Instruction: Given a question and the related document, and generate the answer to the question based on the information provided in the document.

Input:
Question: Not all battery packs allow one to charge the battery while *simultaneously* charging devices plugged into the battery. Does this unit allow for this?
Document: This battery has "Smart" USB ports that configure themselves to allow the recharging device to charge at full speed. This greatly simplifies the process and allows the user to just plug in devices without worrying about Apple vs. Android or the use of special cables. Things have gotten much simpler.Since you'll need to recharge this after use you need to be able to perform the charging process in a reasonable amount of time. This unit recharges in just over 8 hours.
This is my first foray into battery packs for charging. So this will be a truly first time review of such a product.Design/Build Quality:This is one of the major points when it comes to my mobile devices. The pack itself feels like all plastic, but it doesn't flex or creak or even look like it has seams. There are two things that stood out in this department. One of them being the status indicator of charge for the device.
The 2nd gen Astro3 is the best or one of the best battery backups I've ever seen, I can charge my phone (GS4) almost 4 times at full speed like if it is charging with a wall plug, and also because of the 3 ports I can charge my devices simultaneously without the need to wait in line. The texture of the battery is very smooth and leaves no finger-print and the included pouch is excellent to protect it.
Very few chargers can charge 3 devices simultaneously with one of those devices being a power hungry iPad 3. Although I believe it can't charge an iPad 4 plus 2 smartphones simultaneously because of its max of 4A output. Still an impressive battery backup nonetheless. The only two faults I can think of is shake to turn on (kinda inconvenient with your cables connected) and that it's slightly slower than charging via wall outlet with an official Apple charger.
I have considered trying some of the other brand of external battery packs, but I have had such good luck with the Anker units, that I would rather just stick with them. This was my second unit, I also have and older style version that I had purchased before. I am actually getting ready to order another one. This one works great. No buttons to push or anything. Just connect your charging cable to it and give it a little shake.
Repeated for my iphone. Both devices had about 50% battery life left. After about 3 hours, both were fully charged and the Anker still had 50% indicator. Next day plugged in the Anker and went out for family event. Came back 8 hours alter, and the unit had a full charge. So, no issues there.Nice device, good design except the &#34;shaking&#34; aspect of turning it on.
The portable battery charger appears to be well-made and solidly constructed. I have owned this product for three weeks and used it to charge an iPad and iPhone 5S. It works as advertised. I've also taken it in my airline carry-on personal item and found it convenient to not worry about finding an airport outlet during airline connection layovers. I have not yet charged multiple devices simultaneously, but I think three charging ports will be very useful on family vacations.
Huge, heavy, and takes FOREVER to charge it back up from dead. I love having it as a back up as it will charge my phone 3 times and my bluetooth headphones also (simultaneously). But the length of time it takes to recharge this backup battery is over 24 hours. I'm not sure if its the cable or what, but even plugged in to an outlet takes way too long in my opinion. *** UPDATE January 9, 2014.
This is a nice convenience factor for most external batteries. I also like the fact that the battery doesn't get very hot when charging my devices.Ideal Consumers: This device is great for literally anyone, especially those who need a lot of power on the go for a single device or multiple devices. The amount of power it packs for its small size is really quite impressive.
My older Anker worked great, but this one is even better. The old one, with my Nexus 5 running Ingress, would still allow my phone to slowly (very slowly mind you) drain when charging through the 2A port. This battery, keeps it topped off and lasts for days. I will likely be purchasing a duplicate of this battery for my fiancee in the future.
Answer: No sadly you cannot charge a device using the astro3 whilst it is charging.