Wireless charging is finally becoming more common but despite the freedom from tangling cables that the technology offers, wireless chargers still have a few inconveniences, especially when it comes to aesthetics. Only a few of these products can be considered pleasing to look at, especially when mixed with the rest of your room decor. And they still have at least one cable snaking out of their bodies, which might be difficult to hide depending on where you place the chargers. In an ideal future, almost any flat surface can become a wireless charger, immediately juicing up your phone or device the moment you put it down, anywhere you put it down. Part of that future seems to already be here, with a creative wireless technology that can hide that wireless charging space inside stone countertops, seamlessly blending with your choice of interior design.
Wireless chargers remove the messy cables from the charging equation, but the current state of technology requires you to still make physical contact between the device and the surface of the charger. Add to that the hard requirements on materials for the surfaces of wireless chargers and you will find yourself with a few of these products scattered around your house, often sticking out like a sore thumb. Some designs are admittedly more elegant and stylish, but they still add to the visual baggage on what would be an otherwise pristine table or countertop.
FreePower is a technology that tries to offer the best of both worlds, combining the liberating convenience of wireless charging with a clean and unblemished tabletop surface. In a nutshell, it embeds the wireless charger inside the countertop, and not just any countertop, mind you. It is compatible with different stone materials, including quartz, granite, or even marble, materials you’d never think could be used for wireless chargers. Thanks to this innovative design, you don’t need to actually put a charging mat or stand on your kitchen countertop, side table, or bedside table, because the countertop itself is the wireless charger.
Of course, only a portion of the countertop actually functions as the wireless charging zone, but you don’t have to worry about ugly and conspicuous markings that ruin the aesthetic of your beautiful stone top. A customizable LED halo glows around the area where you can place your devices, and you can even turn this light off when it’s not in use. FreePower does even better than most wireless chargers because you can place your phone or earbuds anywhere within that zone, no need to perfectly align with markers.
FreePower is the latest in a growing number of designs that aim to integrate wireless charging technology into every surface inside your home, completely freeing you from unsightly cables. Of course, such a design is also less flexible in that you have very little choice when you want to change furniture or designs. You’ll have to hope there’s also an invisible wireless charger version available for that or else you’ll have to go back to old-school wireless charging mats.
Although wireless charging has been around for years, it was only until Apple finally joined the fray that the technology really became popular. Of course, it was Apple’s MagSafe spin on wireless charging that really caught on, but it still sparked interest in a future where wires and cables are a thing of the past. We’re still a long way from that future considering how wireless charging works today, but that’s not to say that there is no progress to improve the situation. These wireless charging product designs, for example, are based on such ongoing development and prepare us for a world where desks can be completely devoid of cables, especially those for charging your multitude of devices.
As convenient as wireless charging might be, especially magnetic wireless charging, the requirement to have the device and the charger touching is still quite restricting. Not only that, you still have to make sure that the charging coils are aligned properly, which is what made it necessary for Apple to implement MagSafe in this way. But what if you could get rid of that restriction? Then every surface or anything on your desk can become a wireless charger.
That’s exactly what these designs are proposing, based on technology being developed by startup DeepCharge. Even a laptop mat, for example, can become a wireless charger that can accommodate phones, earbuds, and other devices as well. This Laptop Pad also has extra features like an antimicrobial frantic top and LED lighting to indicate charging status. You don’t have to ensure that devices are in the right area. Simply place them on the mat and watch the LED indicator light up. Another design involves a charging pad that also acts as a landing pad for drones, though that requires attaching some feet to the quadcopter.
A more ambitious design, however, is based on “transmutation” and “energy hopping” technologies that are still being developed. In a nutshell, it could turn any surface, like a desk or a shelf, into a wireless charging area. Then you have small wireless charging stations that can transfer power from a central hub and distribute it even in areas out of reach of your desk. Pretty much like how mesh routers work today, except spreading electrical power instead of data.
Although the concepts in this collection still look like your conventional technical products, the technology it relies on opens the door to even more flexible designs. Anything on your desk or shelf, be it an accessory or even a piece of decoration, can become one of those satellite charging hubs. With wireless computer peripherals and data connections, such a design could lead to cleaner and tidier workspaces, unless of course, you start cluttering your table with even more devices to charge.
Although a lot of the attention, and probably sales, are poured on high-end premium smartphones, the range of devices and designs is far wider than what you might see represented in media. There are, of course, products designed to be more affordable, though they unsurprisingly have to cut some corners when it comes to features. Sometimes, however, there are a few that seem to rise to the challenge of providing more for less, incorporating designs and features you wouldn’t expect from their price tags. The new Moto G Power 5G (2024) seems to be one of those, packing a few pleasant surprises that could put the device on people’s maps.
The Moto G has been Motorola’s budget line for many years, and that family has a few members designed to cater to very specific needs. The Moto G Power, as its name suggests, is focused on delivering solid battery life, at least more than your average smartphone. The 2024 iteration of this phone isn’t any different, bearing a 5,000 mAh pack you’d only see on more expensive models, but that’s only half of its appeal.
A large battery would normally mean longer charging times, which is why a 30W TurboPower charging feature is more than just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. This year, however, Motorola went the extra mile and added 15W wireless charging for convenience. It’s definitely not the fastest wireless charging technology, but how many $300 smartphones can you name that even have any wireless charging support at all? That immediately makes the Moto G Power 5G (2024) more notable than any of its peers, but it doesn’t stop with the hardware features either.
This new Moto G Power also comes with a faux leather back, an attempt to make it look stylish despite its price point. Granted this synthetic leather can sometimes look tacky, though it seems to be simple and elegant, at least based on Motorola’s marketing materials. Again, it’s not exactly a groundbreaking feature, but one that is rarely seen on budget designs.
That said, the phone doesn’t have much to boast about when it comes to performance, though it’s not exactly an underdog either. It packs a 2.2GHz MediaTek processor with 8GB of RAM, a 50MP main camera paired with an 8MP ultra-wide shooter, and perhaps to audiophiles’ delight, a 3.5mm headphone jack. And if the Moto G Power 5G (2024) is still a bit too much for your wallet, Motorola is also launching the $200 Moto G 5G (2024) with slightly less powerful features, no wireless charging, but the same fancy faux leather design.
Apple’s MagSafe magnetic wireless charging technology has literally changed the face of charging accessories. Freed from the shackles of multiple cables, manufacturers have come up with creative designs that marry aesthetics and functionality in ways not possible before. And yes, there are even portable MagSafe chargers that let you bring that convenience anywhere you go. This category is still a bit young, and there haven’t been that many designs apart from foldable squares or small cubes. The latest entry from Twelve South, however, pushes the envelope of portable wireless chargers with a rather cute design that adds some unexpected functionality that you’ll come to appreciate, even if you can’t charge three devices all at once.
The Twelve South Butterfly is hardly what you’d expect to be a charger of any sort with its elegant circular design. Made from durable anodized aluminum on the outside, the Butterfly looks more like an accessory designed for MacBooks rather than a charger. Open up the two halves of the circle and you’re greeted with vegan leather material that’s meant to both add class to the product but also protect the devices you’ll be placing on top of them. These two halves are joined by a stylish leather strap to complete the rather posh picture that it paints.
Each half, of course, hides a wireless charger inside. One side can charge compatible iPhones with 15W power as well as AirPods with wireless charging cases. The other half holds a 5W Apple Watch Charger that can be flipped up to let you see the watch even while it’s charging. This Watch charger can also juice up the AirPods Pro 2nd gen so that you can charge it and an iPhone at the same time. Yes, this design’s biggest flaw is that it can only charge two devices simultaneously, though that might not be such a problem for most people.
The Twelve South Butterfly, however, has another secret feature. If you fold the halves in the opposite direction and make the outer covers touch, you can use the charger as a makeshift stand as well. This lets you activate the iPhone’s Standby mode or the Apple Watch’s Nightstand Mode without having to use a different accessory. Of course, you can also use this method to prop up the iPhone for watching videos and whatnot even if you won’t be charging it.
Twelve South packs a 30W power adapter in the box for good measure, but you can also use power banks for the ultimate portable charging experience. There’s a braided 1-meter USB-C cable that matches the charger’s elegant looks while also providing durability. The Twelve South Butterfly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger sells for $129.99 and definitely carries a design that matches that price tag.
Ever wanted to connect half a dozen things to your 2-port laptop? Or how about charging multiple devices at the same time without getting trapped in a tangle of cables? Do your neck and wrists ache whenever you use your laptop for hours on end? As powerful as our computers and smartphones might be, they don’t always have all the features you might want, at least not out of the box. Fortunately, there is a very large market for accessories and gadgets that provide these missing pieces, offering so many options that it can get overwhelming and confusing at times. To help you make better and smarter choices, we’ve gathered 10 of the best gadgets available that provide not only added value but clean and attractive designs that are sure to upgrade your Apple devices.
1. CASA Hub Stand Pro USB-C 6-in-1 Laptop Stand Hub
Laptops trade comfort for portability and are probably one of the biggest causes of computer-related injuries. Even disregarding the position of the keyboard, the laptop screen is never at a proper ergonomic height. The CASA Hub Stand Pro helps you keep a good posture without sacrificing your productivity, raising the laptop to a comfortable eye level. The adjustable height and 360-degree rotating base make it easy to switch viewing angles or share your screen, while a detachable 6-in-1 hub handles cable management whether you’re on your desk or on the go.
The CASA Hub Stand Pro adjustable laptop stand and its detachable multi-functional hub provide comfort, convenience, and flexibility in a sleek and space-efficient design.
What we like
Ergonomic adjustable height with a 360-degree rotating base
Detachable 6-in-1 USB-C hub includes 1000Mbps Ethernet and 4K HDMI ports
Sleek, durable, and thoughtful design
What we dislike
Portable but large size
2. Mag 3 Magnetic 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Station
It’s not uncommon for people these days to own a smartphone, smartwatch, and wireless earbuds, especially when they’re from Apple. That, unfortunately, means having to juggle at least three chargers, especially when you want to charge them at the same time. With the Mag 3 Foldable Charging Station, however, you really need only one, whether you’re charging just a single device or all three. Best of all, it folds up quite nicely so it doesn’t take up a lot of space, especially when you’re not using it.
The Mag 3 can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, and then fold into a compact form to save space or carry with you anywhere.
What we like
Charge iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods at the same time with MagSafe tech
Compact, pocket-sized form when folded
What we dislike
Doesn’t open completely flat
3. iKlips C Lightning/USB-C Flash Drive
Even with Apple now fully embracing the USB-C standard, there are still plenty of devices out there using the company’s Lightning technology. With the iKlips C Flash Drive, you don’t have to sweat the details of what storage solution to use for which device and effortless switch between all of them using the same flash drive. And with the free iKlips mobile app, you can enjoy convenient features like automatic backups while charging or recording 4K videos directly onto the flash drive to save space on your iPhone.
The ultra-slim iKlips flash drive lets you easily share files between all kinds of devices, whether using Lightning or USB-C, and offers added features through the free iKlips app for iPhones and iPads.
What we like
Supports both Apple Lightning and USB-C devices
Auto-backup and direct video recording via iKlips app
What we dislike
Silicone cover is awkward and easy to lose
4. CASA Hub Pro Max 13-in-1 USB-C Hub
Super-slim laptops might look great, but their thin profiles come at the expense of some functionality. A very limited number of ports, most of them USB-C, cover just the basics but leave you hanging when you need more options. The CASA Hub Pro Max pulls out all the stops when it comes to connectivity, offering even a VGA port! Best of all, you only need a single USB-C Gen2 connection to your laptop for both data and power, simplifying cable management even further.
CASA Hub Pro Max offers all the connectivity options you’ll ever need in a single hub that requires a single USB-C cable to use.
What we like
13 connectivity ports including VGA, Ethernet, and data card readers
Supports up to 3 external displays
Sleek design, can be used as a laptop stand
What we dislike
Only works with USB-C Gen2 and requires 100W PD3.0 power input
5. Mag 4 GaN 30W 4-in-1 Power Charging Station
3-in-1 wireless chargers have now become more common, but many of these tend to sacrifice power output for the sake of convenience. The Mag 4 GaN charging station, in contrast, uses the latest charging technologies to deliver 30W of total power while still supporting simultaneous charging. In fact, it offers more ways to charge devices with its 20W USB-C and 18W USB-A outputs.
The Mag 4 offers the ultimate multi-device charging solution in a compact package and a distinctive adjustable angle design.
What we like
Supports wired and wireless charging, including 20W USB-C and 18W USB-A
Magnetic snap-on with adjustable angles lets you view your phone while charging
Utilizes GaN technology for fast and safe charging
What we dislike
Requires custom charging cable
6. EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter & Receiver
Headphone jacks might be gone from smartphones, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone forever. Unfortunately, it does mean that your only pair of wireless earbuds is pretty much useless for devices and sources that don’t support Bluetooth, like airline entertainment systems or older media players. With the ADAM elements EVE II, you don’t have to worry about your privacy, allowing you to connect wireless earphones and speakers to just about anything that has a headphone jack. Never miss out on in-flight entertainment ever again with the EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver.
EVE II is an ultra-compact, pocket-sized gadget that lets you connect various devices with a headphone jack to Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
What we like
Dual foldable 3.5mm AUX plugs compatible with a variety of sources, including airline entertainment systems
Can pair with up to 2 Bluetooth earbuds at the same time
Easily switch between transmitter and receiver modes with a single button
What we dislike
Boxy shape might block nearby ports (ships with a 3.5mm adapter cable to address this problem)
7. OMNIA CX2 Magnetic Charging Car Mount
The majority of wireless chargers in the market presume that you’re either at home, in the office, or sitting down somewhere. The need to charge, however, can strike anywhere, even while you’re in a car. Of course, car chargers have existed for decades, but MagSafe car chargers still seem to be in their growing days. The OMNIA CX2 tries to prove that this design has finally matured, offering a simple yet elegant way to keep your phone topped up while navigating roads or listening to relaxing tunes.
The OMNIA CX2 Magnetic Car Mount offers a simple, safe, and stylish way to charge your phone on the go.
What we like
Built-in LED light increases visibility in the dark
360-degree head and metal telescopic hook offers stable, one-hand use
What we dislike
A bit bulky yet offers stable installation
8. OMNIA Q5 5-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
Wireless charging stations are quite useful, but they only cover a small subset of things that you might need to charge. If you’re a lover of Apple’s gadgets, you’re likely to have more than just three types of devices. With the OMNIA Q5, you can expand that set to include an iPad and an Apple Pencil to cover all your bases. What’s even more interesting is that you can even remove the wireless charging pad and use it independently or put it to the side for a more spacious arrangement.
The OMNIA Q5 5-in-1 Wireless Charging Station welcomes iPad and Apple pencils to the fray, letting you charge all your Apple devices at the same time.
What we like
Modular phone charging pad can be used separately
Single power cable to charge 5 devices simultaneously, including an iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, iPad up to 12.9 inches, and Apple Watch
What we dislike
Apple Watch charging pad can’t be folded down when not in use
9. OMNIA M3+ Magnetic 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
Who says that wireless chargers all need to be rectangular or circular? The OMNIA M3+ definitely says it doesn’t have to be the case, especially with the likes of Apple MagSafe technology. Adopting a design similar to a tree branch or jewelry holder, this distinctive wireless charger holds your iPhone and Apple Watch up in the air, almost like magic.
The OMNIA M3+ eschews conventional wireless charger designs to deliver a product that is as beautiful as it is functional.
What we like
Unique stylish design
Qi Wireless Charging Base supports different wireless earbuds brands
What we dislike
Charging base doesn’t match the overall chrome-plated aesthetic
10. CASA Hub S USB-C 5-in-1 SSD Hub
USB-C hubs have become more common these days, but that doesn’t mean we’ve run out of ways to innovate on their designs and features. These gadgets are great for connecting laptops and phones to external devices, but they can also carry other functions to maximize the space they occupy. The CASA Hub S is an innovative twist on that design, integrating SSD storage so that it can function not just as a hub but as an external drive as well, which can be especially useful for Time Machine and iPhone 15 backups.
As someone who sits in front of a computer all day, there’s nothing better than working at a desk that I assembled and decorated myself. Likewise, if you’re working out of your very own home office – where you ideally have space to get creative with the elements that make up your work area – you may want some tips on how to fill that space with items that offer both function and form in equal measure. The possibilities are limitless, and everyone has different tastes. Some of us like putting succulents in our workspaces, others don’t. Regardless, aside from obvious purchases like pens and notepads, there are ten staple desk accessory “categories” that you probably shouldn’t ignore. If I were shopping for a new home office right this moment – from scratch – these are the ten items that would sit at the top of my shopping cart:
1. PowerPic mod Wireless Charger
The PowerPic mod Wireless Charger is a decently-priced yet gorgeous wireless charger that is widely compatible with all types of phones. It’s slated to work with MagSafe and non-MagSafe iPhones, Android phones, and it even lets you customize the frame with your own 4×6 image, allowing it to blend with nearby furniture and match the overall style you’re going for. It only requires a single USB-C cable hooked into the base to power it, making for a clean appearance with no messy stray cables laying about.
2. Lamicall Headset Stand H1
The Lamicall Headset Stand H1 is an inexpensive way to store over-ear headphones on your desk without skimping on quality. The upper lip is designed to protect your headphones’ padding against damage, and the base appears sturdy enough to sit firmly on a desk without slipping and sliding around whenever you remove or replace your headphones. This is a simple product, but it makes total sense to have around; storing your headphones on their side on the desk surface is a missed opportunity to let them shine, and thanks to multiple color options, you can make the Lamicall Headset Stand work with any desk.
3. Shure MOTIV MV5
Shure is one of the best microphone brands on the market, and you don’t even need to purchase one of its premium XLR mics like the popular SM7B. The Shure MV5 is an excellent, affordable, and compact condenser mic that is well-known for outputting high-quality audio while taking very little desk space. This little orb comes in two slick color palettes; white ribs with a black chassis, or an all-black exterior accented with a red inlay. Not only is the versatile MV5 a great microphone for a streamer, a podcaster, or an office worker wanting to sound clear in video calls; it could also be useful for the traveling musician who wants to bring their recording studio on the go.
4. HappyLight Luxe by Verilux
It’s fall, which means seasonal affective disorder is coming sooner than many of us are comfortable with – at least, up here in the Northern Hemisphere. That said, the rather tiny and comparatively affordable HappyLight Luxe Therapy Lamp could be a great assistant to get rid of the SAD by tricking your brain into believing the sun is fully visible, even when it’s dark outside. Its convenient tablet shape makes it way easier to fit on a packed desk than some of the other, bigger therapy lamps on the market. But it doesn’t compromise on power to achieve such a slim and slender form factor; the HappyLight Luxe is rated to output 10,000 lux, which is roughly how bright it is outside in the middle of a clear summer day.
5. LEATHER VILLAGE Vintage Leather Bound Journal
The Leather Village Vintage Leather Bound Journal is a rather unconventional alternative to smaller, cheaper journals. But hear me out: how much cooler would it be to write work notes and conduct journaling sessions with a giant, leather-bound journal that looks straight out of Middle-Earth? Leather Village balances rustic charm with eco-friendly principles, vowing to only use leather from water buffalo that died of natural causes and paper made from recycled cotton waste. In any case, this is one of the most stylish journals I’ve ever seen – perfect for stationary enthusiasts.
6. Bose 700 Headphones
Sure, the Bose 700 Noise Cancelling Headphones are on the expensive side relative to other noise cancelling headphones in this range, but the key difference is that this pair is also wireless. You can’t argue with Bose’s durability and sound quality, and the Bose 700 is built with high-quality materials to provide a balanced sound stage and decent noise cancelling features with a 20 hour battery life. Its extra mics allow it to pick up more of your voice as well, making it a strong daily driver for phone calls and video conferencing.
As far as $300 headphones go, this is an all-rounder that hits every box on the checklist of features you might want when isolating yourself from annoying sounds in your work environment, and it also sounds good, looks good, and lasts for a long time without needing a charge. When you do finally need to recharge it, it should only take about two and a half hours plugged into the wall via USB-C. It comes in black or luxe silver.
7. Goblintechkeys Pastel Pink Seaside Desk Mat
Goblintechkeys’ Pastel Pink Seaside Desk Mat is one of several custom desk mats from Goblintechkeys, and though it happens to be my personal favorite, all of them look gorgeous and immediately breathe life into any desk surface they’re placed on. It’s advertised to use 100% natural rubber to create a spill-resistant, non-slip surface that works great as a mouse pad, a desk surface protector, and a cushy place to rest your wrists. I recommend the extra large (90x40cm) desk mat, which can comfortably seat a keyboard and a mouse on a desk surface while livening up the entire workstation.
8. YETI Rambler 46 Oz Water Bottle
Everyone needs to drink more water. Fortunately, water bottles are always in fashion, and the YETI Rambler 46 Oz Water Bottle is just as useful in an office as it is in the middle of a desert. Yes, this is an expensive bottle, but YETI bottles are famously sturdy, clean, aesthetically appealing, and designed to maintain internal temperatures longer than other brands. This is probably the fanciest water bottle you’ll ever buy, but it’s also potentially the only water bottle you’ll ever need to buy. It comes in several color options, including navy, charcoal, seafoam, black, and white.
9. Serenilite Hand Therapy Stress Ball
Working long hours in one position is stressful business, which is why I always keep my Serenilite Hand Therapy Stress Ball nearby in my own home office. Squeezing these colorful little balls can build up your hand and wrist muscles while easing tension in your body. I even gave it a few good squeezes while writing this article, but the best part of using it so often is it’s never scratched or torn; in fact, it still looks exactly like it did the day I bought it in 2020, when I was first setting up my workspace. Fortunately, Serenilite offers these in packs of three (in case you lose one) including soft, medium, and hard options if you have a preference for one or the other.
10. Samsung T7 Shield
USB storage options are abundant nowadays, but I don’t regret purchasing a Samsung T7 Shield earlier in the summer when I needed a way to migrate all of my data from an older external HDD to something faster and more secure. This tiny portable SSD can carry up to 4TB of storage space and is now shipping for a relatively low price, though you can buy a 1TB model at sub-$100 these days. Thanks to USB 3.2 connectivity and the T7 Shield’s lightweight design, you can use it to easily store and transfer information between all of your devices – allowing you to let Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, iPad Pro, or even gaming devices like the PlayStation 5 transfer files between one another.
I personally keep my T7 Shield hooked up to my PC, where I offload Steam games and play those games directly from the drive, which works way better in practice than I expected, given that it’s an inexpensive way to seamlessly add terabytes of storage to my device.
What makes it truly stand out, however, is just how durable and secure it is. As a Windows user, I can use Samsung’s proprietary software to set a password on my T7 Shield, which locks anyone out of accessing or even viewing the drive partition unless I personally unlock it from my Windows computer. This means nobody is going to be able to break into it and access my data if it gets stolen. It’s also rated to survive up to 9.8 ft drops and is even rated as water resistant and fully dust-proof.
The JSD Mat does what Apple’s AirPower Mat couldn’t do… and more than that, it’s a real, existing product.
It’s the year 2023 and we really haven’t achieved the full potential with wireless chargers. Even today, a majority of wireless chargers can only charge a tiny handful of devices at a time – your phone, TWS earbuds, and smartwatch. For everything else, you still need a cable. The JSD rejects that notion by being an all-in-one charging solution that doesn’t just juice your phone and earbuds, it wirelessly powers your desktop/laptop’s keyboard and mouse too. Designed as an all-in-one mat that sits on your workspace, the JSD can simultaneously charge all the gadgets on your desk. Although it has dedicated zones for your phone and TWS earbuds, the JSD can also actively charge your wireless keyboard as well as your mouse… even while they’re in use! Now that’s the kind of innovation I expect in the year 2023!
Two dedicated charging zones for different devices.
Enjoy 18W fast charging without overheating concerns.
Effortlessly charge the JSD keyboard and mouse while using them, even during intense mouse movements.
The JSD isn’t your average desk mat. Sure, it comes with a beautiful vegan leather finish that complements most desk setups… but under the fake leather lies some very real, very impressive technology that lets it charge your tabletop gadgets. The mat can be divided into two zones – the left-hand zone which uses Qi-compatible charging zones for your smartphone and TWS earbuds, and the right-hand zone which uses JSD’s unique high-frequency electromagnetic resonance technology to charge the keyboard and mouse. The mat, justifiably, comes with its own proprietary ergonomic keyboard and wireless mouse, but the beauty lies in the fact that no matter where you place your keyboard or how much you move your mouse, if they’re both on the JSD mat, they’ll wirelessly receive power to keep them running.
JSD keyboard’s 79-key Crys layout allows for better coverage of a larger key area with a single hand.
Unique honeycomb keycaps are designed based on the principles of biomimicry, ensuring high precision and a perfect fit for different finger sizes and typing habits.
The JSD keyboard and mouse form an integral part of the overall experience. Given that you can’t just use any keyboard or mouse and expect them to magically acquire wireless charging powers, JSD designed their own keyboard and mouse to fill that void. The keyboard itself comes with a 79-key architecture and adopts JSD’s proprietary Crys layout, which boasts a shorter vertical distance while still retaining functionality and type-ability. The keys, on the other hand, are honeycomb-shaped, more closely following the circular shape of your fingertips. This allows the keys to be incredibly space-efficient (relying on good old-fashioned biomimicry), while reducing the chances of typing errors because your fingers pressed the wrong keys by accident.
Frozen silent switch for smooth and quiet typing.
Features a magnetic detachable oversized palm rest, supporting the wrist and reducing reverse bending angles.
Under each keycap lies a frozen silent switch which gives you a smooth and quiet typing experience, coupled with a long spring for higher key travel and a much more tactile typing experience that your fingers will enjoy. The compact keyboard comes with RGB lighting, and a magnetic snap-on palm-rest that also doubles as a storage area for the JSD’s key-puller and a few spare keycaps.
JSD receive allows the desk mat to empower certain mice with wireless charging capabilities.
JSD’s mouse shares the same position-agnostic charging feature as the keyboard, i.e., it charges anywhere on the mat, regardless of orientation or movement. The wireless mouse is silent and designed with a comfortable pebble-inspired full-bodied form that fits perfectly into most palms and hands. However, if you’ve got a different set of requirements from your mouse, JSD manufactures wireless receiver discs that fit into a few third-party mice too, including Logitech’s GPW mice series as well as the G503, G703, and G903. JSD’s discs fit right into the Logitech mice, replacing their own PowerPlay charging discs. Once inserted, the mice become compatible with JSD’s charging mat, which powers them infinitely, even while in use… so you’re never left with a dead mouse that needs to be flipped over and charged. Yes, we’re looking at you, Apple.
All in all, the JSD mat adds to the appeal of your desk while subtracting the clutter and the wires. The mat comes with a thin design measuring 28.3 inches (720mm) wide, 12.9 inches (330mm) across, and a mere 0.19 inches (5mm) thick. A control hub sits on the top left corner, which lets you plug the JSD mat into a power outlet using a USB-C cable and a bundled GaN charger. Once plugged in, the mat outputs 30W of wireless charging, with the smartphone mat outputting 18W to rapidly charge your phone. The keyboard comes with a 3500mAh battery built-in while the mouse is equipped with a 300mAh battery, allowing them to work even when the JSD mat is powered off. The keyboard and mouse both have built-in Bluetooth (the mouse has a 2.4GHz receiver too) to wirelessly connect to your device… although if you want, they support wired connections too.
The entire JSD bundle starts at a heavily discounted price of $199 for the first 50 backers, with the price then going to $219 for other early bird backers. A JSD Receiver (for your Logitech mouse) costs an additional $29.
At CES 2023 we saw the Wireless Power Consortium’s (WPC) Qi2 wireless charging standard announcement and wondered when were we going to see gadgets with this technology. Now, just in time for the iPhone 15 announcement in under two weeks’ time, Belkin has revealed a couple of new accessories at the IFA 2023 technology show that’ll employ the emerging standard. More probably than not, Apple’s next smartphone will come loaded with the new wireless standard.
The accessories maker known for its proactive development of Apple-certified products has introduced these next-generation wireless chargers for the Apple ecosystem as well as supported Android devices. With Qi2 destined to become the global standard in wire-free charging, Belkin has the upper hand already.
Both of these accessories get a very unusually long name – one being the BoostCharge Convertible Qi2 Wireless Pad to Stand and the other dubbed BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with Qi2. Belkin has confirmed that both these accessories will juice up MagSafe-equipped iPhone with Qi2 standard at 15W.
The BoostCharge Convertible Qi2 Wireless Pad to Stand is for people who prefer the goodness of a wireless charging pad but with the ability to flip upwards so that the phone screen stays well in view for watching content. The accessory comes with a non-slip material to keep the device in place and the dual thermal protection system prevents any chance of overheating that can damage the battery in the long run. The pad is slated to arrive in September for a price tag of $40.
Then there is the BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with Qi2 for gadget freaks who frequently charge their array of devices in tandem. Two of the pads on this accessory are Qi2 and MagSafe compatible while the third is a standard USB-C Apple Watch charger on the side. Both of them will charge compatible devices at 15W speeds while the third one is limited to 5W speed. The pad will go on sale later this year for price of $130, and the Apple Watch attachment costs extra.
Other than this, Belkin has also revealed the BoostCharge Pro Universal Easy Align Wireless Charging Pad that is Qi-compatible and charges gadgets at 15W speed. This one also gets the non-slip grip material and two thermal protection systems to prevent overheating.
In a world where digital technology dominates our everyday lives, ‘Mark’ sets out to challenge the norm by offering an audio experience that seamlessly blends the analog and digital realms. Mark Hi-fi Premium Audio is not just another speaker or music player; it is a meticulously designed masterpiece that aims to captivate your senses in every possible way.
At the core of Mark’s design philosophy is the idea of expressing an analog form filled with digital sources. The designers have masterfully incorporated a motif that highlights the beauty of dots, lines, and surfaces in three dimensions. The result is a visually stunning device that effortlessly catches the eye and sparks curiosity.
MARK HI-FI consists of three primary elements: looking (display), listening (sound), and touching (controller). It seamlessly integrates with various internet media, apps, and sound sources, allowing for easy connectivity and access to a vast library of audio content. The inclusion of a large, heavy wheel on the right side of the device adds a touch of magic to its usability. By turning and pressing this wheel, users can control and fine-tune their desired sources, sound sources, volume, and tone, all with intuitive ease. The main body of MARK HI-FI, referred to as the “main display,” can be used in conjunction with the controller or separated as a sub-display on the wheel. This versatility allows users to customize their audio experience, adapting it to their preferences and creating a more immersive environment.
One striking aspect of MARK HI-FI is its cold metallic quality, which contrasts beautifully with the warm tones it produces. The designers have skilfully balanced the visual aesthetics with the audio output, resulting in a harmonious blend of form and function.
The addition of an organic LED at the bottom of the device takes the audio experience to another level. This responsive LED not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an emotional dimension to the sound transmission. As the music plays, the LED reacts, creating a mesmerizing display that amplifies the emotional connection between the listener and the sound.
MARK HI-FI aims to stand out in the crowded market of speakers and music players. It challenges the status quo by introducing a unique and singing shape that sets it apart from the competition. The device is not merely released; it is unleashed, with an unyielding desire to captivate and delight its users.
Flexibility is another key feature of MARK HI-FI. The display can be angled anywhere from 20 to 90 degrees, allowing users to find their preferred viewing position. With simple touch movements, various graphical user interfaces (GUI) can be accessed and customized, ensuring a personalized and user-friendly experience.
To enhance convenience, MARKHI-FI supports wireless functionality through a C-type charger. This means you can enjoy your audio experience without the hassle of wires and cables. The designers have gone the extra mile to ensure seamless usability by incorporating a magnetic charging terminal, making it even easier to rotate the side wheel.
MARK HI-FI Premium Audio is a testament to the possibilities that arise when analog form meets digital sound. With its meticulous design, versatile functionality, and captivating visual and audio experience, MAR HI-FI stands as a unique offering in the ever-growing market of speakers and music players. Prepare to be enthralled by its magical usability, as it brings your audio dreams to life in ways you never thought possible.
Our reliance on smartphones these days means that we have another screen to pay attention to even when we’re already focused on the computer monitor in front of us. Productivity gurus naturally discourage anything that would distract us from the work at hand, but they don’t always consider cases where the smartphone is actually an integral part of that work. Rather than fighting the flow, some designs have instead embraced this kind of multi-screen setup, creating a special nook on our desks for smartphones. This rather lopsided monitor is one such example, keeping your mobile companion charged while also holding it up, putting it at a more comfortable eye level to stop you from bending and craning your neck so often.
It’s not uncommon to keep our phones on our desks, presuming office policies don’t bar you from having them out in the open. Disregarding real distractions from social media and incessant but unnecessary notifications, some people do need to keep tabs on their mobile devices for some information or communication, without having those apps clutter their work screen. At the same time, however, most of these people probably don’t want to leave work with a nearly empty battery because they forgot to top up the work while using it at work.
The NexMonitor addresses both use cases in a way that’s both more ergonomic and also a little more stylish. Rather than just a simple stand that props up the phone off the side of your workspace, the monitor actually holds up the smartphone at the same height as the screen itself. That saves you from having to look down and away from your monitor, minimizing the time it takes to glance at the phone. At the same time, it helps reduce potential neck strain and injury from repeatedly switching between a monitor at eye level and a phone closer to the desk’s surface.
The monitor holds the phone up almost by magic, but of course, it’s all about magnets. That clearly marks it for MagSafe-compatible phones, which are primarily recent iPhones, though the company also says that Android phones are welcome to the party. Presuming they support magnetic wireless charging. And yes, the NexMonitor also charges the phone while it’s up there, so it’s pretty much a vertical magnetic wireless charging pad attached to the side of a monitor.
The NexMonitor’s design is quite intriguing in how it doesn’t go for visual balance, though it is definitely stable in its construction. The “stem” of the monitor is off to the right side, nearer to the phone than in the middle. Even the stand itself isn’t centered, which could potentially stress out some people because of its asymmetrical composition. That stand is designed to match the size and the color of Apple’s Mac Mini and the new Mac Studio, but any other mini PC can also find a home there, even if it clashes with the brushed metal look. The NexMonitor was announced back in 2022 but has yet to become available for purchase, which unfortunately leaves plenty of opportunities for other monitor makers to put out something similar, presuming there’s actually a good market for such an ergonomic yet unusual design.
