Tag: USB-C

April 16, 2025
Beats by Apple Launches New Braided USB-C Cable Collection
Key Takeaways
1. Beats has launched USB-C charging cables as their second non-audio product, following iPhone 16 cases.
2. The cables come in three types: USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, and USB-C to Lightning, with various color options.
3. All cables are 1.5 meters long, with a shorter 20 cm option available in Bolt Black, priced at $18.99 each.
4. The cables support charging and data transfer at USB 2.0 speeds, compatible with CarPlay, Android Auto, and Beats audio devices.
5. They feature fast charging capabilities (up to 60W for USB-C to USB-C) and have automatic voltage regulation.
Last year, Beats introduced its first product that isn’t an audio device — cases for the iPhone 16. Now, they’ve launched USB-C charging cables as their next offering. These cables come in a range of colors, feature different connectors at one end, and are available in various lengths. One thing all these cables have in common is their braided construction.
Cable Variants and Colors
The Beats charging cables are designed to be tangle-free and feature an anti-fray woven style. They come in three different types. The first is a USB-C to USB-C option, which can be found in colors like Bolt Black, Surge Stone, Rapid Red, and Nitro Navy. The second type is a USB-A to USB-C cable, offered in Black, Beige, and Red. Lastly, there’s a USB-C to Lightning cable, also available in Black, Beige, and Red.
Length and Pricing
Each cable measures 1.5 meters long, but there’s also a shorter version that is just 20 centimeters, which is only sold in Bolt Black. Regardless of the color, type, or length, all cables are priced at $18.99. Additionally, the USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C cables can be bought in a two-pack for $34.99.
Functionality and Compatibility
Beats charging cables serve not just for charging but also for data transfer at USB 2.0 speeds, and they work with CarPlay and Android Auto. They can also connect to compatible audio devices like the Beats Pill (priced at $149.99 on Amazon) for high-quality audio. According to Beats, these cables support fast charging (up to 60W for the USB-C to USB-C variant) and have automatic voltage regulation. They are compatible with Android devices, Apple products, Beats gear, and any device featuring USB-C ports.
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Tags: Beats Charging Cables, iPhone 16 Cases, USB-C
April 10, 2025
Moondrop Rays Gaming Earbuds: Dual Drivers & USB-C for $99
Key Takeaways
1. Moondrop’s new earbuds use USB-C for compatibility with modern smartphones lacking headphone jacks.
2. They offer low latency of under 5 milliseconds, significantly better than the typical 50ms in wireless earbuds.
3. The earbuds combine a dynamic driver and a planar magnetic driver for a neutral sound profile, suitable for music and gaming.
4. Users can customize sound via the Moondrop app, which includes an equalizer and tailored settings for over 20 games.
5. The earbuds are priced at $99 and come with a USB-A to USB-C extension cable for PC gamers.
Moondrop has unveiled their new earbuds that utilize USB-C instead of the traditional 3.5mm or 4.4mm jacks. This design choice allows the Rays to work seamlessly with modern smartphones that do not have a headphone jack. Moreover, they boast a latency of under 5 milliseconds, which is significantly lower than the 50ms commonly found in wireless earbuds.
Sound Quality and Customization
These earbuds feature a combination of a dynamic driver and a planar magnetic driver, delivering intricate sound across a frequency range from 7Hz to 39kHz. They are designed to provide a neutral sound profile, making them a good fit for both music listening and gaming activities.
Users can adjust the sound to their liking through the Moondrop app, which includes an equalizer. The app also has tailored equalizer settings for more than 20 games, such as Valorant, CS:GO, and Apex Legends. Additionally, gamers have the option to create their own profiles and share them with others in the community.
Technical Specifications
The integrated DAC is capable of processing audio at 32-bit and 384kHz. The provided cable features a remote and microphone, ideal for voice chats during gaming sessions. The earbuds’ housing is crafted from 3D-printed resin, designed to be both skin-friendly and ergonomic. For PC gamers, Moondrop conveniently includes a USB-A to USB-C extension cable in the package.
The Moondrop Rays gaming earbuds are currently priced at a recommended retail value of $99. While a specific release date for global or European markets is yet to be confirmed, Moondrop products are typically available through popular retailers, including Amazon. For further information on the features and specifications of these new gaming earbuds, you can visit Moondrop’s official website.
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Tags: Gaming Earbuds, Moondrop Rays, USB-C
March 21, 2025
EU Approves Portless iPhone: Type-C on iPhone May Be Short-Lived
Key Takeaways
1. EU Compliance: An iPhone without any ports would still meet EU regulations, allowing for a fully wireless device.
2. Wireless Charging Future: EU laws only require USB-C for devices with wired charging, paving the way for Apple to adopt a portless iPhone that relies solely on wireless charging.
3. Qi2 Standard: The Qi2 standard, inspired by Apple’s MagSafe, is expected to become the primary wireless charging standard, supporting the EU’s goal for interoperability.
4. Impact on Android Market: The shift to a portless design could influence Android manufacturers, who are developing charging systems similar to MagSafe but face challenges with compatibility and user experience.
5. Focus on Wireless Charging: The potential for a portless iPhone may push Android brands to enhance their wireless charging technologies to keep up with evolving consumer expectations.
Apple’s move to USB-C on iPhones might not last long. The European Union (EU) has made it clear that an iPhone without any ports would still meet their rules. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reported that Apple thought about making the iPhone 17 Air the first device without ports but decided to keep USB-C because they were worried about EU regulations.
Wireless Charging Compliance
The European Commission’s press officer, Federica Miccoli, shared with 9to5Mac that devices that charge only through wireless methods are in complete compliance with EU laws. If there’s no wired charging involved, then a Type-C port is unnecessary. Apple’s AirDrop already does a great job transferring data wirelessly, making the need for a port even less critical.
Future of Charging Standards
According to EU regulations, USB-C is only required for devices that allow wired charging. Since a portless iPhone would rely solely on wireless charging, it wouldn’t need a USB-C port. This situation could pave the way for Apple to fully embrace a wireless future for its gadgets. The EU aims to get rid of conflicting wired charging standards and is now also advocating for the standardization of wireless charging tech to avoid market confusion.
The Qi2 standard, backed by the Wireless Power Consortium and compatible with the original Qi, takes inspiration from Apple’s MagSafe and is expected to become the main wireless charging standard. This aligns well with the EU’s goal of fostering interoperability in wireless charging solutions.
The Impact on Android
While the iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a USB-C port, we might see completely portless iPhones sooner than we think. Although Apple has not yet improved iPhone charging speeds, this potential shift to a portless design and total reliance on wireless charging could also affect the Android market. Some Android manufacturers are already developing charging systems similar to MagSafe, but many devices lack built-in magnets. Official magnetic cases can work, but they don’t provide the same smooth experience as Apple’s MagSafe. Users may wish to charge their devices without cases for better heat dissipation, but doing so can lead to losing essential features. Furthermore, a lot of Android devices do not even support wireless charging at all.
Overall, we are not just hoping for a portless iPhone soon but also looking for Android manufacturers to put more focus on enhancing wireless charging capabilities.
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Tags: iPhone 17 Air, USB-C, wireless charging
March 17, 2025
Apple’s iPhone 17 Air: Original Plan for a Portless Design
Key Takeaways
1. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be one of Apple’s slimmest smartphones, with a thickness of 5.5mm.
2. Apple considered eliminating the USB-C port but retained it due to EU regulations.
3. Key features include a 6.6-inch display with Dynamic Island and a Camera Control button.
4. The design hints at a possible future transition to fully wireless devices without charging ports.
5. High-density Si/C batteries and a titanium frame are part of the design to ensure both sleekness and structural integrity.
Apple’s next iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to be among the slimmest smartphones ever and will set a new record for the thinnest device in Apple’s lineup, as noted by analyst Mark Gurman.
A Portless Future Almost Realized
In his “Power On” newsletter for Bloomberg, Gurman shared that Apple leaders had considered eliminating the USB-C port completely. However, they had to abandon this idea to adhere to EU regulations, which were instrumental in pushing Apple toward adopting the USB-C port.
Key Features of the iPhone 17 Air
The iPhone 17 Air is said to come with a 6.6-inch display featuring Dynamic Island, a Camera Control button, and battery life similar to existing iPhones. Gurman, however, hints that this new model could “foreshadow a move to slimmer models without charging ports,” indicating a possible transition to a fully wireless approach for Apple’s mobile devices. It remains to be seen if Android manufacturers will take notice of this potential shift.
The expected thickness of the iPhone 17 Air is 5.5mm, which still provides space for the USB-C port. For comparison, the newly released Oppo Find N5 is only 4.2 mm thick and still includes a USB-C port. It’s also highly unlikely that this design will compromise structural integrity since the port is located on the bottom of the device rather than the sides, where it could create a bending weak point.
Some fans may feel let down by the decision to keep the USB-C port, as they were hoping for a more daring design. Regardless, it’s clear that Apple has already started the trend of making thinner phones. With the introduction of high-density Si/C batteries and titanium in the frame, creating a practical yet sleek smartphone seems more achievable than ever.
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Tags: Apple, iPhone 17 Air, USB-C
February 20, 2025
Apple Stops Selling iPhone 14 and iPhone SE (2022), Offers Refurbished
Key Takeaways
1. Apple has introduced the iPhone 16E, its least expensive model, starting at $599.
2. The iPhone 14 and iPhone SE (3rd generation) are being phased out and are no longer featured on Apple’s website.
3. All current iPhones, including the new iPhone 16E, now use USB-C ports instead of the Lightning port.
4. The iPhone 14 is still available but only as a refurbished model, with prices ranging from $529 to $619.
5. Refurbished iPhones come with a new battery, outer shell, a one-year warranty, and are thoroughly tested before sale.
Apple has revealed the iPhone 16E, its newest and least expensive iPhone option. The introduction of the iPhone 16E has resulted in the phasing out of the iPhone 14 and the iPhone SE (3rd generation), which was previously the smallest and most budget-friendly model in the lineup.
Discontinuation Details
There hasn’t been a formal announcement regarding the end of production for these models, but they are no longer featured on Apple’s iPhone webpage. They have been replaced by the iPhone 16E, which is priced starting at $599. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15, priced at $699, continues to be available for purchase.
End of an Era
With the discontinuation of the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE (3rd generation), Apple has officially moved away from the Lightning port, as all current iPhones now come equipped with a USB-C port.
Even though the iPhone 14 is no longer listed on the main site, it can still be bought from Apple, but only as a refurbished model. The refurbished iPhone 14 with 128GB storage is priced at $529, while the 256GB version is available for $619. Unfortunately, Apple does not offer the iPhone SE (3rd generation) for refurbishment.
Refurbished Benefits
Apple states that all refurbished iPhones are supplied with a new battery, a fresh outer shell, and a one-year warranty. These devices undergo thorough testing and are shipped with either the original operating system or the latest version. Accessories and cables will also be included in a completely new box.
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Tags: iPhone 14, iPhone 16e, USB-C
February 17, 2025
Nokia 3310 Mod Adds USB-C Charging to Classic Phone
Key Takeaways
1. The Nokia 3310 can be revived with a new modular charging port that is easy to replace without soldering.
2. The charging port can be upgraded to USB-C, allowing the phone to use modern chargers.
3. The upgraded USB-C port is available for purchase for €25, and international shipping options are offered.
4. After the upgrade, the phone retains its microphone functionality but loses the 3.5mm headphone jack.
5. There may be limitations on making calls due to GSM network compatibility, even with the 2017 3G model.
If you happen to own a Nokia 3310 that’s still working (and it probably is), you can bring it back to life with a new charging port. This part is actually modular, meaning it can be easily taken out and replaced without needing to do any soldering.
A New Possibility
This led Andrea Salvatori, a modder, to investigate if the module could be upgraded to USB-C. It turns out that it can! The 3310 can use the 5V power it needs through the pins of the modern port.
Simple Upgrades
Salvatori showcased the port upgrade in a 3:46 minute video, where he presented the classic phone equipped with the new USB-C port. These ports are now available for purchase at €25 on a Bento page, and you can reach out to the creator for international shipping options.
After the upgrade, the 3310 should charge nicely with any modern charger and cable. Plus, it retains its microphone since that part can also be removed.
Limitations to Consider
However, there might still be a limitation when it comes to making phone calls, depending on the GSM networks in your area. Even the 2017 3G model, which you can find on Amazon for $79.99 (featuring a microUSB port), may face issues in certain locations.
One other minor drawback to consider is that with this modification, the 3310 will no longer have its 3.5mm headphone jack.
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Tags: Andrea Salvatori, Nokia 3310, USB-C
February 9, 2025
Apple iPhone SE 4 Images Leaked by Popular Case Maker
In an unexpected turn of events, Spigen’s webpage for an iPhone SE 4 case was briefly made visible. Just hours ago, this clear case meant for the upcoming fourth-gen iPhone SE was showcased in various render images.
Images Captured
Before the page was taken down, we managed to grab the related images. Although these pictures are not official from Apple, the design of the phone aligns well with earlier leaks and speculations from trusted sources like Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He recently suggested that the iPhone SE 4 might be revealed in just a few days.
A Modern Look
For the first time, a model from the relatively budget-friendly iPhone SE lineup will feature a more current design inspired by the iPhone 14. It seems that the device will not include the latest Dynamic Island, but instead will have a notch similar to those found in older Face ID models.
As a result, the iPhone SE 2025 will lack a home button or Touch ID, making facial recognition the standard for all Apple devices. On the back, there’s only one camera lens, likely using a modern 48-megapixel sensor.
Notable Features and Pricing
The images also show an action button replacing the traditional mute switch. Although there have been mixed reports about this modification, it was already established that the new model would come with a USB-C port, which is now required in the EU.
Regarding pricing, it appears that Apple might raise the MSRP of the iPhone SE 4 a little. Priced at around $500, the new phone would still be much more affordable than the iPhone 16, which features the same Apple A18 chipset.
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Tags: iPhone SE 4, Spigen, USB-C
February 6, 2025
Nikon Coolpix P1100: Compact Camera with 125x Optical Zoom
The Nikon Coolpix P1100 is being promoted as the next version of the Coolpix P1000, which was released in 2018. Even though the earlier model is seven years old, the updates in technology are quite small. The P1100 mainly adds a USB-C port to meet current EU standards. However, it still relies on the older 802.11g Wi-Fi standard, although it now supports WPA3-SAE, allowing it to connect to newer networks.
Updates and Features
In addition, the Bluetooth connectivity has been improved to Bluetooth 5.1. The camera’s sensor has not changed; Nikon continues to use a 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor with a resolution of 16 megapixels, capable of capturing 4K video at 30 frames per second. That said, the sensor’s light sensitivity is limited to ISO 1,600. One of the standout features in Nikon’s specifications is the lens, which has a focal length equivalent of 24 mm to 3,000 mm, offering an impressive 125x optical zoom.
Picture Quality and Display
The Coolpix P1100 is designed with a complex arrangement of 17 lenses in twelve groups, including five ED and one Super ED lens, which should result in good image quality. Additionally, the new camera includes 4x digital zoom, allowing for a hybrid zoom of up to 600x. The device features a tilting 3.2-inch display with 921,000 pixels and an electronic viewfinder that boasts an OLED panel with a resolution of 2.36 million pixels. The Nikon EN-EL20a battery is said to last for around 260 photos or 70 minutes of video.
Pricing and Availability
The Nikon Coolpix P1100 is available for pre-order on the manufacturer’s official website for the price of $1,099. Shipping is anticipated to begin later this month.
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Tags: 125x optical zoom, Nikon Coolpix P1100, USB-C
January 16, 2025
Xiaomi Launches 33W Power Bank 10000 with Integrated Cable Globally
The Xiaomi 33W Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable) has recently become accessible in several European nations. This portable device was launched in China back in September and is now making its way around the world, together with the new 165W Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable).
Charging Capability
The 33W Power Bank 10000 includes both USB-C and USB-A ports, along with an integrated USB-C cable, which enables charging up to three devices at once. As the name suggests, it has a maximum output of 33W across all three ports. When only one USB-C port is utilized, it can deliver up to 30W of power. Xiaomi claims that this allows the new Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G to reach 35% battery in just 30 minutes. It also supports fast charging technologies such as PD 3.0 and QC 3.0, and it features temperature regulation to prevent overheating.
Design and Availability
This power bank is designed to be compact, with dimensions of 80.9 x 65.9 x 26.0 mm (~3.2 x 2.6 x 1.0 inches), and potential buyers can select from a dark blue or a beige color option. The 33W Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable) is being offered by Xiaomi on its online store in countries like France and Spain for a price of €24.99. There’s also a similar device with a larger 20,000mAh capacity that is more widely available, currently priced at €29.99 on Amazon Germany.
Conclusion
In summary, the Xiaomi 33W Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable) is a convenient charging solution that has recently hit the European market. With its various ports and compact design, it offers a practical way to keep multiple devices charged on the go.
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Tags: fast charging, USB-C, Xiaomi 33W Power Bank 10000
January 7, 2025
Razer Handheld Dock Chroma for Portable Consoles at CES 2025
The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma has been officially announced for handheld devices. This dock not only serves its basic function but also features a shape that allows it to easily attach to a console or tablet, offering a bigger screen experience. At the bottom, there’s an RGB strip that syncs with the Razer Chroma ecosystem, making things visually appealing.
Connectivity Options
In terms of connectivity, the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is equipped with one HDMI port, a USB-C port (which is probably for a power adapter), one RJ45 Ethernet port, three USB Type-A ports, and a specific rectangular USB-C cable that connects to the host device. It can deliver up to 100 Watts of power to charge any connected gadgets. There’s also a power button, but it’s not certain if it can manage the host device.
Design and Availability
The design is understated, featuring a Razer logo on the front. You can currently pre-order the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma directly from Razer‘s website. Retailers will have it available starting January 30. The price is set at $79, and it is offered in just one color option.
Razer’s new accessory is aimed at enhancing the gaming experience for handheld users.
Tags: HDMI, Razer Handheld Dock Chroma, USB-C