We are living in a vulnerable world where a disaster can strike at any time, without the slightest warning. While power outages as a result of damage to equipment, failure at the end of the provider, or some fault at home are common; outages because of disasters are still rare. In spite of this, governments globally are advising citizens to take simple steps to prepare for power emergencies. To help you through different types of blackouts, the HR Bank is made to provide power independence at any given time and space.
This portable power bank ensures continuous energy at home with comfort and security that you can trust with your family. The versatile power storage device is imagined to store power from almost every possible – renewal or non-renewal – source. The device stores excess energy in its internal 2kWh battery from solar panels and wind turbines and then helps power your home, appliance, and more during blackouts.
The most interesting part about thee HR Bank is its human-powered ability. When the external energy source is unavailable, the user can pedal this power bank like an exercise bike to generate clean power. With its ability to double up as an exerciser, the HR Bank promotes fitness and can also become a dynamic workstation in minutes using an optional table contraption.
The HR Bank thus functions as a large power bank that can store energy from external power sources or generate its own electricity through pedaling. Through workout, while working on your system, you can generate 50-500 Wh of energy to power your smartphones, laptops or other devices. This robust and customizable power bank cum exerciser can keep you fit and power a smartphone to full charge on 15 minutes of pedaling, while pedaling it for one hour straight can generate enough power to juice up a laptop.
The body of the HR Bank is made of aluminum (for its durability, versatility, and infinite recyclability properties) and it features an electric motor by Tukas EV. Other materials comprising the pedals, saddle, and handlebar are made from birch plywood, vegan leather, and natural leather. The entire HR Bank is highly adjustable so people of all heights can use it by adjusting the saddle, handlebar, or pedal position to their liking. With the handlebars and saddle removed, this power bank cum exerciser can pack up into a size of regular luggage for easy storage or transportation.
The great thing about phones is their ability to do a whole multitude of tasks. The terrible thing about them is that they discharge at the most inconvenient time, and suddenly you’re left with 5% battery and no charger or charging point in sight. The wireless MagSafe power bank was designed for pretty much this occasion, allowing you to quickly snap a device onto the back of your phone for extra juice… and while Apple’s own MagSafe Power Bank isn’t on the shelves anymore, the (Re)Classic from Native Union does the job remarkably well. Measuring just .086cm thick (that’s as thick as your iPhone), the (Re)Classic attaches to your iPhone’s back (or any smartphone with the MagSafe sticker), letting you easily and wirelessly charge your phone. The slim design merges right into your iPhone’s profile, so you don’t have to contend with a bulky power bank that makes handling your phone difficult.
Designer: Native Union
Touted to be Native Union’s slimmest power bank ever, the (Re)Classic packs a cool 5000mAh battery that matches the one inside your iPhone, giving you a full 100% worth of extra charge to pull you through the day or even through a weekend with moderate phone use. 15W of wireless charging gets your phone juiced at the fastest wireless charging speed possible, and if that doesn’t satisfy you, plugging your phone into the power bank’s USB-C port bumps up charging speeds to 20W. The (Re)Classic supports pass-through charging too, which means you can charge the power bank WHILE it’s charging your phone or any other device.
Notably, though, it’s Native Union’s design choices that make the (Re)Classic such a nifty pick. Unlike most power banks that have housing made from either plastic or metal, the (Re)Classic opts for Yatay, a premium plant-based leather alternative made in Italy. The vegan leather feels just as premium and comfortable as regular leather while giving your power bank a distinctly different aesthetic from the plastic ones you’d find online, or the fancy metal ones that can often give your phone an industrial aesthetic which many may not like.
The Yatay-leather power bank works directly with your phone, or even complements Native Union’s own cases, which have a similar design language. LED lights on the (Re)Classic’s body let you know how much battery your power bank has, and Native Union even ships one of their top-selling braided charging cables along with each $69.99 (Re)Classic Power Bank.
When you go to coffee shops, public spaces, and even the beach, you’ll probably see people facing their screens and typing away for work or for leisure. The digital nomad and work from anywhere lifestyle is truly upon us. One of the most important things that they need is a power source since not all places have sockets. Of course there’s the pretty common powerbanks to juice up our smartphones but for those that need something a bit heavier in terms of power, there are only a few options out there.
Designers: Sam Hecht and Kim Colin of Industrial Facility
The OE1 Powerbox is a portable battery so you can power up your laptop, tablet, smartphone, and other mobile devices wherever you are. It is more than just a powerbank as it can actually charge three 70W laptops at the same time with its 250Wh of power. It has three USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a tracking device holder. It can also fit into the OE1 Storage Trolleys if you need to power larger electronics like monitors, speakers, projectors, etc. The Powerbox has a power level indicator on top so you can see the power level. It can be charged through a PowerTray or with a charging cable kit that you can purchase separately.
But on its own, the Powerbox is already powerful enough for your mobile devices. It looks like a tool box that is “meant to hold the feeling of ‘battery-ness’. It has a minimalist design since you don’t need it to look like anything other than a battery you can carry around. It is also created sustainably as it uses lithium ion phosphate (LFP) so it can have a longer life cycle. The housing uses 100% post-consumer ABS plastic making it easier to handle during the recycling process.
Of course since it’s more powerful than a powerbank, it’s not that light or can fit into your bag. But it’s still light enough that you can carry it around when needed. As someone who works outside a lot (and whose device batteries seem to be giving up on me easily), this can come in handy even if it may be a little heavy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Natural disasters can take a heavy toll on life and property, even when we’ve prepared for the worst. Floods, earthquakes, fires, and volcanic eruptions can send people running to evacuation centers where they may be safe but are hardly intact both in the body and especially in the mind. These refuge centers are often only able to provide the bare necessities when it comes to shelter and food, with electric power and heating sometimes taking a lower priority. That’s not even considering the psychological pain that all evacuees experience during these dark times, which often take a backseat because of the state emergency. Of course, all of these are important factors to consider, and this concept for an add but cute robot tries to address them in its own little way to provide both physical and mental comfort to people who have been displaced by these calamities.
Designers: Taejeong Kim, Yeji Jeon
To be fair, such shelters have to focus on what human needs to survive, like food, clothing, and a stable roof over their heads. Electricity often isn’t even viable during natural disasters when power lines are down, but considering how much we rely on electric appliances and devices these days, it has become almost just as critical. Depending on the location and the nature of the disaster, keeping warm is also important, especially if the person is shivering from shock.
POWER HUG is a product design concept that tries to bring some of that on a personal level, just enough power and warmth to bring a little comfort and ease the worries of the person. It is pretty much a big power bank, one with outlets for both USB cables as well as typical power adapters. It also has a built-in warmer to keep the person toasty, especially at night when temperatures tend to drop drastically.
What makes the design notable, however, isn’t just the features but also its form. POWER HUG comes as a cylindrical robot with two soft, bendable tubes that wrap around each end like a wheel. It has a screen in the middle to show the robot’s face and deliver a more humane touch to the design. Unlike what you might expect from robots, however, this one is covered with a thin cushion and soft fabric so that you can wrap yours around it in an embrace. Paired with its heating capability, it can deliver much-needed warmth, comfort, and perhaps even peace to a troubled person.
Considering its use in emergency situations, it’s almost necessary for POWER HUG to be made accessible and sustainable materials. Its batteries can be sourced from unused electric vehicle batteries, while its fabric can be made from recycled materials. It’s definitely an interesting idea, even if the production of such a device might not be practical, as it emphasizes humans’ need for more than just food and shelter to survive a disaster.
Braun has long been celebrated for its minimalist aesthetics and commitment to delivering high-quality consumer goods. From innovative kitchen appliances to iconic grooming devices, Braun products are a testament to functionality, durability, and timeless style. The Audio 1 concept takes inspiration from this legacy, embodying the brand’s principles in a fusion of retro design and contemporary technology.
The ideation process of this device posed a meticulous challenge, as Braun’s outwardly simple designs revealed intricate considerations in every measurement. The SK series, known for its retro design, served as a significant muse for the creators. Each element of the device, from the placement of dials to buttons, was carefully thought out, offering a unique perspective on the deliberate reasoning behind its placement.
Audio 1 stands out with its thoughtful division into two sides—one dedicated to the speaker functionality, and the other to controls and the integrated power bank. This design choice not only enhances user experience but also reflects Braun’s commitment to reducing clutter and maintaining a clean, organized appearance. Having all controls and inlets on one side ensures easier access, preventing the device from looking like a mess with wires coming out from everywhere. This strategic layout aligns with the brand’s minimalist approach, creating a seamless and aesthetically pleasing device.
Audio 1 goes beyond its elegant design by offering practicality in its compatibility with various wire types. With support for C-type and USB connections, the device caters to the diverse needs of users, ensuring a hassle-free experience and eliminating the need for multiple cables. This feature further enhances the versatility of Audio 1, making it a convenient choice for users with different devices.
Audio 1 represents a harmonious blend of retro design inspiration and modern innovation. Braun’s commitment to meticulous design considerations, minimalist aesthetics, and functionality is evident in every aspect of this innovative device. With its thoughtful division of functionality, reduced clutter, and compatibility with different wires, Audio 1 emerges not only as a stylish audio companion but also as a practical and versatile travel essential.
This is a conceptual product. Any reference to Braun is purely for representational purposes
There’s a significant demand for creatively designed power banks, as demonstrated by MChaos’ new on-the-go power bank. This product cleverly attaches to you and whatever you’re carrying. Not only did MChaos backers fund this product, but they also exceeded the funding goal by 650%. So, what makes this product so popular? Let’s delve in and find out.
Following the success of MChaos’ innovative 5,000mAh wearable power bank, launched on Kickstarter in 2023, they are back in 2024 with an even more powerful solution for tech-savvy individuals and those constantly on the move. The new MChaos device offers double the battery capacity with 10,000mAh. This advancement in wearable power technology promises to redefine how we stay charged while on the go.
The MChaos 10,000mAh power bank offers more than just increased power capacity. It improves convenience and efficiency, too. It adds a bidirectional USB-C port to the existing USB-C/Lightning cable, providing more connectivity options. The power bank also features a unique retractable tape cord and a removable carabiner, enabling you to easily attach it to backpacks or clothing for on-the-go power access.
Think about the typical problems of searching for a power bank in a bag, handling it along with other items, or struggling with tangled cords. MChaos tackles these issues directly, making charging as simple as pull, plug, and go. The retractable cord, which can extend to 28 inches, provides continuous adjustment, stopping at any point to fit your needs. The auto-locking adjustments are the best cord management system on a power bank I’ve seen. It is tested for an impressive 5,000 retractions, guaranteeing durability and dependability.
The MChaos 10,000mAh emphasizes user safety and compatibility. Constructed from fireproof materials, it offers protection against overheating and electrical problems. With its 20W max power output, it can charge a device like an iPhone to 50% in just 30 minutes. It’s also compatible with a wide variety of devices, including smartphones and gaming consoles. It takes three hours for a full charge and can charge another device simultaneously.
User feedback has dramatically influenced the design of the MChaos 10,000mAh. An extra USB-C port has been added for additional device connectivity. Responding to user demand, the company also developed a new version with a Lightning port option for the retractable cable, which will be available for an additional $10.
The overall weight measures 246g or 8.7 oz, with an overall dimension of 114.7 x 105.2 x 27mm. It’s both compact and lightweight. On a more practical side, this can quickly hook to the inside of my jack or belt loop during a hike if I’m not carrying a sling or backpack.
It comes in Pearl White and Stellar Gray – depending on your taste, you can’t go wrong with either color. I like the Stellar Gray, allowing for better contrast with the intuitive battery pad that pops up when you slightly tug at the cable.
Ever had a charging cable but nowhere to plug it? Or a power bank but no charging cable to connect it to your phone? The IVYCable Gen2 is an oddly brilliant product that solves both those problems. Designed like a relatively thick charging cord, the IVYCable Gen2 actually has four separate power banks built into its design. They’re all connected together, giving you up to 2800mAh of storage, and boast a clever magnetic design that lets the entire cable snap into a rectangular shape for easy, tangle-free carrying no matter where you go. Either use it as a charging cable by connecting it to a power brick/outlet… or just plug the cable into the phone on its own – the IVYCable Gen2 doubles as either a pass-through charging cable, or a power bank. Isn’t that simply genius?!
The IVYCable Gen2’s design sits at the unique cross-section between cables and power banks. It’s thicker than your conventional cable, yet much thinner than any power bank, with a magnetic design that lets it snap together or apart, depending on whether you want a compact portable mass, or a long cable for charging your devices. The highlight, however, is the five mini power banks that connect together to form the IVYCable Gen2. With a Type-A port at one end, a Type-C port at another, and flexible TPU connectors in between, the IVYCable Gen2’s five power banks have a max capacity of 2800mAh – enough to charge your phone from 0-100. The magnetic snapping action of the individual power bank modules also gives the IVYCable Gen2 the appeal of a fidget toy with how effortlessly (and satisfyingly) it shapeshifts from compressed to extended formats.
The IVYCable Gen2 solves a unique problem by bridging the gap between charging cables and power banks in a fun, addictive way
This unique shapeshifting design allows the IVYCable Gen2 to be used both as a charging cord, or a power bank. As a charging cord, the IVYCable Gen2 works with both Android and iOS devices thanks to its USB-C to Lightning connector that lets you swap between the two ports depending on what device you have. The cable works as a pass-through charging apparatus, outputting 10.5W of max power. That may not be a lot compared to the kinds of superspeed cables that go as high as 120W to fast-charge your devices, but the IVYCable Gen2’s 10.5W is a comfortable balance between speed and safety, ensuring your phone’s battery doesn’t degrade too fast. Meanwhile, when used as a pass-through charging cable, the IVYCable Gen2 charges its own batteries too, knocking two birds with one stone.
Disconnect the cable from a power source and it BECOMES the power source. The IVYCable Gen2’s built-in power bank immediately kicks into action, giving you battery backup for your phone or any other device just when you need it. The magnetic snapping feature then comes in hand, allowing you to bunch the cable up into a rectangular mass that you can then carry around with your phone easily (or slip it right into your pocket along with your phone). The fact that it has its own built-in charging ports means you don’t need a separate cable (which you would with regular power banks), and the best part is its ability to extend into a ‘long’ power bank if you want to keep the IVYCable Gen2 in your handbag but have your phone in your hand.
The unique design format, however, is the IVYCable Gen2’s most impressive feature. It solves a problem that not many people ever thought of solving, by creating a charging cable with a built-in battery that also has the ability to charge your phone on its own without being plugged in. It’s convenient to carry, easy to use, and the magnetic feature works both as a great organization tool (ensuring your cable never gets bunched or knotted up) to keep your desk and bag clean, as well as a fidget toy that your hands will want to play with all the time!
The IVYCable Gen2 comes in two color options – a classic silver version, and a stealthy anodized black variant. Both start at $43 (discounted from the original $69) and ship internationally starting April 2024.
Virtually everyone who’s tried the Vision Pro has mentioned one pain-point, its external battery pack. Designed to strap to your Vision Pro like an IV drip for your headset, this battery pack isn’t particularly elegantly designed. It’s a rather heavy metal cuboid that’s tethered to your headset, and the only way to elegantly store it while in use is to slide it into your pocket – leaving a sole wire that dangles from your head to your waist, coming in the way of your hand while you move around.
It’s almost like Apple WANTS you to know that they’re great at primary products but terrible at accessories, after various debacles surrounding the questionable designs of the Magic Mouse, the Air Power Mat, the Gen 1 Apple Pencil’s charging solution, and the carrying case for the AirPods Max. The Vision Pro’s battery pack is yet another example of Apple’s questionable approach to product functionality, but it seems like ZyberVR has a better fix. The Neck Power Bank, as its name suggests, straps two lithium-ion battery packs around your neck. Perfect for spatial computing, this power bank rests naturally along the curve of your neck, and connects to your AR/VR headset via a rather short cable. It’s an elegant solution to a rather simple problem, and even allows you to move around unencumbered.
The Neck Power Bank assumes the familiar horseshoe shape of a neck pillow, a pair of sporty earphones, or one of those neck-worn air conditioners. The power bank boasts a fresh and ergonomic design that sets it apart from the rest. Featuring a flexible center frame, it simplifies the process of unfolding and wearing it comfortably around your neck. Prioritizing ergonomic principles, it skillfully redistributes weight onto your shoulders, effectively relieving neck strain. The product seamlessly conforms to your shoulder’s natural curve, ensuring a secure fit during physical activities and minimizing unwanted shaking. This cutting-edge design departs from convention, effectively eliminating the discomfort often associated with prolonged use and offering users a more convenient, stable, and enjoyable charging experience.
With a robust overall capacity of 10,000mAh, the neck-worn device ensures a seamless 2-3 hours of XR device use, freeing users from battery anxiety. Additionally, the Neck Power Bank packs a removable 5000mAh backup battery that can be hot-swapped during use. Thanks to the quick-release switch, users can effortlessly swap out a depleted battery in a matter of seconds. The removed battery can be charged independently, guaranteeing uninterrupted power and catering to the demands of power users.
A USB-C port allows you to connect the power bank to a host of AR/VR headsets like Meta’s Quest series, Sony’s PlayStation VR, or even other devices like headphones or even your smartphone. ZyberVR even boasts compatibility with Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset, although you’d need a proprietary connector cable that can attach to the Vision Pro (which launches February 2nd). That shouldn’t take time, as Apple would probably want third-party manufacturers to build out accessories to make the headset more lucrative. After all, if they want developers to start building a software ecosystem around the product… a hardware ecosystem would surely help contribute to the Vision Pro’s eventual success!
Touted as the world’s first power-bank with its own turbo-cooling feature, the Icemag power bank keeps itself (and your phone) breezy while charging. An ultra-silent fan moves at speeds of 8000 RPM, actively cooling the battery pack inside while the Icemag wirelessly charges your phone, preventing anything from heating up during the charging process.
Sharge has pretty much solidified its reputation for building some of the most incredible-looking charging equipment of our time. Whether it’s the transparent 170W power bank with its own LED display, or the tiny yet indomitable Flow Mini power bank that’s small enough to blend right into your phone’s design, becoming its dedicated second battery, Sharge’s built a rather wonderful ecosystem of charging gear that’s both powerful and unmistakably eye-catching. The Icemag joins that ecosystem as a first for both Sharge and the world – the 10,000mAh MagSafe battery pack comes with its own active cooling system that pushes hot air out from around the lithium-ion battery, increasing its life and overall efficiency as it charges your phone. It also comes as a rather opportune time, as Apple silently killed its own MagSafe power bank, leaving a void in the marketplace.
The Icemag has the same proportions as Apple’s MagSafe power bank, albeit with that aforementioned cooling system and a whopping 10,000mAh battery that charges your entire phone twice over with enough extra juice left to spare for a third charge. It sports Sharge’s unmistakable aesthetic, with a transparent panel on the front that lets you peer into the electronics inside – namely the lithium ion battery, the PCB, and that active cooling system.
The active cooling system kicks in the second the Icemag is connected to a device (whether through MagSafe or via USB-C cable). The tiny fan outputs an impressive 8000 RPM, helping circulate air within the Icemag to keep the battery actively cooled (rather than relying on a metal heat-sink like other charging apparatus). The fan operates at a deadly silent <25dB, and it was practically inaudible in the buzz and chatter of the CES floor. What was noticeable, however, was the RGB lighting around the fan that changed colors as the Icemag juiced your device. It served as a nice visual indicator of the Icemag’s activity, especially given Sharge’s tech-geek and gamer-centric audience.
The compact power bank snaps satisfyingly onto the back of your MagSafe phone, beginning the charging process instantly. An indicator on the side shows exactly how much power the Icemag’s battery still has, while a USB-C port on the base supports both power in as well as out. This means the USB-C port can be used to charge the Icemag itself or can be used to connect the Icemag to another phone to charge it conventionally (without using the MagSafe wireless charging feature). The Icemag supports pass-through charging too, letting you charge it while it wirelessly juices your smartphone, and as far as charging speeds go, the Icemag’s wireless charging coil outputs a maximum 7.5W. If you want to tap into higher speeds, connecting your phone/device via USB-C gives you an output of 20W, charging your gadgets significantly faster for when you’re in a bind.
The Icemag balances its responsibilities of being handy, eye-catching, and functional rather well. It’s compact for its capacity and weighs just 223 grams (7.9 ounces), allowing it to securely attach to the back of your phone without any problems. The 10,000mAh battery is absolutely perfect for people who blow through their phones during the day, giving you an extra battery that can support your phone multiple times. The transparent aesthetic and active cooling system, however, steal the limelight for the gorgeous nerdy-cool aesthetic they give the Icemag. The term nerdy-cool probably gets used literally in this sense because of the Icemag’s ability to keep itself at manageable temperatures as it charges your phone. I dare you to find a MagSafe power bank that’s as gorgeously functional as this one…
, a premium plant-based leather alternative made in Italy. The vegan leather feels just as premium and comfortable as regular leather while giving your power bank a distinctly different aesthetic from the plastic ones you’d find online, or the fancy metal ones that can often give your phone an industrial aesthetic which many may not like.
