GetPower® has a new look!

October 12, 2017

Starting this fall, Aries’ GetPower® line will be housed in some spiffy new packaging. We’re proud to say we’ve outgrown the grunge phase and are moving on to a cleaner look!

 

COLORS

We’re steering away from color mixing and have instead assigned a single color to each category in our line. Now, instead of utilizing several colors on a single package, every item will be in white packaging paired with its coordinating accent color. With this new simplified color-coding, we are confident our packaging will look cleaner, brighter, and more streamlined in your store.

ICONS

We’ve striped down the text and added simple visual elements to quickly present the facts. Now, everything you wanted to know about a product is clearly displayed on the front— with a picture!

We’ve also included helpful icons that indicate what the product can be used with, or other accessories you may need to go with it.

LOGO

A logo is the face of a company, and ours was really showing its age. No more crumbling fonts and stacked colors! The new GetPower® logo is straight, bold, and to the point.

The updated logo can be used in any of the 5 category colors, with white or black accents (depending on placement).

Some new packaging is already in our warehouse and will continue to roll in as we order more product. If you have questions or comments about our updates, feel free to send us an email — we love hearing from you!

USB-C™ – An Overview

September 19, 2017

Perhaps you’ve heard all the hype around USB-C™ cables lately and you have questions about the technology. Look no further, we have all the information you need right here!

WHAT IS USB-C™?

USB-C™, also known as USB Type-C™, is the latest connector developed by the USB Implementers’ Forum (USB-IF), a group of industry leaders within the consumer electronics community, such as Apple, Intel, and Dell. This new technology is likely to be widely adopted, as many of the world’s most recognized manufacturers support it already. With such support, USB-C™ will gradually replace previous USB types, including USB-A, USB-B and USB Mini-B. As future devices are equipped with the new USB-C™ port, which is smaller than its predecessors, it’s likely that these devices will also be thinner, lighter, and more compact than ever before.

WHAT DOES A USB-C™ OR TYPE-C™ CABLE LOOK LIKE?

The USB-C™ cable head is smaller than before, and looks a bit like a Micro-USB connector.

WHY IS USB-C™ BETTER THAN EXISTING USB CABLES?

USB-C™ is very user friendly and it has a reversible connector. There’s no up or down orientation so it works regardless of which way you plug it in. Truly universal. Not just happy to work with smartphones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras, or anything that traditionally connects via USB, USB-C™ is also at home across different operating systems like iOS, Android, Windows, Google and more. Now that’s a real game changer.

PERFORMANCE

It’s really, really fast. USB-C™ can transfer data at speeds up to 10Gbps (gigabits per second). Or an entire high definition feature-length movie in just 30 seconds. That’s up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0!
Not only is it fast, there’s so much more power. With up to 100 watts, or 3 amps of power, USB-C™ cables can power almost anything from laptops to large high-resolution monitors, even some printers.
Also, USB-C™ cables can deliver Ultra-HD 4K video resolution to USB-C™ and HDMI displays. That’s four times the resolution of standard high definition.

THE FUTURE OF USB-C™

USB-C™ isn’t just a new development, it’s a new standard. Everything it promises — speed, ease of use, universality — can be applied to a multitude of devices. With this much potential, USB-C™ has another edge over existing USB cables: it’ll be around much longer.

WHAT WILL I USE USB-C™ FOR?

As the world moves toward USB-C™, it doesn’t mean you have to replace all your existing devices. Your new USB-C™ device (such as a laptop) will still be compatible with all your existing devices (smartphones, tablets, mouse, printer, etc.), you just need the correct USB-C™ cable or adapter.

WHAT’S BEHIND THE MOVE TO USB-C™?

Mountains of defunct cables in landfills across the world motivated action for reform. Tech companies all over the world responded to new European regulations that called for a standard connector.
The USB-C™ connector is being widely adopted by manufacturers including Apple, Google and Microsoft. With such widespread support from these market-leading manufacturers, it’s only a matter of time before the new standard becomes the norm.
The idea of new technology that embraces future proofing for environmental reasons is groundbreaking. At Aries Manufacturing, we’re proud to be a part of this pioneering move toward an environmentally sustainable, tech-friendly future.

IS USB TYPE-C™ THE SAME AS USB 3.1?

Although USB-C™ and USB 3.1 were developed at the same time, they are not the same thing.
USB 3.1 is an upgrade from the familiar USB 2.0, and more recent USB 3.0, offering significantly faster data transfer.
USB-C™ is not backward compatible.
USB 3.1 is the new technology. The USB-C™ is a connector that enables the functionality to support the new technology.

WHAT IS USB POWER DELIVERY?

USB Power Delivery, or USB PD, is a charging protocol that uses high speed USB-C™ connecters and cables. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops that are Power Delivery-enabled allow safe, faster charging and more power for larger devices, without the need of a separate power supply. USB PD will charge your smartphone up to 70% faster than standard 5W charging. You can even share power between USB PD devices.

If you have any other questions or would like to see the USB-C™ cables we offer, please visit our website https://ariesmfg.com/ or give us a call at (800) 959-2743.

Aries Becomes New Cat® Licensee, Debuts Mobile Accessory Line

June 2, 2017

New Cat® Licensee, Aries Manufacturing,
Debuts Line of Rugged Cellular Accessories

The line debuted at the 2017 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas and will include impulse and retail packaged items.

A new line of Cat mobile accessories debuted at the 2017 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas. The new line will complement Caterpillar’s rugged history by offering durable, high-powered items that reflect design elements of well-known Cat equipment.
The Cat mobile accessory line is being manufactured and brought to market by Aries Manufacturing – a Division of Boss Tech Products, Inc., an industry leader in safe and high-quality cellular accessories for over twenty-five years. Boss Manufacturing, Aries’ sister company, has been a global licensee of Cat gloves and safety products for over ten years.
“Everywhere you look, people are connecting through handheld devices,” stated Phil Raso, Caterpillar Program Manager. “Consumers are ready for high-quality, rugged mobile accessories that are built to withstand heavy use—and with Aries’ long-running industry experience, commitment to excellence, and dedication to innovation, I’m confident that this new line will be a success.”
“The Cat brand is synonymous with quality and durability,” said Tom Novak, President of Aries Manufacturing. “What we are seeing in the market is an increased demand for high power-output solutions that will charge multiple devices quickly and safely. Products used on a regular basis that have shock absorption, impact protection, and water resistant qualities are also in high demand.”
The line will include high-output vehicle and home adapters with multiple USB ports, vehicle charging cables, extra-long USB cables, power banks, and portable speakers
with Bluetooth® wireless technology. The line will cater to today’s most popular devices, including certified Apple® Lightning®, SuperSpeed+ Certified USB-C, and micro USB cables. The new range of accessories will offer value price points for impulse placement as well as high end retail packaged merchandise for stores’ electronic sections.
“We’re really excited to be launching a full-range of Cat mobile accessories,” stated Novak. “We look forward to providing high-quality products worldwide to be used at home or in-the-field. Today’s consumers can’t afford—nor do they have time to—keep replacing their cables or chargers. They want true product quality, and that’s what we are prepared to give them.”

To learn more about the line, visit www.catmobileaccessories.com.
About Aries Manufacturing:
Aries Manufacturing has been an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of safe and high- quality aftermarket cellular accessories for over twenty-five years. Aries Manufacturing is headquartered in Libertyville, IL with a 150,000-sq. ft. state-of-the-art warehouse facility located in Kewanee, IL. Aries Manufacturing is part of the Boss Holdings, Inc. family of companies which includes Boss Manufacturing a licensee for Cat gloves and safety products, Boss Canada, Boss Pet, and Galaxy Balloon.

About Caterpillar:
For more than 90 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. Customers turn to Caterpillar to help them develop infrastructure, energy and natural resource assets. With 2016 sales and revenues of $38.537 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading
manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company principally operates through its three product segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and also provides financing and
related services through its Financial Products segment.
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Media Contact:
Katie Anderson ([email protected])

Big Game Prep

January 30, 2017

Whether you’re hosting the party or just contributing a dish, these apps will help you make it through the big game.

Pepperplate – FREE
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The Pepperplate app will help you do so many things! It has all the tools you need to cook and plan any sized meal. You’re able to manage recipes, create menus, and set numerous timers. As far as recipes go, you can import recipes you’ve found online, add from your own cookbooks, or share your favorite recipes with family and friends via social media. Throwing a party? Pepperplate allows you to combine saved recipes into a menu for your guests. You’re also able to import ingredients into a grocery list that will organize itself based on the way you navigate the grocery store. One of the best features is the ability to set multiple timers for the various dishes you are cooking at once.

Peapod – FREE
peadpod_app
Most people have heard of Peapod, but have you tried it?  Peapod allows you to order all of your groceries online or on the app. Ordering the same items every week? Peapod allows you to scan the UPC to automatically add it to your list. From there, you are able to access old purchases and add them to your order.  The Genius feature even allows you to fill your cart with one click by suggesting items based on your previous purchases. Once you have decided to check out, you can see all the open delivery slots and choose one that works with your busy schedule. 

Substitutions – $2.99
substitutions-app
This is a great app to reference if you’ve already been to the store and you need to substitute an ingredient in a recipe. It’s also handy if you need to prepare a dish that will avoid food allergies. There are over 1,200 substitutions available to try out! 

theScore – FREE
thescoreapp
Don’t miss a single pass! With this app you can stay on top of the score and never miss another play. theScore is the best way to follow your favorite sports team, and there’s even a widget you can add to your phone so you don’t miss any big plays!

Recycling Your Old Devices

August 16, 2016

Technology is always improving, changing, and upgrading. Most likely, this means you want to regularly upgrade your cell phone to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies. But what should you do with your old phone? Before you toss it, consider recycling it.

Recycling phones is a new environmentally friendly way to get rid of phones that no longer prove useful. In 2011, the United States made it against the law for electronic goods to end up in landfills. Lead, mercury, cadmium and other potentially harmful chemicals can all be found in every day electronics. Putting these hazardous chemicals in landfills can end up contaminating the environment and potentially harming the population as well. Luckily, there are some good options for these unwanted devices.

Donate it.
A great way to recycle your phone is to simply donate it. There are numerous organizations that accept cell phone donations. To name a few:

Cell Phones For Soldiers – Places cell phones in the hands of active military members

Cell Phone Bank – Supports participating law enforcement and victims service agencies

Secure the Call – Supports over 350 law enforcement agencies, senior centers and domestic abuse shelters

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence – Electronics donations help fund programs for victims of domestic violence

The Julian Center – Supports victims of domestic violence

There are many more great causes out there; try conducting a Google search to see if your favorite cause participates in an electronic recycling program.

Resell it.
Another great way to get rid of old electronics is to simply sell it for money. Several websites will offer you money for your phone, and some will even pay for shipping. Some examples of these websites are Filpswap, Gazelle, and USell.com.

Trade it.
Check with your carrier to see if your old phone has any trade in value! Companies like Verizon and Sprint have trade in programs that will appraise your device and offer you rebates, cash, or gift cards in exchange. Verizon also supports Hopeline, a program that connects survivors of domestic violence to vital resources, funds organizations nationwide, and protects the environment through e-waste recycling.

Pass it.
In the end, the easiest way to recycle your old phone is to pass it on to someone else. Whether it be a parent, younger sibling, elderly neighbor, or less fortunate individual, you can save someone else money by simply passing it on.

According to a press release issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “if Americans recycled the approximately 130 million cell phones that are disposed of annually, enough energy would be saved to power more than 24,000 homes in a year.” EPA and its Plug-In partners (Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Best Buy, etc.) are sponsoring activities across the country to promote cell phone recycling. The EPA states that only 10 percent of cell phones are recycled at present; most end up in the trash and, ultimately, one of many environmentally harmful landfills. Most cell phones are made from copper, plastics, and various precious metals. For every one million recycled phones, 75 pounds of gold, 772 pounds of silver, 33 pounds of palladium, and 36 pounds of copper are able to be recovered.

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At first it may sound like a hassle to recycle your old phone and may just be easier to throw it away, but these options will help some people out and will lessen the harmful effects of e-waste and will help improve the environment. Let’s go green and reduce, reuse, recycle!

Boss Care Kits Claim Award

July 5, 2016

Aries is excited to announce that our Boss Care Kits WON a Chairman’s Choice Award for “Most Innovative” during last week’s GMDC | Global Market Development Center General Merchandise Marketing Show! The care kits were selected from hundreds of other products and displays all vying for the honor. Steve Davis, GMDC Chairman, operates as the sole judge for this award, selecting the three products that he views as “most innovative of the year.”

You can check out our full selection of kits here, and be sure to ask your sales rep about all of our available display options!

Digital Downloads – SafeTrek App (For Walking Alone)

June 28, 2016

 

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Walking alone anywhere at night can cause anyone to feel unsafe. Whether it’s a dark parking lot, an empty parking garage, walking home late at night from class, or meeting friends in an unfamiliar area – SafeTrek allows you to be proactive with your safety.

Here’s how it works:

Before heading out, simply turn ON your SafeTrek app. SafeTrek will ask you to place your finger on the screen of your phone, and keep it there for the duration of your journey. When you safely arrive at your destination, you can remove your finger and enter in a pin code created by you. Should your finger ever come off the screen, you just need to enter in your pin. If at any time your finger comes off the screen and you fail to enter your code within ten seconds, SafeTrek will then notify the police of your location. Holding your finger on the screen prepares the message, entering the code cancels the message, not entering the code sends the alert to police.

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SafeTrek is available for Android and Apple in their appropriate marketplaces for $1.99-$3.99. SafeTrek would also make a great gift for someone who is heading off to college, works in the city, hits up the gym late at night, is a frequent traveler, etc.

 

Pros:
Available for Android and Apple
Is a safety companion when you are walking alone
Easy to use

Cons:
– Your device must be GPS and mobile data enabled
– Your device must successfully send and receive GPS and mobile data signals
– The app may not work in remote areas where service signals may be weak, or heavily crowded areas where GPS may have a difficult time connecting.

Beware of Faulty Lightning® Cables

April 1, 2016

When you use unauthorized Lightning cables or accessories that are not genuine Apple products, iOS 7 will give you a warning message “This cable or accessory is not certified and may not work reliably with this iPhone.” Currently, you may be able to dismiss the warning message, if the cord still works at all, but it is only a matter of time before Apple may completely shut out these non-genuine charging cables from working with their devices.

How? Well, what it comes down to, is what is inside that tiny, little, mysterious Lightning tip plug. Apple has placed inside the tip of each Lightning tipped plug – 4 embedded chips, including a security chip that can figure out if the connection is made by an authorized MFi (Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad) or Apple Certified partner. The Lightning connector affects the iPad Air, iPad 4, iPad Mini, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5S, iPod touch 5th generation, and the iPod nano 7th generation.

GetPower is a certified and genuine MFi partner with Apple. With GetPower’s Lightning tipped cords, you will never have to worry about getting stuck with a non-working, non-approved, or error-causing cable. Even GetPower’s packaging for its Lightning products has to go through a rigorous approval process with Apple before allowing to be placed into production, yet alone onto market shelves. GetPower believes in upholding and/or exceeding all OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) phone standards with its products. GetPower makes universal cellular accessories for phones with quality and safety as a number one priority. GetPower will not skimp on technology, power output, or safety measures just to be able to provide the lowest pricing on the market. (e.g. GetPower plugs will not “get hot,” they have no RF/radio interference/feedback.) GetPower also understands the growing power demands and needs for smartphones and tablets in the market and ensures that all its products will charge your devices efficiently. With quality products comes satisfied and happy customers.

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GetPower has an ever evolving line of MFi certified Lightning tip cables.

GetPower’s Part Numbers:
GP-PCUSB-IPH5  (2.1Amp Car Cord with Extra USB Port and Lightning Tip)
GP-USB-IPH5  (USB Charging and Sync Cable with Lightning Tip)
GP-XL-USB-L (10 Foot USB Charging and Sync Cable with Lightning Tip)
CWP-USBBOWL-iP5 (USB Charging and Sync Cable with Lightning Tip in Impulse Countertop Bowl)

So how can you tell what is or isn’t a genuine Apple or MFi certified product?
Apple MFi certification is a license showing that Apple (Apple Inc.) has authorized the accessory manufacturer to mark their products compatible with iPhone, iPod, and/or iPad. This is indicated (though sometimes duplicated) by the Made For: iPhone/iPod/iPad icon.  ALWAYS LOOK FOR THIS LOGO!

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Apple® MFi Made for logo

There are strict regulations on how Apple’s unified logos and icons can be placed onto a MFi partner’s packaging. The rate of getting MFi certified is under 5%. In order to ensure the Apple brand image, Apple requires the quality of accessories with a MFi icon to be on the same level as an Apple product. Only after passing multiple tests can this license be obtained. The accessories with a MFi icon hold a more reliable guarantee for customers than others. It is a symbol of high-quality and strength of technology for manufacturers that have successfully obtained a MFi license. Apple Inc. has issued specific and mandatory requirements that functional accessories for Apple products be produced and sold only by authorized manufacturers with a certified MFi license. Apple will not honor any warranties on their products if the product in question was used with an uncertified accessory.

Thursday’s Technology Tips

April 1, 2016

Technology moves at lightning speed, and as technology progresses, it seems like there is an endless procession of new devices to keep us connected at all times. The devices are incredibly powerful, and can perform a limitless list of tasks. It is now commonplace for people of all ages to have a smartphone. That’s not to mention the millions of tablets, iPods, digital cameras, and GPS devices that are in use all across the country. All of these devices serve as important tools in our day to day lives, but they also come with a thirst for power. It is for this reason that I highly recommend the GetPower USB and AC Wall Plate Adapter.

The new GetPower USB and AC Wall Plate Adapter is a great no-install option to offer customers; just plug and play.  The unit can easily become a semi-permanent installation by utilizing the extended wall plate screw.  The GetPower USB and AC Wall Plate Adapter offers an industry leading 4.1 Amps of total USB power, designed to easily charge a large tablet, and two smartphones all at the same time. The unit also is ETL Certified and protects your devices with surge protection during stormy weather.

The new GetPower USB and AC Wall Plate Adapter has been a transformative item in my own household. Gone are the days of having phones, iPods, and iPads plugged into multiple wall outlets, creating a never ending tangled mess, and people fighting to get a spot on the outlet. The new GetPower USB and AC Wall Plate Adapter allows you to transform a standard 2 outlet wall plate in your home to an all in one charging station. The wall adapter plate comes standard with a 3 LED light system to let you know when your device has finished charging, and it boasts 3 USB ports, 2 @ 1 Amp output to charge smartphones, and 1 @ 2.1 Amps capable of charging tablet computers. The other great feature about the LED light system is that you don’t have to get up and screen your device screen to see if your device is fully charged, the red/yellow/green status light lets you see from across the room when your device has finished charging.

The great thing is that, while adding the 3 USB ports to your standard wall outlet, you don’t have to give up the 2 standard outlets, as they are included. The GetPower USB and AC Wall Plate Adapter produces enough power to charge 3 of your wireless devices while still being able to plug in 2 of your household appliances at the same time.

Part Number:
GP-3USB-AC-AC

GetPower “Gets It” With Impulse Displays

March 24, 2016

The money spent by consumers on cellular accessories is showing no signs of slowing down, and it’s thought that the cellular accessory market will soon top $50 billion dollars. With over 7 billion devices in use globally and 327 million in the United States alone (more devices than the population), the demand for phone and tablet accessories is soaring. Turn that overwhelming demand for cellular accessories into profits for your store with the GetPower line of impulse and retail packaged universal cellular products. The majority of cellular accessory purchases are made on impulse while standing in the checkout line. The GetPower line was designed, branded, and merchandised to pull in buyers in this exact spot. Consumers can easily see and learn about product features with GetPower’s brightly-branded merchandise. Each GetPower product is carefully designed and produced to meet and/or exceed OEM quality standards and safety. The demand for better and more innovative products is growing every day– fulfill that need with GetPower products!

Check out this awesome video on YouTube, showing just a mere glimpse at the wide variety of impulse products available from the GetPower brand.