You may have heard of “vampire” appliances, which are nearly any device in your home that runs on electricity. These days, when you turn off your television, it’s not really off. Maybe there’s a little red light on the front that stays lit, indicating the TV is actually in standby mode, making it easier and faster to turn it on with the remote. Or perhaps rather than shutting your computer down every night, you figure you’ll save yourself the time it takes for it to boot up and just keep it in sleep or hibernate mode.

Even though the TV, the computer, and the computer monitor may not actually be “on,” they’re still drawing electricity to stay in those standby modes. And that small amount of electricity they’re sucking from the wall can add up to hundreds of dollars a year on your electric bill. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that this power drawn in standby mode accounts for up to 20 percent of energy used in homes every year. Take 20 percent off your electric bill and think about how much money you could be saving by simply unplugging your electric appliances.

It’s the same with phone chargers. Many of them also have a little indicator that lights up when they’re plugged in to let you know they’re “on” and ready to charge your phone. And that light stays on, meaning they’re still drawing power, even when your phone is not attached and actually charging. They may be small, but if you leave a charger plugged in all the time for convenience, that small amount of electricity it’s using is adding up. That’s where AT&T’s new environmentally friendly phone charger comes in.

It’s called the Zero Charger, and it has a sensor that tells it when a phone is disconnected from it, allowing it to turn itself off. AT&T estimates that if 80 percent of wireless customers—all customers, not just AT&T customers—left their chargers plugged in for one year, those charger would consume enough electricity to power 24,000 homes for one year. By releasing this Zero Charger, they hope to curb that electricity usage, and help customers be a little more environmentally responsible.

Wednesday, AT&T announced the Zero Charger will be on sale starting in May, for $29.99, and it will be sold in packaging made from recycled paper. The carrier hasn’t yet released a list of phones which will be compatible with the new charger. For now, regular chargers will still be sold with cell phones, and the Zero Charger will be sold separately. Hopefully they, and all carriers and handset makers will get to the point where this type of charger is the standard, and is included with all makes and models of cell phones.

Photo courtesy AT&T

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Powermat Wireless Charger

Cell phones come with wired chargers, and replacements are available for sale if the original is lost. Plans are in the works for a universal charger to be available by 2012, which will make being able to charge a phone much easier, and less expensive since it will reduce the need to buy replacement chargers, even if you buy a different phone. But 2012 is still a little ways off, and the universal charger, while a great development, is still a wired accessory in an increasingly wireless world.

Leave the wires behind with the Powermat Wireless Charger. It charges mobile phones and a few other devices via magnetic induction. The only wire necessary is the one that plugs the charger unit into the wall. To charge a cell phone requires a receiver sleeve to be slipped over the phone or other device, like the Nintendo DS. The device is then placed on the charger unit, and receives power without being plugged in. There’s also a separate Powercube that can be placed on the charger mat, and then plugged into many more devices with interchangeable USB tips, including BlueTooth headsets, and even some ebook readers. The Powermat Wireless Charger is compatible with several phone models from multiple manufacturers, and can charge more than one device at a time. There’s even a hinged, portable one for travel.

Both Powermat models cost $99.99. The Powercube costs $29.99. Sleeves and USB tips vary in price.

Solar Powered Speakerphone

We’ve all seen those people walking around with BlueTooth headsets stuck in their ears. I’ve even seen a few people with two, one in each ear. No matter who it is, every time I see someone with one of these earpieces, it makes me think they’re in the process of being assimilated by the Borg. Well, you know what? Resistance is not futile. There’s a way around looking like Locutus of Borg, at least while in the car. For that person who just has to be connected at all times, consider giving the LG HFB-500 solar-powered BlueTooth car speakerphone.

BlueTooth headsets are a step in the right direction toward less cell phone distraction while driving. No one should be dialing, or even holding a phone, and definitely should not be texting while driving. Although these headsets free the driver’s hands, it’s still a bit of a distraction to have a speaker that rests right up against the ear. Depending on how loud the volume is turned up, it may make it difficult to hear important things like other car horns or ambulance sirens. A speakerphone allows a driver to hold a conversation without the distraction of holding a cell phone, or wearing a headset.

Like most car speakerphones, the HFB-500 comes with a cord that plugs into the car’s cigarette lighter or power jack. But LG went a step further and installed a solar panel which allows the unit to draw power from the sun. It also comes with a suction cup mount, so the device can be attached to a window and maintain its charge. A second cord connects the HFB-500 to just about any LG phone, which means the unit doubles as a portable charger. It’s convenient and environmentally friendly.

The LG HFB-500 solar powered speakerphone sells for anywhere from $65.99 to $79.99, depending on the retailer. Do a little research to find the best price.

Gift Cards

Some people seem to think gift cards are gifts given by the lazy, or reserved for people not worth the time to figure out what they really want. I disagree. Gift cards are opportunities. They give the recipient endless possibilities—well, endless to the extent of what is offered by the store the gift card is from—to choose for themselves something they will really like and not have to return. More and more wireless and handset companies are launching app stores. Rather than a gift card to a department store or restaurant, why not give a gift card that will allow the mobile enthusiast in your life to load up their phone with the latest apps or music?

The best example of this is the iTunes gift card. Apple is the only company that offers its own gift cards that are good for purchasing products from its own app store. The cards can be used for anything iTunes offers, whether it’s music, TV shows, movie rentals, or any of the tens of thousands of applications available for the iPhone. The gift cards come in denominations of $15, $25, and $50.

Android Market, which provides apps for Android-based smartphones, doesn’t sell its own gift cards. It does accept gift cards, though, as long as they have a logo from American Express, Visa, MasterCard, or a few others. As Android Market grows, this may change, and they may begin offering their own branded cards. But for now, Android phone owners can easily buy apps with a gift card backed by one of the listed companies.

BlackBerry’s App World offers many great apps for the myriad BlackBerry devices available. Although App World doesn’t offer its own gift cards either, it does seem to accept them. The BlackBerry Wallet user manual contains instructions for adding gift cards, yet doesn’t specify what kind of gift cards are accepted. Since BlackBerry Wallet also accepts gift cards, it stands to reason a customer could use gift cards with credit card logos on them, such as Visa or American Express. Check with your local BlackBerry vendor before buying one to be sure your gift recipient will be able to use the card you give them.

A few months ago, it was announced that a Verizon app store, or VCast app store, would be launched in the fourth quarter of this year. It’s nearly December, and that still hasn’t happened. But Verizon does have a media store that sells ringtones, games, and apps. The problem is, when a customer chooses a product from the media store, it’s downloaded to their phone, and the cost, if any, is added to their monthly wireless bill. This makes it difficult to give a Verizon customer the gift of music or apps for their mobile device. Let’s hope Verizon makes good on their promise of having a dedicated app store available before the end of the year, and even better, before the gift-giving holidays are over.

Speakerphone photo courtesy MobileBurn

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Not only does the Powermat charger work with multiple phone models, it’s wireless. The mat itself plugs into a standard outlet, or a USB port, and then devices are charged via a Powermat Receiver that works on magnetic induction. Basically, energy is transferred from a power source to a receiving device via an electromagnetic field. The best example of magnetic induction charging is an Oral-B rechargeable toothbrush. The Powermat Receiver is what allows a device to accept magnetic induction charging.

There are two Powermat models—one for home and office, and a portable one that is hinged so it can be folded closed. Receivers are available for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and four BlackBerry models—Bold, Curve 8300, Curve 8900, and the Pearl. There is also a receiver for the Nintendo DS.

The most interesting product in the Powermat line is the Universal Powercube Receiver. The receiver works with both Powermat models. Two interchangeable tips, a micro USB tip and a mini USB tip, are included, which attach to the Powercube’s cable. The micro USB tip makes the Powercube compatible with many Motorola and LG phones, and several Bluetooth headsets. The mini USB tip works with many other Motorola phones and Bluetooth headsets, as well as the T-Mobile G1, several BlackBerry models, and some GPS devices.

The Powermat is a bit on the pricey side. Both charging mats sell for $99.99. Receivers for Apple products cost $39.99 each, while BlackBerry and Nintendo receivers, and the Powercube universal receiver cost $29.99 each. As with most electronic gadgets, the price will probably come down after it’s been out for a while. It’s still definitely worth a look.

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The GSMA is a trade association for mobile carriers that use GSM technology—roughly 80 percent of the wireless market. They brokered the deal with handset makers to make the micro-USB universal charger the standard by 2012. The CTIA, the U.S. counterpart to the GSMA, backed that standard in April.

As we said before, a universal cell phone charger has several advantages, one of the most important being reduced landfill waste. In addition, if handset makers don’t have to produce chargers specific to every phone, their manufacturing costs go down, which can mean reduced costs for consumers. And wireless customers would be able to buy one charger to use, no matter which phone they choose.

Handset manufacturers were initially against the idea of a universal charger for that very reason. They felt it would make it easier for consumers to switch to competitors’ phones. I don’t really see the logic in this since chargers are normally included with phone purchases. But now they’re coming around to see how the universal charger can actually save them money.

This may be why Apple was reluctant to get in the game. Maybe they wanted to see how it was going to pan out first, and now that even companies like Sony Ericsson, which has been insistent on using proprietary charging technology in the past, are joining in, they decided it was time to do the same. Apple did not give a reason as to why they waited four months to agree to the standard. It’s also not yet known whether Apple will include the micro-USB connector along with its own dock connector, or simply opt for the universal adapter.

As of now, the universal charger will only work with European phones. But it will most likely expand to other markets in the near future.

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Seventeen major handset makers, including some big names like Nokia, Motorola, and Samsung, have agreed to start producing cellphones that will use a universal charger. The common interface will use Micro-USB technology. The GSMA is promising that most cellphones will use this universal charger by 2012.

What does this mean for you? Well, first of all, no matter what kind of cellphone you buy, you’ll only ever need one charger for it. Does this really make a difference since all cellphones are sold with accompanying chargers? Sure it does. How many times have you forgotten to charge your handset only to realize it when you’re away from home and really need to use your cellphone? Maybe you’re out with a friend and could borrow their charger…if they use the same kind of phone you do. And I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve heard business travelers complain about either having left their charger at home when they travel, or in the hotel room when they leave, again making it difficult to borrow anyone else’s charger. If they’re lucky, one of the shops at the airport will carry chargers, but then they have to hope their particular handset model’s charger is carried. A universal charger solves these issues.

Even better, a universal charger is good for the environment. What happens to all those chargers that are lost or left behind? Or when new phones are purchased for which the old chargers don’t work? Many of them are thrown away. There are currently millions of cellphones in landfills, and the number grows exponentially each year. It’s safe to assume that there are at least as many chargers as cellphones being thrown away, if not more. Being able to use one charger for several phones will go a long way to alleviating what is quickly becoming an environmental crisis.

Further addressing environmental issues presented by cellphones and chargers, the GSMA is pushing for the new universal chargers to use about 50 percent less power than current chargers. Also, doing away with the need for chargers to be so frequently replaced cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the number of chargers that need to be produced and transported to consumers.

One major player is missing from this huge joint venture—Apple. The company has made no move to adapt its popular iPhone to comply with the universal charger. In their defense, the cable used to charge the iPhone is the same one used to charge the iPod, so we could argue that Apple is already doing its part for the environment. Besides, Apple has always been a bit ahead of the game and unique in its products and the way they’re presented. And isn’t that the very reason why so many people love them?

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OK, maybe I’m being a bit too cynical. After all, I am a dog owner and I must admit that I’m guilty of treating Old Tige like he understands every word I say. I have, however, endured the hardship of my dog running away, have made many frantic phone calls to shelters, and have spent many hours driving up and down the street hoping to catch a canine in the suburban haystack. Oh! How sweet it would be to know exactly where he got to.

Add to this the fact that the ASPCA report approximately five to seven million pets enter animal shelters every year, and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs get returned to their owners. So after my initial cynicism, using my cell phone to check up on Santa’s Little Helper suddenly seems like a very worthwhile prospect. So let’s take a look at a few pet-related communications devices out there and see what they can do for us.

PetsCELL from PetsMobility

Although not yet commercially available, there’s a whole lot of buzz surrounding this cell phone for pets. If you’re the type that is wondering how you managed to survive without being able to call up Buster on a whim, this might be the device for you. When you place a call to Old Yeller, the phone automatically answers and you can tell him to stop chewing your slippers.

So the prospect of calling Poochie doesn’t excite you? The PetsCELL also features a one-touch call owner button, so that if Rover goes walkabout, anyone finding him can place a call straight back to you. Still not convinced? The PetsCell has built GPS that will allow you to track Mr. Peabody on any web-enabled handheld or PC using the PawTRAX tracking system. Add to this the ability to set up geo-fences, bread-crumbing, temperature monitoring, and real time logging.

With rumors that the PetsCELL may even feature a small camera, it looks like the PetsCELL is set to become the ultimate in canine communications. Slated for release in mid 2008, pricing is estimated anywhere between $300-$500, and no word on what the monthly payment plan will be.

globalpetfinder

Maybe the idea of phoning Lassie hasn’t got you stoked, but if tracking your potential runaway appeals to you and you want something right now check out globalpetfinder. The globalpetfinder does what it says on the box – well, apart from the global part – it currently only works in the United States. Once again, we have a GPS-enabled two-way wireless device that fits onto Marmaduke’s collar.

The Globalpetfinder works in a few different modes. Fence mode: this is used when Spuds MacKenzie is out in the yard and you think there may be a chance he’ll escape. You can set up to five different fences by logging into Globalpetfinder’s software. Once these are set, if Blue leaves one of these predefined areas, the device switches over to track mode and an alarm is sent to your cell phone. You will then be continuously updated of Brian’s location.

Walk mode is used, interestingly enough, when you take Cooper for a walk. This allows you to leave your preset boundary without the alarm going off. It also features an “Off” mode, which is designed to save battery life when the device is not in use…well that’s what it says in the quick start guide and who are we to argue.

Now, the clever ones of you out there are probably wondering: What if I leave it in walk mode and Rex goes missing? Here’s the clever thing. You simply send an SMS to FOUND (36863) and type in TRACK petname, and it will automatically switch the device to track mode. Similarly, you can also use a WALK petname to switch back to walk mode. Want more? The Globalpetfnder also features a temperature monitor and you can control multiple devices at once via SMS.

The Globalpetfinder is currently available for $289.99. You will also have to pay a one-time activation fee of $34.99. They offer two monthly packages, which are based on how often you think your dog will run away. The Homebody package, for dogs that don’t runaway often, will cost you $17.99 per month, and for bad dogs and The Escape Artist package will run you $19.98 per month.

Zoombak

Don’t let the low price and tiny size of The Zoombak™ Advanced GPS Dog Locator make you think that this device doesn’t pack a punch. With its distinct lack of confusing buttons and nothing but a blinking LED on the device, this appears to be one of the easiest devices to use. Setup is a breeze with the Zoombak. You simply set up your safety zones via zoombak.com ,and then whenever Sparky leaves the designated area you will receive a text message or a email alerting you that he’s on the lam.

You can follow Benji location through the Zoombak website, or via their 24/7 customer support. On top of the great price and the small size of this neat device there are no activation fees, you get unlimited on-demand location requests, and unlimited safety zone alerts. Add to this the ability to “Power Off” and receive low battery alerts through email and text message, and the promise of on-demand location requests via your cell phone are coming soon.

For those on a budget The Zoombak™ Advanced GPS Dog Locator looks like one of the more attractive devices out there. The Zoombak advanced GPS dog locator ia available from their website or from the PetSmart chain of stores. The device will cost you $199.99 and the monthly plans start at $9.99 and go up to $14.99 a month and you must make a one year commitment.

Pawtrax Collar

As I was researching this article I came across this new device in development called the PawTrax™ Animal Tracker. The amazing thing about his device is it actually looks like a normal dog collar. Peter Callaway, the founder of
PawTrax, started his U.K.-based lost and found pet website over a year ago, and having knowledge of GPS he teamed up with a techie to develop the PawTrax collars. Here’s what Peter had to say about his collars:

“I am aware of other devices on the market but we wanted something that wasn’t big and bulky nor a ‘clip on’ box. We have built our tracker around a Telit module and uses SMS/GSM/GPRS/GPS. The position and tracking can be viewed on street level maps either via our website or Google mobile maps on a PDA or WAP enabled phone. Our modular approach allows us to provide a more flexible, bespoke solution, allowing us to fit the device into collars, harnesses, horse blankets etc. and will enable us to provide add-on options. We are in the final stages of testing in the UK before releasing the collars for sale, which we hope will be very soon.”

When released, the collar will cost £125, and two packages will be made available. The basic package will operate on a pay-per-find that costs you the price of a text message, or you can opt for the premium package £4.95 per month with unlimited access to maps, and each alert costing an extra £0.15.

So there you go. Keeping in touch with Clifford has never been easy. All these devices have their own unique features and are a small price to pay for peace of mind…although they all do have one common fallibility. Imagine poor Hercules goes AWOL and runs into some nefarious types. What’s to stop them from removing your doggie tracker and taking away Bingo sans collar? Well, personally I think most criminals would be too dumb. And let’s face it: the world is not full of Cruella de Vils.

Update: Peter Callaway of PawTrax just informed me that they are looking at providing optional extras like lockable buckles and cables around the collar that will send an SMS if cut. It looks like any potential dog snatchers could be thwarted.

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So you can see the good here. Some of us mistakenly delete messages, and this is a viable way to retrieve them. Since they are not stored on the cellular network, only locally on our phones, it seems like the only way to undelete them.

However, it appears that the main use of this is to spy on others. As the final line of this Information Week article says: “The new device has one review from a user who claims he found messages his wife had been sending to someone else.” Sorry, and I’ve said it in the past, but I’m not a fan at all of this form of spying.

“If you change your mobile phone or service provider and receive a new empty SIM card, this SIM card solution is the best way to load the new saved data onto it,” BrickHouse says on its Web site. “Editing your SIM card entries has never been easier when doing it on your PC with the computer’s keyboard instead of your mobile phone keypad.”

See, that’s cool. For those of us who switch from T-Mobile to AT&T, or vice versa, this card might totally be worth it. That is, if you think that $150 justifies the time you’d spend transferring your SIM information.

Use it for good.

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