Companies have been on a kick to add "smarts" to a variety of products. Smart toasters, smartbulbs, and almost anything else that one might want to control with a mobile device. But what about smart external batteries? Earlier this year at CES 2014, Braven unveiled its BRV-Bank, the world's first Bluetooth-enabled external battery pack. It's designed rugged and waterproof, perfect for those with outdoor lifestyles. On top of that, the Braven BRV-Bank is packaged with a non-weenie flashlight. For serious! At CES, the BRV-Bank was only in a display case, but I recently had the chance to check one out in person. Design There is little mistaking that the Braven BRV-Bank is an external battery pack made for the outdoors. The contours evoke a sense of ruggedness, which is backed up by how it feels in the hand. This battery pack certainly can take some punishment – dirt, shock, water, whatever – and not look worse for wear. The rubberized exterior (mostly) covers the hard-plastic body. The peeks of blue that you see are for aesthetics, of course. And why not have something that looks good and performs, too?  It even comes in mighty, plastic packaging The key ingredient for the Braven BRV-Bank's waterproofing is the hard rubber seal that covers the USB ports. Dual ridges nestle the door 1/8 inch within the opening. Liquids are completely shut out. The only point of concern toward the battery's overall durability is the opening latch. It's an outcropping of soft rubber that has the potential for wear and tear over time. If it happens to ever tear off, the BRV-Bank might end up people-proof too. The Braven BRV-Bank features two USB output ports, one at 5V/2.4A and the other at 5V/1A. Be it tablet/phablet device or a standard mobile gadget, this battery pack can accommodate all power needs. The input Micro USB port, along with a reset button, sits right in the middle of the two. Bucking common trends of a 4-LED battery gauge, Braven has opted for five LEDs instead. Although it may not seem exciting or that big of a deal, it is. That extra LED will save countless lives from insanity and/or self-inflicted harm. Before you scoff at or pshaw me, consider my next word. Symmetry. During operation of the Braven BRV-Bank, the first and fifth LED lights correspond with the left and right USB output ports. When both are lit, that middle LED light becomes the unspoken center point on the axis of symmetry (it also follows along through the center of the letters spelling BRAVEN). Four LEDs just aren't the same, and Braven knew better than to subconsciously drive people mad. Humans appreciate the beauty and finesse of symmetry. Go look it up.  USB ports tucked under a waterproof seal On opposing ends of the Braven BRV-Bank you'll find a button for Bluetooth and power (again, symmetry). Both of these buttons are part of the continuous rubber exterior, thereby disallowing any water to seep in since no cracks exist. Activating them requires a press-hold. This external battery pack works only when… Continue reading TechnologyTell Review: Braven BRV-Bank battery pack The post TechnologyTell Review: Braven BRV-Bank battery pack appeared first on GadgeTell.  Like most things in this world …aside from Volvos and that indestructible Nokia 3310… our beloved devices wear out, slow down and end up collecting dust in that box labeled, 'Electronics Graveyard.'  But have you ever wondered if you might be missing out on some really cool opportunities to repurpose those old devices? With a little DIY elbow grease and creativity, you can dust off that old iPhone 4 or Dell laptop and give it a new lease on life. So, here are a few ideas on what you might be able to do to resurrect some of your old electronic pals. #10: Designated Music Center Always wanted a designated 'music center'? You're in luck! Repurpose ye olde iPhone 4 by deleting all unnecessary apps from when you last used it, and load the newly available space with your favorite tunes. If you keep it in your iPhone dock in the room where the party usually happens, then you'll always have a music player at the ready. #9: A Home Smart(ish) Phone One of the nicest aspects about smartphones is that just because they no longer maintain the capabilities required by a service provider, they can still use available wifi, and they retain their hardware functionality. For instance, using your home's wifi, you can turn that old smartphone into a dedicated Google Voice, VOIP or… Continue reading 10 Creative Ways to Use Your Old Gadgets The post 10 Creative Ways to Use Your Old Gadgets appeared first on GadgeTell.  | |
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