Automatically shuts off to eliminate stand-by
The spring-loaded PumPing Tap concept that would eject electrical plugs from an outlet when not actively drawing electricity attracted a fair share of criticism from readers when we looked at it earlier this week. Bracktron has come up with a more practical solution with its line of GreenZero chargers that detect when the device being charged is unplugged or fully charged and automatically shut off to eliminate stand-by – also known as vampire power – consumption.
Bracketron’s GreenZero line includes the Mushroom and Stone chargers. The first features a large green “mushroom” button that is pressed to start charging a connected device and will pop out when charging is complete. The underside of the mushroom button also acts as an integrated cable reel for taking on the road. The Mushroom charger is available in three models – one for USB connections, another for microUSB, and a third that includes an Apple 30-pin cable for iDevices. Meanwhile, the Stone GreenZero charger is a more compact unit designed for mobile devices charged via USB. However, the design of both the Mushroom and Stone chargers suggests they might be outlet hogs on a power strip.
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