Phone Dead? Just Add Water

Shaun Fawster charged with 'theft of services'

(AP) - Police have brought charges against a homeless man in Maine who helped himself to an outdoor electrical outlet to charge a pair of cell phones. A Bangor cop checking downtown businesses discovered 23-year-old Shaun Fawster charging his cell phones in an outlet hidden behind some flowers. Fawster was charged last weekend with theft of services, as well as carrying a concealed weapon after the officer found a folding knife tucked underneath his shirt. The Bangor Daily News says Fawster was later released from jail. It's unknown if he has an attorney. More»

Report shows gadgets can lead to better livelihoods

(NEWSER) - For the financially comfortable, cell phones may make life a little easier—but for those in less-developed countries, the gadgets can be the difference between a life of poverty one of relative comfort, a UN report finds. “Mobiles have spawned a wealth of micro-enterprises, offering work to people with little education and few resources,” the report notes. And subscriptions are soaring in the world’s least-developed countries, Fast Company reports. More»

Plan expected to reduce electronic waste, make life simpler for consumers

(NEWSER) - Cell phone makers have agreed to introduce a one-size-fits-all charger in the European Union within the next six months, CNN reports. The deal is expected to reduce the tens of thousands of tons of chargers thrown away every year, and should hasten the introduction of a universal charger for the rest of the world. More»

Scientists believe super-fast ion transfer will let technology charge ahead

(NEWSER) - MIT scientists have developed new battery technology that could potentially recharge a cell phone in seconds and an electric car in minutes, the Boston Globe reports. The researchers, who say the breakthrough could revolutionize technology and even lifestyles, have created a coating that speeds the transfer of ions into and out of rechargable lithium batteries a hundred fold. More»

(NEWSER) - This should make it easier to charge your phone: Most of the big players in the industry said today they will work toward a universal charger by 2012, Wired reports. That means a standard USB cable will do the trick, no matter the brand. However, Wired notes one notable absence from the eco-friendly industry agreement: Apple. More»