Clicks is bringing its physical keyboard products to CES yet again, and these are chock full of nostalgia. The company has also unveiled its first smartphone, aimed at "communication, not consumption," that it says will function as a second phone used mostly for messaging.
The phone is dubbed the Clicks Communicator and features a tactile keyboard, a 4-inch OLED display, a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable microSD storage up to 2TB. The interface is built on Android 16 and supports hardware-level encryption.
Even though Clicks says it wants to leave "content capture" to a users' primary device, the Communicator still sports a 50MP main camera and 24MP front camera. The phone also has NFC to support Google Pay, along with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability. Its 4,000 mAh battery can be charged via USB-C or wireless charging.
While the Communicator may look like a Blackberry or Palm device from days gone by, it carries modern features like a fingerprint sensor in the spacebar. It also has what Clicks calls a Signal LED, which is a customizable alert light that lets users know when specific people or apps are causing notifications.
As much as Clicks talks about its new phone as a secondary device, it follows the trend of minimalist or "dumb" phones as more users pull away from an overexposure to technology, social media and notifications. Some might even find it compelling as a primary device. But the secondary device idea feels unproven: having two phones would mean two phone plans with two phone numbers, which could be impractical for many users. The Communicator can be reserved now for $399 and will increase to $499 on February 27.
For users wanting a tactile keyboard to use with standard smartphones, Clicks has made the Power Keyboard. It features a QWERTY layout with directional keys and a number row. It attaches via MagSafe or Qi2 and has a 2,150 mAh battery to help keep your phone topped up. The phone can then be flipped into either a horizontal or vertical orientation, which ends up resembling a T-Mobile Sidekick.
Clicks
The keyboard is compatible with both iOS and Android and since it pairs via Bluetooth, it can also be used with tablets, smart TVs and virtual reality headsets. Pre-orders for the Power Keyboard will open January 2 and an actual launch is expected in the spring. The keyboard will retail for $110, though early-bird pricing is available for $80.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/clicks-is-bringing-its-first-smartphone-and-a-new-keyboard-to-ces-2026-182239003.html?src=rss
There’s a good chance you own a couple of gadgets that support wireless charging now, be it your iPhone or Android phone, wireless earbuds or smartwatch. Multi-device wireless chargers can help power them all up in one place, without the need for a bunch of cords messing up your space. There are dozens of these accessories out there today, and we’ve tested a bunch of the most popular models. You’ll find out top picks below for the best wireless charging pads, plus some advice on how to choose the right one for your needs.
Do wireless charging pads work with any phone or device?
The short answer is no, but the long and more detailed answer starts with it depends. Regular old wireless charging pucks should work with any device that’s compatible with the same wireless charging standard that the charger supports. Smartphones and other mobile devices that support wireless charging nowadays are likely to support the Qi standard, so double check that your phone or gadget fits that bill and it should work with any Qi wireless charging pad (all of our top picks fall into this category).
When it comes to multi-device chargers, things can get a little tricky. Rather than starting your search looking for the most universally adaptable accessory, consider the devices you have and aspire to own in the future. If you’re an iPhone user with an Apple Watch, you may want to look for a wireless charger that has a Watch pad built in. Ditto if you’re a Samsung phone owner and use a Galaxy Watch. Some earbuds support wireless charging, but you’ll only need an open pad or space on your multi-device charger where you can sit the earbuds in their case down for a power-up.
Those with iPhone 12s and newer Apple smartphones can take advantage of MagSafe chargers, which magnetically attach to their handsets. Android devices don’t support Apple’s proprietary MagSafe technology, but you can buy a magnetic adapter for pretty cheap that will allow your Samsung or Pixel phone to work with MagSafe multi-device chargers. You’ll also need that to get full Qi2 goodness with newer Android phones like the Galaxy S25 series, which are “Qi2 ready,” but since they do not have magnets built in, aren’t precisely Qi2 compliant.
How to pick the best wireless charging pad for your needs
Even without a charging cable to worry about, you’re probably buying a multi-device wireless charger with one location in mind. It might sit on your nightstand or on your desk. Not everyone buys a charger just for themselves, though; you might want to use one as a shared station for you and a partner.
If the charger will sit on your nightstand, you’ll likely want a compact, stable unit that won’t swallow all your free space or tumble to the floor (and if it does fall, one with enough durability to survive). Some may prefer a lay-flat design if your phone screen has a tendency to keep you awake at night. Others might use their phone as their alarm clock, in which case you may want a stand that keeps the screen within reach and eyeshot. This is also the preferred design if you use Standby Mode on iPhones.
A vertical orientation may be best for a charger that lives on your desk so you can more easily check notifications throughout the day. Will the charger sit on a low table? Horizontal charger pads may make it easier to grab your devices in a hurry. Travel chargers should fold up or otherwise protect the pads while they’re in your bag. And, yes, aesthetics count. You may want something pretty if it’s likely to sit in a posh room where guests will see it.
For vehicles, consider a wireless car charger if you frequently need to top off your device on the go. These chargers combine convenience with functionality, ensuring your phone stays powered while you’re navigating and taking calls at the same time. We also heavily recommend a magnetic charger so there’s less of a chance your phone will go flying into the passenger’s seat the next time you hit a pothole.
Wireless charging speed and performance
It’s no secret that wireless charging is slower than wired, and powering multiple devices adds a new wrinkle. As these chargers often have to support a wide range of hardware, you’ll have to forget about the fastest, device-specific options from brands like Google, OnePlus and Samsung.
Today, most wireless chargers come in at 15W for phones. The latest Qi2 standard can get you up to 25W of power with a compatible smartphone. These speeds are improving bit by bit, but they're still not quite as fast as wired charging. It’s rare that you’ll find a truly slow-as-molasses example, mind you. Even some of the most affordable options we’ve seen will recharge your phone at a reasonable 7.5W or 10W, and the 5W for other devices like wireless earbuds is more than enough.
If you’re only docking overnight or while you work, speed won’t make a huge difference. Just be sure that whatever you buy is powerful enough for a phone in a case. Some chargers may also include an AC adapter in the box. If not, make sure you’re using one with the right power level to get the fastest charge.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-multi-device-wireless-charging-pads-120557582.html?src=rss
If you’ve upgraded your phone recently, there’s a good chance it supports wireless charging. Battery life can be one of the first things to deteriorate as your phone ages, so you’ll need quick and easy ways to power up wherever you are. You may not always be able to have a cable on your person, but investing in a wireless phone charger (or a few) can make it more convenient to plop your phone down and know it’ll have more juice when you pick it back up again.
While you’re not going to get the same charging speed with a wireless charger that you would with a power cable, the convenience of a power source like this is undeniable. Stick a wireless charger on your bedside, on your desk at work, in your kitchen or wherever you spend a good chunk of your time and you’ll have a reliable way to power up your phone, sans bulky, messy cables. Needless to say, there are a ton of options out there with different charging capabilities and price ranges. Below, we’ve collected the best wireless chargers we’ve tested to make your search a little easier.
While it’s tempting to buy a wireless charging pad optimized for the specific phone you have now, resist that urge. Instead, think about the types of devices (phones included) that you could see yourself using in the near future. If you’re sure you’ll use iPhones for a long time, an Apple MagSafe-compatible magnetic wireless charger will be faster and more convenient. If you use Android phones or think you might switch sides, however, you’ll want a more universal design. If you have other accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch that supports wireless charging, maybe you’d be better off with a 3-in-1 wireless charger or full wireless charging station.
Where and how will you use your charger?
Odds are that you have a specific use case in mind for your charger. You may want it by your bedside on your nightstand for a quick charge in the morning, or on your desk for at-a-glance notifications. You might even keep it in your bag for convenient travel charging instead of bulky portable chargers or power banks. Think about where you want to use this accessory and what you want to do with the device(s) it charges while it’s powering up. For example, a wireless charging pad might be better for bedside use if you just want to be able to drop your phone down at the end of a long day and know it’ll be powered up in the morning. However, a stand will be better if you have an iPhone and want to make use of the Standby feature during the nighttime hours.
For a desk wireless charger, a stand lets you more easily glance at phone notifications throughout the day. For traveling, undoubtedly, a puck-style charging pad is best since it will take up much less space in your bag than a stand would. Many power banks also include wireless charging pads built in, so one of those might make even more sense for those who are always on the go. Some foldable chargers are also designed for travel, collapsing flat to take up less space.
Wireless charging performance
Although wireless charging is usually slower than its wired equivalent, speed and wattage are still important considerations. A fast charger can supply enough power for a long night out in the time it takes to change outfits. Look for options that promise faster charging and support standards like Qi2 certified charging for the best balance of efficiency and compatibility.
In general, a 15W charger is more than quick enough for most situations, and you’ll need a MagSafe-compatible charger to extract that level of performance from an iPhone. With that said, even the slower 7.5W and 10W chargers are fast enough for an overnight power-up. If anything, you’ll want to worry more about support for cases. While many models can deliver power through a reasonably thick case (typically 3mm to 5mm), you’ll occasionally run into examples that only work with naked phones.
There are some proprietary chargers that smash the 15W barrier if you have the right phone. Apple’s latest MagSafe charging pad can provide up to 25W of wireless power to compatible iPhones when paired with a 30W or 35W adapter — the latter being another component you’ll have to get right to make sure the whole equation works as fast as it possibly can.
Quality and box contents
Pay attention to what’s included in the box. Some wireless chargers don’t include power adapters, and others may even ask you to reuse your phone’s USB-C charging cable. What may seem to be a bargain may prove expensive if you have to buy extras just to use it properly. As mentioned above, you’ll want to make sure all of the components needed to use the wireless charger can provide the level of power you need — you’re only as strong (or in this case, fast) as your weakest link.
Fit and finish is also worth considering. You’re likely going to use your wireless charger every day, so even small differences in build quality could make the difference between joy and frustration. If your charger doesn’t use MagSafe-compatible tech, textured surfaces like fabric or rubberized plastic are more likely to keep your phone in place. The base should be grippy or weighty enough that the charger won’t slide around. Also double check that the wireless charger you’re considering can support phones outfitted with cases — the specifications are usually listed in the charger’s description or specs.
You’ll also want to think about the minor conveniences. Status lights are useful for indicating correct phone placement, but an overly bright light can be distracting. Ideally, the light dims or shuts off after a certain period of time. And while we caution against lips and trays that limit compatibility, you may still want some barriers to prevent your device falling off its perch on the charging station.
Wireless chargers FAQs
Do wireless chargers work if you have a phone case?
Many wireless chargers do work if you leave the case on your phone. Generally, a case up to 3mm thick should be compatible with most wireless chargers. However, you should check the manufacturer’s guide to ensure a case is supported.
How do I know if my phone supports wireless charging?
Checking the phone’s specification should tell you if your phone is compatible with wireless charging. You might see words like “Qi wireless charging” or “wireless charging compatible.”
Do cords charge your phone faster?
Most often, wired charging will be faster than wireless charging. However, wired charging also depends on what the charging cable’s speed is and how much power it’s designed to carry. A quick-charging cable that can transmit up to 120W of power is going to be faster than a wireless charger.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-wireless-charger-140036359.html?src=rss
Meta has announced that BirdyChat and Haiket are the first third-party messaging services that will have interoperability with WhatsApp in the European Union. The company has been working on enabling third-party chats since 2023 after the rules of the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) came into effect. It apparently held small scale tests over the past few months to make sure WhatsApp does work with BirdyChat and Haiket, and it will roll out integration with the services across Europe “soon.”
Users will be able to send messages, images, voice messages, videos and files between the messaging services whether they’re on Android or iOS. To those wondering, any messaging service Meta teams up with will need to have the same level of end-to-end encryption as WhatsApp under DMA’s rules. Users will see a notification in their Settings tab on WhatsApp over the coming months when BirdyChat and Haiket integration becomes available, telling them how they can opt-in to third-party chats. They can choose not to enable the feature at all or to switch it off anytime they want.
When Meta released details detailing how WhatsApp will work with other messengers, the company said that users will be able to create group chats with their friends on its partner apps. That feature won’t be available at launch, though, and will come later when Meta’s partners are ready to support the capability. Meta also said that it will continue expanding WhatsApp’s interoperability with more apps, as it’s required to do so under the DMA.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/whatsapp-enables-interoperability-with-two-other-messengers-in-the-eu-140000835.html?src=rss
Your iPhone may soon be able to do more than call for emergency help and send messages via satellite, according to the latest Power On newsletter. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple is planning to expand on satellite features available on iPhones.
Apple introduced the ability to send and receive texts with the Messages via Satellite feature last year, but is reportedly looking to enhance this with the option to send photos too. Beyond texting, Apple wants to enable 5G NTN support on its iPhones, which allows cell towers to get a coverage boost by tapping into satellites, according to Gurman. For anyone who needs directions in a remote area without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, Apple reportedly has plans to introduce satellite connectivity to Apple Maps.
Along with these upgrades, Gurman reported that Apple is looking into "natural usage" improvements where users won't have to point their iPhones towards the sky to connect to a satellite network. Instead, an iPhone could stay connected even when there's no clear view of the sky, like in indoor environments. On the developer side of things, Gurman said that Apple is also working on an API that allows app makers to add satellite connections.
There's no timeline for when these rumored satellite features will go live, but Apple previously waited a couple of years between introducing Emergency SOS via Satellite in 2022 and Messages via Satellite with the release of iOS 18.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-is-reportedly-working-on-more-satellite-features-for-iphone-172151203.html?src=rss
WhatsApp added voice message transcripts on Thursday. Handy for when you’re in a loud environment (or if you prefer reading over listening), they’ll be rendered on-device, so they’ll remain encrypted and private.
To set them up, head to Settings > Chats > Voice message transcripts and toggle the feature on. There, you can also pick your preferred language. Once set up, you can transcribe a message by long-pressing on it and tapping “transcribe.”
The feature will roll out globally over the coming weeks, so you may not see it right away. WhatsApp says message transcripts are launching in only “a few select languages,” but the company plans to add more in the coming months.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has apparently earmarked this week for new messaging features. On Wednesday, Messenger added the ability to leave audio or video messages if a call goes unanswered. Also new in Messenger are AI video call backgrounds, HD video calling, background noise suppression and voice isolation.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/whatsapp-adds-voice-message-transcripts-170148660.html?src=rss
It has long been possible to listen to music from within Opera's browser. If you go down its sidebar, you'll see a player icon where you can choose from Apple Music, Spotify and Deezer and then log into any of them with your account details. But now Opera has teamed up with Spotify and has made the music streaming service the default option on the company's flagship browser with generative AI features, Opera One.
After logging into your account and activating the player, you'll be able to detach it from the sidebar and move it around the screen to a place that wouldn't interrupt your workflow. The player will float inside the browser and will not disappear if you tab away. It also automatically fades out the audio that's currently playing when you join meetings and calls. Your songs will remain paused for the duration of the call or meeting and will resume as soon as it's over.
Perhaps the best thing about the companies' teamup, if you live in a certain location at least, is that you can get Spotify Premium for free if you don't have a subscription yet. If you're in Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the UK, the US or Vietnam, you can redeem two to three months of Spotify Premium at no cost from within the browser's sidebar.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/spotify-is-now-the-default-music-player-in-the-opera-one-browser-090024069.html?src=rss
The Federal Communications Commission has given Starlink and T-Mobile permission to enable their satellite texting service for Florida residents ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall. In an announcement on X, SpaceX said that Starlink's Direct to Cell satellites will provide emergency alerts for all phones and carriers, not just T-Mobile's, for those in affected areas. The companies have also enabled basic texting for T-Mobile subscribers, so that they can send and receive texts, as well as text 911 for emergencies, even if they get cut off from the carrier's network in the midst of the storm.
SpaceX said the companies have activated Direct to Cell for Florida while it's also in the middle of delivering over 10,000 Starlink kits in response to Hurricane Helene. A few days ago, the FCC allowed T-Mobile and Starlink to activate their Direct to Cell service for North Carolina, where more than half of cell towers temporarily went out of commission due to the hurricane.
Starlink's and T-Mobile's Direct to Cell service hasn't been fully deployed yet. They'd only sent and received the first text messages using the technology back in January. And while they're aiming to start offering their messaging service this year, T-Mobile said they'd deployed an "early test version" of it in the hurricane-hit areas.
Users will know if their phone connects to a Starlink satellite if they only have one-to-two bars of signal and their network name says "T-Mobile SpaceX." The private space company said they'd have to manually try re-sending messages if they didn't go through the first time and that the service works best outdoors. If users can't get to open spaces safely, they can also try sending messages indoors near a window.
In addition to the thousands (>10k) of Starlink kits we are delivering in response to Hurricane Helene, the @Starlink team and @TMobile activated our Direct to Cell satellites to provide emergency alerts for all phones and carriers of those in affected areas.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/t-mobile-and-starlink-enable-their-satellite-texting-service-in-florida-100013275.html?src=rss
Update, September 17, 9:35AM ET: This deal has ended on the green model but is still available on lilac purple. Furthermore, additional early October Prime Day deals are now available alongside the official announcement of Amazon's autumn sale event.
The temperature will soon be dropping and that means we have more excuses to stay inside and dig into the games we love. If you're a computer gamer looking to upgrade your setup in anticipation, then now might just be the time to do it. Currently, 8Bitdo's Ultimate C Wired Controller is available for $15, down from $20 — a 25 percent discount. The sale brings this controller to a new all-time low price, a dollar less than it was on Prime Day.
You can get the marked-down 8Bitdo Ultimate C Wired Controller in Lilac Purple (Field Green, pictured, has since returned to full price). The controller is compatible with Steam Deck, Windows and Android, though the rumble vibrations only work on Windows. It also has a plug-and-play for a PC with a USB cord attached.
If you can't be bothered with a wired controller, check out 8Bitdo's Ultimate C Wireless model. Right now, it's full price at $30 but has dropped to $25 in the past. It runs up to 25 hours on a charge and connects to your device through a 2.4GHz USB dongle.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/8bitdos-ultimate-c-controller-is-cheaper-than-it-was-on-prime-day-at-only-15-135145286.html?src=rss
AST SpaceMobile is taking another step toward its goal of providing a space-based mobile communications network — one that would turn any standard smartphone into a satellite phone, no additional hardware required. After announcing that its network of five commercial satellites is scheduled to launch into low-Earth orbit on September 12, the launch took place successfully this morning. You can watch the launch below; the 10-second countdown starts at 1:16:09 in the video.
The company's five BlueBird satellites are equipped with communications arrays that aim to provide standard off-the-shelf smartphones with the same voice, data and video speeds as a broadband tower. Once in orbit, AST's satellites will provide "non-continuous cellular broadband service across the United States and in select markets globally." The network can allow unmodified mobile phones to act as satellite phones, which would provide an option for cell users to communicate even in areas with limited broadband tower coverage, such as rural communities or national parks.
At the start, this BlueBird network will be focused on servicing beta test customers from the AT&T and Verizon networks. AST landed a deal with AT&T in May to offer satellite communication to its customers. The company also worked with AT&T to complete its first successful two-way voice call over its satellites in April 2023, followed by a successful 4G data download test in June 2023.
Update, September 12 2024, 11:07AM ET: This story has been updated to confirm that the launch took place successfully this morning.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/starlink-competitor-ast-spacemobile-launched-its-bluebird-smartphone-satellites-this-morning-184506110.html?src=rss