With this year’s CES come and gone, we as consumers were bombarded with announcement after announcement of new and exciting tech.  For the most part, we’re now left waiting for a lot of these new marvels to come out into the marketplace, but some of the “good stuff” is already here.  The MiLi Power Shine is an example of something good and useful that got shown, and released, during CES this year, and I had the pleasure of getting my hands on one for testing.  While we’re seen different products from MiLi on this site in the past (iPhone Battery pack and HD iOS Dock), this is the first that I’ve personally been able to work with – guess I just got lucky this time.

In a nutshell, the MiLi Power Shine is a portable battery that allows you to charge up to two different devices at once.  I know it sounds simple, and in reality it is – but this device has become a permanent part of my travel pack that I take with me every time I leave the house.  I have constantly had issues with my iPhone or tablet going dead on me, and usually have to bring each of their respective chargers (along with having to hope that there’s a free outlet wherever I’m going).  This little beauty negates all of that hassle, and it does it while being smaller and lighter than my iPhone itself.

MiLi products are – at least from what I’ve seen – almost always aesthetically pleasing, and the Power Shine is no different.  If a person wouldn’t know better, they may even be inclined to think it was a smartphone itself; at least while there were no wires connected to it.  With it’s two tone matter and gloss black finish combined with it’s sleek and rounded corners, the Power Shine doesn’t have anything about it that screams “look at me!:, and I think that’s one of the reasons I like it so much – it’s small and unassuming, but delivers big results.

This is all in part of its lithium-polymer battery, that has a 4000 mAh capacity.  In my experience, that’s enough juice to charge an iPhone three times, or an iPhone one and a half times a single Galaxy Tab 10.1 charge (they were both dead).  The MiLi Power Shine itself only takes about an hour to charge when it is depleted, and it charges through a 5V/1A Micro-USB input.  That means you don’t actually have to plug it in to a wall to charge, but you can leech off of any open USB spot you may find out there (like on a library computer), which really increases it’s versatility.  There are a ton of micro solar charges out there as well (like the Solio Bolt) that output power through USB, which means if you couple the Power Shine with one of those you’ll always be ready for a power outage.

I do with there was some sort of “sliding door” on the end that houses the USB connections, because after being in my pocket for a whole day, I’ve had to pick lint out of the holes.  It’s not a glorious thing to do, and I really think that issue could have been addressed without affecting the overall cost.  Another very small change I would make, would be to include some non-slip “feet” on the MiLi Power Shine – even the tiny discs that some other things use would have been perfect, then you wouldn’t have to worry about it slipping around if you’re using it in the car.  Even without those two things though, the MiLi Power Shine is a truly solid piece of hardware.

Oh I almost forgot, the Mili Power Shine has a single small button on it – this button starts the charging of devices if held down for a second, or if just pushed and released it causes the Power Shine to show you how much batter power it has left.  Like a lot of other pieces of tech coming on the market, the Power Shine uses a “four LED” system to show the charge level it currently has.  These four blue lights are located next to the power button, and do the job adequately of letting you know when you’re going to have to charge the Power Shine itself, and stop charging other things.

Editor’s Rating:

4.5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

The Bottom Line:  Once you are able to use the MiLi Power Shine for any amount of time, it’s very hard to try and go back to not using it – especially if you’re in a line of work that causes the batteries on your mobile devices to die at an absurd rate.

Pros:

• The MiLi Power Shine has a very nice form factor, and it matches up with any other gadget or gizmo that may be in your pocket (or purse, book bag, backpack, etc)
• With its ability to charge two things at once, you can take care of a phone and a tablet, or just share a charge with another needy soul (pay it forward people)
• It measures 118 mm X 58 mm X 16.5 mm – or in more common terms, smaller than your average smartphone – which makes it easy to take with you everywhere

Cons:

• You have to watch out if it’s in your pocket for an extended time (or I’d imagine this could happen if you carry it in anything else as well), because there’s no way to close off the ports resulting in dirt getting in them
• The MiLi Power Shine is kind of slippery despite its matte finish – this is especially apparent when trying to use it in a vehicle and it slides under your seat (and it pulls your phone with it)
• Just a nit pick here, but it would be great if they had other colors to choose from (not everyone has a black phone anymore)

You can grab yourself a MiLi Power Shine right off of their web site for $79.99 – and when you consider how much some “extended” batteries are, that’s not too shabby at all.

MiLi’s latest battery pack for the iPhone 3G and 3Gs, the Power Skin, is black, simple and easy to use.  It has an on/off switch and four LED lights to indicate its remaining charge.  MiLi claims that it has 1200 mah, just 19 mAh short of the iPhone 3Gs’ battery.  During my testing, with WiFi and Edge connectivity turned on, I was able to recharge my iPhone to just 75% of its available capacity.  In the past we’ve tested MiLi’s other products and found some variability in the output.  Keep in mind it all depends on how much your taxing your phone’s battery, but 75% seems a bit weak, especially with a claim of 1200 mAh.

Battery juice issues aside the MiLi’s battery packs form factor is relatively slender and includes a complete case that protects the back and outer edges of the phone.  It’s not shockingly thin and won’t wow you over their other iteration or other battery packs on the market.  Included in the box is what MiLi is calling the world’s smallest iPhone plug, the Pocketpal, and we’d have to agree.

The Mili Powerskin and Pocketpal can be bought separately for $70 and $20, or together for a special price of $80.

Amazon has the case for just $37.

Pros:

• Slender and well built
• LED light show juice remaining
• On/off switch

Cons:

• Only charged 3Gs 75%
• Case doesn’t protect screen

MiLi is no stranger to iPhone battery packs.  So it should come as no surprise (it doesn’t to us), that today they released the MiLi Powerspring 4.  It’s a 1600 mAh backup battery case for the iPhone 4.  It should double your battery life, that is depending on what you’re doing.  In our experience MiLi’s batteries have a checkered past in terms of power output.  Total charge time, according to spec, is 4 hours, which seems a bit high, but at least you won’t be tethered to a wall while rejuicing your phone.

Mili is no stranger to battery packs.  Adding to their already extensive line, they announced the MiLi Power Miracle & Power Crystal power packs.  Both batteries offer 2000 mAh of juice, LED light indicators and includes 6 different adapters.  The difference between the two?  The Crystal has an extended carabiner loop built into its casing.  Both packs are available in a variety of colors for $45 starting today.

MiLi® Unveils Power Miracle & Power Crystal
External Power Packs for Digital Devices

Sleek and lightweight battery packs provide maximum emergency power at a minimum weight and size

Woodstock, New York – (May 27, 2010) – MiLi®, specialist in design and development of battery power and charging solutions, is pleased to announce MiLi Power Miracle & Power Crystal external power packs for mobile devices. MiLi’s creative design and innovative battery technology keep Power Miracle & Crystal slender and lightweight, making them essential tools for the power hungry mobile user. Available in multiple colors, the MiLi Power Miracle & Power Crystal deliver stylish and affordable charging solutions.

MiLi’s Power Miracle & Power Crystal provide powerful portable backup battery options for the mobile user on the go. Miracle’s slim and lightweight casing makes it the ideal power pack to throw in a laptop bag or carry in your pocket. Crystal has an extended carabiner loop built into its casing, making it a usable key chain for added functionality and convenience. Both feature a 2,000mAh lithium ion battery, which approximately doubles the battery life of most popular mobile devices. Each power pack comes equipped with a multi-lead USB cord and 6 attachment tips for the most common mobile devices, including a Mini-USB, Micro-USB, iPod/iPhone, LG, Samsung G Series, Blackberry/HTC/Motorola, and Nokia. The four front facing LED light indicators let you know the battery packs’ current power level at a glance.

MiLi has created each with a sleek and modern look. The smooth glossy finish makes the power packs easy to slip in and out of pockets and coincides with the latest trends in mobile technology design. Power Miracle ($44.95) is available in a variety of colors including, iron gray, champagne, and black. Power Crystal ($44.95) comes in white and black. MiLi Power Crystal and Miracle are currently available at www.MiLiDirect.com.

Yesterday, Mili kicked out what they’re claiming to be the world’s thinnest iPhone juice pack, the Power Skin.  And to sweeten the deal, and knock home their de facto claims on tininess, they’re also tossing in the Pocketpal, “the world’s smallest USB charger”.  Mili says the 1200mAh battery will nearly double your iPhone’s battery.  It should be available now in 8 two tone colors for $70.

MiLi® Releases Power skin, the World’s Thinnest External Battery
& Protective Case for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS
+
MiLi® PocketPal, the Smallest Foldable USB Charger in the World

Unique and lightweight external battery/protective case & USB charger doubles your iPhone’s battery life without adding bulk

Woodstock, New York – (April 21, 2010) – MiLi®, specialist in design and development of battery power and charging solutions, announces the release of the MiLi Power Skin external battery & protective case for iPhone 3G and 3GS. With MiLi’s aesthetic design, the Power Skin stays thin and slim while doubling the life of your iPhone battery. Available in 8 two-toned color combinations, the MiLi Power Skin delivers an affordable power solution in a sleek protective case.

Power Skin fits like a second skin to your iPhone providing protection and power without adding bulk. Equipped with a 1,200mAH lithium polymer battery, the Power Skin packs enough charge to double your iPhone’s battery life. Its low-profile casing provides durable protection against drops or mishaps while its high-gloss finish and two-toned color design adds a touch of style. With a simple slider case design the Power Skin is easily removed for use on speaker docks or other media players. Power Skin can be ordered by itself or a bundled Power Skin+ which comes packaged with a MiLi Pocketpal, the world’s smallest USB charger. Portable and easy-to-use, the Pocketpal USB charger features a small foldable AC plug that compacts into a lightweight pocket-sized cube compatible with any USB device.

MiLi Power Skin features include:
•    World’s thinnest external battery and protective case for iPhone 3G and 3GS
•    Pass-through USB/mini-USB allows you to charge and sync your iPhone without removing case
•    1,200 mAH battery capacity doubles the life of your iPhone 3G & 3GS
•    8 two-toned color combinations using black, white, blue, green, orange, and silver
•    Apple certified with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty
MiLi PocketPal features include:
•    World’s smallest mobile phone USB Charger
•    Foldable Plug for easy carrying
•    100-240v Input with 1000mA output
•    5 two-toned color combinations using black, white, blue, green, yellow, and pink
MiLi Power Skin ($69.95) and PocketPal ($19.95) can be purchased separately or bundled together for a discounted $79.95. To request additional information about MiLi, please contact PR Representative Brad Hobbs at (305) 576-1171 x19 or by e-mail at bradhobbs@maxborgesagency.com.

About Hali-Power Inc.
Based in Woodstock, NY, Hali-Power Inc. uses creative design, aesthetic appeal and innovative battery technology to develop powering and charging solutions for today’s mobile devices. MiLi’s mobile phone battery packs, cases and other accessories provide mobile phone users the tools they need to power through the day. Hali-Power is an Apple certified manufacturer. All of their iPhone, iPod and iPad products are licensed by Apple with genuine Apple plugs. MiLi uses Apple quality parts, built with gift quality appeal and fashionable colors that add life to the typically mundane battery and charger. For more information on Hali-Power Inc., please visit www.iPhoneMiLi.com.
HaLi-Power Inc. is looking for dealers and distributors in the U.S. To become a dealer or distributor, register at www.MiLi-Power.com.

The cell phone charger and accessory market has literally exploded in the past several years and shows no signs of slowing down.  With that said,  BeamBox MiLi has announced a new line of universal chargers for everyday world use.  The small charger comes with US, UK, AU, and Euro style adapters as well as a cigarette lighter adapter and two USB inputs with charge level indicating LED’s.  Each USB input serves 5V/500mA power styles and the universal charger itself has over-current and short-circuit protection and easily accepts 12-24V DC power or 100-240V AC currents.  Sounds well thought out and robust.  Available now for pre-order for $37.

[via SlashGear]

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I really gotta hand it to PhoneSuit. Why? Because, they continue to stick to their guns and battle it out in the iPhone accessory market. Although I wasn’t floored with their first battery back, the Mili Pro iPhone Video Projector looks to be the stuff dreams are made of. They’ve combined a tiny LCOS LED projector with their battery pack to produce a highly portable – palm sized in fact – projector that can display up to a 40-inch 640×480 image (it can go as large at 70-inches, but 40 is optimal).  There is no official word on playback time, but it does include a built-in speaker, RCA inputs, a 10 lumen output and is compatible with all iPhones and iPods.  Price of the Mili Pro iPhone Video Projector is TBD and you can expect it to arrive this September just in time for the holidays.

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When the iPod hit the market accessories for the device were few and far between.  By the time the iPhone launched there were more accessories available for the handset then we knew what to do with.  Jumping on board into this already crowded and turbulent sea is Phonesuit, with their MiLi iPhone battery pack.

The MiLi fits both generations of iPhone and is available in a variety of colors.  The color finish, though, is only availabe on the internal part of the MiLi, so once the iPhone is plugged in the outter shell is only visible, which can be finished in black or white.  Unlike the Mophie juice pack, which is made of plastic but finished in an outer rubber casing, the MiLi’s is constructed completely of plastic with a hard, polished outer shell.  Although this facilitates easy in and out of the pocket it also makes it more apt for drops or unsolicited slips from the pocket.

On the face of the phone is a battery status indicator that can be illuminated with the push of a button.  I found this convenient but the button itself was a bit on the ‘hollow’ side lending itself to a disconcerting feeling.

Another notable feature of the battery pack is the USB out.  This means that the MiLi can be used to charge not only the iPhone, but any device that is USB compatible, something not available on the Mophie juice packs.  The USB out also functions while charging the MiLi – a nice touch.  As expected, to charge the MiLi, you’ll either need to plug it into your computer’s USB or just use the iPhone’s included AC charger.

During my testing the MiLi was good for one complete charge of my Gen 1 iPhone, although I believe the company’s website lays claim to an amount great than that.  Further disappointment and frustration arose when I took a ski trip to Mammoth.  A few days before leaving I charged the MiLi and stored it for safe keeping.  2 days into the trip I plugged in my iPhone to charge, but only received 3/4 of a complete charge on my iPhone.  Did the MiLi partially discharge over the period of a few days?

During another test with the Mili when I had almost succeeded with a complete charge, the device went a bit scitzo.  During the last quarter of its available juice it went from charging, to empty, to charging more than 5 times.  A quick push of the battery indicator button and the MiLi said it was empty.  A few minutes later, after removing my iPhone, I pushed the battery button again and low and behold one of the 4 LED lights lit up indicating it still had usable juice.

Notabely, my EDGE iPhone did not fit snuggly into the MiLi and rattled around a bit when docked and charging.  I tested out the MiLi with a friend’s 3G iPhone and discovered that the added width of the second generation handset made for a much snugger fit, leading me to believe that Phonesuit has said ‘compatible with every iPhone’ to make their product more applicable to a greater amount of people. In other words, the MiLi isn’t truly suited for the Gen 1 iPhone.

Most guys don’t wanna hear this, but size does matter.  In the case of the MiLi it’s too big and adds a significant amount of bulk to the iPhone.  It just about doubles the handset’s width and increase its length by almost 10%  Yes, it will still fit in a pocket, but anyone not sporting an extra baggy pair of jeans and taking a long car ride will find it necessary to seek refuge in a cup holder.

So there’s no disputing the MiLi charges the iPhone.  But can I wholeheartedly recommend it?  Unfortunately, not.  The construction of the device feels a bit like they put in a bid in China and chose the factory that offered the lowest price.  Its construction is a bit on the hollow side and although I didn’t perform a drop test I can’t see it protecting the iPhone in the event of a fall.  Lastly, the lack of consistency in battery performance negates its intended purpose.

Pros:

• Provides complete charge to Gen 1 iPhone
• USB out lets you charge other gadgets
• Variety of interior colors

Cons:

• Battery charge inconsistent
• Loose fit for Gen 1 iPhone (video)
• Slippery plastic could cause drops or unwanted pocket removal

You can buy the Mili here for $80

Phonesuit.com just dropped me a line to tell me about their latest product, the MiLi iPhone battery pack. Unlike the Mophie, the MiLi works with both iPhone generations and includes a USB out for charging compatible devices. The company claims that the MiLi will more than double your iPhone’s battery life, which will be put to the test when they send me one in the next few days.

The MiLi is available here in a variety of eye popping colors for $80.