Tag: wireless charging

April 11, 2025
Oppo Unveils Magnetic Power Bank for iPhone at $20
Key Takeaways
1. New Product Launch: Oppo introduced the Magnetic Energy Card Air, a slim wireless power bank, alongside flagship smartphones, a tablet, and a wearable device.
2. Magnetic Accessory Series: The Energy Card Air is part of a new “Mag” lineup, which includes other magnetic accessories like the Magnetic Protective Case and Dual Type-C Cable.
3. Power Bank Specifications: It has a capacity of 5000mAh, can magnetically attach to newer Oppo phones, and features active temperature management to prevent overheating.
4. Cross-Compatibility: The device is compatible with iPhones, making it a versatile accessory for users across different brands.
5. Pricing and Availability: The Magnetic Energy Card Air will be available in China starting April 16, priced at 149 yuan (approximately $20).
Oppo had quite a hectic day yesterday. In addition to unveiling its newest flagship smartphones, a premium tablet, and a fresh wearable device, the company also rolled out a less glamorous yet still quite handy gadget: the Oppo Magnetic Energy Card Air. This device is a slim wireless power bank that also works with iPhones.
Magnetic Accessory Series
The Magnetic Energy Card Air is part of Oppo’s new “Mag” lineup of magnetic accessories, which also features the Magnetic Protective Case and the Magnetic Dual Type-C Cable. All these products are created to fit into a growing ecosystem that revolves around magnetic attachment. It’s somewhat similar to MagSafe, but tailored for Oppo devices.
Power Bank Features
This power bank boasts a capacity of 5000mAh and can magnetically attach to Oppo’s newer phones like the Find X8s, X8s+, and X8 Ultra. The concept is straightforward: enjoy wireless charging without the usual bulk, messy cables, or heating problems. To address temperature concerns, Oppo has employed a new shell material along with active temperature management using an NTC resistor. They claim this innovation helps “ease” overheating during use.
Interestingly, the Energy Card is not restricted to just Oppo’s devices. Thanks to its magnetic wireless charging capability, it also works with iPhones. This makes it one of those versatile accessories that doesn’t confine users to just one brand’s ecosystem.
Battery Status and Charging Options
At the bottom, there’s a small four-dot LED indicator that displays battery status, plus a USB-C port that allows both charging the power bank (at 12W) and charging other devices (with a maximum output of 10W). This means you can easily connect a pair of earbuds or a smartwatch when you’re not using the magnetic feature to charge your phone.
The Oppo Magnetic Energy Card Air is set to hit the market in China starting April 16, with a price of 149 yuan (approximately $20). It’s a compact and portable cross-platform accessory ideal for those on the move who want to avoid dealing with cords or bulky battery packs.
Tags: Magnetic Energy Card Air, Oppo, wireless charging
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.
Source:
Link

Tags: iPhone 17 Air, USB-C, wireless charging
March 3, 2025
MWC 2025: HMD Amped Buds – Earbuds with Power Bank Case
Key Takeaways
1. Unique Charging Case: The HMD Amped Buds feature a charging case that can wirelessly charge compatible smartphones, acting as a power bank.
2. Distinct Design: The earbuds have a unique in-ear design with a slim case that differs from typical clamshell designs, making them more portable.
3. Impressive Battery Life: Users can enjoy up to 95 hours of playback with the charging case, dropping to 58 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on.
4. Advanced Features: Equipped with 10mm drivers, ANC, Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), and multiple microphones for clear calls, along with touch controls and virtual assistant support.
5. Connectivity and Tracking: The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.4, Google Fast Pair, and the Find My Device feature on Android, with an IP54 rating for dust and sweat resistance.
HMD has unveiled a fresh set of earbuds named the HMD Amped Buds, which it claims to be the first wireless earbuds globally featuring a charging case that can wirelessly charge smartphones that are compatible with wireless charging. Essentially, these earbuds come with a case that also acts like a wireless charging power bank.
Design and Functionality
The HMD Amped Buds sport an in-ear design that’s quite unique. The earbuds, which have a hinged design and stems, are stored in a charging case that stands out from competitors. Instead of the typical clamshell case found with products like the AirPods Pro 2 or OnePlus Buds Pro 3 (currently priced at $144 on Amazon), these earbuds are kept in the sides of an ultra-slim case similar to that of a power bank.
The case’s shape serves more than just a visual purpose; it functions as a wireless charging power bank capable of charging phones that support wireless charging or magnetic wireless charging. If your smartphone isn’t compatible with wireless charging, you can still recharge it via the USB-C port located on the case. However, keep in mind that you won’t get a full charge since the case has a capacity of 1,600mAh. Still, it can be quite useful in emergency situations.
Battery Life
Because of the case’s significant battery capacity, users can expect several hours of use with the earbuds. HMD claims that playback time can reach up to 95 hours when using the charging case, although this falls to 58 hours if Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is activated. For those interested in precise figures, each earbud contains a 35mAh battery, allowing for about 4.9 hours of use with ANC on and 8.1 hours with ANC off.
The HMD Amped Buds are equipped with 10mm drivers, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), along with compatibility for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound. Each earbud is fitted with three microphones to ensure clear call quality. Touch controls are also available, and users can activate virtual assistants like Google Gemini.
Connectivity and Availability
These earbuds support the Find My Device feature on Android, helping owners track them down if misplaced. They connect through Bluetooth 5.4 and support Google Fast Pair, allowing them to connect to two devices at the same time and switch seamlessly between the two. They also have an IP54 rating, which offers protection against dust and sweat.
The HMD Amped Buds will be available in Black, Cyan, and Pink and are set to be priced at £179.99 in the UK and €199.99 across Europe when they launch. There is currently no information regarding their release in North America.
Source:
Link
Tags: Active Noise Cancellation, HMD AMPED BUDS, wireless charging
February 11, 2025
Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro 2: New Design, Heart Rate Tracking, $249.99
Key Takeaways
1. Design Improvements: The Powerbeats Pro 2 are 20% lighter and feature enhanced earhooks made from a lightweight, flexible nickel-titanium alloy for better fit.
2. Charging Case Changes: The new charging case is 33% smaller, introduces wireless charging, and transitions from a Lightning port to USB-C. No charging cable is included.
3. Workout Features: New features include heart rate monitoring, active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, and Adaptive EQ for audio adjustments based on fit.
4. Advanced Audio Capabilities: Supports spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and features the Apple H2 chip for improved sound quality and connectivity.
5. Pricing and Availability: The Powerbeats Pro 2 is priced at $249.99, available through Amazon, Best Buy, and Beats by Dre’s online store, and includes multiple silicone ear tips.
Apple’s Beats by Dre has just revealed the Powerbeats Pro 2, several months after their first hint back in September 2024. These new earbuds are a follow-up to the original Powerbeats Pro that launched in 2019. Designed especially for workouts, the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds boast many upgrades compared to their predecessors.
Design Improvements
One of the main highlights is the enhanced design. The earhooks are still present but are now crafted from a lightweight, flexible nickel-titanium alloy. Furthermore, these earbuds are 20% lighter than the last version, and Beats by Dre claims they are the best fitting headphones they’ve ever made.
Changes to the Charging Case
The charging case has also seen significant modifications. It is now 33% smaller, includes wireless charging for the first time, and has switched from a Lightning port to a USB-C port, similar to the upgraded AirPods Max. However, there’s no cable included in the package. Only the earbuds themselves have an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance. Consumers can purchase the Powerbeats Pro 2 in Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange.
New Features for Workout Enthusiasts
The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds come with exciting new features, including heart rate monitoring during exercise. iOS users can check heart rate data through their device settings, whereas Android users will need the Beats app to access this feature.
Moreover, the earbuds have a custom acoustic setup, dual-layer drivers that minimize distortion, and active noise cancellation (ANC). There’s a transparency mode option, which is handy for staying aware of your environment. Another notable feature is the Adaptive EQ, which adjusts audio based on how well the earbuds fit in your ears.
Advanced Audio Capabilities
These earbuds also support spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. When linked with the Apple Vision Pro, they can provide ultra-low latency lossless sound. All this is made possible thanks to the Apple H2 chip, the same technology used in the AirPods Pro 2.
Each earbud is equipped with a voice accelerometer and three microphones, enhancing call quality and noise cancellation. Physical buttons allow users to switch listening modes, activate voice assistants, and manage volume and playback. The Powerbeats Pro 2 offers up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge without ANC (8 hours with ANC enabled), and a total of 45 hours with the case (36 hours with ANC).
Pricing and Availability
The Powerbeats Pro 2 retains the price of $249.99 from the previous model and is available for purchase through Amazon, Best Buy, and the official Beats by Dre online store. Each set comes with five pairs of silicone ear tips and the wireless charging case.
Source:
Link
Tags: Beats by Dre, Powerbeats Pro 2, wireless charging
February 8, 2025
New Journey Alti Play Wireless Charging Desk Mat Now Available
The Journey Alti Play Performance Desk Mat is now up for pre-order in the United States. This new desktop charging accessory improves upon the previous Alti model by adding RGB lighting, which enhances your workspace with some nice ambient light. On the left side of the mat, you’ll find the dedicated charging area. It operates using USB-C and allows you to wirelessly charge two devices simultaneously; there’s a 15W Qi2-enabled charging pad for your phone and a secondary 5W charger for your earbuds.
Features and Controls
The magnetic charging panel can be detached and is framed by RGB lighting that you can control with two built-in buttons. You have the option to cycle through nine different colors, including a rainbow setting, as well as six modes such as snake, rainbow pulse, and breathing effects. Additionally, you can adjust the brightness to one of four levels. Journey claims that the color temperature varies from 1,200 to 6,500K, and the LED lifespan is expected to be around 50,000 hours.
Material and Design
According to reports, the mat is crafted from a textured micro-weave Lycra material, which promises comfort while providing a smooth surface for your mouse. The bottom side is finished with rubber to prevent slipping. The overall dimensions are 900 x 400 x 4 mm (approximately 35.4 x 15.7 x 0.2 inches), while the charging panel measures 400 x 100 x 7 mm (about 15.7 x 3.9 x 0.3 inches). You can currently pre-order the Journey Alti Play Performance Desk Mat for $149.99, which is $20 more than the previous Alti Wireless Charging Desk Mat. The product is set to ship on February 12th, but it remains uncertain if it will also be available in other countries.
Source:
Link
Tags: Journey Alti Play, RGB Desk Mat, wireless charging
January 16, 2025
Samsung Launches Qi 2.2 Chip for 50W Wireless Charging
Samsung Semiconductor has unveiled the S2MIW06 Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), a chip that claims to be set to “redefine the future of wireless charging.” This chipset is certainly captivating, as it could facilitate quicker wireless charging and introduce new functionalities on Samsung smartphones.
Enhanced Wireless Charging Capabilities
The S2MIW06 chip allows wireless charging of up to 50 watts, outperforming the current range of 25 to 45 watts found in Samsung smartphones. Additionally, it complies with the Qi 2.2 standard, which features the Extended Power Profile (EPP) enabling 15-watt charging with chargers not made by Samsung. It also works with the Magnetic Power Profile (MPP), supporting magnetic chargers and accessories similar to Apple’s MagSafe for the iPhone 16.
Broad Compatibility Testing
To ensure wide-ranging compatibility, the Samsung S2MIW06 PMIC has been evaluated with hundreds of charging pads, even some that lack Qi certification. With 70KB of built-in flash storage, this chip provides much more space for firmware personalization compared to most rivals. For example, the firmware can shrink the motherboard area needed for reverse wireless charging by 15%.
Future Release Uncertainty
Samsung Semiconductor has yet to announce when the S2MIW06 PMIC will be available or which smartphones will incorporate this chip. Speculation indicates that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra might support the Qi2 standard, but so far, Samsung has only confirmed the upcoming release of a Galaxy smartphone with Qi2 compatibility sometime in 2025.
Source:
Link
Tags: Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung S2MIW06, wireless charging
January 13, 2025
Anker MagGo 5K Slim Power Bank Now Available in Europe
The Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K, Slim) is now available in Europe. This small device was first introduced in North America last December and can currently be found only in Apple stores. It is a more compact version of the MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) that was showcased at IFA 2024.
Pricing and Availability
People in countries like the UK, Netherlands, and France can purchase the MagGo Power Bank (5K, Slim) for £49.95/€59.95. Similar to the US version (which is priced at $49.95 at the Apple Store), customers can pick from two color choices: white and blue. This portable charger is suitable for iPhone 12 and newer models, featuring a Qi-2 certified 15W wireless charging pad. Additionally, it can charge another device using the built-in USB-C port, capable of delivering up to 20W power when used independently. If both outputs are utilized at the same time, the power bank provides 12W through the USB-C and 5W wirelessly.
Design and Features
Recharging the power bank is done through the USB-C port, and it includes LED lights to show the remaining battery life. This accessory is particularly thin, measuring only 0.9 cm (approximately 0.3 inches) thick and weighing around 120g (about 4 oz). It also includes a 60 cm (around 2 ft) braided USB-C cable. For those seeking a power bank with more capacity, the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) is currently listed on Amazon for $62.99.
Source:
Link
Tags: Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K, Portable Charger, wireless charging
December 14, 2024
Anker MagGo 5K Slim Power Bank – Compact Accessory Available Now
The Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K, Slim) is now available in both the US and Canada. This newly released accessory, which had been rumored and seen in photos before, is a smaller edition of the MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) that was introduced at IFA in September. Like the earlier model, this gadget is tailored specifically for iPhones.
Charging Features
The MagGo Power Bank offers 15W of Qi2-certified wireless charging through its magnetic pad located on the front. It also includes a USB-C port that allows charging of a second device with a maximum output of 20W. However, if you are charging two devices at once, the USB-C port will provide only 12W, and the wireless charging speed drops to 5W. To recharge the power bank itself, you use the same USB-C port, which supports pass-through charging, plus has LED indicators to show the remaining battery life.
Design and Availability
This compact accessory has dimensions of 102 x 70 x 9 mm (approximately 4.0 x 2.8 x 0.4 inches) and weighs around 120 g (about 0.3 lbs). The Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K, Slim) is now for sale in the US for $49.95 and in Canada for CA$69.95. Currently, it can only be found at the Apple Store, where buyers can select from white and blue color options. It’s not known if or when this product will be sold in other stores or in different regions, such as Europe. On the other hand, the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) is available on Amazon for $69.99.
Conclusion
So, if you’re in the market for a reliable power bank that works seamlessly with your iPhone, the Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K, Slim) could be a great choice. With its sleek design and efficient charging capabilities, it’s worth considering, especially if you prefer to shop at the Apple Store. Do keep an eye out for any updates regarding its availability in other locations!
Source: Link
Tags: Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K, Apple Store, Slim), wireless charging
November 12, 2024
OnePlus Unveils 0.8mm Magnetic Power Bank for iPhone Users
OnePlus has just introduced its new magnetic power bank along with the OnePlus 13 smartphone a few weeks ago in China. Known as the OnePlus Magnetic Power Bank, it is now available for buyers in the mainland. Let’s dive into the details about its specifications, features, and pricing.
Specifications of the OnePlus Magnetic Power Bank
This power bank presents a sleek and simple design, adorned with the recognizable OnePlus logo and the label "Magnetic Power Bank" on the front, clearly indicating what it does. It functions as a wireless battery pack that can be attached to your smartphone’s back.
Aligning with the trend of slim gadgets, OnePlus states that this power bank can “fit easily into a wallet.” Constructed from strong 5 series aviation aluminum, it weighs only 120g and has a thickness of just 0.88 cm at its slimmest part.
While it appears perfectly made for the OnePlus 13, which has a flat bottom to prevent blocking the camera, the magnetic feature is not limited to OnePlus devices. It includes NTC resistors for managing temperature and importantly, it also supports wireless charging for iPhones.
Features and Functionality
At the bottom, there are four tiny lights that show how much power is left, and a side button lets users turn on the power bank. However, with a capacity of only 5000mAh, it won’t fully charge the OnePlus 13’s larger 6000mAh battery in one go. The company markets it mainly as a travel companion.
Pricing and Release Information
The OnePlus Magnetic Power Bank is available for 149 yuan (approximately $21). Interestingly, on the same day, OnePlus’ parent company, Oppo, launched a similar magnetic power bank featuring the same specifications. Both power banks offer 5000mAh capacity, wireless charging for multiple devices, and a lightweight design that enhances portability. It appears they might be identical products but simply branded differently.
Tags: Oneplus 13, OnePlus Magnetic Power Bank, wireless charging
October 22, 2024
Zens Wireless Charger Turns Socket into Qi2 Charger with USB-C
The new Qi2 charger by Zens is designed for users who lack the space for a charging pad and also prefer to avoid charging cables. This charger positions the Qi2 charging coil directly in front of your socket and is small enough to not obstruct adjacent sockets.
Compatibility and Charging Power
This device can magnetically hold Qi2-compatible gadgets and provide wireless charging at a maximum of 15 watts. As of now, only Apple iPhones starting from the iPhone 12 and the HMD Skyline are officially recognized as compatible with Qi2. Android phones that support Qi and are available with MagSafe cases, like the Google Pixel 9 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S24, can be charged too, but they will only receive 7.5 watts, which is the limit of the first-generation Qi standard.
Dual Charging Feature
An interesting feature is that the USB-C port is placed on the bottom of the Qi2 charger. This allows charging of devices through a cable at a power of up to 18 watts. Thus, you can charge two devices simultaneously without needing an additional charger. The charger is available in both white and black colors. Zens also points out that wireless charging is effective even when the smartphone is inside a case, provided the case is compatible with MagSafe or Qi2 and doesn’t exceed 3 millimeters in thickness.
Pricing and Release Date
The EU version of the Zens Qi2 Wireless Charging Adapter is currently up for pre-order at the manufacturer’s online store for €49.99, with shipping expected to start on November 7.
Tags: Apple iphone, wireless charging, Zens Qi2 Charger