Roboscooper, inspired by Wall-E is a super cool, battery operated robot that can actually pick up stuff and carry them around in his cargo bed.  Obviously, nothing too heavy.

This is the latest offering from WowWee Group, who also brought us the RoboSapien and other fun robotic toys.  The Roboscooper is powered by 6 AA size batteries and 3 AAA size batteries for the remote control.  He can zoom around and pick stuff up off the floor, socks spring to mind, while avoiding obstacles and then dump them.  Apparently, he even talks and makes noises.   The Roboscooper does all this automatically in “Clean sweep” mode or you can have more fun using the remote control.

This is due to be released in the UK around September.  Definitely, a must have toy for late summer fun or even Christmas.

By the way batteries are not included.

These rechargeable batteries would not be suitable for high drain devices like digital cameras.  However, they will be suitable for low drain devices like remote controls.  So, when your tv remote seems like it’s running out of power, just give it a quick shake and you can go back to surfing the channels again.  This vibration powered battery would be ideal in a Wii remote control.  Playing a vigorous game of tennis on Nintendo Wii would actually recharge the batteries.

So, in actual fact the previous post named, “What do you do when the batteries in the TV remote dies?”, should include “Shake remote vigorously”.

Since, this is only at a prototype stage and no plans of mass production from Brother yet, you can always rely on Duracell rechargeable batteries.  With Duracell Standard, Supreme or StayCharged there are batteries for high drain and low drain devices.

We all know how lively puppies are, but even they cannot last as long as a Duracell Bunny.

Powered by a coppertop battery the Duracell Bunny keeps on drumming, while the puppy finally snoozes.  The Bunny even survives a few nibbles from the puppy.

Watch more videos like this on DuracellDirect’s YouTube Channel.

Kodak Playsport Camcorder

Kodak’s handy little pocket camcorder which is very conveniently waterproof.  It may not be suitable for a deep sea dive but, it can certainly withstand a few splashes of water.  Actually, the Playsport camcorder is capable of shooting 10ft under water (about 3m).   The rugged design is ideal for shooting in any environment and not worry about an accidental slip or drop of the camcorder.

The Playsport camcorder also has some other impressive features like image stabilisation, upto 1080p HD video recording, 4 x digital zoom and 5 MP sensor.  Eventhough, the Playsport is a camcorder it can also record still images.  You will need a SD or SDHC flash memory card as the on-board memory is only 128MB.  Memory cards of capacities upto 32GB can be used with this camcorder.  Depending on the mode settings, you can record upto 10 hours of HD video.

The Kodak Playsport camcorder is powered by a KLIC-7004 Lithium ion battery, giving a recording time of about 80 minutes.  If you want to have more continuous play time with the Playsport then you will certainly need a couple of spare batteries to avoid disappointment.

Well, worry not as Microsoft has come to the rescue.  It’s new technology called InstaLoad works regardless of the way the battery is inserted.  So, you don’t have to squint and hope the polarity matches when you insert a battery.  Duracell is one of the first battery manufacturers to endorse this technology according to Microsoft.  The technology is compatible with popular off-the-shelf batteries used in products such as remote controls, flashlights, toys, battery chargers and most other battery operated consumer electronic devices that use CR123, AA, AAA, C or D size batteries.

Microsoft has also announced that the InstaLoad technology is available royalty free for suppliers and manufacturers of battery operated accessibility devices for people with hearing, vision or learning disabilities.  The hearing aid batteries are the fiddly small button batteries.  Conveniently, Duracell Hearing Aid batteries have an EasyTab attached to the battery, making them much easier to install.  With InstaLoad technology you have even less to worry about, especially if you lose the EasyTab or use a battery without the EasyTab.

So, with Microsoft’s InstaLoad technology you will never insert a battery the wrong way again.

The prize includes return flights from London, internal flights and all transfers in Africa, a 5-night Kilimanjaro trek with all meals, guides, porters and accommodation included, and 4 nights all-inclusive splendour in a luxury hotel in Zanzibar with unlimited meals, trial scuba dive and more included, along with travel insurance for the entire once-in-a-lifetime trip.

That’s not all, the lucky winner will also get Instant Charger, Easy Charger, Fast 1 hr Charger and Stay Charged Batteries.   So, no excuses for running out of power during the trip.

The closing date for the competition is 23 April 2010.  So, hurry over to Mirror Competitions to enter this fabulous competition.  Good Luck!

Worlds Largest Chocolate Duracell Bunny

The World’s largest chocolate bunny has been created in South Africa by artist, Harry Johnson.  This chocolate bunny is an exact replica of the iconic Duracell Bunny.

The chocolate bunny is 3.82 m tall (12ft 5in) and weighs a whopping 3 tons (2,721Kg) setting the new world record for the largest chocolate bunny.  The previous record was by Brazil with the bunny weighing in at 2.8 tons.

To prevent the chocolate from melting the bunny is stored in a special perspex housing with a cooling system.  After a week, the chocolate bunny is going to be broken down and 250 underprivileged children will get a chance to taste it.

You have seen the adverts where the Duracell Bunny has battery on his back whether he is mountain climbing or running around the city.  So, just wondering how many batteries it would take to keep a bunny this size going, or would it be one humongous D size battery?

Duracell Ultra Lithium Batteries

Brand new Ultra Lithium AA size batteries from Duracell.  These are supposed to be their most powerful battery.  Ultra Lithium batteries are currently available in specialist sizes like CR-V3, CR2 and CR123A.  These particular Lithium batteries are commonly used in older cameras and flash units.

The new Ultra Lithium AA size batteries are non-rechargeable and will be best suited for use with high-drain devices like cameras, even digital cameras which are powered by AA batteries.

This due to be released in Europe soon and no dates have been confirmed for UK yet.

So, watch this space for more news!

Self-charging technology already exists, it has been used in Seiko Kinetic watches for over 20 years.  Seiko’s Kinetic watches make use of Piezoelectric crystals to generate an electric charge.  As details are sketchy at the moment, it is unclear how the mobile phone will be setup.

However, one thing is for sure,  the movement of the phone will generate electricity to charge the main battery or if it generates enough electricity it may even power the phone, doing away with the battery altogether.  The latter is unlikely as mobile phones these days are packed with features that are extremely power hungry.  Features like touch sensitive colour LCD screens and digital cameras with flash, to name a few.

So, does this mean we can give the mobile phone a quick shake during a call, just to keep it powered until the end of the conversation.

Duracell 9V Size Battery Tattoo

Amazing, isn’t it?  A true fan of the iconic coppertop battery.

Credit to charlesandhudson.com

Duracell Daylite LED Torch

New Duracell Daylite led torches are now in stock.

These smart torches constructed out of aircraft-grade aluminium are available in a variety of sizes.  The Daylite range consists of 3-AAA, 2-AA, 2-C, 2-D and the Headlamp 3-AA.  While, the names of these torches may not be original or creative, it does convey a very important message.  It lets you know the type of battery and the quantity required to power the torch.  The 3-AAA, the original Daylite torch takes three AAA size batteries and the 2-D torch takes two D size batteries.  As mentioned in our previous post, “New Range of Duracell Daylite LED Torches Coming Soon“, they all boast the patented TrueBeam optics to produce a brighter white light.

There are also 3 new Daylite Tough torches, the 4AA torch, the Spotlight and the 6V Lantern.  The Daylite Tough range are durable, rugged and also have non-slip rubber grips.  These are ideal for use around the house, outdoors or for industrial jobs.

Duracell Daylite Tough Spotlight

Both the Daylite range and the Daylite Tough range have 5x more battery life than incandescent bulb torches and produce a brighter, even white light without any dark spots.

Duracell USB Chargers

The new Battery and USB Chargers from Duracell are now in stock.  These were featured in previous posts, “New Battery Chargers and USB Chargers, on the way” and “Duracell Instant Charger Honoured with Engineering and Design Award“.

The two new rechargeable battery chargers are the One Hour Fast Charger and the Easy Charger.  Both are supplied with 2 Duracell AA rechargeable batteries and the One Hour Fast charger is also supplied with 2 Duracell AAA rechargeable batteries.

Duracell Battery Chargers

There are three new USB chargers, the Pocket USB Charger, the 2-in-1 USB Charger and the iconic and award winning, Instant USB Charger.

Whether you need to recharge your AA or AAA rechargeable batteries or recharge your mobile devices like smartphones and MP3 players, there are plenty of smart solutions from Duracell.

AAA Battery Powered Mobile Phone

Would you believe it? A mobile phone powered by AAA size alkaline batteries.

In fact it does not have to be alkaline batteries it could be any AAA size batteries, or even rechargeable NiMH cells.  Olive Telecommunications based in India have come up with this brilliant product.  The mobile phone is aptly named, FrvrOn (short for Forever On).

It does have a Lithium Ion battery like any other mobile phone, but it also has the capability to be charged by the single AAA size battery.  Giving the user an additional hour or so of talktime.  The phone even boasts a 1.5 inch colour LCD screen.

You won’t be blamed for wondering, why a larger higher capacity Lithium Ion battery was not used?  This is due to the nature of electricity supply in rural areas of India, where it is very erratic.  As a low cost mobile phone this would serve as a life-line to the users based in such areas.  Also, not forgetting those who are constantly on the move or are working in the field where a power socket is hard to come by.

Using a Duracell Plus or Ultra AAA size batteries should give more talk time and using Duracell Rechargeable batteries might make the mobile phone truly forever on.

You shouldn’t throw batteries in your household waste anymore.  Almost all types of batteries can be recycled and those that cant are treated for safe disposal.  Since, this directive came into force there numerous places where you can recycle your batteries including retailers and supermarkets.  Follow the link and find your nearest battery recycling collection point.

Thinking about that old car battery in your garage?  Well, the answer is no.  You will have to contact your Local Authority to find out how to recycle these batteries.  This applies to any specialist industrial batteries as well.  Not implying that you have these batteries lying around the house!

Anticipating your questions and to provide more useful information, check out our Battery Recycling section.

Help the environment, Go Green, STOP throwing your batteries and START recycling.

Miraculously, it starts working again, until you get all comfy and settled. Then it goes again and this time for good.  It’s like it was taunting you all this time.  Then the search begins, the search for those elusive batteries, that you swear were there in the drawer.  Soon, the Sunday afternoon descends into hell and beyond…

Well, stumbled across this interesting chart on GraphJam, asking this exact question:

see more Funny Graphs

Surely, there must be more than just getting new batteries, changing channels manually and pressing the buttons harder.  Listed below are some of the comments left by users on GraphJam:

• Get new batteries
• Change the channel manually
• Press buttons harder
• Remove batteries and re-insert
• Use batteries from another remote
• Move recliner closer until you are able to reach to change the channel
• Hitting the remote, tapping the remote against your hand
• Rubbing the batteries
• Licking the batteries!

While some of these methods may work, some have been left by users purely for fun.  For your safety and wellbeing, please do not try these at home.

So, what is the sensible thing to do when the batteries in the TV remote dies? Changing them of course…  for newer ones.  Better still use rechargeable batteries.  Keep another pair ready charged and cycle them as needed.  Using rechargeable batteries like Duracell Rechargeable or Duracell Supreme batteries tend to be very economical in the long run.

The only annoying thing about wireless keyboards and mice is the rate at which you need to change the batteries.  Even when using rechargeable batteries, these are drained very quickly and more time is spent recharging these.  It seems that Logitech has answered this issue with it’s new wireless keyboard and mouse.  The Wireless Desktop MK710 is powered by 4 ordinary AA size alkaline batteries, 2 each for the mouse and the keyboard.  However, these batteries are supposed to last upto 3 years before requiring a replacement.

There is nothing special about the batteries, it is the technology behind the keyboard and mouse which is helping conserve power.  Eventhough, this operates in the 2.4GHz frequency, it is neither Bluetooth nor Wi-Fi.  In fact Logitech uses an advanced 2.4GHz technology which is supposed to transmit information much faster and more efficiently than existing technologies.  The Wireless Desktop also addresses the issue of devices being in a constant active mode when they are actually idle.  Helping conserve more valuable battery power.  No wonder then that Logitech claim 3 year battery life on these products.

You can get longer lasting power by using Duracell’s Plus or Ultra batteries.  Actually, you may even be able to get more than 3 years battery life with the new Logitech Wireless keyboard and mouse.   The answer is simple, use Duracell rechargeable batteries.  You can recharge these Duracell batteries 100s of times, making it very economical and definitely more eco-friendly.

Yes, checkout the image below of Morpheus holding a battery and it looks a lot like a Duracell Coppertop.  In fact, it looks like a C size Coppertop.

Morpheus holding a Coppertop Battery

Credit to vinayvasan.wordpress.com

Duracell Camera Battery Charger

Lost your digital camera battery charger, misplaced it somewhere, thrown it by mistake or is it simply faulty?  Some digital camera batteries can be charged via USB which makes it so much easier, while most require proprietary battery chargers.

Duracell Ultra-Fast Battery Charger

So, what do you do if your battery charger is faulty or simply missing?  You can purchase a replacement battery charger or consider a more versatile product from Duracell.  That’s right, Duracell!  A range of digital camera and camcorder power accessories, including batteries and battery chargers are available from Duracell.  No, not only standard alkaline or rechargeable batteries in AA and AAA sizes but also proprietary Lithium ion/Lithium Polymer Ion batteries and the chargers for these batteries.

Currently, there are two types of battery chargers from Duracell,  the Ultra-fast battery charger and the battery powered battery charger.  As the name suggests this charger has a built-in battery which in-turn  charges your camera or camcorder battery and is also able to provide power via USB.  The internal battery can also be charged through the USB using your computer or laptop.  They are both supplied with a mains wall adapter and also a 12v in-car cigarette lighter adapter for when you are on the move.

These chargers can accept a multitude of batteries.  At DuracellDirect, we have made your life easier, simply select the manufacturer and model of your device and the correct charger will be listed if available.

However, it has been widely reported in recent weeks that Windows 7 is actually draining battery life much quicker than the user expects and it also displays the following message:

“Consider replacing your battery. There is a problem with your battery, so your computer might shut down suddenly.”

According to Microsoft, Windows 7 uses firmware information of the laptop battery to determine whether it requires to be replaced and is currently working with it’s hardware partners to resolve this issue.

There’s a very long thread on Microsoft TechNet forum on this issue.  The problem also seems to affect a wide range of laptop manufacturers including, Acer, Dell, HP, Sony and Toshiba.

If you are considering getting a spare laptop battery, just to get a little bit more out of your Windows 7 laptop, then don’t forget DuracellDirect carries an extensive range of laptop batteries.   However, the universal external battery pack may be a better solution as it plugs into the laptops power socket with one of several special tips supplied.  So, even if you change your laptop or have an old one gathering dust, the external battery pack may still work and keep you powered up for longer.

When the situation gets worse and even the firemen have to escape, the communicator is an important device they rely on.  A battery powered device, which could mean life or death.

So, if it’s just to listen to music or to save lives the Duracell coppertop battery can be trusted everywhere.

Watch more videos like this on DuracellDirect’s YouTube Channel.

Duracell USB Chargers

Hot on the heels of the news about the Daylite range of LED torches is the news of brand new battery chargers and USB chargers.  Several sleek, compact devices are due to land on our shores.

The battery chargers and USB chargers have undergone a radical re-design.  In fact the Instant USB Charger actually was recently named  as an International CES Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree, see earlier post, “Duracell Instant Charger Honoured with Engineering and Design Award“.  The three new USB chargers have a built-in Lithium Ion battery which can power USB powered devices via mini USB/USB.  Depending on the charger devices like iPods, BlackBerries, iPhones, other mobile and smart phones, MP3 players and more.

Duracell Battery Chargers

The new battery chargers have also benefited from the new design used in the USB chargers.  Both, the Easy Charger and the Fast Charger, can charge AA and AAA size NiMH rechargeable batteries.  The Easy Charger is supplied with two AA size Duracell rechargeable batteries.  The Fast Charger, charges in 1 hour and is supplied with two AA size and AAA size Duracell StayCharged Batteries.

These exciting new charges will be in stock soon, along with the Daylite torches.  So, watch this space!

Duracell Daylite LED Torch

Duracell Daylite LED Headlamp

Duracell has released a new range of Daylite LED torches in the UK.  Comprising of new and updated models of the popular Daylite Torch.

These include, among several others, the Daylite LED Headlamp, Daylite Tough 4AA torch and the Daylite Tough Spotlight.  The Daylite range of torches is aimed at professionals, DIY enthusiasts, Outdoor/Sports enthusiasts and anyone else who fancies a really bright torch.  We featured the Daylite Torch in our post, “Duracell Daylite – Turn Night into Day“, many moons ago.

Constructed out of durable aircraft-grade aluminium construction, patented TrueBeam optics these torches strong, light and produce a smooth, even white light without any annoying spots or rings.  It achieves this by combining LED technology with precision focus lensing.  The light is up to 20X brighter than ordinary LEDs.

These torches are also water resistant with an IPX-4 rating.  The Daylite Tough torches are constructed out of durable polymer composite body to withstand knocks and drops.

We are awaiting stock of these new Daylite torches, watch this space for an announcement soon.

However, the Daylite 3AAA LED torch is actually, already available.  Check out the post, “Duracell Daylite – Turn Night into Day – Part 2“, if you would like to find out about the TrueBeam LED technology in action.

We are so attached to our smartphones now, that our lives would be unbearable without it.  Not a second passes by without checking emails on the Blackberry, playing with the latest app on iPhone, browsing the web, playing games or simply making calls.  All of these tasks eats away at the battery life at varying levels.  So, how do you maximize your smartphone’s battery life? Stop using it, well there is no need for such sarcasm.  A smartphone’s battery life is a very serious issue.

• Switch off WiFi, Bluetooth and IR, turn it on only when you need to use them.  The auto-scanning, auto-search features uses a lot of battery power.
• Limit wireless use if you really want to save battery life.  Use the your PC for updates, apps, music etc and then sync your smartphone by connecting to your PC.  This is usually faster.
• Depending on your device, set a longer period for fetching emails.  Unless you are really busy and need to see your emails as soon as they are sent.  Setting it to fetch every 2 minutes maybe a little excessive and is sure to contribute to lowering the battery power.
• Lower the backlight and screen brightness levels, especially with the new swanky LCD screens which just eat battery life like there’s no tomorrow.  Sure the photos don’t look the same, but you have to compromise, if you want to use your smartphone for longer periods.
• Check battery usage to see which apps or functions are using the most battery power.  As some apps may be running in the background and some may not have stopped properly.  In some smartphones if an app is not exited properly it keeps working in the background.
• GPS and A-GPS functions are cool and in some cases very helpful, but playing around with these on your walk home or to your friend’s house is going to drain the battery faster than you expect.  Limit the usage of these functions to when you are really lost or maybe a quick peek when you are showing off to your friends.
• Turn off vibrate when playing games on your smartphone.  If you really need to have a complete gaming experience then, you really should be using a Sony PS3, Xbox 360 or a Nintendo Wii.

You can always carry a spare battery or use clever battery chargers from Duracell.

The Duracell Pocket Charger or the Instant Charger are ideal, compact products that can be used to recharge devices that are powered through USB.  It may not provide power for a full day’s worth of surfing using WiFi and playing games, but it will certainly provide power to make a few quick calls, send a few text messages and check emails.  Perhaps, it will last till you get to a power source.

Keep your smartphone charged up and stay connected, so that you don’t feel as if all your limbs were cut off.

This is the first ad to feature Duracell Rechargeable Batteries.

This ad features students from the Iowa Lakes Community College, who are future wind turbine technicians, in the US at least.

Whether you want to power a fan for a fresh breeze or keep the turbines running at peak performance Duracell rechargeable batteries are trusted everywhere.

Watch more videos like this on DuracellDirect’s YouTube Channel.

Duracell Pre-Charged Batteries

As per previous post, New from Duracell – StayCharged Batteries, ActiveCharge batteries are now called StayCharged in the UK.

Over in the US of A , these batteries are called Pre-Charged.  Obviously, as they are pre-charged, ready to use straight out of the pack.

The Pre-Charged or StayCharged batteries are NiMH, just like the other rechargeable batteries made by Duracell.  These powerful batteries stay charged longer and can be recharged 100s of times.

These rechargeable batteries are best suited for use with high drain devices like video game controllers, high powered flashlights and digital cameras.  Pre-Charged or StayCharged batteries available in both AA and AAA sizes.