Wireless headphones concept sits on a charger that doubles as a speaker

Although they have been around for a long time already, it was the retirement of the 3.5mm headphone jack from smartphones that really caused a surge of interest in wireless headphones and earbuds. There is a wide variety of designs for over-ear cup headphones, most of them naturally focusing on the headphones themselves. The experience of using these accessories, however, doesn’t stop after you’ve taken them off, but most manufacturers seem to make charging headphones an afterthought. This design concept, in contrast, offers a more holistic experience, one that ensures you can continue enjoying your tunes even when your headphones are charging.

Designer: Zeta ID

Although it’s only too easy to lose one or two wireless earbuds, the small objects at least have a proper place to call their home. In contrast, larger wireless headphones have to be hung somewhere if they’re not left lying on a desk, and even then you have to remember to plug them in to charge. And, of course, you’re left with your phone or laptop speakers while its charging, perhaps with a noticeable loss in sound quality.

If earbuds and charging cases always come together, then maybe wireless headphones should also come with a wireless charger out of the box. That’s what the Eko concept tries to bring to the table, almost literally, offering a standard place where you know you’ll always find your headphones. Of course, it also charges while resting, so you can be sure that your personal listening device is always ready by the time you leave.

That stand, however, does more than just charge the headphones. It also functions as a Bluetooth speaker, so you can enjoy high-quality audio even when the headphones are docked. The concept doesn’t exactly say whether it can work independently of the headphones, but that’s often the case with Bluetooth speakers anyway. There can perhaps be a feature that could make it seamlessly switch between the headphones and the speaker as needed.

Eko also has a modern and stylish appearance, one that uses a streamlined band design instead of the usual circular cups. The speaker charging dock is a triangular prism that matches the dark motif of the headphones. One concern about the concept design is the comfort of the headphones themselves, as its speaker don’t seem to go over the ears like most designs and would instead press on it.

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Top 5 Innovative Charging Solutions That Are Transforming Device Power Management

In today’s world, we are extremely reliant on technology, we can’t survive without it, as frightening as that sounds. In such a time and age, we need innovative power solutions, that ensure our handy devices and gadgets are always charged. We need these devices to have a dependable energy supply, allowing us to stay connected with the world and productive. A new genre of power solutions has been created to meet this need – they are efficient, unique, and designed to cater to our modern living requirements. These innovative designs optimize energy usage and focus on convenience, portability, and sustainability. We have curated our top 5 innovative power solutions that will power your life with effectiveness and efficiency, ensuring your daily routine is seamless and empowered.

1. EcoFlow Power Hat

Designed by EcoFlow, this is the Power Hat. It is a sun hat with a USP! The sun-blocking rim of the hat is equipped with solar panels that don’t simply cut the glare, but also capture it and convert it into electrical power. The Power Hat was debuted at IFA 2024, and it is a unique accessory that will turn heads.

Why is it noteworthy?

When you look at the Power Hat, you may think it’s your everyday wide-brimmed hat, but the hat conceals a flexible solar panel that has been sown into the brim. This panel is designed to absorb sunlight, transforming it into usable power that charges your devices using a USB-C port that is tucked artfully in the inner band.

What we like

  • An excellent option for people who spend time outdoors such as hikers, campers, etc

What we dislike

  • The size is quite comically huge on the head and may be uncomfortable to wear

2. Mello

Say hello to Mello – the world’s sleekest high-performance charger! If you’re exhausted of traveling with bulky chargers and want to use the best tech, then you may want to get your hands on Mello. It can charge in over 200+ countries globally, including the US, UK, Europe, South America, Australia and Asia. The ultra-compact design lets you carry it wherever you like, but don’t be fooled by its minimal size, it packs a punch with its charging capabilities.

Why is it noteworthy?

The finest materials and top-notch technology were applied to create this sleek and luxurious charger. It provides 20 Watts GaN fast charging which is 3x faster than any standard charger. You can clip it onto your keychain with ease, or simply put it into your pocket as you travel.

What we like

  • Foldable and compact design
  • Compatible in 180+ countries

What we dislike

  • Pricier in comparison to other compact charging solutions

3. Solar Paper

Meet the one-of-a-kind Solar Paper! This is the world’s first solar power charger that can be easily placed inside your planner or notebook. The charger is paper thin, and also ultra lightweight. It can charge your smartphone in about 2.5 hours on a sunny day. You can also set up multiple panels using magnets to charge larger devices.

Why is it noteworthy?

Since it features a compact and lightweight form, it is great for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. They can clip the charger to their backpack, and charge it while hiking or camping. You can also easily slip it into your jacket pocket or notebook. Many solar chargers need to shut down and manually reset, but the Solar Paper automatically resets itself.

What we like

  • Lightweight form that can be carried everywhere with you
  • You can expand it if you need to charge larger devices

What we dislike

  • Its usability is limited in places with cloud cover or frequent rainy days

4. MemKeeper

When you first look at the MemKeeper you may assume it is an ordinary phone charger, but it is truly quite unique. It uses cutting-edge GaN technology and can provide 65W of power, which is more than enough for most smartphones and some laptops. It features two USB-C ports and a single USB-A port. It can charge three devices in one go in a 30W, 18W, and 18W combination.

Why is it noteworthy?

However, what makes MemKeeper unique is that it also doubles as a secure data storage solution. It automatically backs up the connected device’s data into its built-in storage, which is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities. When you charge your phone, rest assured that your smartphone’s data is safe and sound.

What we like

  • Stores data for up to 32 different devices
  • Only backs up authorized devices, so you can share the charger with friends

What we dislike

  • Doesn’t put out enough power when all ports are used simultaneously

5. Dino Charger

Say hello to the Dino Charger, which serves as more than just a typical charger. It may look typical, but it features a pill shape with one end chopped off, offering a flat surface for your smartphone. However, when your smartphone isn’t placed on it, you will see a small circular display, which functions as an interesting USP of the charger.

Why is it noteworthy?

The screen is the same size as a circular smartwatch, and it also functions as one. Even though it has small screen real estate, it showcases a few pieces of data through icons and images like the weather, battery levels, and the time. The screen also displays a Bitmoji or Apple Memoji. Most of the use of this function is left to the imagination.

What we like

  • Turns an ordinary charger into an exciting multi-functional charger

What we dislike

  • The screen is pretty much useless when a smartphone is placed on the charger

The post Top 5 Innovative Charging Solutions That Are Transforming Device Power Management first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 Innovative Charging Solutions That Are Transforming Device Power Management

In today’s world, we are extremely reliant on technology, we can’t survive without it, as frightening as that sounds. In such a time and age, we need innovative power solutions, that ensure our handy devices and gadgets are always charged. We need these devices to have a dependable energy supply, allowing us to stay connected with the world and productive. A new genre of power solutions has been created to meet this need – they are efficient, unique, and designed to cater to our modern living requirements. These innovative designs optimize energy usage and focus on convenience, portability, and sustainability. We have curated our top 5 innovative power solutions that will power your life with effectiveness and efficiency, ensuring your daily routine is seamless and empowered.

1. EcoFlow Power Hat

Designed by EcoFlow, this is the Power Hat. It is a sun hat with a USP! The sun-blocking rim of the hat is equipped with solar panels that don’t simply cut the glare, but also capture it and convert it into electrical power. The Power Hat was debuted at IFA 2024, and it is a unique accessory that will turn heads.

Why is it noteworthy?

When you look at the Power Hat, you may think it’s your everyday wide-brimmed hat, but the hat conceals a flexible solar panel that has been sown into the brim. This panel is designed to absorb sunlight, transforming it into usable power that charges your devices using a USB-C port that is tucked artfully in the inner band.

What we like

  • An excellent option for people who spend time outdoors such as hikers, campers, etc

What we dislike

  • The size is quite comically huge on the head and may be uncomfortable to wear

2. Mello

Say hello to Mello – the world’s sleekest high-performance charger! If you’re exhausted of traveling with bulky chargers and want to use the best tech, then you may want to get your hands on Mello. It can charge in over 200+ countries globally, including the US, UK, Europe, South America, Australia and Asia. The ultra-compact design lets you carry it wherever you like, but don’t be fooled by its minimal size, it packs a punch with its charging capabilities.

Why is it noteworthy?

The finest materials and top-notch technology were applied to create this sleek and luxurious charger. It provides 20 Watts GaN fast charging which is 3x faster than any standard charger. You can clip it onto your keychain with ease, or simply put it into your pocket as you travel.

What we like

  • Foldable and compact design
  • Compatible in 180+ countries

What we dislike

  • Pricier in comparison to other compact charging solutions

3. Solar Paper

Meet the one-of-a-kind Solar Paper! This is the world’s first solar power charger that can be easily placed inside your planner or notebook. The charger is paper thin, and also ultra lightweight. It can charge your smartphone in about 2.5 hours on a sunny day. You can also set up multiple panels using magnets to charge larger devices.

Why is it noteworthy?

Since it features a compact and lightweight form, it is great for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. They can clip the charger to their backpack, and charge it while hiking or camping. You can also easily slip it into your jacket pocket or notebook. Many solar chargers need to shut down and manually reset, but the Solar Paper automatically resets itself.

What we like

  • Lightweight form that can be carried everywhere with you
  • You can expand it if you need to charge larger devices

What we dislike

  • Its usability is limited in places with cloud cover or frequent rainy days

4. MemKeeper

When you first look at the MemKeeper you may assume it is an ordinary phone charger, but it is truly quite unique. It uses cutting-edge GaN technology and can provide 65W of power, which is more than enough for most smartphones and some laptops. It features two USB-C ports and a single USB-A port. It can charge three devices in one go in a 30W, 18W, and 18W combination.

Why is it noteworthy?

However, what makes MemKeeper unique is that it also doubles as a secure data storage solution. It automatically backs up the connected device’s data into its built-in storage, which is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities. When you charge your phone, rest assured that your smartphone’s data is safe and sound.

What we like

  • Stores data for up to 32 different devices
  • Only backs up authorized devices, so you can share the charger with friends

What we dislike

  • Doesn’t put out enough power when all ports are used simultaneously

5. Dino Charger

Say hello to the Dino Charger, which serves as more than just a typical charger. It may look typical, but it features a pill shape with one end chopped off, offering a flat surface for your smartphone. However, when your smartphone isn’t placed on it, you will see a small circular display, which functions as an interesting USP of the charger.

Why is it noteworthy?

The screen is the same size as a circular smartwatch, and it also functions as one. Even though it has small screen real estate, it showcases a few pieces of data through icons and images like the weather, battery levels, and the time. The screen also displays a Bitmoji or Apple Memoji. Most of the use of this function is left to the imagination.

What we like

  • Turns an ordinary charger into an exciting multi-functional charger

What we dislike

  • The screen is pretty much useless when a smartphone is placed on the charger

The post Top 5 Innovative Charging Solutions That Are Transforming Device Power Management first appeared on Yanko Design.

Cyberpunk-themed power socket box concept removes a reason to hide your cables

Cable management and hiding is not only a trend; it has even become an art form. Messy cables don’t just get in the way but are also an eyesore. But what if the cables become part of the desk’s aesthetic? What if the power strip or socket box actually gave you a reason to have those charging wires out in the open? That’s the idea behind this socket box design that appeals to gamers, geeks, and gadget lovers by giving their desks a cyberpunk aesthetic. At the same time, it also makes cable management simpler by not having to hide wires and cables in the first place.

Designer: PTPC

It has become en vogue to hide power sockets and charging ports from view, whether disguising themselves as part of the desk or simply placing them behind tables. While that may be an effective way to reduce the visual mess, it also means most of these outlets are harder to reach. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice convenience for aesthetics, especially if the aesthetic you’re aiming for isn’t the kind that adheres to clean and tidy arrangements.

Trozk is a “hardcore” socket box that makes you want to actually have your wires in plain sight by embracing the popular cyberpunk theme. As the name itself implies, this genre’s design language is sometimes messy, unrefined, and even garish. You have tangled cables, neon lights, and geometric shapes in abundance, though still executed in a stylistic and intentional manner.

The socket box concept is aptly big, boxy, and flashy. On the top, you have six universal power outlets arranged in a 2×3 grid that can accommodate almost any plug type. Beside them is a square with small LED indicators and a square LCD display for information such as power input, output, and the like. Off to the side are USB ports for charging mobile devices. The concept incorporates GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology to handle the load of having 10 ports putting out power.

Like any cyberpunk-themed gadget, Trozk has RGB lighting that highlights the top surface of the box as well as the branding in front. Because of its interesting visual, the socket box is clearly designed to be shown off, even when there are cables coming out of it. That makes it easier to plug and remove chargers at will, while also giving your desk or shelf a sci-fi vibe. Of course, you’ll still have to make sure your cables don’t get tangled up, but at least now you’ll have a cyberpunk excuse for the mess.

The post Cyberpunk-themed power socket box concept removes a reason to hide your cables first appeared on Yanko Design.

ESR Releases Hot New MagSafe Chargers with next-gen CryoBoost™ Cooling Tech

Battery life continues to be the bane of smartphone users, and the current limits of technology mean we can only cram bigger batteries inside these slim devices. Charging technologies alleviate the pain with faster charging times, while wireless charging offers convenience and comfort free from the tangles of wires. Even Apple’s MagSafe, however, has to follow the laws of physics, generating heat that not only slows down charging but also puts your safety at risk. With its brand new Qi2 MagSafe chargers, ESR is delivering safe and fast wireless charging thanks to its next-gen CryoBoost™™ technology that ensures a stable and cool charging experience without messy cables.

Designer: ESR

CryoBoost™: The Coolest, The Fastest MagSafe Charging

Charging will always generate heat, and wireless charging even more so. Not only is this dangerous, as the volatile batteries inside our phones are very sensitive to heat, it also means slower charging times because the phone and the charger might throttle output to prevent overheating. The most common solution for wireless charger manufacturers is to cool down the charger with fans, but these also rely on natural heat transfer to lower the phone’s temperature. This results in very inefficient cooling and, in some cases, condensation that could damage the phone and the battery.

With the latest iteration of its CryoBoost™ technology, ESR promises a smarter way to keep things cool. In addition to an advanced cooling fan with heat dissipation elements, it now features a patented all-open duct design that enhances airflow while also keeping the noise under 25dB, no louder than a whisper from five feet away. By directing the airflow to the back of the phone, ESR chargers with CryoBoost™ are able to keep the phone cooler more effectively, ensuring consistent maximum charging speeds all the time.

ESR 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger with Qi2 and CryoBoost™ (HaloLock)

Almost beating Apple at its own game, this new ESR 3-in-1 charger with Qi2 and CryoBoost™ offers 15W iPhone charging that tops up an iPhone 15 Pro Max to full in just 2 hours, at least a 30-minute improvement over most Qi2 chargers. Thanks to an Apple-certified 5W fast-charging for the Apple Watch, even an Apple Watch Ultra chargers in just an hour and 40 minutes, four times faster than standard 2.5W chargers that take more than 6 hours to finish. There’s also room for AirPods on the base, keeping all your essential Apple mobile devices charging in one place. The sleek minimalist design doesn’t get in the way of your desk or bedroom motif, providing an elegant visual point of interest wherever it makes its presence seen.

ESR MagSafe Car Charger with Qi2 and CryoBoost™ (HaloLock)

Charging a phone inside a car tends to get even hotter when the phone is also being used for GPS navigation. With ESR’s new MagSafe Car Charger with Qi2 and CryoBoost™, those worries are a thing of the past. The 15W charger can fill up an iPhone 15 Pro Max in just 2 hours and 7 minutes, and that’s while using GPS even. That’s more than an hour faster than most Qi2 car chargers, and about 35 minutes faster than Qi2 car chargers that have cooling fans. What makes this ESR Car Charger even more special are the 18 extra-strong N52 magnets that won’t lose their hold on the no matter how bumpy the ride gets. Plus, air vent and dashboard mounting options offer flexibility that adjusts to your car and driving style, not the other way around.

ESR Qi2 MagSlim Kickstand Power Bank 5,000mAh

Featuring a multiple award-winning built-in kickstand design, the 5,000mAh ESR Qi2 MagSlim Kickstand Power Bank is the slimmest Qi2 charger on the market and is perfect when you’re on the go. The 15W charger can get an iPhone 15 Pro to 84% in just 2 hours and 25 minutes. With a built-in kickstand and a powerful magnetic hold of up to 1,200g, you can conveniently watch videos or chat with colleagues without having to worry about running out of battery. And at only 15.5mm thick, the ESR Qi2 MagSlim Kickstand Power Bank can easily slip into bags or even pockets, ready to charge your phone anytime you need it.

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Twelve South PlugBug Chargers Hands-On at IFA: The World’s Only Chargers with Apple’s Find My feature

Remember when Apple debuted the Apple TV remote without a Find My feature and the internet collectively groaned because losing your TV remote is perhaps the single biggest cliche as far as remote controllers go? Well, here’s a similar situation – imagine losing the charger to your phone or laptop. I’m sure it’s happened to you multiple times (it literally happened to me today)… and while I don’t recommend waiting for Apple to build the Find My feature into their chargers, I really don’t need to because Twelve South beat them to it. The world’s first (and so far only) charging bricks with their own tracking chip, the Twelve South PlugBug chargers made their first appearance at IFA today. Designed to be compact, colorful, powerful, and trackable, these charging bricks are the perfect accessory for the absent-minded tech-user. Imagine misplacing your charger in a crowded cafe, at work, or under the bed at home; with Find My, you can locate it just like you would an AirTag. That’s what Twelve South brings to the table with the PlugBug 50 and the more robust PlugBug 120.

The PlugBug series comes in 2 models – the smaller 50W charger, and a larger 120W charger with replaceable heads for international travel. The smaller PlugBug 50 has a 50W output (as its name suggests) and offers dual USB-C ports, perfect for powering up your iPhone and iPad simultaneously. It’s designed to slide into your daily routine with ease, packing just enough power to handle multiple devices without taking up much space in your bag, or behind your couch.

The PlugBug 120, on the other hand, is a multi-port powerhouse with 120W of total output, enough to charge a MacBook Pro, an iPad, and two more devices—all at once. With four USB-C ports, it’s ideal for those juggling multiple gadgets, whether you’re working from a coffee shop or charging up in a hotel room. Twelve South deliberately ditched the USB-A ports for these plugs, keeping things modern and up-to-date. The standout feature, however, is the interchangeable plug heads for different regions. Whether you’re hopping between the US, UK, or Europe, the PlugBug 120 has you covered with its international plug options. It’s a simple yet effective solution for people who often find themselves digging through a bag of adapters just to get their gear charged abroad.

But what sets both chargers apart from your standard USB-C bricks is their integration with Apple’s Find My network. Misplaced your charger? No problem. You can track it via the Find My app, and yes, this even works when the charger is offline. Unlike most gadgets you lose in your daily hustle, the PlugBug can be tracked just like an AirTag. It’s a feature that’s becoming increasingly valuable as we juggle more devices in our connected lives. Due to electrical regulations, the Find My feature is powered by a tiny, replaceable battery instead of being directly connected to the plug itself (you’ll need to swap it out every year or so). This simultaneously ensures that Find My works even if the charger isn’t plugged in.

The design of both chargers doesn’t stray too far from what we’ve come to expect from Twelve South—clean, minimal, and functional. The foldable prongs on both models make them super portable, while the compact design ensures they fit into tight spots, whether at home or in cramped outlets on the road. They’re also a combination of white and bright red, so don’t worry about not spotting the charger from a mile away. If the charger does become difficult to find, the Find My is a pretty cool add-on.

As for pricing, the PlugBug 50 will run you $69.99, while the PlugBug 120 is priced at $119.99—not exactly impulse buys, but reasonable for what they offer, especially if you factor in the peace of mind that comes with never losing your charger again. Both models are expected to hit shelves by mid-September 2024.

Given how losing a charger can often feel like losing a limb, the PlugBug lineup offers a bit of relief—and a clever way to keep your tech life on track. Just remember to check Find My before you accuse the couch of eating your charger.

The post Twelve South PlugBug Chargers Hands-On at IFA: The World’s Only Chargers with Apple’s Find My feature first appeared on Yanko Design.

Disrupt the norm and liberate your charging woes with UAG’s robust and foldable SRGE 3-in-1 Travel Charger

Some gadgets have become an integral part of our lives. Arguably, these are the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods when you’re in the Apple ecosystem. Whether you are at your desk or on the road, the power in your devices is a must. The two common ways to keep them powered are to either have three different chargers plugged into as many ports, or one charging solution waiting to take turns with different devices.

This is where versatile charging solutions like the Urban Armor Gear’s SRGE 3-in-1 Travel Charger come in. A charging solution tailored to handle all three of your devices simultaneously so that they are ready to go throughout the day; the lightweight, foldable, and immensely compact charger is a one-stop solution you will need to power the devices on the go.

Designer: UAG

Urban Armor Gear is known for providing stylish yet rugged phone cases that meet US military Standards for protection against accidental drops and shocks. There is no such certification assurance for this SRGE 3-in-1 Travel/Desktop Charger, but it does have a very robust smooth PU finish exterior accompanied by a slim and folding form factor to facilitate storage and transportation.

Featuring dedicated charging slots for the iPhone, Apple Watch, and a pair of AirPods, the charger shares 5W to 15W of power to keep them wirelessly charged. The charging solution opens up like a book to reveal a MagSafe charging stand for the iPhone, while the provided 25W adapter – with three different charging tips to ensure convenience during international travel – powers the folding charger to deliver maximum possible output.

The built-in magnetic stand for the iPhone flips up to charge. It can also securely hold the phone at an optimal viewing angle if you want to consume media while the devices are charging. Designed to be carried in the backpack, or used on the nightstand, the SRGE 3-in-1 Travel Charger comes packed in a premium accessory pouch with a 4-foot braided cable and the 25W adapter (with attachments) in the box. Compatible with iPhone 12 and later; Apple Watch Series, Ultra, SE; and AirPods Pro 2nd and 3rd Gen, the UAG charger is retailing for $169.95 in gray and black colors.

The post Disrupt the norm and liberate your charging woes with UAG’s robust and foldable SRGE 3-in-1 Travel Charger first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nomad 65W AC Adapter has a genius way to charge your Apple Watch and AirPods

It’s almost a fact of an Apple user’s life that owning one product means owning two or three others or even more. iPhone owners are more likely to own AirPods or even an Apple Watch than any other earbuds or smartwatch brand, which does mean they often need accessories that support all two or three. That’s particularly true when it comes to chargers, which is why many Apple-compatible products come in a 3-in-1 design. Unfortunately, those often come with bulky designs to make space for devices, especially where wireless charging is supported because of the space the charging coils take up. This new 65W AC Power Adapter from Nomad, however, has a rather creative solution to that space problem, especially when you need to quickly charge your Apple Watch or even your AirPods.

Designer: Nomad

With so many people owning more than one electronic device, power adapters that have multiple USB ports are a common sight these days. Even Apple eventually launched a dual USB-C charger, though it ironically doesn’t have enough power to support charging multiple Apple devices at the same time, at least not when you have iPhones and iPads and more. Thankfully, there’s a thriving market for third-party accessories, leaving plenty of room for outside-the-box designs like the new Nomad 65W Power Adapter Apple Watch Edition.

As the name says, this particular power brick is designed with Apple’s smartwatch in mind, and it charges it in a rather unique way. The top of the charger is actually a wireless charger that supports not just the Apple Watch but also some AirPods with cases that support wireless charging. For Apple Watch Series 7 and later, it can even do fast charging, so you’ll be off to the races in no time flat.

That’s not the only notable feature that it has, of course. The Nomad 65W AC Adapter features two USB-C ports, each giving the full power output if used on its own, and that’s enough to even charge a MacBook Pro or fast charge a MacBook Air. If used at the same time, however, the top USB-C port indicated with a blue accent will push out 45W of power, leaving the lower port with only 20W.

Best of all, Nomad’s AC charger is nearly half the size of Apple’s official charger thanks to GaN technology. This makes the adapter a great traveling companion, and its creative design will let you easily charge your Apple Watch on a bedside wall socket, no additional charging pads or cables required.

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10 Best Designs for Phone Accessories in 2024

Smartphones are powerful pieces of technology crammed in pocket-sized slabs of metal, glass, and plastic. But while they are indeed capable of impressive feats, they naturally can’t do everything on their own. Smartphones cease to be useful when they run out of battery or, worse, get a cracked screen, and no smartphone can actually stand up without some external support. And while smartphones are made to be beautiful and durable by their manufacturers’ standards, their bare forms might not meet the needs and tastes of all users. Smartphone accessories make up a huge and diverse market, and it’s too easy to drown in the number of choices available for different categories and purposes. To help ease the stress and confusion, we’ve collected this year’s 10 best designs that let you get the most out of your smartphone experience.

Arc Pulse Bumper Phone Case

Most smartphone cases sacrifice the device’s innate beauty for added protection. Even clear cases that try to be invisible still make the phone look cheap and unrefined. It may sound like a necessary compromise, but it shouldn’t have to be the case, no pun intended, especially if you have an innovative design that gives you the best of both worlds. With a signature pressure fit, the two pieces of the Arc Pulse slide onto the bottom and top of the smartphone, protecting the most important areas of the device while leaving the rest of the phone’s beautiful design unobscured, just as it was meant to be. Plus, the Arc Pulse’s unique organic design gives your phone more personality, complementing its innate beauty without sacrificing its protection.

Designer: Arc

Why it’s noteworthy:

  • Innovative two-piece design protects the phone without ruining its style
  • Dual-layer shock absorption and distribution ensures total protection from accidents
  • Lightweight and eye-catching design enhances the smartphone’s aesthetic

Casely Power Pod MagSafe Battery Pack

Apple’s MagSafe technology revolutionized the smartphone accessory market, especially when it came to external batteries, a.k.a. power banks. No longer literally tied down by charging cables, these extra batteries are now free to be thinner, smaller, and more expressive as they stick to the back of iPhones. Casely’s line of Power Pod MagSafe Battery Packs takes to the next level with a variety of designs, ranging from minimalist single-color blocks to artistic images, including floral paintings inspired by the great Van Gogh. Of course, these aren’t just pretty faces, as each packs a 5,000 mAh battery that’s good for another 19 hours of uptime, allowing iPhone owners to charge with confidence and in style.

Designer: Casely

Why it’s noteworthy:

  • Thin and lightweight for easier handling and portability
  • Available in a variety of colors and artistic designs
  • Supports both MagSafe and Qi wireless charging as well as wired USB-C

ESR Geo Wallet Stand (HaloLock)

It has become common these days to keep your most used cards on your smartphone, be it through a folio case or, more recently, MagSafe accessories that stick to the phone’s back. After all, you almost always have your phone with you all the time, so you’re unlikely to forget or lose those cards unless you lose your phone, in which case Apple’s My Find network makes locating the device less nerve-wracking. But what if it’s the wallet itself that gets lost without the phone? That’s the stressful problem that the ESR Geo Wallet Stand tries to resolve with its built-in Find My module that uses that same Apple technology to make locating the wallet a breeze. Even better, the handsome MagSafe wallet has a finger loop and a stand, keeping the phone secure in your hand or on a table all the time.

Designer: ESR

Why it’s noteworthy:

  • Built-in My Find module to locate it even if not attached to a phone
  • Multi-functional finger loop and stand for flexibility and convenience
  • Magnetic holding force of 1,500g that’s twice as strong as official Apple wallets

Nomad Goods 65W Slim Power Adapter

Battery packs and power banks are great for charging on the go, but you might easily hit their limitations unless you carry large and heavy bricks all the time. The faster charging method is still a dedicated charger, though you might find yourself scrambling and fumbling around in your bag to pull out the right one. Nomad Goods’ 65W Slim Power Adapter solves that problem by being the only charger you need, even if you have a MacBook. Its slim profile and small footprint make it easy to quickly drop the charger in your bag or even in your pocket, ready to get you charging the moment you reach a power outlet. It can even charge an M1 MacBook at 45W and an iPhone at 20W at the same time from the same brick, potentially winning you friends by not using up all the available outlets.

Designer: Nomad Goods

Why it’s noteworthy:

  • GaN technology offers faster, safer, and more efficient charging in a smaller size
  • Space-efficient compact design with foldable prongs
  • Can charge a single device at 65W or two devices simultaneously at 45W and 20W

Peak Design Mobile Tripod

There’s no shortage of ways available today for propping up a phone, whether it’s for watching videos or making video calls, but most of them either lock you to a single angle or a single height. The Peak Design Mobile Tripod, however, offers unprecedented flexibility in how you want to make your iPhone stand, whether using it as a kickstand or setting it up on an adjustable tripod. Best of all, this mobile tripod is so slim and its magnets are so strong that you can simply snap it onto the back of your phone and take it anywhere with you, ready for your next creative endeavor.

Designer: Peak Design

Why it’s noteworthy:

  • Works as a kickstand or tripod, with a ball tension system for adjusting the angle
  • Ultra-slim 0.5cm profile with an ultra-premium machined and anodized aluminum body
  • Works with MagSafe phones or any phone with a Peak Design case or Universal Adapter

Pitaka Sunset & Moonrise MagEZ Case 5 For iPhone 15 Series

Smartphone cases not only offer added protection, they also allow for personalization and self-expression through a variety of designs. Unfortunately, those advantages come at the price of added bulk to the phone, but Pitaka is proving that it doesn’t have to be the case, no pun intended. Claiming the title of the market’s lightest and thinnest iPhone 15 MagSafe case, the Sunset and Moonrise MagEZ Case 5 adds a distinctive visual and tactile character to the phone thanks to its aramid fiber weaving. Its new Amber Magnet Film glue-free coating allows the case to be extra thin while still providing the conveniences of MagSafe charging and accessories.

Designer: PITAKA

Why it’s noteworthy:

  • Distinctive woven design captures the colors of sunset and moonrise
  • Incredibly thin and light MagEZ Case 5 construction
  • MagSafe compatible with the need for additional accessories

ShiftCam Workflow Sling Bag

Mobile photography has become a rather serious industry of its own, with a plethora of accessories like lenses and tripods to assist hobbyists and pros alike. Unlike other types of photography, however, smartphone users seem to be lacking a bag dedicated to their craft. The ShiftCam Workflow Sling finally brings that missing piece to the puzzle, offering a product that was specifically designed to cater to mobile shutterbugs, with features like dedicated spaces for lenses and MagSafe phone mounts on the strap and on the bag itself. Of course, its simple yet sleek design, not to mention its premium materials, make it a great sling bag for any purpose and occasion as well.

Designer: ShiftCam

Why it’s noteworthy:

  • Specifically designed to support mobile photographers’ workflows
  • Built-in MagSafe mounts provide hands-free video recording options
  • Made with premium and durable materials to support mobile lifestyles

Spigen iPhone 15 Slim Armor CS Case

Smartphone cases that let you carry two or three of your most important cards are nothing new, but most of the designs available today place these cards in a very conspicuous hump, sometimes even exposed for everyone to see. Having honed their skills at crafting a variety of case designs for different purposes, Spigen came out with an interesting alternative that hides those cards from view. Almost like revealing treasure behind a sliding secret door, the Spigen Slim Armor CS case for the iPhone 15 manages to hold your most frequently used cards in a hidden pocket without making the case thicker than it should be.

Designer: Spigen

Why it’s noteworthy:

  • Sliding mechanism cleverly hides two cards until they need to be used
  • Slim profile with essential protection against scratches and drops
  • Simple, elegant two-tone design

TORRAS Ostand R iPhone Case with Rotating Ring Stand

Smartphone ring holders and stands have become a popular solution mostly due to their simplicity and small footprint, but they are hardly the most aesthetic nor practical option out there. They tend to stick out from the back of your phone even when you’re not using them, and they’re positions are more or less fixed the moment you slap them on. The TORRAS Ostand R iPhone case brings all the benefits of these rings with none of the drawbacks, thanks to an innovative design that folds the ring flat when not in use and rotates it to your desired position. Plus, you don’t lose compatibility with MagSafe chargers and accessories, even while enjoying the protection that the case offers.

Designer: TORRAS

Why it’s noteworthy:

  • World’s first 360-degree Rotating Ring Stand Case with MagSafe Compatibility
  • Ring folds flat and stays out of the way when not in use
  • Minimalist design matches the aesthetics of the iPhone inside the case

Twelve South Butterfly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger

MagSafe chargers are a dime a dozen these days, but most of them fall into two camps. On one side, you have single-device chargers that can be as simple as a small disk, and on the other side you have large charging pads that can charge two or three devices at once. Proving that you don’t have to be forced to pick either side, the Twelve South Butterfly MagSafe charger combines the versatility of a multi-device wireless charger with the simplicity and portability of a small disc. The foldable design lets you quickly slip it into your pocket when you need to jet, and its unfolded form takes up almost no room at all.

Designer: Twelve South

Why it’s noteworthy:

  • Innovative design fits 2 wireless chargers in a size no bigger than your palm
  • Supports charging two devices at the same time
  • Anodized aluminum shell for durability and vegan leather surfaces to protect devices

The post 10 Best Designs for Phone Accessories in 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

REDMAGIC DAO 150W GaN Charger looks straight out of a cyberpunk game

If there was a design style that fits the gamer aesthetic almost perfectly, it would probably be cyberpunk. Bright RGB lighting, geometric patterns, and panel-like decals give a somewhat futuristic tech vibe to many gaming products, be they devices or even just accessories. That’s true not just for PCs and consoles but, lately, also for smartphones. Gaming smartphones have been trying to grab the attention of mobile gamers with their sometimes over-the-top designs. That, however, mostly applies to the phone itself but rarely to the accessories you use with it. As one of the big mobile gaming brands, REDMAGIC is trying to fill in that gap with a charger that doesn’t just look hi-tech but also promises advanced features as well.

Designer: REDMAGIC (nubia)

Phone chargers are often minimalist yet uninspiring blocks of plastic that get the job done and nothing more. Thanks to advancements in charging technologies, specifically GaN or Gallium Nitride, it has been possible to shrink charger sizes or, more importantly, implement less conventional designs and features. This charger, for example, still comes in a traditional rectangular shape, but its visual and technical features are almost out of this world.

For one, it has those RGB lighting effects that gamers just love, shining in different hues in the dark. This goes perfectly with the transparent design of the charger’s metal chassis, making the REDMAGIC DAO look almost like a miniature desktop PC. Its fanciest feature, however, is the LCD screen that is used to display details like current or charging status as well as dynamic wallpapers to truly bring out a sci-fi feel.

That’s not to say the charger is just all looks, at least not on paper. Its 150W output can charge many devices, including laptops, sometimes even simultaneously. It even has a rare DC out port that can be used for devices or laptops that use connectors other than USB. GaN technology promises that all that power won’t turn the charger into a fire hazard, at least with proper use and care.

As eye-catching as the REDMAGIC DAO 150W GaN charger may look, it also raises concerns about reliability, especially with so many extraneous features. The charger will still continue to work even if the RGB lights or screen doesn’t, but it also means paying for features you may end up never using. Still, the accessory is a nice break from the usual black and white affair that chargers seem to be locked into, and hopefully, other brands will start getting similar ideas in the near future.

The post REDMAGIC DAO 150W GaN Charger looks straight out of a cyberpunk game first appeared on Yanko Design.