch, depending on availability. As required by California law, a “safety driver” remains in the driver’s seat at all times, though TechCrunch reports that the cars have only needed manual takeovers on rare occasions. While the service is limited to GM employees at present, it’s likely only a matter of time before a service like this — with Lyft or as its own business — expands to the general public.

Via: electrek

Source: TechCrunch