Charging USB Devices on the Wall and in the Car

The Scosche powerFUZE an innovative charger for devices that draw power from USB ports. (Source: Scosche Industries)

Scosche has designed the powerFUZE uniquely, providing users the ability to configure it in multiple ways. The main body, which remains the same in all situations, is a home charger featuring a USB charging port as well as an AC/DC converter port (in-car style port). Thanks to this converter, users can plug their favorite car accessories into any wall outlet.

A second configuration makes the powerFUZE work the other way around: the product can be connected to a car jack, converting the 12V electrical current into the common 5V current used by most portable devices. This way, iPods, iPhones, smartphones, digital-cameras, and basically almost all electronic devices can be charged.

The third configuration offers the option to charge two devices at the same time; this is useful when using two compatible devices, such as GPS units and cell-phones. Each of the USB ports features a 1 amp output to ensure the fastest charging possible.

“Customer convenience is key factor in all of Scosche’s product designs,” said Kas Alves, executive vice president of Scosche Industries. “With the powerFUZE our customers can replace multiple chargers with one that works both at home and on the road.” Although the new charger is both “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” certified, so users shouldn’t be concerned about damaging their precious music players, but the sync cable isn’t provided with the basic kit.

PowerFUZE can connect to either AC outlets or the common car jack, providing gadgets’ users constant power supply wherever they are. (Source: Scosche Industries)

The available versions include the $35 powerFUZE, the $45 powerFUZE PRO (ships with an iPod/iPhone sync cable), and the standalone powerPLUG Ultra low profile, a USB car charger, priced at $20. Another standalone version is the $30 powerPLUG Pro, offering a sync cable as well. In comparison to other available chargers, this one has a competitive price; however, a lot of the charging solutions these days are “green”, utilizing solar power.

TFOT has also covered the Datexx SuperBattery, a hand cranked universal USB charger, and the Kinesis K3, a portable charger that utilizes”green” energy, using the wind and the sun. Other related TFOT stories include Freeloader, a USB multi-charger that utilizes solar power, and one covering the USBCell battery, a rechargeable battery with a USB plug.

For more information about the powerFUZE, see the product’s website.