The Birds fly higher with new tech

LAST YEAR, the NFL set an agenda to bring high-tech apps to stadiums on game day, in part to lure back sports lovers who've been enjoying a more interactive rooting experience at home, watching on TV with a "second screen" tablet or phone on their laps.

This season, the Philadelphia Eagles are leading the pack with a new, free Wi-Fi service at Lincoln Financial Field, complementing an enhanced version of the Eagles official mobile app, now boasting live, in-stadium game features.

And since there's enough free streaming capacity for thousands of simultaneous users, DirecTV's new mobile edition of NFL Sunday Ticket, the NFL Red Zone app and Sirius XM's expansive mobile audio coverage also can be pulled down while you're in the stadium (see sidebar).

The downside? Looking down when you ought to be staring at the action on the field can be counterproductive. And even with the Linc's high-powered Wi-Fi, connecting to all that enhanced aptitude will guzzle lots of your mobile's battery juice.

Luckily, gizmo makers have been anticipating these multitasking needs and are answering the call with a cool assortment of portable backup power devices perfect for tailgating and in-stadium applications.

May we proudly present . . .

Eton Rugged Rukus and Rukus XL: Good-sounding portable Bluetooth speakers to wirelessly stream sound tracks from mobile phones and tablets. They're made even more versatile with a USB port to recharge your phone. And when you take one of these educated Etons outside (or sit it in a sunny window), a built-in solar panel partly replenishes the lithium ion battery. (A full solar charge takes five hours, or use AC power.)

The Rugged Rukus ($99.95) is a small, two-speaker, 1.2-pounder easily stashed in a backpack. It plays to about 100 decibels, loud enough to entertain you and a few ballpark neighbors.

The Rukus XL ($179-$200) is a tailgater's delight - a 7-pound, eight-speaker box that booms to a parking-lot-filling 108 decibels.

Duracell Powermat Go Power Long Haul: This compact, 8-ounce backup battery pack really stands out. Like Powermat accessory cases for Samsung and Apple phones, there's no need to plug the Long Haul into a wall outlet (though you can).

Instead, drop it onto a companion induction-charging station. And you can leave a Long Haul on the Powermat from game day to game day without fear of overcharging. The $129.99 device also jumps out with a hefty, 8800 mAh capacity and dual USB inputs for recharging two phones, or a phone and tablet.

Peak Electronics Mobile Power Outlet: They're hardly more expensive (starting at $29.99) than dedicated phone chargers, which likewise plug into a vehicle's accessory outlet.

But Peak Power Outlets offer at least one AC outlet (100 watt capacity) plus a USB connector for mobile devices. And bigger bubbas in the line pack enough oomph to run a laptop computer and a microwave oven. Let the tailgate party commence - at an auto supply store near you.