When it comes to portable chargers for your phone, laptop, camera, tablet – or any device that has a USB-C port, there are few brand names as big as Anker. The China-based charger behemoth is ubiquitous on Amazon, at Best Buy, and in just about any reputable electronics store. That’s why the recall of more than 1 million portable chargers came as such a shock last week.

If you bought the Anker PowerCore 10000 power bank (Model A1263), which was on sale between June 2016 and December 2022 and sold for about $27, it’s one of the affected chargers.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that “Anker has received 19 reports of fires and explosions. This includes two reports of minor burn injuries not requiring medical attention and 11 reports of property damage totaling over $60,700.”

Some 1,158,000 PowerCore 10000 power banks are affected by the recall.

Anker will ship a replacement to you, and if a replacement is unavailable, Anker is offering a $30 gift card to its website.

The CPSC also offers these details about affected chargers: "The model number ‘A1263’ and serial number 'SN' are printed on the bottom. Only model number A1263 power banks sold in the U.S. with qualifying serial numbers are included in the recall.”

If you have one of these chargers, getting rid of them can be tricky because they’re a fire hazard. Here’s the CPSC again:

“Note: Do not throw this recalled lithium-ion battery or device in the trash, in the general recycling stream (e.g., street-level or curbside recycling bins), or in used battery recycling boxes found at various retail and home improvement stores. Recalled lithium-ion batteries must be disposed of differently than other batteries, because they present a greater risk of fire. Your municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center may accept this recalled lithium-ion battery or device for disposal. Before taking your battery or device to a HHW collection center, contact it ahead of time and ask whether it accepts recalled lithium-ion batteries. If it does not, contact your municipality for further guidance.”

With that said, here are five power banks to buy if you have one of those Anker chargers affected by the recall.

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If you're looking for a Pixel 9 wireless charging stand at a reasonable price, fret not. Given that Google is no longer selling its $79 Pixel Stand 2, cheaper alternatives are getting are selling like hot cakes.

Let's face it, who wants spend that much on a single device wireless charging stand?

That said, the iOttie iON Wireless Duo Charging Stand and Pad for $49 from the Google Store is the better value. By comparison, it's $4 cheaper than Amazon's current price for the same 2-in-1 charging stand.

Browse: Google Pixel 9 accessories

The iON Wireless Duo is 15W capable and lets you wirelessly fast-charge your Pixel 9 and Pixel Buds simulataneously. What's more, you can view your phone in portrait or landscape mode while it charges at a 65-degree tilt. That's a nifty feature to have for those times when you're on a video call, streaming music, or following step-by-step recipes on YouTube.

This luxurious-looking Qi wireless charging stand's fabric wrapped design serves as a non-slip resting pad and stylish accent to any room. The iON Wireless Duo works the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and just about any other Qi-wireless endabled device.

Looking for a single device fast-charging stand for your Pixel 9? I recommend the Belkin 15W Wireless Charging Stand for $26 ($19 off) at Amazon. Apply the on-page coupon secure this deal price at checkout.

Belkin is known to manurfacturer some of the industry's best mobile charging accessories. Its 15W Wireless Charging Stand for the Pixel 9 ships with a 24W quick-charge power supply and is 15W fast charging capable.

Besides Pixel phones, the Belkin Wireless Charging Stand works with Qi-enabled iPhones, and Galaxy phones.

Save your money and check out my recommended Pixel 9 wireless charging stands below.

Today's best Pixel 9 charging stand deals

It might not feel like it yet, but the world of smart glasses is heating up.

On top of new entries from companies like Xreal, Meta took the next steps with its Ray-Ban smart glasses this year, imbuing them with AI and adding even more potential for future uses down the line. As I've written previously, Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses are arguably my favorite (and maybe the most underrated) gadget of the year.

They have great audio capabilities, they make taking pictures and videos easy, and they actually look like normal, Ray-Ban, glasses. When it comes to style and capability, they stand alone in the smart glasses category.

At least for now...

Samsung enters the chat

Looks like Meta might not be alone in the world of fashionable smart glasses much longer.

See also: Samsung Smart Glasses in January 2025? Here's everything we know so far

According to a report this week from Korean outlet Yonhap News, Samsung may be preparing to launch its own pair of smart glasses soon, potentially during January's annual Galaxy Unpacked event where it typically introduces its flagship Galaxy phones.

On one hand, that's to be expected — Meta has already made a clear case that smart glasses with a camera and solid audio are a marketable commodity. On the other hand, it could represent one of the biggest sea changes in smart glasses we've seen yet.

Let me explain.

Meta's glasses are great. They do a lot more than you might expect for a relatively nascent product category and they might do even more in the future thanks to Meta AI which imbues the glasses with a bit of computer vision.

But as solid as they are, they're still lacking something — something that actually has almost nothing to do with the glasses themselves. That something is an ecosystem.

Smart glasses, for all of their surprising use cases, still need to be coupled with a real computer, and in that case, that computer is your phone. Your phone is the only reason that Meta's Ray-Ban glasses are useful and thanks to that synergy they can play music, announce turn-by-turn navigation in your maps apps, take calls, and more.

But for everything Ray-Ban glasses can do thanks to your phone, there are just as many things that they can't. That has almost nothing to do with the glasses themselves or their technical limitations, but a lot to do with your phone.

Meta's Ray-Bans just don't have the deep system-level access to your phone to bring them the extra mile. Imagine for a moment a pair of glasses that plays nice with everything your phone does — I'm talking text messages, calls, voice assistants, timers, calendars, you name it.

Sounds useful, right? That's exactly what Samsung might have to offer.

A smarter pair of smart glasses

A pair of Samsung smart glasses has no real limitations when it comes to which apps it has access to and which it doesn't, and for that reason, they could unlock the true potential of the category.

Paired with system-level access, Samsung's rumored smart glasses would be a real-functional extension of your phone in the same way that a watch is — maybe even more so since it can capture media as well.

Think about it. A pair of deeply integrated smart glasses could take pictures and videos and send them directly to your photos app; it could take calls; it could send messages through voice; it could integrate with your phone calendar and send you reminders; it could interact with your phone's voice assistant to search the web or, heck, draft an email for you. By borrowing your phone's ecosystem and compute power, I can't think of anything that smart glasses can't do.

In short, they could cease on basically all the shortcomings of Meta's Ray-Bans.

This is all hypothetical for now, but when you start to unpack the possibilities, a pair of smart glasses made by a company that also manufactures phones just makes sense. It'd still be pretty far off from the AR future promised by prototypes like Meta's Orion, but it would also easily be the best pair of phone-like smart glasses we've seen yet.

As much as I love Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, favorites are a fleeting thing and if Samsung really pulls the trigger, we may have a new king of smart glasses.

Losing stuff is inevitable, but luckily we have technology to pick up the slack.

Apple's AirTags might not be the original Bluetooth tracker (Tile made the category popular), but it's obviously the most compatible with iPhones, and now you can get a few of these life-saving pucks for a hefty discount.

If you're in the mood to be proactive about tracking any potentially lost items, this is the perfect time to spring for Apple's AirTags which come in a pack of four. That should cover all of your essentials — keys, wallet, bags, or even luggage.

For the best Apple deals on Cyber Monday and Black Friday check our complete list.

Smart glasses might not be the number one target on your Black Friday deals list, but, if I'm being honest, they oughta be.

This year I tried Meta's updated Ray-Ban smart glasses and they became the unexpected star of my gadget lineup. They're not the next-gen holographic AR glasses we've been waiting for, but they're great for taking calls, turn-by-turn navigation, and listening to music, and they just got a whole host of AI features that could make them even more advanced in the near future.

The only downside is that they are (like any pair of Ray-Ban glasses) pretty expensive.

But this is the season of deals and I'm happy to report that Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses are getting a heavy discount. If you've been curious about what a pair of smart glasses can offer your day-to-day, now is the time.

"Phone, wallet, keys. Phone, wallet, keys."

If I don't say this to myself when I'm leaving my apartment, the odds are that I will certainly forget one of those items inside my apartment.

Bluetooth-enabled trackers have long been the solution for forgetful people who attach them to their keys and insert them in bags, cars, wallets, and checked baggage.

Perhaps Bluetooth trackers have saved your blushes, but there was one problem with those trackers — they weren't very accurate, or at least not accurate enough. Tracking devices using Bluetooth Low Energy tech is great for battery life but not so great for precision. With more than a billion Bluetooth devices produced every year, an improvement in location accuracy could quietly improve untold numbers of lives.

Even with a tracker enabled, you might still flip sofa cushions, looking for your keys or wallet. New Bluetooth technology announced this month could make tracking devices even more precise.

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group, a non-profit group of tech companies large and small, announced the debut of Bluetooth core specification 6.0 this month. Those "core specifications" are just what they sound like: "The technologies required to create interoperable Bluetooth devices." Essentially, if you want to create Bluetooth devices in the future, they must meet these core specs, which are also available in a 3,800-page PDF.

But the most interesting part to everyday Bluetooth users is a concept called "channel sounding," which "offers the potential for products to achieve much higher accuracy distance measurements than has previously been possible."

How Bluetooth channel sounding works

Depending on the app, developers can use the channel sounding tool kit to measure distance between two Bluetooth devices (like your phone and your keyring with a Bluetooth tracker). Previously, a Received Signal Strength Indicator was used by Bluetooth-enabled trackers to determine the distance via signal strength. It was a huge moment, but the dropoff in signal was stark.

Using radio wave analysis technologies called phase-based ranging and round-trip timing, Bluetooth devices can sync with each other with stronger signals over greater distances — assuming environmental factors like thick brick walls aren't an issue. Phase-based ranging measures distance and round-trip time provides distance measurement using a different method — the time it takes for information to travel between two Bluetooth points.

Security, long a worry among Bluetooth developers, is also a focus of channel-sounding tech, which ensures that only the linked Bluetooth device can locate another, reducing so-called "man-in-the-middle" attacks where third parties could intercept a Bluetooth communications.

Lottie Hutchins, a rep for the Bluetooth SIG, uses a spotlight analogy when asked how to explain the improvement in new channel sounding technology.

"Imagine searching for your lost keys in a cluttered room. In the past, using Bluetooth Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) was like using a flashlight with a very weak beam," Hutchins tells Laptop Mag. "You could vaguely see the general area where your keys might be, but it was hard to pinpoint their exact location.

"With Bluetooth channel sounding, it's like switching to a spotlight. It analyzes the signal as it bounces around your environment, creating a detailed picture of the surroundings. This allows your phone or laptop to locate your Bluetooth tracker with much greater precision – down to centimeters."

In a statement released this week on the Bluetooth SIG website, Andrew Zignani, senior research director at ABI Research, offered practical application ideas for improved location accuracy that will be made real with Bluetooth channel sounding:

“Imagine Bluetooth mice, keyboards, and game controllers that can automatically switch between active and inactive states based on their distance from a laptop. In industrial settings, distance-aware Bluetooth human-machine interface (HMI) solutions can increase personnel safety by only allowing usage from a safe distance.

"Meanwhile, Bluetooth device networks, such as those used for networked lighting control, can more easily self-configure to enhance system performance using this innovative technology."

When will Bluetooth Channel Sounding technology come out?

Channel sounding technical specifications were released in July, and in late August, the core specifications for Bluetooth 6.0 were last updated. Bluetooth SIG has since adopted those specs.

It's unclear when the first Bluetooth-enabled device with channel sound will be on the shelves, but less time spent looking for the essential items we carry — phone, wallet, keys — seems to be in our future.

The best iPhone 16 accessories will help you get the most out of your Apple phone. If you already own an iPhone 16 or plan to buy one soon, you'll want a protective case to prolong its life.

Among today’s Amazon deals, you’ll find an excellent selection of original iPhone 16 MagSafe cases and the iPhone Wallet with MagSafe for dollars off retail.

Undercutting Apple's direct price by 53%, Amazon offers the iPhone 16 Plus Silicone with MagSafe and Camera Control for $22 ($27 off). You can get a clear for the iPhone 16 Plus or iPhone 16 Pro for $35 ($13 off). Amazon offer the iPhone 16 Pro Max verison for $37 ($12 off).

So if you’re looking for a protective iPhone 16 case, spare charger, or headphones, you don't have to spend a fortune. See today's best deals on iPhone cases and other iPhone 16 accessories at Amazon now.

iPhone 16 MagSafe case deals — Quick links

• Browse: Apple iPhone 16 cases at Amazon
• Apple iPhone 16 Silicone MagSafe Case: was $49 now $37 at Amazon
• Apple iPhone 16 Plus MagSafe Silicone Case: was $49 now $22 at Amazon
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max MagSafe Silicone Case: was $49 now $37 at Amazon
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Clear MagSafe Case: was $49 now $34 at Amazon
• Apple iPhone FineWoven MagSafe Wallet Case: was $59 now $49 at Amazon

iPhone 16 MagSafe case deals

If it weren’t for the pack of AirTags I picked up in a Christmas sale, I’d have left the Apple ecosystem long ago. Since Apple unveiled its in-house tracker, I’ve been hooked to keeping tabs on my items via my phone, whether that’s watching my suitcases whiz past airport check-ins or never losing my keys. Living without AirTags became unimaginable, however compelling the latest Android phones were. At long last, though, Google patched that glaring gap in its mobile ecosystem earlier this year by introducing its own Find My Device network.

Google has always offered a way to find lost Android devices. But now, it has expanded the service to support AirTag-like Bluetooth trackers, which is similar to how Apple’s Find My platform works. Google’s Find My Device network crowdsources encrypted signals from over a billion Android devices to track a misplaced item, no matter where in the world it is. Once you lose an accessory, it looks for a nearby Android phone or tablet to latch onto for beaming its whereabouts to the network, which then notifies you. 

While Google itself isn’t ready to take on the AirTag just yet with its own (Pixel-branded?) tracker, many third-party partners like Chipolo and Pebblebee have already rolled out their Find My Device accessories. I’ve been living with some of them over the last few weeks, and here’s how they hold up against Apple’s Find My network. 

Price and build quality comparison

Even though it’s only been up and running for a few months, you’ll find Find My Device trackers in many shapes and forms. I was testing four of them: a pair of AirTag-esque round trackers and two credit card-shaped ones from Chipolo and Pebblebee. 

Each costs $30-$35, about the same as an AirTag, but comes with a couple of additional perks. Both the round trackers have a built-in loop for your keys, so you don’t need to pay more for third-party keychain attachments (I’m looking at you, Apple’s $35 AirTag FineWoven Key Ring). In addition, Pebblebee’s Clip is also equipped with stripes of LED lights so that you can spot them better at night. More importantly, all of its trackers are rechargeable over a USB-C port. 

While these features are nice, I wish Chipolo’s and Pebblebee’s trackers had a more robust build. Especially as a long-time AirTag user, their plastic bodies weren’t reassuring, and I was worried they’d break apart if I dropped them. Even the third-party options on the Apple side, such as Nomad Goods’ Tracking Card, which can be charged wirelessly, offer a more premium, durable feel. That said, I did drop them from almost a 6-foot height once, and they were unscathed. 

Another complaint is that the Chipolo and Pebblebee trackers are only splash-resistant, which means they're unlikely to survive if your attached wallet or keys fall into a pool. AirTag, in comparison, is rated to withstand water submersion for up to one meter and thirty minutes. Apple also offers complimentary engraving at the same price. 

Of course, as other brands, including hopefully Google, release their Find My Device compatible trackers, you’ll soon have more hardware options. The bigger question is how reliable Google’s crowdsourced network is compared to Apple’s near-perfect network. 

Setting up your trackers

Setting up a Find My Device is a straightforward and familiar experience if you’ve ever used an AirTag. All you have to do is press and hold the sole button on the tracker, and once it beeps, a prompt to add it to your account will automatically pop up on your Android phone or tablet (Android 9 or later), thanks to Google’s Fast Pair system. The process takes only a few seconds, and I’m glad it works for third-party accessories since the instant connection is limited to the AirTag in Apple’s case. For third-party trackers, an iPhone requires you to dig into the Find My app’s menus. 

The app experience

When you are through the pairing stage, you can find your tracker, alongside your phones, tablets, and other accessories, inside the new Find My Device app. You can check its live location, buzz it to locate it, rename it, and share its access with another Google user. However, although Google has refreshed the Find My Device app with a modern, cleaner look, its interface is surprisingly barebones. Unlike Apple’s Find My app, it doesn’t let you see all your trackers on the map together or offer folders to separate your various items and devices. What’s worse, it doesn’t notify you when you accidentally forget and leave behind an item at a cafe. 

On the Find My Device app, you also have the option to participate in the crowdsourced network. Although it’s officially only available in the US and Canada at the time of writing, reports suggest it’s rolling out in several countries like the UK, Japan, India, and Australia. What opting in means for you is that it allows Google to use your phone’s connection to locate any lost tracker in your vicinity. In return, it lets you leverage its billion-device network to stay on top of your items. This location information is end-to-end encrypted and is not linked to your identity. Only the Bluetooth tag’s owner can decrypt and view the item’s whereabouts. 

Find My Device tracker security

By default, however, Google takes a unique approach even though it could compromise the accuracy of its Find My Device. To counter unwanted tracking, it sets your preference to “With network in high-traffic areas only” out of the box. In this setting, the network works on aggregation: it requires multiple Android devices to pass by an item to log and report its location to the owner. This restricts the network’s use in dense areas such as cafes and airports and prevents stalking in or near private locations. 

Google has engineered a handful of more protections to ensure fair use. If you save your home addresses in your Google account, your Android device won’t contribute those pings from those locations to the public network. On top of that, the Find My Device system limits the number of times an Android device can ping for a particular Bluetooth tag, preventing malicious actors from engaging in real-time tracking of a person by, for example, slipping a tracker in the target’s car. 

Google’s decision to tackle the security issues around the increased use of trackers is commendable, but how does it all translate into real-world performance? To test the Find My Device network, I asked a friend to hide the Chipolo and Pebblebee trackers and an AirTag in a few locations — a busy cafe, an international airport, and a local park. 

Real-world Find My Device tracking test

I marked the trackers as lost and set to hunt. My iPhone alerted me within minutes that it had found the AirTag for the cafe and the airport. That didn’t happen in the Android’s case, which was a little surprising given the high density of phones in those areas. So I opened the Find My Device app, and lo and behold, the Android trackers were located. It’s just that my phone failed to notify me. 

The next step was to pinpoint their precise whereabouts. Once I reached the locations, Apple’s Find My directions kicked into action and guided me with an arrow and distance markers to the AirTag. 

Because the Android trackers aren’t equipped with ultra-wideband and only rely on Bluetooth, they couldn’t tell me which direction to head in. I began walking based on the approximate location I could see on the map. It took me a while, but once I was close enough, Google’s Find My Device app pulled up an abstract shape that grew bigger as I inched toward the tag and shrunk when I moved in the opposite direction. I could then buzz the tracker, which was far louder than the AirTag, to spot it. 

On the other hand, the trackers stashed in the local park took longer to find since it had just about half a dozen visitors at any point in time. But the next day in the morning, when presumably more people visit it to exercise, the iPhone pinged me with the AirTag’s whereabouts. That, unfortunately, never happened in Android’s case, and I couldn’t find the tracker without ringing up my friend. 

The Find My Device network’s poor performance in low-density areas was not unexpected. Since Google’s wider crowdsourced network is an opt-in rather than an opt-out, most Android users are likely unaware that they must manually switch to the “With network in all areas” setting to take complete advantage of it. Google has acknowledged these concerns and said it will roll out enhancements to “improve the speed and ability of locating lost items over the coming weeks.”

Outlook

In its current state, Google’s Find My Device network is far from an AirTag competitor, but the pieces are all there. With key app updates and potentially defaulting users to the broad network, Android won’t take long to catch up. After all, it’s only been live for a few months, whereas Apple’s Find My features have been available for years. For now, though, I’ll stick to slipping AirTags in my luggage.

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The “two-way wrist radio” was science fiction when comic strip detective Dick Tracy first donned it in 1946. Now, making wireless calls sits low on the list of the most impressive features of smartwatches. Unlike earbuds, another popular high-tech wearable, smartwatches are independent platforms that can host their apps. 

However, rather than trying to replace the smartphone, their use has skewed to health and safety tasks. That may be partly because the leading smartwatch OS vendors also control the leading smartphone operating systems. However, it also reflects the technical limitations of a device with a display, input surface, and battery size that can’t compete with a smartphone's.

This relationship between smartphone and smartwatch set the stage for introducing the poorly received Humane AI Pin, a wearable whose company had designs on replacing the smartphone but, as of May 21, was rumored to be putting itself up for sale. Despite all the criticism of the device’s performance, many saw potential in its use cases, including hands-free access to generative AI and photo and video capture. 

What went wrong?

Almost all of the major gripes about the AI Pin could be addressed if it were a smartphone accessory rather than an independent device. For example, the need for a separate subscription and phone number drew criticism; both disappear if it piggybacked onto the phone’s connectivity like most smartwatches. Cutting the cellular radio would also help reduce the device’s size and address its abysmal battery life. It would also ease integrating such a device with accounts and other apps.

Years before the AI Pin and even the debut of generative AI, another company developed a screen-free, cellular-connected wearable that offered voice-driven assistance. The Pebble Core, created by the pioneering smartwatch startup, was a keychain-friendly square about the size of the final iPod shuffle. It accessed Alexa via a 3G network. It could also stream Spotify and provide emergency location info via GPS. Intended as a running companion device, the wearable was part of a 2017 crowdfunding campaign that garnered nearly $13 million. 

Unfortunately, it came as time was running out for Pebble. The product was never released, and we’ve seen no major efforts on a similar product since.

A smartphone isn't the only competition

Why? If one of the AI Pin’s failings was that it competed unsuccessfully with the smartphone, a version of it as an accessory would still have to compete with the smartwatch or smart glasses such as Amazon’s Echo Frames or Ray-Ban’s Meta smart glasses. A smartwatch wins as the least conspicuous device and monitors the broadest range of health metrics, but smart glasses can also capture hands-free photos and videos in addition to offering private listening via earbud-like speakers. (There are watches with integrated cameras, but they are intended for surveillance.) In-lens projections could also overcome AI Pin's challenges with its signature projection display, especially outside.

Alas, smart glasses have their own challenges. While they are getting closer to resembling regular glasses, there’s still a way to go, especially for those who favor thin frames. Those who don’t need prescription glasses aren’t seeking eyewear beyond situational sunglasses. Indeed, it’s estimated that 45 million would-be glasses wearers in the U.S. alone opt for contact lenses. Others have LASIK or other surgeries to escape them.

Meanwhile, those who wear prescription glasses must take the extra (and sometimes expensive) step of getting suitable lenses for smart glasses. A smart pin avoids all these issues, but even a pin smaller than the Humane pin would stand out more than the Meta-infused Wayfarers. Apple and Google may be pushing forward on augmented reality headsets, but the leading smartphone stewards haven’t shown interest in scaling that technology down to smart glasses. A specialist company like Xreal might jump in, though.

Outlook

One thing’s for sure. We will soon have better on-the-go access to generalized voice agents without pulling out our phones. Google already allows substituting the far more useful Gemini for Google Assistant, and Siri will offer more generative AI-like conversations imminently. 

That will put the power of an Open AI-caliber dialogue into a convenient button press or tap on a smartwatch or a tap or squeeze of many earbuds. Such a step will provide one less reason to have a smart pin, which can do some things better than a smartphone alone but faces tougher competition when that smartphone is paired with other wearables.

MagSafe charging is amazing. I have MagSafe charging stands everywhere; they are in nearly every corner of my home and even in my car. I’ve found it the most convenient way to top up my iPhone: it’s quick and the magnets ensure I don’t have to fuss with cords and the phone stays in place, unlike other wireless chargers. At the same time, many of those options are heavy and the upright position means I can’t use it them charge accessories. 

However, Belkin's latest Qi2 wireless chargers have solved these problems for me with a trio of models to power up every device I own that supports wireless charging. Each one fits a different purpose for me, whether that's extreme portability or charging three devices at once. If you've held off on wireless charging until now I can't blame you, but with Qi2 now available it's a great time to jump in. 

I've spent a week with Belkin's Qi2 chargers now, so here's a closer look at how each one fits into my mobile charging life.

BoostCharge Pro Convertible Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand

The smallest of Belkin's new lineup is the BoostCharge Pro magnetic wireless charger, it comes equipped with an adjustable tilt that allows me to use it in either a pad or stand mode. In the former, the charger lies flat, which means you can place any Qi-compatible device like earbuds or an Android phone on it to wirelessly charge them, irrespective of whether they support MagSafe. Plus, the hinge can hold any angle between 0-70 degrees and the charging puck itself can swivel between 0-75 degrees, allowing me to position it precisely at eye level for, say, video calls. 

Because I can collapse the BoostCharge Pro stand back into a flat pad, it’s also travel-friendly and I had no trouble carrying it across multiple countries on a trip. Part of the reason why it hasn’t been a challenge to lug it around is it’s made out of a soft, rubberized material, which weighs (~10.50 oz vs 21 oz) half of its metallic counterparts. 

The highlight of Belkin’s new charger, though, is that it doesn’t depend on MagSafe at all; Instead, it’s powered by a long-overdue upgrade to the standard Qi technology you’ll find across hundreds of smartphones, earbuds, e-readers, and more. It’s called Qi2 and it takes inspiration from Apple’s MagSafe tech to bring magnetic wireless charging to the masses. If you place, for example, an Android phone on a MagSafe charger, it will not only charge slower but also won’t stick to it like an iPhone would. That’s expected to change with Qi2. 

More importantly, since Qi2’s magnets will no longer require you to guess the optimal position to align your phone’s and the charger’s internal coils, it’s more efficient, safer for batteries, and expected to significantly cut down how warm it gets after a top-up. 

While Apple, thanks to its experience with MagSafe, has already updated its iPhones (from the 12th generation models) to support the second-gen Qi standard, it’s not yet available on any other product. Reports suggest the first line of Qi2 Android phones, including the next Google Pixel, will hit the market later this year. 

BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand

The convertible stand is one of the many Qi2 chargers Belkin has launched under its BoostCharge Pro lineup. I also tested the $150 3-in-1 wireless charging station, which has a standard pad and an Apple Watch charger on a T-shaped stainless steel, and a grippy base that also acts as a wireless charger. It’s the nicest-looking of them all too, thanks to its minimalist design. 

Belkin hasn’t skimmed on function either: the 3-in-1 stand’s pads can swivel so that you can set it to your preferred angle and charge a device either vertically or horizontally. Another highlight is that the elevated pads’ magnets have just enough resistance to keep your devices in place and not topple the whole thing over when you try to take one out. Plus, unlike other similar alternatives, Belkin bundles a 36W power supply. The only complaint I have is it’s nearly impossible to keep clean. Dust easily sticks to the rubberized base and doesn’t come out without a thorough wipe if it does at all. In fact, we barely clean it for this story’s pictures.  

BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad

The third I tried is a $80 2-in-1 magnetic charging pad. It has a 15W puck to fast-charge a Qi2 device and a second 5W coil that’s ideal for accessories like earbuds. What’s interesting is that the pad has a pair of USB-C ports -- one to power the wireless station itself and another to supply a 5W output to a third device over a wired connection in case you’re out of wall sockets. 

Outlook

For anyone looking to switch to a wireless charging station to cut down their cable clutter or acquire the convertible one for travel, Belkin’s new accessories are a no-brainer, albeit a bit expensive. 

However, if you don’t have a non-Apple product like an Android phone, you can consider skipping splurging for the Qi2 variant and instead buy their MagSafe predecessors, which are now on sale, and nearly half the price. 

The Rabbit R1, that pocket-sized AI assistant that was all the rave a few months back at CES 2024, might not be as revolutionary as it seems. The consensus among reviewers in a wave of recently published takes is it is essentially an Android app in a wonderfully cute case.

This begs the question, why would you need $200 on an R1 when it does the same stuff your smartphone does in a different form factor? Additionally, since you need to add a data plan for it to work, that's $200 plus monthly data fees, which add to the cost. 

Lastly, considering its competitor, the Humane AI Pin, hasn't exactly set the world on fire either, we have to ask ourselves: 

What is the actual point of these devices that replicate apps that already exist within your current smartphone? 

Rabbit’s denial (wascally wabbit)

Rabbit CEO Jesse Lyu swats away claims that the R1 is just an app, saying the R1 runs a custom version of Android with some special sauce mixed in and that a simple phone app wouldn't work: "[R]abbit r1 is not an Android app. We are aware there are some unofficial rabbit OS app/website emulators out there," Lyu said, responding directly to a critical story published this week on the R1 in Android Authority.)

We should add that using unofficial Rabbit OS apps could be dangerous. Hackers love this stuff, and these bootleg apps could steal your data. Yikes! So, stick to the official channels, folks.

Now, the R1 can do some cool things — booking Ubers, identifying earworms, and whipping up recipes based on your fridge contents, just like any good AI assistant. Lyu has shown it off by generating images with the Midjourney AI app. However, once again, I must point out that your smartphone does all of this already and has thousands more app options. 

Mark Spoonauer, Global editor-in-chief at Tom's Guide, reviewed the Rabbit R1 and told readers to "Avoid this AI Gadget" in the headline. Spoonauer writes that the R1 feels "unfinished and broken."

The Rabbit R1 is starting to look like just another tech fad that will collect dust in a forgotten drawer. 

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Portable gaming is back, not that Nintendo ever really let it go away. From handheld gaming PCs to AAA gaming titles running on more powerful mobile devices, handheld gaming is booming, making devices like the GameSir X2s Type-C more practical than ever before.

Whether you’re tackling las plagas in Resident Evil 4 on iOS, being hunted by the xenomorph threat in Alien Isolation on Android, or defending Super Earth from the Terminid and Automaton scourge in Helldivers 2 through Steam Link, the GameSir X2s is a fantastic, lightweight, and versatile way to game in comfort that leaves your screen distraction free to enjoy gameplay and visuals to their fullest.

The X2s might be a budget buy, but can this mobile controller punch above its price? Let’s find out.

GameSir X2s Type-C: Price and availability

The GameSir X2s Type-C mobile controller is available now for just $45.99 at Amazon, the mobile controller is also available in the EU and UK for €60 and £50, respectively.

That’s plenty cheaper than popular mobile controller options like the $99 Backbone One, and GameSir’s other more premium, Xbox Controller-esque $79 G8 Galileo.

You’re only really missing out on a 3.5mm audio jack, unless you’re a champion of the G8’s exchangeable face plates, that is. The X2s is a more “stripped-down” affair but offers all of the functionality, and even the Hall Effect sticks and triggers.

GameSir X2s Type-C: Design

The GameSir X2s Type-C is a twin-stick asymmetrical game controller that blends a modern 16-input layout with a retro Super Nintendo Entertainment System design to great effect.

The rear of the controller features a soft rubberized grip and the GameSir logo, but very little else of note. The front of the pad, as you’d expect, is where much of what the X2s has to showcase can be found.

The Xbox-familiar, asymmetrical layout is neatly compacted into a form reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch Lite (albeit more angular) with a color scheme matching the greys and lavenders of the North American SNES.

Finally, the staging area for your device is coated in a soft, smooth grey rubber, stamped once again with the GameSir badge, and decorated with a hexagonal pattern that also serves for further grip.

The love of the retro aesthetic for peripherals is so strong that it honestly wouldn't shock me if brands like GameSir, 8BitDo, and Lowfree begin requesting that their next products be made of that strange ancient beige plastic and put together in a factory staffed by two-packs-a-day smokers so its products roll off the factory line with that perfect nicotine stain that seemingly adorned every home computer in the early-to-mid 90s.

Not only that, but the retro tech aesthetic now also includes the transparent chassis that made up cheap controllers in the early 2000s, that one slick-as-hell Game Boy model, and the dump truck end of an iMac G3.

Clearly, the current design meta will leave us looking like we're either sat at a hazy workstation trying to guess Dennis Nedry's password or decked out in enough transparent sheen that we look like we're "Player 2-ing" our way through life.

And do you see me complaining? Not at all. At least it makes things slightly interesting, these devices have a little bit of character to them. That is, until everybody starts doing it, at which point I'll likely be pining for the glory days of the VTech and Speak-and-Spell with their ultra-contrasting colors, chunky retro bezels, and voiced affirmation of when I spell things right.

What matters most about the design is how well it fits in the hand, and I can happily say that it does so impressively well, though admittedly larger hands will struggle, and are probably best with the previously mentioned G8 Galileo. Otherwise, all of its inputs are readily accessible without strain, it's comfortable to hold over long periods, and once your phone is in place everything feels solid and secure.

I’ve been playing hours upon hours of my Steam library through the GameSir X2s so far, and it’s been an absolute blast to revisit older titles like the original Helldivers, which used to be my go-to game on PS Vita, or more modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Aliens: Dark Descent.

Games that pass the handheld title vibe-check feel excellent in this form, so playing through Trek to Yomi, OlliOlli World, Midnight Fight Express, and The Ascent was even more of a blast to work through as I stayed comfy on my couch.

How much you enjoy the overall aesthetic will be a personal preference, but its lighter color scheme and nostalgia-inducing throwback look are absolutely welcomed by me.

GameSir X2s Type-C: Inputs and layout

As mentioned, the GameSir X2s emulates the modern 16-button gamepads of Xbox and PlayStation, with four face buttons, a four-direction digital pad, two shoulder buttons, two triggers, two clickable thumbsticks, alongside “Start” and “Select” buttons labeled “G” and “S.”

Another interesting addition to the inputs is the mouse-like, micro-switch shoulder buttons that register a speedy press with little delay with a satisfyingly light click as opposed to the mushy thunk of many gamepads.

Both the face buttons and D-Pad offer satisfying tactile feedback with each press, and each thumbstick is tuned to a tension that allows for precise movements and just enough resistance to feel accurate in your gestures at all times.

While I pointed out that the X2s emulates a 16-button controller, it actually features 18 buttons in total. The two remaining buttons are a home button which functions as your digital home button would on your phone, and a screenshot shortcut button to capture your crowning moments mid-game without fumbling for the notification bar or your volume rocker and power button.

GameSir X2s Type-C: Connectivity

As the name would imply, The GameSir X2s Type-C is a mobile controller designed to house compatible devices. The controller can be extended to fit USB-C outfitted smartphones and tablets (including the iPhone 15) up to roughly 6.8 inches in size, with the extending area recessed slightly to allow enough space for camera islands or bars to fit snugly while keeping your device flat and secure when docked.

I tested the GameSir X2s with both a Google Pixel 7a and an Honor Magic V2 foldable phone. Not only did the clamp hold each device, but it also maintained a stronghold on the Magic V2 foldable while opened up to expose its tablet-like interior screen despite the device’s relatively shallow depth.

Further aiding the docking of your device is a flexible USB-C connection (housed on the left-hand side of the bracket) that will move within its socket to accommodate phones of varying depths or sizes and even those in phone cases.

Positioning your phone into the X2s couldn’t be simpler, you simply slot the rear of your device onto the waiting port and pull the controller outwards enough to trap it within the confines of two firm but cushioned rubber brackets on either side of the frame.

Once your phone is docked, you can make use of a USB-C port along the base of the device (cleverly shifted from the bottom right corner of the frame to allow for easier holding) for pass-through charging, ensuring you can game on the X2s for as long as you like without interruption from a low battery notification.

GameSir X2s Type-C: Software

Not every game is designed with a third-party controller in mind. As such, GameSir has developed its own app to help eliminate many of the hurdles you’re likely to encounter within various titles.

Within the app you can assign various screen taps to buttons, allowing you to emulate touch interfaces through regular controller use with ease. There’s a range of presets for popular titles already available to download and program the X2s to work with right off the bat, though mapping your own controls as you like them isn’t all that difficult either.

The app also includes a window into what’s available on various game streaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna. Interestingly, there’s also a section for Google Stadia, and I seriously considered docking GameSir’s device a star for not making the obvious joke and filling it with a bunch of tumbleweed GIFs.

Another thing made possible through the GameSir app is the ability to fine-tune and configure the buttons, sticks, and triggers of the controller to adjust dead zones, sensitivity, layout, and even set hair triggers. It’s a fine level of customization and can come in surprisingly handy when playing through different genres of games.

Even without the app, the device’s built-in software will allow you to switch certain modes on or off using handy combo-button presses, such as holding both triggers and the screenshot button for a few seconds to activate hair triggers or holding the screenshot button with any other to activate “turbo” on that input.

Of course, as well all know, turbo mode is cheating, and anyone who makes use of such a feature should be dragged into the town square and flogged until submission. So just don’t get caught, I suppose.

Bottom line

The GameSir X2s is missing a few bells and whistles that more expensive controllers may lay claim to, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The lack of a 3.5mm audio jack can be overcome with your phone’s Bluetooth capabilities, and if you don’t appreciate the retro aesthetic of the X2s, there’s always the original GameSir X2 to aim for instead.

There’s nothing wrong with having a smaller scope in mind when you release a product like this because the X2s sets out to nail the basics and nail them it does. Practically flawlessly, too. A host of useful features like button combo shortcuts, micro-switch shoulder buttons, and advanced in-app customization settings laid on top of this foundation leave me very little option other than to highly recommend GameSir’s budget mobile game controller.

We’ve long been in the wireless era, yet it still feels like we’re constantly surrounded by heaps of cables. Keeping it all organized can be a nightmare, even with the best laptops or best monitors. Zip ties can take us only so far and don’t fix what fundamentally leads to clutter: the sheer volume of wires we own. Have you considered cutting down some cables from your life altogether? 

With the help of a few accessories, you can reduce how many cables you have to manage throughout your home and when you’re on the go. Hybrid chargers can swap out dedicated adapters and wires for each of your devices with one, sleek station. Universal cables can do the job you’d normally need a handful of wires for. Here are the best accessories and steps you can take to get your cable clutter under control.

Three-in-one wireless chargers

The one purchase that has cut my cable overhead by more than half is a three-in-one wireless charger. It allows me to wirelessly charge my phone, smartwatch, and earbuds side-by-side on a single slab. I don’t have to fuss with each of their unique connectors (USB-C, Lightning, Apple Watch) and the only cable is the one plugging the charger itself to a power source. 

Most of these are heavy so that they don’t topple over when you tap your screens, but some of them are foldable and lightweight for additional space and portability. Alternatively, you can opt for a two-in-one, which can top up a phone alongside a pair of earbuds or a smartwatch, depending on how many gadgets you have. 

You’ll find three-in-one wireless chargers in most accessory makers’ catalogs. Nomad Goods’ Stand One Max is a reliable and high-end option for Apple devices, while Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro is a sleek, two-in-one dock that you can also partially fold to save space. For a foldable 3-in-1, you can get Anker’s MagGo charging station. All of these, however, are compatible only with an Apple Watch. If you need one for a Samsung smartwatch, your best bet is the phone maker’s own Wireless Charger Trio.

Universal cables

Have you considered merging your cable mess into one, Frankenstein-esque accessory? Instead of carrying multiple cords for your devices, you can opt for a universal cable that’s equipped with a bunch of different output connectors like Lightning, USB-C, and micro-USB. 

Rolling Square’s multi-port cable, for example, has a total of six charging combinations. There are two inputs: USB-C and USB-A; and three outputs: USB-C, Lightning, and micro-USB. You can mix and match based on what you need at any moment and dump the box of wires you have to carry every time you travel. 

Shrink your cables

Living with shorter cables, especially when you’re out, is another way you can avoid clutter. They’re ideal for quick power bank top-ups or computer transfers where you don’t need to stretch to reach a power source. 

For instance, Nomad Goods’ ChargeKey is a keychain-sized cable with two magnetic USB-C or Lightning connectors that expand into a mere 12-cm cord and can collapse back again into a handy form factor when no longer in use. That does not mean it compromises on transfer speeds, though. It supports USB 2.0 and can fast charge devices at up to 60W.

Anker 521 Power Bank

Anker’s 512 power bank may seem like the odd one out on this list, but it solved a common problem for me. Earlier, I had to carry a USB-C to USB-C and a USB-A to USB-C cord to connect my devices because my adapter and power bank didn’t have the same port. 

The Anker 512 is a hybrid power bank that doubles as a 5000mAH battery pack and a 45W charging brick. It has a pair of USB-C on one side and retractable prongs on the other. I also appreciate that the power bank itself charges when you’ve got devices plugged into the wall outlet, eliminating the need for me to carry an extra cable to simultaneously charge my power bank on trips.

Get your clutter in order

If you’re struggling to minimize the number of cables in your life, you can consider investing in accessories that can help you better manage, and more importantly, hide your clutter. 

A charging station like Anker’s 637, for example, allows you to plug in numerous gadgets like desktops, monitors, and phones into a single, tidy hub as opposed to them all sticking out of their independent adapters on a power strip. It comes with eight slots, including two USB-C ports, two USB-A, and a trio of AC outlets. You’ll also find a magnetic wireless pad on the front to place your phone on. Further, for the cables that do poke out of your station and other adapters, you can buy a magnetic cable management slab that keeps your wires organized rather than dangling off your desk. 

The days of lugging a DSLR have long been behind me. Like many, I ditched my DSLR for a phone, as they now offer most of what I’d need out of a camera, from powerful sensors to unparalleled ease of use. But I do miss one DSLR perk — the ability to shoot from a variety of interchangeable lenses, as opposed to locking myself to a phone’s built-in gear for years. Can Moment’s new T-series phone lenses help fill that gap? 

Moment’s mobile lenses bring the pro experience to smartphones. Similar to a DSLR, the miniature lenses snap onto a phone’s existing camera and add a new dimension to it. There are half a dozen to choose from, including a 58mm telephoto, a 14mm fisheye that creates a GoPro-like warp in your shots, and an Anamorphic for cinema-style lens flares. 

Though mobile lenses don’t compromise your phone’s convenience or portability, they are nowhere affordable — each costing about $150-$200, which is what you’d pay for an entry-level prime DSLR lens. I got a chance to put three of Moment’s new T-series lenses to the test: the 58mm Telephoto, 14mm Fisheye, and the 18mm Wide. Are they worth it? 

What Moment’s lenses don’t do

It’s key to understand what a Moment lens can and can’t do. 

Mobile lenses won’t dramatically upgrade your phone’s image quality. They still rely on the same sensors your phone came outfitted with. It won’t produce DSLR-grade pictures as soon as you snap them on. If your phone struggles in low light, it will continue to do so even with a Moment lens. The photos will “look” pretty much the same and in many scenarios, you may not even be able to tell the difference.

A Moment lens is meant to supercharge your phone’s best sensor, i.e. the large main camera. It lets you use it from several wavelengths and perspectives, as opposed to switching to the dedicated telephoto or ultrawide sensors on your phone, which are much less capable. 

My iPhone 15 Plus, for example, doesn’t have a telephoto lens at all, and Apple instead ships a digital zoom option, which produces low-res and artificially-looking zoomed-in pictures. I can instead attach Moment’s Tele lens over my phone’s wide sensor and get closer to subjects without compromising on sharpness. 

Similarly, though the 15 Plus has an ultrawide, it struggles in dimly lit conditions and often lacks details around the edges. Moment’s Fisheyes lens, in comparison, takes advantage of the 15 Plus’ main sensor, which is better equipped for challenging scenarios, and produces clearer, GoPro-like results. 

These differences are especially apparent on older phones, but even if you do own the latest, top-of-the-line model, Moment lenses offer some benefits. With greater depth of field and prettier lens flares, you’ll get a professional-looking outcome. When your phone zooms in, it typically does so digitally from the main camera because its sensor performs better and captures more light. 

Design and Build

Moment’s miniature lenses are built like tanks. They’re made out of a nice brushed metal material, so they look and feel every bit as premium as they cost. 

Attaching them to your phone requires a mount that fits into bespoke cases for various models. The mechanism works like a chasm and is similar to what you’d do on a DSLR. All you have to do is place the lens in the mount and a quick twist secures it in. 

I do wish, though, that the lens’ exterior was a little less smooth for a better grip. I did end up dropping it once from five feet — it survived without a scratch, however. Moment also sells standalone mounts for older models, but I didn’t get a chance to try those. 

Except for the telephoto, the lenses are lightweight enough (60-70 grams) that you won’t feel their weight when they’re on the back of your phone. However, at about 117 grams, the telephoto’s extra heft means your fingers will have to put in a little more effort to keep your phone from falling over, especially if you’ve got a smaller variant. Eventually, I did get accustomed to it, but unlike the others, I didn’t keep the telephoto always on and took it out only when I wanted to use it. Moment also bundles a silicon cap to cover the lens and a microfiber carrying bag. 

Moment T-series Tele 58mm lens review

As an iPhone 15 Plus user, I spent the majority of time on the 2X Tele lens since that’s one focal length absent on my phone altogether. Apple has enabled a 2X optical zoom of sorts this year with the new 48-megapixel main camera, but as expected, pairing that high-res sensor and a proper telephoto lens was another ballgame. 

In most situations, Moment’s Tele retains more details and produces crisp shots. Its larger aperture gathers more light for the sensor, which means fewer grainy and blurry 2X pictures at night as well. Plus, I was able to use it with the iPhone 15’s 2X digital zoom and click sharper 4X images. 

Even on a Google Pixel 8 Pro, where Google’s software typically resorts to cropping from the wide camera’s results instead of the telephoto for 2X zooms, Moment’s 58mm lens edges ahead when compared side-by-side on a bigger screen. Like any professional camera, you’ll occasionally find the shots aren’t nearly as exposed, but that’s usually an easy fix in post.

I also like how the Tele’s optical glass plays with natural light. While shooting against a bright sunrise, for example, your photos will often have a delightful amber-ish hue on their edges, compared to the smartphones’ default sensors that are tuned for cleaner outcomes. 

Since your phone isn’t engineered for swappable focal lengths, the downside to an external telephoto on a smartphone is only lens distortion. Though Moment has cut that down to the minimum on its T-series range, you’ll sometimes notice out-of-focus shots when shooting smaller subjects like birds, but it’s possible to overcome in a few tries by manually tapping on them in the viewfinder.

Moment T-series Wide 18mm lens review

I didn’t expect to like Moment’s 18mm lens as much as I did. The reason’s simple: though the ultrawide camera on my phone is fun, I wish I could access its expansive perspective minus the GoPro-style warp effect and that it captured sharper, better-lit pictures. 

The 18mm lens checks both of those boxes and allows you to use the superior main camera at a 100-degree field of view. It lets me fit more in the frame whether I’m doing street photography, clicking group photos, or landscapes and reminds me of the room and versatility my first DSLR’s 18mm lens offered.

The 26mm wide on my phone comparatively now seems a tad limiting and more zoomed in for a default focal length than I’d prefer. It’s still available to me and given the Moment Wide’s lightweight and slim design, I always have the option to switch between the two. 

As for the quality, you’d be hard-pressed to tell a difference. The one upside of the Moment lens is its cinema-quality glass is more suited for overly bright backgrounds and instead of letting the light overwhelm the frame, it produces a balanced output and a nicer flare.

Moment T-series Fisheye 14mm lens review

Moment’s 14mm Fisheye lens is also the most exciting. It’s the kind of focal length you don’t typically find built into a phone no matter how many cameras it sports. It looks like a bulging eye (hence, the moniker) and lets you capture from a whole new dimension: a staggering 200-degree field of view. Most phones’ ultrawide is about 120-130 degrees. This means you can squeeze an entire mountain inside your shots and more. 

What truly sets apart the 14mm Fisheye, however, is its low minimum focal distance, allowing you to focus from tight spaces and still get shots without any vignetting around the corners. Portraits look especially unique since you can get up close to the sensor. 

Moment’s large aperture plays a key role here as well. The 14mm Fisheye, compared to an ultrawide camera and other cheap knockoffs on Amazon, clicks far crispier images in dimly lit scenarios. If you’re contemplating which Moment lens to grab first, I’d recommend the Fisheye for its one-of-a-kind perspective.

Is the Moment lens worth it?

The Moment lens is ideal for someone who wants to get a little more serious with their mobile photography but doesn’t want to spend or carry a heavy-duty camera. Its pocket-size design means you won’t have to think twice before tossing it in your backpack for a trip, and the variety of focal lengths lets you pick the camera style you prefer instead of relying on what your phone shipped with. 

At about $150 each, it’s best to go for a lens that’s not already in your phone’s optical arsenal, unless, of course, you’re let down by its quality like I usually am with the iPhone 15’s ultrawide camera. 

CES 2024 continues to impress us as we come across incredible tech and fascinating new products at every turn. One of my favorite finds of CES so far has to be the Clicks Creator Keyboard — an iPhone accessory that not only ticks my love of all things which-what-do-a-thing-while-also-doing-another but is a genuinely useful device to boot.

So, if the name and leading image of this article haven't already given it away, what is it? The Clicks Creator Keyboard is part smartphone case and part nostalgic flashback to an era when the biggest fruit in the phone market wasn't an Apple.

Evoking the iconic form of the Blackberry devices of yesteryear, the case also features a physical keyboard that apparently has more use cases than simply making me feel old.

We're on the scene in Las Vegas to check out the latest tech at this year's CES 2024 showcase. Be sure to tag along on our CES 2024 journey by following Laptop Mag on TikTok, Twitter/X, Instagram, Flipboard, and Facebook for the most up to date hands-on impressions and news coming from the convention floor.

CES 2024: Clicks Creator Keyboard

Physical keyboards on mobile devices might seem pretty archaic, and they are, but they do solve the one problem faced when using a digital equivalent: that greedy, greedy, screen hogging it's so fond of.

Thankfully the Clicks Creator Keyboard can help with that, pushing the digital keyboard right off of the bottom of your iPhone's screen and into the physical world with 36 precision-tuned buttons at hand to take its place. The result of this is a display free to be used to its fullest, with the reclaimed ability to keep more of your content on screen at any one time.

Physical keyboards might not sound too compelling to modern mobile users, but when it comes to precision and accuracy there's no better option. Having the ability to physically feel the elevated keys under your fingertips as they dart around from letter to letter is excellent for training muscle memory, and there really is no haptic match for the physical feedback of a satisfying punch into a material key.

Outlook, price, and availability

The Clicks Creator Keyboard might turn your phone into a bit of a long boi, but it will also result in complete access to your iPhone 14 Pro/15 Pro/15 Pro Max's display without compromising any of its functionality.

The Clicks Creator Keyboard is available for $139 (Pro models) and $159 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max version in Bumblebee Yellow or... London Sky Grey? That's mildly insulting (yet sadly accurate). Preorders for the case/keyboard hybrid start now with shipping expected to begin from mid-March.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve equipped my iPhone mini 13 with a bunch of Belkin accessories to get more out of it and address some of its biggest pain points. For instance, it doesn’t last longer than a day on a single charge anymore, but snap Belkin’s wireless magnetic charger on its back and I instantly have an extra 2,500mAh of battery life. A handy mount lets me place the iPhone on any screen so I can use it as a webcam on my Mac Mini. Another handy device brings MagSafe charging to my Hyundai, whose own built-in wireless charging pad is limited to 5W speeds.

These peripherals offer some sweet quality-of-life upgrades and make my two-year-old iPhone far more useful. As a cherry on top, they’re affordable, too. The BoostCharge Pro wireless car charger will set you back $100, the iPhone Mount costs $40, and the BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank is priced at $50. So you’ve got affordability and functionality potentially meeting up for a happy dance. But do these Belkin products live up to the hype? Here’s my experience. 

Belkin iPhone Mount for Desktops and Displays

Belkin’s desktop mount is engineered to do one job: enable your iPhone to double as a Mac webcam, and it does it well. Its unique, clever design helps it sit on top of practically any monitor or display without any clips or clasps. Its bottom half is made up of two parts. One has a lip at the end of it, which lets it latch onto a monitor’s frame. The other works as an adjustable foot and pushes against the back of a screen to provide tension that keeps the mount firmly in place. While it’s constructed out of metal, there’s a smooth, rubber coating over it to prevent scratching the desktop.

On top rests a MagSafe-shaped magnetic puck that can hold your iPhone wirelessly in landscape or portrait orientations. Its tilting mechanism can point the iPhone’s camera down by up to 25 degrees, which comes in handy because my monitor sits a little above my face. It can also move vertically in case you want to adjust the distance between you and the camera. 

Belkin’s unusual mount layout does take a bit of getting used to, and even then, I ended up dropping it a couple of times initially because I didn’t realize its position wasn’t secured. After a couple of days, however, it became a comfortable habit, and I can now simply drop it over a monitor or even a relatively thick laptop screen like my Chromebook without fussing over any clasp and cables. 

Speaking of which, though the mount seems like it supports Magsafe, it can’t charge your iPhone. Thankfully, there is a little hole for a wire to pass through. Another downside is that it works best with MagSafe-supported iPhones (12 or above). While you can stick other phones to the magnets, they’ll eventually slip off –– I’ve learned that the hard way. 

For iPhone owners who frequently take advantage of their Mac’s Continuity Camera tools or similar third-party apps, the Belkin mount is a must-have. The one I reviewed is meant more for desktops and external monitors. However, Belkin has a dedicated model for MacBooks instead.   

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 2.5K

Like most smartphones, my iPhone 13 mini’s battery has lost its full battery capacity after about two years of use and it can’t last a day without a top-up or two. But I don’t always have a charger handy and plugging it into a typical power bank is cumbersome for someone like me who’s always on the phone. 

So it’s no surprise Belkin’s BoostCharge magnetic power bank and my iPhone have become inseparable. It magnetically latches onto the phone’s back so that I don’t have a wire dangling out of my pocket and can continue operating it normally. I chose the 2,500 mAh option instead of the 5,000 mAh variant for one reason. It’s small and doesn’t add much bulk to affect the one-hand mini experience, but can still give my iPhone mini one full charge. 

Surprisingly, the BoostCharge power bank doesn’t get uncomfortably warm as other MagSafe-enabled alternatives. I was also glad to discover it functions fine even when I have a thick, leather case on. There are four LEDs on the side to tell you the power bank’s charge levels, and a button to turn it on or off. It’s not restricted to an iPhone either: I can place my Qi-compatible earbuds and they’ll begin charging, too. Another highlight is that it supports pass-through current, which means when you plug it into an adapter while it’s connected to your phone, it will top up both the power bank and the phone. 

However, the Belkin magnetic power bank has its flaws. For starters, its charging speed is restricted to 5W, which is three times slower than a typical MagSafe connection. But since it doesn’t intrude on usability, I didn’t mind it as much. It also doesn’t support wired charging at all, so you can’t switch to that in case you do need a faster top-up. Unlike Apple’s own MagSafe Battery Pack, you can’t track Belkin’s battery from your iPhone either and have to rely on LED indicators. That said, it’s half the price of Apple’s magnetic power pack and offers nearly 1,000 mAh more capacity. 

For iPhone mini users, an accessory like the Belkin magnetic power bank is a no-brainer and certainly worth the $30 it usually retails for. If you’ve got a higher-end Pro model, you may want to opt for the 5,000 mAh model, which not only has a larger battery, but also quicker charging speeds. 

Belkin BoostCharge Pro Wireless Car Charger

The third and final Belkin accessory in this article is also the most expensive, which isn’t saying much since it’s only $100. The BoostCharge Pro is a MagSafe-enabled wireless charger for your car. 

For so long, I’ve been frustrated with the charging setup in my Hyundai. For one, the built-in wireless charging pad under the stereo is slow and has no way to keep the phone in place, leaving me with the same charge I started with at the end of a trip. Two, when I switch to a wired connection, the cables dangle around the gear stick, affecting the driving experience. For its price, I was hoping the Belkin BoostCharge Pro would solve both of these issues and luckily, it did. 

It mounts on the air vents, which helps with the heat emitted from wireless charging, and is compatible with 15W MagSafe speeds. Plus, you can switch the iPhone between vertical and landscape (music playlist to Google Maps, for instance) orientations without disconnecting it like any other MagSafe charger. It requires a minimum 20W output, for which Belkin bundles a power supply unit in the box. 

The Belkin BoostCharge Pro does everything I expect, and its sleek, metallic exterior looks nice, too. At $100, it is a bit expensive, but I’ve frequently found it on sale. Alternatively, if you’re fine with 10W charging speeds, you can grab its non-Pro counterpart.  

 Amazon Prime Day 2023 is finally here and everything from phones to phone accessories are seeing massive price drops. 

Whether you're happy with your current mobile device, or simply don't have it in your budget to drop hundreds of dollars on a new phone (no matter how good the deal is), you can still indulge in a little bit of spending for your mobile device. 

Amazon Prime Day has several Apple iPhone cases available at stunning prices. For those who have a tendency to drop their phones, OtterBox offers high-quality drop resistance to protect your precious device. Or, if you're looking for a fashion case for those nights on the town or to impress your snobby coworkers, Apple's MagSafe leather case yells "I'm snazzy AND down to earth".

Visit our Prime Day 2023 hub for today's early discounts on mobile tech, gaming, and more from Amazon and competing retailers. 

Prime Day Apple iPhone case deals 

Amazon Prime Day Apple iPhone screen protector deals

Since early January, there's been scuttlebutt that Google is working on an AirTag rival that could potentially have Apple shaking in its boots. According to our sister site TechRadar, there's a good chance the search-engine giant may announce "Grogu," Google's internal name for it, at Google I/O 2023. That's next week!

Similar to Apple's AirTag, it's rumored to have several color options and a built-in speaker to help users locate missing items via chimes. It will also reportedly use two technologies: BLU (power-efficient variant of Bluetooth) and UWB (a connectivity option that helps users locate misplaced items more precisely). One limitation, however, is that only relatively recent Android devices (e.g., the Google Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7 Pro, and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ up) support UWB.

Still, there's one aspect that may make Google's locator tags more appealing than Apple's AirTags. A new rumor reveals that Google's FindMy counterpart will support third-party trackers, too.

The 'Finder Network' may support third-party trackers

Google's answer to the FindMy network, the Finder Network, will be much more open than Apple's system. As mentioned at the outset, in addition to supporting its own locater tag, the Finder Network will welcome other companies, too. 9to5Google claims that it spotted documentation that revealed that three companies — Chipolo, eufy and Pebblebee — are already working on making trackers that are compatible with Google's Finder Network.

The Finder Network-compatible products include the following:

• Chipolo ONE
• Chipolo CARD
• eufy Security SmartTrack
• Pebblebee Card
• Pebblebee Clip

As it stands now, Android users need a dedicated app to locate misplaced items tracked with Pebblebee, eufy and Chipolo products, but with the Finder Network, you'll quickly find your stuff without a companion app.

It's worth noting that 9to5Google didn't find references to Samsung nor Tile in the documentation, the two most prominent companies in the Android locator tags space, but that doesn't mean that they won't be a part of the Finder Network in the future.

Although Apple's AirTags won't be supported in the Finder Network, there's a good chance that, based on Apple teaming up with Google to thwart stalking, the system will notify Android users if an Apple locator tag is nearby and potentially tracking them.

We expect Google to announce its locator tag next week, but it's expected to launch alongside the next-gen Pixel series later this year.

The Apple AirTag wasn't the first tracking tag on the market by a longshot, but as is often the case with Apple products, it brought a lot of new attention to the concept.

Unfortunately, it wasn't always just people hoping to avoid losing their laptop bag or luggage, as like other such trackers, they were ripe for misuse for domestic abuse and stalking. Apple worked to combat the AirTag stalking problem with a number of iOS updates, but even with that, Android users and the myriad other tracking tags aren't covered by those protections.

So today saw a joint announcement from Apple and Google proposing a new industry standard to ensure that potential victims of unwanted trackers are notified of the threat whether they use an iPhone or an Android phone (via CNBC).

Coming by the end of 2023

Details are pretty sparse at the moment with the two companies committing to completing the feature by the end of 2023 and implementing it "in future versions of iOS and Android."

The draft proposal has the support of the major players in the tracking tag space including Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee. Apple and Google received feedback from these companies, as well as safety and advocacy groups, to ensure that all potential concerns are addressed as thoroughly and effectively as possible.

The National Network to End Domestic Violence praised the announcement saying that "This collaboration and the resulting standards are a significant step forward." The sentiment was shared by the Center for Democracy & Technology's president and CEO Alexandra Reeve Givens called it "a welcome step to confront harmful misuses of Bluetooth location trackers."

The specification will now pass through the Internet Engineering Task Force, a standards development organization, and will draw review and comment for three months before proceeding further. The hope would be that we see it roll out in Android and iOS updates in early 2024.

Celebrate Earth Month with limited-edition Samsung Galaxy x MSFTSrep Sustainable Accessories Collection. Prices start at $29.99 for eco-conscious Galaxy Buds 2 Pro MSFTSrep cases. 

As Samsung announced Thursday, this is the collaborative effort’s third iteration of their collaborative effort between Samsung and MSFTSrep founder, designer, and artist, JADEN. This news arrives days before Earth Day which falls on Apr 22, 2023 this year. 

Now available for purchase at Samsung.com, the eco-friendly accessories borrow from designs found in his MSFTSrep sustainable luxury clothing brand.The new line features four unique cases for the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 4 smartphones, as well as Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earbuds. There are also several Galaxy Watch 5 bands in the new collection. Turn your watch into a piece of art with the new selection of Galaxy Watch faces available as a free download in the Google Play Store. Choose from MSFTSrep Spiral, Classic, Snowprint & Wavy Rainbow designs.

With a continued commitment to providing eco-friendly products, the Samsung Galaxy x MSFTSrep Sustainable Accessories Collection is where fashion, sustainability, and tech combine. Each product is made from sustainably sourced, eco-conscious materials that are easy on the environment.

Shop limited edition Samsung and JADEN eco-friendly accessories below. 

Insta360 is known for its 360 action cameras, but today it announced a new tool to take your phone footage to a new level; the Insta360 Flow phone gimbal.

Insta360 is aware that stabilizing footage isn't enough for a phone gimbal anymore, the best smartphones like the Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 14 boast solid stabilization already. So on top of enhanced stabilization in conditions where phones fail like in low light or while zooming in, Flow adds AI tracking to ensure you never lose your subject (even while zooming or filming in slow motion), FPV mode for drone-like shots, motion time-lapses, dolly zooms, and more. 

Unlike many phone gimbals the Flow is also quick and easy to get up and running with "1-step rapid deploy" allowing you to snap your phone to it with a magnetic clamp and then unfold and start shooting. 

While a phone gimbal isn't something you are going to carry with you every day, if you are a content creator, a parent, or anyone that just likes to capture the world around them there are situations where Flow will allow you to get footage that would be otherwise impossible.

Here's a closer look at Insta360 Flow.

Insta360 Flow price and availability

The Insta360 Flow is $159 and comes in either Summit White or Stone Gray. That includes the gimbal, the magnetic phone clamp, a charging cable, a grip cover, and a protective pouch.

It's available starting today at Insta360.com, on Amazon, and through other select retailers.

Insta360 Flow hardware

The Insta360 Flow hardware already gives you a little more than a basic phone gimbal. It also features a built-in selfie stick, tripod, and a cold shoe for a mic or other accessory. You can also use it to charge your phone with its 2,900mAh battery.

The gimbal itself weighs 13 ounces, while the magnetic phone clamp adds another 1.1 ounces to that total. Folded down it should easily fit in any bag or even a pocket at 3.1 x 6.4 x 1.4 inches. It expands to 2.9 x 10.6 x 2.8 inches when deployed. That's without extending the selfie stick (8.5 inches) or the tripod (3.1 inches).

The Flow charges via USB-C in 2 hours and a full charge is enough for 12 hours of filming if you aren't also using it to charge your device.

Insta360 Flow features

Digging a little deeper into the features of the Insta360 Flow, the company is leveraging its years of experience with its 360 cameras and the associated app, which translates well into a gimbal.

While we'll need to see just how well the stabilization works in the real world when we have a chance to test it, Insta360 claims it delivers shake-free shots in almost any situation. While I've been thoroughly impressed with the shake reduction from the iPhone 14 Pro and Galaxy S23 Ultra, it's simply impossible for them to deliver truly shake-free footage in your hand, so I'll be curious to do some side-by-side comparisons.

Beyond the basics you have Insta360's Deep Track 3.0, which allows you to select a subject in the frame and it will then automatically track and frame properly around it or them. This will hold up even if the camera loses sight of them briefly, if you zoom in, if you are filming in slow motion, or if you are using the gimbal during a live stream or video call. 

Auto mode and Shot Genie are Insta360s answers for new content creators. The former automatically sets the gimbal up for steady footage for you and the latter will give you recommendations on how to get a shot in up to 80 different circumstances.

As the parent of a basketball player, Hoop Mode caught my eye. It records a game tracking the basketball and the hoop and creates highlights and individual clips after the game.  

Insta360s FlashCut lets you edit any of the videos you create quickly to match music on the beat with transitions and effects. 

Beyond that you have a variety of common gimbal features:

Panorama: Simply extend the tripod and Flow will snap an immersive panorama in 360°, 240°, 180° or 3x3 grid format. Flow is the first smartphone stabilizer capable of shooting 360 photos.

TimeShift: Film a hyperlapse with stabilized, sped-up footage over a period of time, great for hiking or traveling.

Motion Timelapse: Set Flow down to film between two points over a period of time for a dynamic timelapse.

Dolly Zoom: Recreate this classic Hollywood effect with the tap of a button, great for zooming in and out on a subject. 

The extreme portability of the Insta360 Flow is part of what has me so intrigued about this gimbal as I've never wanted to drag along a big camera bag when I was just filming with my phone, but this could slip into my pocket or a small sling bag without taking up all the space in that bag. 

We'll have a full review in the coming weeks, but this is the first time I've been interested in a phone gimbal in years.

The banana-yellow iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are now available for pre-order, but many are hesitant to purchase the new Spongebob Squarepants-esque colorway because it clashes with their other iDevices. Laptop Mag Editor-in-Chief Sherri L. Smith, for example, says she'd be more receptive to the yellow iPhone 14 if Apple released a pair of lemony AirPods, too.

Unfortunately, the Cupertino-based tech giant did no such thing. However, thanks to third-party vendors, we can still spice up our iDevices with the bright, sunny colors Apple is reluctant to roll out. Below, you can find 5 of the best accessories to complement the new yellow iPhone 14, allowing you to strut around in tech-influenced style that stops traffic, or at least makes it proceed with caution.

Note: You can pre-order the new yellow iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus here.

The best Samsung Galaxy accessories are the ones that you augment or protect your shiny new Samsung Galaxy device, so it's important to consider which ones are right for you. Whether it's a charger, pair of earbuds or a phone case, it's necessary to get your smartphone prepared for whatever the world might throw at it.

When it comes to chargers, you'll need to consider its price, wattage and size, all of which inform whether it's the one. For cases, you'll need to consider durability, texture, design and price, while earbuds are the hardest choice, as they will make up a majority of your aural experiences while on-the-go. Lucky for you, we've picked the best Samsung Galaxy accessories so you don't have to.

The Anker 313 Charger is a great choice if you're in need of a fast charger specifically designed for Samsung Galaxy devices. Thanks to its 45W output power, it should be capable of fully charging the Samsung Galaxy Ultra S22 in less than an hour. Anker also advertises it as having a total of 10 safety features, which provide protection from short-circuiting, high-voltages and unreliable temperature conditions.

The Anker 313 charger is also 30% smaller than the original 45W charger from Anker, which means you'll be taking up less space when bringing it on the go. And since the tech is equipped with PowerIQ 3.0, it can be used with many other mobile devices, including iPhone and iPad products as well. It's also foldable!

The Anker 312 Charger is in the same series as the Anker 313, but it sacrifices a few things for the sake of a cheaper product. You'll be giving up the 45W charging speed for a 25W instead, which means it'll take a bit longer to manage a full charge, with Anker claiming it'll go to 100% in 1.5 hours.

It's also smaller than the 313, but the 312 is 23% smaller than even its original iteration. And yes, this one is also foldable. The same safety features are present here, protecting from short-circuiting, high-voltages and temperatures. Anker chargers also typically benefit from being cheaper when compared to official Samsung chargers.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 are a must-have for those in the Galaxy ecosystem looking for wireless earbuds. Whether you want to listen to music on the train or watch movies through your little phone screen, you'll need a quality sound system to make the experience enjoyable. And when we reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, we were blown away by its performance.

These small earbuds pack a mighty punch considering its reduced size, possessing a two-way speaker with a tweeter and a woofer. It's also the smallest pair of buds Samsung has ever made, providing a lightweight comfort available in a wide range of colors. It's also only $149, which might not be the most affordable thing in the world, but considering its premium quality, you won't be disappointed.

See our full Samsung Galaxy Earbuds 2 review

If you're in need of a hard shell case for your Samsung Galaxy S22, the OtterBox is worth a look. This black phone case brings a professional feel and aesthetic to your phone, with the rigid exterior and futuristic trapezoids placed on the lower left and right side assisting in the sleek vibe. 

Sure, it's certainly simple, but it's a reliable pick for those with minimalistic tastes. I also can't deny I quite like the blocky-ness of the buttons. It even has a soft interior that makes it easier to slip-on, compatible with wireless charging, helps prevent dirt entering the ports, and has antimicrobial technology to protect from common bacteria. However, it's a little expensive, coming in at $40.

If you're not a big fan of OtterBox's phone cases, you can opt in for something with a little more variety. The Crave Dual Guard Samsung Galaxy S22 case comes in nine available colors, including Forest Green, Aqua, Berry, Black, Blush, Lilac, Navy, Red and Slate. 

The exterior is made using a bumper case style, providing a smooth feeling with tons of little connected circles engraved within. This case is also less than half the price of the OtterBox, which makes for a solid pick if you're not looking to spend too much money, but if you want a hard shell case, you'll want to look elsewhere.

How to choose the best Samsung Galaxy accessory for you

Finding the best accessories for your Samsung device depends on which gadget you're looking to augment or accessorize. Chargers can offer differing wattage, allow ing for quicker charging. However, the higher this number is, you'll typically be expecting a larger and more expensive charger. You should also consider whether or not the plug is retractable, making it even more travel-friendly. You'll also want to make sure it's compatible with your device in general. If you're using Samsung Galaxy devices, you'll need PowerIQ 3.0 tech, which is what the Anker 313 and 312 offer.

Cases are a little trickier. These depend on a case-by-case (no pun intended) scenario and we largely recommend making this choice on personal preference in design combined with sturdiness of the shell itself. Obviously, you want a case that can take a beating without the phone itself getting damaged, but what's the fun of a phone case if it's not going to appeal to your tastes? There are plenty of custom plates available all over the internet, but if you're just looking for something black, simple and strong, we recommend the OtterBox Commuter. If you want something with a softer exterior and more color, you can try for the Crave Dual Guard.

And if you need a good pair of earbuds to keep you satisfied, it's going to depend on a combination of price and quality. We believe the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 absolutely knock it out of the park on both fronts, providing excellent sound, solid battery life and a competitive price point. 

We finally have direct confirmation from Apple that a USB-C iPhone is coming, but it’s clear that the company is not happy about having to do so.

This comes off the back of the European Union’s new rule for all devices to require a single charging solution by Autumn 2024, to eliminate unnecessary electronic waste. We’ve seen Apple respond to this with a slow migration of all its devices to USB-C — most recently including the new 2022 iPad, and rumors are pointing towards the iPhone 15 packing this universal port.

But as was abundantly clear from the answer Apple’s senior vp of worldwide marketing, Greg Joswiak gave to The Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern about replacing the lightning port at the publication’s Tech Live conference, the company is not feeling great about feeling forced to do so.

What was said?

When Joanna pressed on this topic of a USB-C iPhone, Greg began with a long explanation about how Apple prefers to have faith in its own engineers and make its own decisions, rather than being legally coerced. 

He also mentioned how he believes power bricks with detachable cables have eliminated the standardization problem, but when pressed on this core topic, he responded by simply saying “Obviously, we’ll have to comply; we have no choice.” 

The EU’s process to implement this rule has taken a while for sure, so as we mentioned above, Apple has had time to plan for compliance. But this sort of resistive answer was a little unexpected.

For a company that cares about environmental responsibility, to the point of making its devices out of recyclable materials and removing chargers from boxes (to eliminate additional waste), surely it would be more welcoming of a move away from a proprietary port.

What else did they talk about?

As you can see by the length of the video, Joanna, Greg and Software VP Craig Federighi, there’s a lot more meat to this conversation, which I can wrap up real quick:

• Don’t expect iMessage on Android: Joanna asked about why Apple would not bring iMessage to Android devices, citing legal documents that show the company could have developed this as early as 2013, but chose not to. While Craig dodged the question slightly in his response at first, when pushed, he confirmed that the company see this project as a “throwaway” that “was not going to serve the world.”
• No, you will not be getting a native calculator app on iPad: It’s been an interesting omission for a while now, but far from being a simple oversight, it seems like Apple has no plans to make one anytime soon, as Greg pointed towards the many “third-party apps” that do the job.
• More iPhone innovation is coming: I know this is a vague and obvious confirmation, but this came in response to a question Joanna asked about the pace of iPhone innovation — specifying whether it actually needs a yearly update and whether smartphones as a whole had become boring. "We always have a ton of stuff that we've got to get out," Craig commented. He also mentioned that a lot of these new features are a result of “years and years” of work, and that there is “a pipeline of things we believe will better help our customers.”

The new Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are here and with their premium construction, you're going to need a case. Lucky for you, we've picked the best ones worth your hard earned money.

With glass on the front and back and that hute camera protrusion, they are certainly prone to picking up some scratches. Not only that, but with no real protection around the corners of the screen glass, you need some drop protection.

When picking the best covers, we care about three things: aesthetics, durability, and price. We don’t want to recommend some over-the-top monstrosity that makes your phone virtually unpocketable. We’ve handpicked some sleek, stylish options that you won’t feel embarrassed to pull out of your pocket.

Best Google Pixel 7 cases

The new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models are here and with them comes a new wave of anxieties around scratching or breaking them, so here are the best cases to keep that new jewel protected.

With glass on the front and back and either aluminum or stainless steel around the edge, no matter how tough Tim Cook says the iPhones are, they are scratch magnets. Not only that, but with no real protection around the corners of the screen glass, that ceramic shield isn’t going to withstand many drops.

When picking the best covers, we care about three things: aesthetics, durability, and price. We don’t want to recommend some over-the-top monstrosity that makes your phone virtually unpocketable. We’ve handpicked some sleek, stylish options that you won’t feel embarrassed to pull out of your pocket.

Picking up an iPhone 14? Here are the best deals.

Best iPhone 14 cases

Get a screen protector

And while we’re recommending some cases, let’s pay attention to protecting that display. Screen protectors are available at plenty of price points with varying degrees of quality. It could be tempting to get that dirt cheap plastic film, but stop right there!

Chances are they will not be the correct size to fully cover your screen and thanks to the cheaper material, they are not actually scratch resistant.

So what’s our recommendation? Personally, I always go for one of two.

Spigen EZ FIT glass screen protector

The 9H tempered glass provides tonnes of protection and the adhesive is strong enough to last throughout the duration of your ownership of the iPhone 14.

And it comes with an alignment frame, so you can get it perfectly lined up without breaking a sweat. You can pick one up directly from Spigen.

Belkin UltraGlass Screen Protector

Available exclusively from Apple directly, this Lithium Aluminosilicate screen protector provides 2x more protection than your standard tempered glass, with a chemically toughened surface to prevent any scratches or scuffs.

You also get an easy-align tray to get the perfect line up of your screen protector every time.

With temperatures reaching record highs during the summer, we have some tips to keep your gadgets cool and save them from any permanent overheating damage.

You’ve probably seen temperature warnings and sudden shutdowns across your laptops, phones and games consoles on the hottest days. 

So, outside of the longer-term things we all need to do as a collective species to reduce the impacts of climate change, here are some suggestions to help your consumer tech stay alive through these difficult times.

How to keep your laptops cool in hot weather

We are Laptop Mag, after all, so we'll start with tips for keeping the running temperatures of your laptop down to acceptable levels amidst the scorching weather.

1. Keep all those vents clear: Whether they are at the back near the hinge, on the sides or underneath, it is critical that you provide plenty of space for them to expel any hot air.
2. Don’t place your laptop on softer surfaces: By this we mean on pillows, carpets or bedding. The laptop will sink into the cushioning and fans will become obstructed.
3. Got a case on? Get it removed: In a lot of situations, laptop cases may cover certain exhaust vents and cause your laptop to run at higher temperatures. In normal weather, this is fine, but during a heatwave, it could cause problems.
4. Turn the brightness down and avoid direct sunlight: Brighter display pixels create more heat, so reducing it to 50% is going to prolong the performance of your laptop over longer sessions during the heatwave. And the latter point is an obvious one. Gadgets get hot in the sun, so keep them in the shade.

How to keep your smartphone cool in hot weather

Sick of seeing the high temperature shut down warning on your phone? Here are some steps to keep it running through the heatwave.

1. Activate battery saver mode: Any sort of power efficiency mode will reduce the performance demands of your phone and aid in reducing operating temperatures.
2. Reduce the time you use your phone: This is both an obvious one and something I know many people may not be able to do. If you can ration your phone usage (especially when in direct sunlight) to small bursts of checking your emails or responding to important messages, that will really help reduce any risk of overheating.
3. If your phone overheats and power down, get it in a fridge: Your phone has not been permanently damaged, but you can drastically reduce the time needed to turn it back on by putting it in the fridge for 5-10 minutes.

How to keep your games consoles cool in hot weather

Staying inside and playing video games? I don’t blame you. Here’s how to eliminate any risk of overheating during these high temperatures.

1. Give the vents plenty of clearance: If you’ve got your console inside some sort of TV stand or home entertainment cabinet, you’re drastically limiting the amount of space for the vents to properly expel any hot air. 
2. Dust those vents: Your consoles can pick up a lot of fluff that can restrict the ability of those vents to properly get rid of hot air. It’s even the reason the PS5 randomly shuts down at times. Get your vacuum cleaner out and suck up all that dust to give your system more room to breathe.

The iPhone 14 looms ever closer on the horizon with just a couple of months left before the expected reveal, which makes news of any production problems particularly concerning. 

The latest comes from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who claimed on Twitter that the camera lenses on the iPhone 14 "likely suffered from coating-crack quality issues." This comes on the heels of Kuo reporting display panel and memory supply issues last week, but it doesn't look like iPhone 14 hopefuls have too much to worry about (via 9to5Mac). 

Don't crack up

The camera coating cracking conundrum is limited to a single supplier according to Kuo, so Apple has redirected the order to an alternate supplier and if the analysts' sources are correct this won't impact iPhone 14 launch supply.

However, as I mentioned at the outset, this isn't the only potential supply chain problem that the iPhone 14 is facing, so the volume of shipments at launch could still be constrained. This may be compounded by increased orders for the iPhone 14 after a relatively modest update last year and rumors of the lineup change for this year adding an iPhone 14 Max, which would mark the first time the standard model has been available with a larger display. Given the perceived tepid reaction to the iPhone mini, it's safe to assume that an iPhone 14 Max will likely outperform it in sales. 

If the rumors hold up we should also see the end of the notch as Apple moves to a pill + hole front-facing camera design, closer to what we've seen from Android flagships in recent years. And lest iPhone Pro fans feel left out, you may be getting a 48MP primary camera and the Pro models may also be the only ones to receive the A16 Bionic processor, with the standard iPhones allegedly holding on to the A15 Bionic.

As always the rumor mill starts churning faster and faster as we get closer to the launch, so we'll keep you up to date on all of the latest right up to the expected launch in September.

Not even Apple's handy AirTag can escape the price cuts of Amazon Prime Day, with the tracker seeing a 5% discount, a pack of four now $14 off, and plenty more!

Right now, you can grab the AirTag for $27, a four-pack for $84, and even a fancy Leather Key Ring case for $19 — that's down from a pricey $35. It isn't every day we see Apple's tracker get these price cuts, no matter how small they are. If you fancy keeping tabs on your items, don't miss out on this bundle of deals. 

Today's Best deals

• Apple AirTag: was $29 now $27.50 @ Amazon
• Apple AirTag: was £29 now £27 @ Amazon
• Apple AirTag 4 Pack: was $99.99 now $84.99 @ Amazon
• Apple AirTag 4 Pack: was £99 now £79 @ Amazon
• Apple AirTag Leather Key Ring: was $35 now $19 @ Amazon
• Apple AirTag Saddle Loop: was £39 now £24 @ Amazon

AirTags Deals (US)

AirTags Deals (UK)

Apple's AirTag is small and lightweight and works well whether your lost item is somewhere close in the house or waiting for you to return to the coffee shop. It’s all thanks to the help of the wider Apple community. 

In our Apple AirTag review, we said it stands out as an excellent first effort. Small, lightweight, and attractively designed, the AirTags not only help locate lost things nearby or over a long distance, but the Ultra-Wide Band technology makes it easy, precise, and a little fun.

Its IP67 rating means it can stand up to dust, rain, and the occasional swim. And as is the case with other Apple products, the company put a lot of effort into the software, which not only shows lost items on a map but can also garner the help of crowds to anonymously find tagged items.

For more of the best Apple Prime Day deals, we've got you covered. 

Amazon's Prime Day savings extravaganza slashes up to 60% off Alexa-enabled devices. 

As a result, the Echo Show 5 Smart Display is now just $34.99. Normally, it retails for $85, so you're saving $50. This is the cheapest price we've ever seen this Amazon device sell for. 

• Browse: Amazon's Prime Day sales

These Alexa-enabled smart displays make a great gift for anyone, as they're great for video calls, streaming movies and more. It features a 5.5-inch (960 x 480) display, a single 4-watt speaker, a microphone, and built-in 2MP camera. 

Although we didn't review the Echo Show 5, positive feedback from happy owners praised its compact design and great video calling. What's more, the Echo Show 5 is powered by Amazon's Alexa voice assistant. This means you can control it hands-free and get news, weather, traffic or recipes via voice commands. 

Prime Day 2022 deals feature never-before-seen discounts today's must-have tech. For more epic savings like this, visit our dedicated Prime Day deals hub. 

Did you know that whenever a smartphone company brags about a 1-inch camera sensor, the sensor is not actually 1 inch? They are lying to you and can get away with it because of one peculiar loophole.

This trend all started with the Sony Xperia Pro-I and has most recently resurfaced with the Xiaomi 12S Ultra. Everybody automatically thinks that this means a sensor of this size, because why wouldn’t you? It is named after the size and something massive like "1-inch" sounds like you’re getting DSLR quality.

But what actually is a 1-inch sensor and how do OEMs get away with, quite frankly, lying about the size of their sensors?

What actually is a 1-inch sensor?

A “1-inch sensor” takes us on a journey back over 50 years ago, to when video cameras ran on vacuum tubes, which were essentially a part of the camera’s sensor. 

The outside diameter of these tubes was measured and the size grew over time from ½ inch to ⅔ inch, all the way up to 1 inch. The actual image pick-up area of the sensor that is connected to the lens was always much smaller, but since these tubes were part of the image sensing technology, they could get away with calling it a 1-inch sensor.

In the UK, a 500ml bottle of fizzy pop is technically two servings according to the calorie information. It’s technically a bottle for one person. Everybody treats buying a drink of this size as a drink for one person. But on paper, it’s technically a drink for two people. 

That makes the drink sound a lot bigger than it actually is, which is a fitting analogy for the illusion created by the 1-inch sensor.

How do phone companies get away with it?

So, as you’ve probably guessed, smartphone photography does not run on vacuum tubes. That hasn’t stopped companies from using this old term, so what are they actually referring to?

Here’s the thing: if the area of the image pick-up part of the sensor matches up to those that would be connected to a vacuum tube with an outside diameter of 1 inch, then you can still technically call it a “1-inch sensor.”

Phone camera technology has shrunk dramatically, but since the entire sensor on the Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Xperia Pro-I are at a size that would have been connected to 1-inch vacuum tubes (a minimum of 9 x 12mm), then Sony and Xiaomi can get away with this phrase.

Outlook

Let me be clear. This doesn’t mean you’re getting a bad camera. In smartphone photography, it is an upgrade — a bigger sensor lets in more light and provides better detail because of it.

However, because of some archaic measurements from the days of vacuum tube photography, OEMs are now getting away with a marketing term that makes less sense the more you think about it.

I worked in marketing for a decade, so I know the power of a short, snappy term to describe a feature. But this, to me, is just plain fraudulent.

Apple's tracking device could get a second-generation upgrade, as AirTag shipments have grown considerably since its launch in 2021. While improvements aren't specified, the tracker could see further anti-stalking updates.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the AirTag has grown in shipments over the past year. Shipments in 2021 reached 20 million, but this figure has increased to around 35 million units in 2022, the analyst claims. If its popularity continues, Kuo believes the development of a second-generation AirTag could happen. 

In our Apple AirTag review, we praised the device's excellent tracking capabilities and lightweight design, but a few issues, such as a lack of a keyhole and how the tracking only works within Apple’s software landscape, held it back.

Since its launch, however, Apple has rolled out several upgrades to make it a more appealing tracker. This includes the Find My app allowing users to scan for AirTags that may be tracking their location to thwart potential stalkers, along with new privacy features like  "Precision Finding" and an Android app to scan for AirTags.

Apple still faces ongoing issues with how the AirTag is used for malicious reasons, and there are still weaknesses found — this AirTag experiment that tracked a package across the UK pointed them out. If a second-gen AirTag eventually happens, we could see Apple addressing these issues. In terms of design, it would be ideal to have a tracker that can be placed on more personal items, rather than buying an extra case with a key ring.

It would be interesting to see what kind of upgrades could be implemented to warrant a second-gen AirTag, but Apple is known for delivering next-gen products. Recently, we've seen the M2 MacBook Air and M2 MacBook Pro be announced, and there are rumors of a 15-inch MacBook and an M2 iPad Pro in the pipeline. Whether Apple gives its item tracker the same treatment? Only time will tell. 

Disclaimer: We wrote this article specifically for Father's Day, which means some of these deals might have sold out. Fortunately, we have deal roundups for all the coolest gadgets a dad could ask for, and those are updated monthly or weekly!

Check out our deals!

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Father's Day is Sunday, June 19, and as a dad to four kids, I figured why not help you get your dad a gift he will actually use. That may sound harsh, but I've been through nearly 29 years of Father's Day gifts that I no longer own and mostly went unused. I appreciated every one of them; but how many ties, hand-drawn cards (still got them), and gift cards to restaurants with menus filled with things someone trying to live past 90 should never eat can one man receive? 

This year, I wanted to give back to all the other fathers who toe the line and often never get the credit or gifts they deserve. There are no Zales commercials for us, nope, we get Fudgy The Whale, and nobody is out there making a commercial where the family chips in and buys dad his dream car. 

After many years of buying my dad shirts from Kids Gap (he was 4'11) I decided to compile a short list of six techie things I would want, my dad would appreciate, and that most dads will actually use. These aren't "hey dad here are these tools now go fix this on your day off" presents, these are things to help dad relax, or make entertaining his buddies easier, and more fun. 

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Weber Genesis EX-335 Smart Gas Grill

The Weber Genesis EX-335 Smart Gas Grill is something dads will love, you will enjoy, and your mom will be grateful for. Weber's Connect WiFi technology ensures dad won't burn anything since the app will remind them to flip the burgers, what temperature everything is cooking at, and even when it's time to take the food off the grill and serve it. 

The all-steel Weber Genesis EX-335 Smart Gas Grill is $1,479, which isn't cheap, but you'll get years of tasty, perfectly cooked meals and memorable moments with dad. The best things in life are worth paying a little extra for, and if your dad is anything like me, he will go out and grill a steak even if it's snowing. 

Thermacell Liv Mosquito repellent system

There is nothing worse than trying to spend time with your dad and family members in the backyard, and you spend most of your time battling mosquitos. Thermacell has smaller units that sit on a table and safely keep those thirsty biters at bay up to ten square feet. But Thermacell has come up with a WiFi controllable perimeter system that offers protection for your entire backyard. 

The Thermacell Liv system is highly adjustable to your space, and you can purchase a system with up to five units to protect your backyard spaces. No more will those tiny vampires suck the life out of you and your family as you try to enjoy a burger in the backyard. 

The Thermacell Liv system is available in either 3, 4, or 5 Repellers you install in the ground around your area. You can then control the units via the Thermacell app and enjoy your Father's Day BBQ mosquito free.

bev by Black and Decker

After a long day at work, or if dad has a few buddies over for a game, having to handle the bartending duties the whole time doesn't leave dad time to enjoy his friends or family. Also, nobody wants little Timmy mixing drinks; that's illegal and wrong. So why not get dad the bev by Black & Decker personal bartender for Father's Day. 

That's right, Black & Decker, known for everything from blenders to power tools, now make a personal bartender that takes the guesswork out of making delicious cocktails. The Bev allows you to set up five 750ml bottles of your favorite spirits, select the drink's strength, and choose from over fifty drink capsules (think Kuerig Coffeemaker meets bartender) to create many of your favorite mixed drinks. 

The bev Black & Decker personal bartender is available on Amazon for $299. 

Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook

Some of you may be thinking, a Chromebook, you must be daft. Usually, I would agree, but the Lenovo Duet 5 2-in-1 with its OLED display is pretty incredible. It's lightweight, and perfect for when dad wants to check emails, do a little work in Google Docs, or enjoy watching a movie on the gorgeous 13-inch OLED display. 

I have been using it to play games on Google Stadia and was shocked by how much fun I had playing Hitman on Stadia, as the gaming experience on the Duet 5 was far better than I could have hoped. I also enjoyed the Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook in tablet mode by disconnecting the magnetically attached keyboard and using it as an E-reader. 

You can pick dad up the affordable laptop for just $369 at Lenovo.

Check out our full review. 

Proscenic T21 Smart Air Fryer

What's the point of having those perfectly cooked burgers dad just made on his new BBQ and no fries to go with them? With the Proscenic T21 Smart Air Fryer, you can ensure you have perfectly crispy fries ready to go. With a large 5.8-quart cooking basket, you can cook many of your favorite recipes and use less oil, making those old faves healthier for dear old dad. 

The other great thing about the Proscenic T21 is it connects to your home network via WiFi, and with the Proscenic app on your phone, you can control it; via the app, Alexa, or Google Assistant voice commands. You can manage your air fryer, schedule the cooking, adjust and monitor the cooking process, and customize your recipes.

You can pick up a Proscenic T21 Smart Air Fryer at Amazon for just $129. 

Jireno Cube 4 

The Jireno Cube 4 is a great little projector we finally set up in our backyard for a movie night. The 1080p projector can deliver up to a 200-inch image to make sure everyone can see. Dad will enjoy that drive-in movie vibe while watching his favorite TV shows or movies, thanks to the built-in Android TV. 

You can pick up the Jireno Cube 4 on Amazon for $299.

Your phone can do many things your computer can, including acting as its remote control. Whether you want to access your workstation when you’re not at your desk or remotely fix your parent’s laptop, remote desktop apps allow you to use your PC or Mac from anywhere over the internet with your smartphone.

Remote desktop apps mirror your computer’s screen on your Android phone or iPhone — minus the cable. You can then operate your Windows PC or Mac as you typically would, either with your phone’s touchscreen and virtual onscreen controls (or any external peripherals). Here are the best apps to do that.

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Chrome Remote Desktop

Google’s Chrome Remote Desktop tool is the most straightforward way to control your PC or Mac with an Android phone or iPhone. It links your computers through your Google account and lets you remotely access them on any other device with a click or tap of a button.

Because most of the app works via a browser, there’s not much you need to do to configure it — apart from installing a small plugin and granting a handful of permissions. Once you have connected a computer to your Google profile’s Chrome Remote Desktop section, it automatically shows up on your phone, and you can simply operate it without fussing with any access credentials or lengthy codes.

To get started, head over to Chrome Remote Desktop’s website on your computer, and sign in with your Google account. Under “Set up Remote Access,” click the circular blue arrow icon to download it and double-click the saved file to install Chrome Remote Desktop on your Mac or PC.

Return to the website, and this time select the “Turn on” option. Follow the on-screen instructions to grant Chrome Remote Desktop permissions to project your computer’s screen on another device. You’ll also be asked to set up a PIN code for authorized remote access to your computer.

Next, download the Chrome Remote Desktop app on your Android phone or iPhone and log in with your Google credentials. As long as your computer is turned on, it will automatically show up when you first launch the mobile app. Touch your workstation’s name, punch in the PIN you set earlier, and in seconds, you should see its screen on your phone.

There are two ways you can interact with your computer. You can, of course, use your finger, but that might not be ideal since your computer works better with a keyboard and mouse. Chrome Remote Desktop offers virtual alternatives to these peripherals. 

While accessing a workstation, tap the three-line button at the bottom right corner to reveal the “Trackpad mode” and “Show keyboard” options. In addition, you should navigate to “Settings” and toggle on “Resize desktop to fit” so that your computer’s content is automatically adapted to your phone’s screen size.

Microsoft Remote Desktop

If you own a Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro PC, you’ll have a better experience with Microsoft’s own Remote Desktop software. Compared to Google’s Chrome Remote Desktop, Microsoft’s solution sends both a smoother and sharper stream of your Windows PC to your Android phone or iPhone. The steps to set it up are minimal, too. You can be up and running in minutes since Microsoft Remote Desktop comes built into Windows PCs.

Navigate to Settings > System > Remote desktop and activate the “Remote Desktop” option. Choose “Confirm” in the following pop-up. Note down your PC’s name under the “How to connect to this PC” section and grab your smartphone.

Head over to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to download the free Microsoft Remote Desktop app. On the homepage, tap the plus button at the top right corner, and select “Add PC” in the sub-menu. Fill in the “PC Name” field with the one you noted down earlier. You don’t necessarily have to use any other field, but you can add the account you use on your Windows PC in “User Account.” Otherwise, you will have to enter the username and password every time you want to remotely access your workstation. Touch the orange “Save” button once you’re done.

Back on the app’s home page, tap your PC’s name and authorize the access with the account you use to sign in to your Windows computer. By default, Microsoft Remote Desktop puts you in the mouse mode, which means you must drag the cursor with your finger to navigate your computer. To switch to the touch mode, tap the button to the left of the keyboard icon, and then select the finger button. For adjusting the screen’s resolution, you’ll have to return to the app’s home and go to the three-dot button > Settings > Display.

Here are the best cases for your iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max!

With glass on the front and back and either aluminum or stainless steel around the edge, no matter how tough Tim Cook says the iPhones are, they are scratch magnets. Not only that, but with no real protection around the corners of the screen glass, that ceramic shield isn’t going to withstand many drops.

You can save yourself the anxiety (and the cost of repair) with a cover, but fear not! None of this means you need to put some over-the-top monstrosity of a case on your phone that makes it virtually unpocketable. We’ve handpicked some sleek, stylish options that you won’t feel embarrassed to pull out of your pocket. If you're in need of a new phone, you can also get a free iPhone 13 from Verizon.

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• Read our reviews of the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max

Get a screen protector

But first, before we get to the cases, let’s worry about the front of the phone. Screen protectors come in all forms and prices. It may be tempting to get one of the dirt cheap ones from Amazon, but stop right there! They are usually not cut accurately to the correct size, and are of a cheaper material that degrades far quicker.

I won’t go ahead and say this is definitively the best screen protector, but with all my past iPhone screen protector purchases, I have never been let down by the Invisible Shield Glass XTR. It goes for around $60 and feels nicely smooth to the touch.

Again, I’m not claiming this is the best. I need to do a lot more testing before I make that declaration.

Best iPhone 13 cases

Native Union Clic Pop Magnetic

Native Union has itself created a suite of accessories around their premium, stylish Clic Pop cases, which offer 6 feet of drop protection, MagSafe compatibility and a range of finishes from this recyclable plastic to a luxurious sustainable leather.

Durable and lightweight, without adding much to the profile of the phone, the Clic Lock gives you an option to add a crossbody sling for another option to wear your phone, and it works with the Snap 2-in-1 wireless charger, which is a great desk accessory.

U.S. Availability: iPhone 13 ($39.99) | iPhone 13 Pro ($39.99) | iPhone 13 Pro Max ($39.99)

U.K. Availability: iPhone 13 (£34.99) | iPhone 13 Pro (£34.99) | iPhone 13 Pro Max (£34.99)

Gear4 Denali

The orange D3O material is a dead giveaway that you’re getting some insanely good phone protection, courtesy of the Gear4 Denali. I’m old enough to remember when this used to be called the Gear4 Battersea!

This ridged pattern on the back is addictive for fidgety people like myself and the patented internal protective material offers up to 16 feet of drop protection, alongside an antimicrobial treatment to keep it germ-free.

U.S. Availability: iPhone 13 Mini ($49.99) | iPhone 13 ($59.99) | iPhone 13 Pro ($59.99) | iPhone 13 Pro Max ($59.99)

U.K. Availability: iPhone 13 Mini (£34.99) | iPhone 13 (£44.99) | iPhone 13 Pro (£44.99) | iPhone 13 Pro Max (£44.99)

Speck Presidio2 Grip Compatible with MagSafe

20% slimmer than Speck's previous Presidio case and armed with MagSafe compatibility, the Presidio2 is a stylish addition to your iPhone with 13ft of drop protection.

The unique soft touch finish and grooved texture feels great to the touch, the Microban anti-microbial protection delivers a 99% reduction in bacteria growth on the case, and the patented armor cloud technology packs the cover with protective cushions of air.

U.S. Availability: iPhone 13 Mini ($49.95) | iPhone 13 ($54.95) | iPhone 13 Pro ($54.95) | iPhone 13 Pro Max ($54.95)

Mous Limitless 4.0

This fully MagSafe compatible case packs a premium look with some serious smart protection. From the high-quality materials used, including bamboo, a carbon fiber weave and the impact-absorbing AiroShock technology that protects the edges like an airbag, this has seriously good drop protection.

Plus, with a raised lip around the screen and that massive camera bump, you can put this on a table with confidence.

U.S. Availability: iPhone 13 Mini ($54.99) | iPhone 13 ($59.99) | iPhone 13 Pro ($59.99) | iPhone 13 Pro Max ($64.99)

U.K. Availability: iPhone 13 Mini (£44.99) | iPhone 13 (£49.99) | iPhone 13 Pro (£49.99) | iPhone 13 Pro Max (£49.99)

Tech21 Evo Clear

It’s hard to do clear plastic without looking tacky. Just take a look at my Nothing ear (1) review for example. But Tech21 manages to pull it off with a strong, premium material that has an upmarket personality without taking away from the luxury nature of the iPhone 13’s design.

And the team’s able to do this while ensuring durability with 12 ft drop protection and an antimicrobial material covering.

US Availability: iPhone 13 Mini ($39.95) | iPhone 13 ($39.95) | iPhone 13 Pro ($39.95) | iPhone 13 Pro Max ($39.95)

UK Availability: iPhone 13 Mini (£29.95) | iPhone 13 (£29.95) | iPhone 13 Pro (£29.95) | iPhone 13 Pro Max (£29.95)

Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1

MagSafe compatibility is adding 10-20 bucks on top of some case prices across the board, so rather than invest in a separate wallet, just get a case that has a wallet integrated into the design.

The Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 gives you room for three cards and cash, the sides are grippy and air pockets around the case make for impressive drop protection.

U.S. Availability: iPhone 13 Mini ($19.99) | iPhone 13 ($19.99) | iPhone 13 Pro ($19.99) | iPhone 13 Pro Max ($19.99)

Otterbox Easy Grip Gaming Antimicrobial Case

The ultra durability of Otterbox cases comes to the gaming market with this multi-layer cover that offers patented heat dissipation technology to ensure your phone doesn't overheat under intense gameplay.

The surface of the case is easy to clean thanks to the anti-microbial texture, the texture itself is custom molded for sweat resistance, and this case makes the iPhone 13 compatible with all of Otterbox's gaming products.

Heads up - this case is not available for the iPhone 13 Mini, but we've found an ultra slim Symmetry Series case from Otterbox that is just as good.

US Availability: iPhone 13 Mini ($49.95) | iPhone 13 ($54.95) | iPhone 13 Pro ($54.95) | iPhone 13 Pro Max ($54.95)

UK Availability: iPhone 13 Mini (£29.99) | iPhone 13 (£29.99) | iPhone 13 Pro (£29.99) | iPhone 13 Pro Max (£29.99)

Apple iPhone 13 Silicone case

The official option from Apple, so you’re guaranteed high quality materials and a snug fit. MagSafe compatibility is here, the silicone material is great to the touch and the microfiber lining on the inside ensures your phone remains scratch free.

Buttons always line up perfectly and the slim, svelte construction may not offer the same 12 foot protection as other options on this list, but it’s more than enough for your average use case durability. Plus, you’ve got a choice between loads of colors.

U.S. Availability: iPhone 13 Mini ($49) | iPhone 13 ($49) | iPhone 13 Pro ($49) | iPhone 13 Pro Max ($49)

U.K. Availability: iPhone 13 Mini (£49) | iPhone 13 (£49) | iPhone 13 Pro (£49) | iPhone 13 Pro Max (£49)

ITSKINS Feroniabio // Terra

A case that is good for the planet — the ITSKINS Feronaibio // Terra is made entirely of 100% renewable, compostable materials. Not only that, but unlike other eco cases like this, ITSKINS has some seriously good durability and drop protection (up to 10 feet to be specific).

The honeycomb-esque HEXOTEK impact absorption technology round the edge is ultra-protective, while keeping the case slim and stylish in a range of colors.

U.S. Availability: iPhone 13 Mini ($29.99) | iPhone 13 ($29.99) | iPhone 13 Pro ($29.99) | iPhone 13 Pro Max ($29.99)

Totallee iPhone 13 clear case

Totallee is back with another clear case for the latest iPhones, which gives you a durable soft touch material and a cover with no branding on it whatsoever for the purists out there.

They do not have magnets built-in, but given how significantly thin Totallee’s cases are compared to the competition, they don’t interfere with the built-in magnet whatsoever.

U.S. Availability: iPhone 13 Mini ($39) | iPhone 13 ($39) | iPhone 13 Pro ($39) | iPhone 13 Pro Max ($39)

Sandmarc lens case

With a huge focus on video quality on the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, you can get more cinematic versatility with lens add-ons. To do that you need a compatible case to screw one in and Sandmarc's option is one of the most cost-effective.

If the focal length of the main camera doesn't change from last year, the 18mm length doesn't necessarily offer a great frame for pieces to camera. But with this 16mm alteration, your shots are given room to breathe.

U.S. Availability: iPhone 13 Mini ($99.99) | iPhone 13 ($99.99) | iPhone 13 Pro ($99.99) | iPhone 13 Pro Max ($99.99)

Casetify Ultra Impact Crush

Casetify's Ultra Impact Crush case features a proprietary shock-absorbing material for great drop protection, a lifted camera ring and a construction made from 65% plant-based materials.

And the best bit about Casetify? You can customize this case to your heart's content. With custom text overlays, colorways and fonts, you have all the opportunities to make this your own.

Availability: iPhone 13 Mini (£41) | iPhone 13 (£45) | iPhone 13 Pro (£48) | iPhone 13 Pro Max (£51)

Old gadgets are gorgeous and Grid Studio is the best way to show that off.

The designs, the circuitry, the components. Every part combines to tell a fascinating story of the gadgets gone past and forms another stop on the map you can track up to see just how far we’ve come.

Like the company’s motto says: "Every Classic Deserves To Be Framed!" That is absolutely the case with old gadgets and Grid Studio is one of the best in the business. I got my hands on three frames of three of my favourite pieces of old tech, and I talked to Joe: the industrial designer and artist behind this venture.

Who is Grid Studio?

You may have seen frames with disassembled gadgets on the walls of your favourite tech YouTubers, and chances are pretty much all of them came from Grid Studio — a company that has been selling these frames since 2020.

We spoke to Joe, industrial designer and one of three co-founders about this venture to create one of the best gifts you could buy for any gadget nerd.

“Grid Studio started as a hobby and its birth was completely accidental. One of our partners had the whim, after taking apart his equipment, hand-painting and gluing the parts on paper, and he finally made an amazing piece of art!” Joe reminisced.

“At first, this was just a hobby, but we thought it should be shared with more people who also love this, so that's when we started our business.”

And of course, the story writes itself: a lot of influencer attention and plenty of gadget geeks such as myself getting a visual excuse to look back on the tech we used with fondness. But we see the beautiful end result only. What’s it like behind the scenes, to get the parts and build these?

“Our devices are collected from dealers, repairers or some retro collector, it's an interesting experience, especially with old devices like iPhone 2G, it always takes a lot of time to search.”

You notice this in the scarce availability of these frames and the ever-increasing prices. These parts are becoming harder to find the older the gadget is, meaning a more costly production. And as for the future, Joe is clear about where Grid Studio wants to head next.

“Currently we are obsessed with game controllers, we plan to work on Xbox, PS series, Switch series, NES and other devices.” This is already well underway with the launch of a Dualshock 4 frame, so look forward to more controllers getting the same treatment soon.

The first iPhone: An iPod, a phone and an internet communicator

Yes, there were smartphones before this. There were even models with touchscreens too, but none started a revolution quite like the original iPhone. Seeing the parts laid bare in the GRID 1 frame like this demonstrates just how far technology has come to the iPhone 13 Pro I have right now.

From the 3.5-inch TFT display with a 320x480 resolution and a 412 MHz ARM processor, to the 2MP camera that looks like a dot compared to the larger sensors we’re used to today, this was the beginning of a revolution in what we’re able to do on the go.

Back at that time, I worked in a phone shop and the focus of any contract bought was minutes and texts. Nobody ever cared about the amount of data, because the idea of Wireless Application Protocol networking (WAP for short: exactly what Cardi B’s song was about) was just widely ignored. The Motorola RAZR had a web browser button that nobody pressed.

However, that all changed with the iPhone, and now that I write about the best phone deals, the focus is always on how much data you get. This was a “leapfrog product” as Steve Jobs called it on stage in 2007.

Game Boy Pocket: Tetris, but smaller

The Game Boy walked so the Game Boy Pocket could run. This far smaller iteration of Nintendo’s revolutionary portable gaming device packed the same 8-bit, 4.19 MHz processor, a 2.6-inch LCD screen with a 160 x 144 resolution (bigger than the original Game Boy) and stereo sound thanks to the 3.5mm headphone jack.

With the reduction in size came a dramatic reduction in battery life, from the 30-hour rating of the standard Game Boy to 10 hours in the Pocket, as the smaller system supported 2x AAA batteries over the original’s 4x AA.

But that was a small price to pay for the sheer portability of this model. Of course, comparing it to the all-in-one gaming devices we have in beasty smartphones like the RedMagic 7, going from a 4 MHz 8-bit processor in 1996 to a 3 GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, you can see how quickly silicon development has increased the pure power. 

PSP: My favourite portable console

My first love in gaming was PlayStation. My mum got me the first console for my Birthday and from that very moment, I was smitten.

That doesn’t make me blind to the whole industry; but everyone has their own gaming stories related to the consoles they grew up with. For me, it was mostly a Sony console, which always led to a big question on the playground at my secondary school.

You saw all the kids with Game Boys, showing off the fact they can play games on the go. Would Sony give us a portable PlayStation? The answer, as you already know, was a resounding yes with the obviously named PlayStation Portable — namely the PSP 1000 for me.

The 480 x 272 TFT display with 24-bit color is gorgeous, the 333 MHz MIPS R4000 CPU delivered plenty of power to run games at up to 60FPS, and the UMD media format is as fascinating to look at as it is precariously unreliable. 

But the best bit? There were so many amazing games. They were not just straight PS2 game ports, but portable-tailored experiences that made the most of the format. I even continued to play on mine through to university as well — sacking off the likes of the Nintendo 3DS, to continue playing the likes of Metal Gear Acid, Patapon, Daxter, Loco Roco, SOCOM, Persona 3 and more.

For me, though, it ended in heartbreak — both for the loss of my PSP and the fact I left it at an ex-girlfriend’s house and made the terrible decision that requesting it back would cause more harm than good.

Bottom Line

As I alluded to earlier, Grid Studio frames do not come cheap. With the ever dwindling supply of official parts for these gadgets of yesteryear, the costs reflect this intense task of searching for supply that happens behind the scenes of every frame.

Right now, the GRID 1 original iPhone frame comes in at $399 after a steep $200 discount, with stock set to drop at 7am PT on February 28. The PSP1000 frame is $50 off — down to $179, and the Game Boy Pocket is $10 more at $189 after a $40 saving.

But for that cost, you’re getting something that is uniquely timeless: a visually stunning flashback to your childhood gadgetry that will catch your eye while working and force a smile upon your face.

Apple's AirTag is set to receive a number of updates to address unwanted tracking concerns, including new privacy warnings, precision finding, refining unwanted tracking alert logic, and more.

The Cupertino tech giant's tracking device helps find everything from keys to luggage from ending up in a parallel universe, and while Apple incorporated some anti-stalking provisions when the AirTag launched, there were still weaknesses found — this AirTag experiment that tracked a package across the UK pointed them out. 

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In the iOS 15.2 update, Apple armed users with a new scanning feature that's designed to issue an alert if there's a nearby AirTag tracking their every move. Now, Apple is adding more privacy features to keep those with malicious intent planting electronic hitchhikers at bay.

In the announcement, Apple states that it is "aware that individuals can receive unwanted tracking alerts for benign reasons," and that while incidents of AirTag misuse are rare, it' still "one too many."

"Every AirTag has a unique serial number, and paired AirTags are associated with an Apple ID," the post states. "Apple can provide the paired account details in response to a subpoena or valid request from law enforcement. We have successfully partnered with them on cases where information we provided has been used to trace an AirTag back to the perpetrator, who was then apprehended and charged."

As for upcoming updates, users setting up their AirTag for the first time will see new privacy warning messages stating how the AirTag should be used, making it clear that the "AirTag is designed to be detected by victims, and that law enforcement can request identifying information about the owner of the AirTag."

AirTag users can expect a "Precision Finding" feature that allows recipients of an unwanted tracking alert to locate an unknown AirTag with precision. This feature will be available for iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 users, allowing them to see the distance and direction to an unknown AirTag when in range.

A display alert with sound will also be coming in a future update. When AirTag automatically emits a sound to alert anyone nearby of its presence and is detected moving with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, we will also display an alert on your device that you can then take action on. Plus, Apple will update its unwanted tracking alert system to notify users earlier that an unknown AirTag or Find My network accessory may be traveling with them.

What's more, the tech giant will be adjusting the tone sequence to use more of the loudest tones to make an unknown AirTag more easily findable. Apple has also updated its unwanted tracking support article, offering more details on safety features and how Find My accessories may trigger an unwanted tracking alert.

For those looking for more ways to stay private and keep their personal information away from prying eyes, check out these iPhone apps you need to ramp up your online privacy, along with how to permanently stop spam calls on iPhone and Android phones. 

Apple Pencil lets you draw, sketch, color, and take notes on an iPad. And now, Apple Pencil's pixel-perfect precision can be yours for less.

Currently, the Apple Pencil 2 is on sale for $110 at Amazon. It normally retails for $129, so that's $18 in savings. It's one of the best prices we've ever seen for this iPad stylus and among today's best Apple accessory deals.

Amazon also offers the 1st generation Apple Pencil for $76 ($22 off).

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The Apple Pencil is a must-have accessory for iPads. It wirelessly pairs to Apple tablets and magnetically attaches for charging.

Apple Pencil 2 works with the iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, and 5th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation), and iPad mini (6th generation). 

In our Apple Pencil review with the iPad Pro 12.9, we found it to be one of the best styli we've ever used. By design, the size and weight of the stark-white pencil are nicely balanced. Thanks to its pixel-perfect precision and tilt/pressure sensitivity, Apple Pencil is on par with the feel of using a real pencil. In real-world tests, its double-tap feature for changing tools or turning on the eraser worked well.

The Apple Pencil 2 is ideal for students, artists or designers who want to draw, write notes or mark up documents on the iPad.

Apple Pencil deals are rare, so don't hesitate to grab one now for a stellar price. 

The phone is the center of most people's digital universe, so finding the best accessories for your phone is almost as important as finding the best phone. 

This search can feel instantly overwhelming as once you've decided that you need or want a new phone accessory, whether that's a battery pack, a fast charger, a gaming controller or whatever else has caught your attention, there's a sea of options to get lost in. Going with the cheapest can be a mistake, but the most expensive isn't always the best.

While this isn't an exhaustive list of all of the best smartphone accessories on the market, here's a look at some of our favorites that you may find helpful too.

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Anker Nano II 65W

The Anker Nano II 65W is a charger with a single USB-C port. Despite its diminutive size, it is able to charge laptops like the MacBook Air M1, HP Spectre Folio or Dell XPS 13 just as easily as phones, tablets, wireless headphones or a Nintendo Switch. The charger delivers the maximum power the device can accept, up to 3x the speeds of the base iPhone charger and 30% faster than the iPad Pro charger.

That flexibility makes this is a fantastic charger to have in your bag as it adds no bulk and will allow you to charge virtually any device you own.

MagSafe

While the $39 MagSafe charger is a useful accessory, it’s the entire MagSafe ecosystem that is worth spotlighting. The addition of magnets on the back of the iPhone 12 enabled a wide variety of new accessories beyond simple charging options.

Apple itself has a number of options including its somewhat questionable MagSafe Wallet, but I’m more interested to see what third-party manufacturers are going to do with it. Peak Design, for example, has a range of mounts and cases that leverage MagSafe and they look incredible.

OnePlus WarpCharger 65W

While wireless charging is great (I have populated my home with a number of Qi charging pads to make sure I can keep my phone topped up at all times), OnePlus and its WarpCharger 65W are making sure that I won’t let go of wired charging just yet.

To take advantage of the full speed of this charger, you do need the OnePlus 8T or the newly announced OnePlus 9 or 9 Pro. However, this amazing charger comes in the box, which is ironic when Apple and Samsung don't include so much as a standard charger with their flagships. OnePlus is using a unique dual-battery system to allow it to handle the incredible charging speeds. So, that’s it! It’s just mind-bendingly fast charging. In our testing it will take some of these phones to a 99% charge in just 30 minutes and as an added bonus you can use them with your USB Type-C charging laptop as well.

Mophie Powerstation AC

There is an endless sea of battery packs to choose from and plenty of them can be found for cheaper than the Mophie Powerstation AC, but there are a few notable features that sold me on it. It’s also worth mentioning that the full $199 retail price is too steep for me, you should be able to find it for under $130 on sale. This isn’t a tiny battery pack, but it’s also capable of so much more than the standard portable battery.

The Mophie Powerstation AC can provide up to 100W of power via its standard AC adapter, plenty to charge a laptop or any other device you might have on hand. That’s in addition to the USB-C port on the side that can deliver up to 30W and the USB-A port which also supports 2.4a quick-charge. The 22,000 mAh battery should be enough to charge your smartphone 4 to 7 times over and keep your laptop going for a full day. This thing can be a lifesaver and, while it’s not tiny, it fits easily in a bag, which isn’t typically the case for portable batteries with built-in AC adapters.

Anker PowerCore Slim 1000 PD

If you are strictly worried about charging smaller devices like your smartphone or tablet, then a more portable battery is certainly a good fit and quite a bit cheaper. The Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 PD can be found for under $30 and will charge even a massive flagship smartphone like the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra up twice. With its 10,000 mAh battery, it offers both USB-C and USB-A output to charge a couple of devices at once at up to 18W.

The handy LED lights on the front will let you know how much battery life you have left, and it’s not much larger than a smartphone, so it won’t take up much space in your bag.

iOttie Wireless Car Charger Phone Mount

Dash mounts are a great solution for helping to keep your phone accessible while keeping it out of your hands in the car. The iOttie Wireless Car Charger Dashboard Phone Mount solves a couple of problems for under $50. The twisting and telescoping mount will allow you to get the phone in exactly the right spot to ensure you can see directions or notifications clearly without obscuring your view of the road. Not only that but the built-in Qi wireless charger will keep your compatible phone topped up without having to worry about plugging it in.

If you like the look of the mount, but don't have or care about Qi wireless charging, you can opt for the basic model for under $25. 

Razer Kishi controller

A smartphone gaming controller isn’t anything new. Companies have been trying to make this happen for years now since long before there was anything worth playing on a smartphone outside of emulators. However, they are usually terrible, too small to be useful or too huge to ever bring with you, but this year we got a solution in the Razer Kishi (Android model / iOS model).

The Kishi folds down to a relatively reasonable size and unfolds to attach to a USB-C / Lightning smartphone, creating something that looks a lot like a Nintendo Switch. It features two analog control sticks, a D-pad, a standard four-button array on the right and dual left and right triggers. While the controllers aren’t quite up to console standards, they are far superior than most mobile gaming controllers and certainly preferable to touch controls. One of the biggest motivating factors here is the proliferation of cloud gaming services like Microsoft xCloud, Google Stadia and GeForce Now that bring true console or PC class gaming to your smartphone, and these services scream for a true controller.

Backbone One iPhone gaming controller

I won’t reiterate everything I said above, but my general statements about smartphone gaming for the Razer Kishi apply to the Backbone One as well. Unfortunately, the Backbone One is strictly for the iPhone at the moment. That does knock out some of the game streaming services as we continue to see them try to find viable methods to operate inside Apple’s App Store, but with that said, there are considerably more high-quality native games available on iOS than Android, so that might balance things out.

The Backbone One has a few things going for it over the Razer Kishi and a couple of points against it. In the plus column is that the controls feel better than the Kishi; the goal is so that you can use this as a standalone controller without your smartphone in it if you want, and it feels more solid than the Kishi. It also offers a solid app that makes it easy for you to find new games to play and also to capture and share content from your smartphone gaming sessions. The downsides are that it’s iOS only and it doesn’t fold down completely like the Kishi, making it a slightly bulkier addition to your bag.

Elecjet Apollo Ultra power bank

Another battery pack? Trust me, this one has some unique tricks up its sleeve that make it worthy of attention in this crowded category. The Elecjet Apollo Ultra uses graphene, which ardent tech fans will know is a substance that has seemed poised to revolutionize battery tech for years now. While a true graphene battery pack is still out of the question due to cost, the Apollo Ultra leverages it to wildly outpace the charging time for a standard battery pack. 

The 10,000mAh Apollo Ultra can reach a full charge in 27 minutes, compared to 5-6 hours for the same capacity in the Anker PowerCore 10000. Elecjet also claims considerably greater longevity, 2,500 life cycles compared to 500 for most lithium-ion battery packs. The Apollo Ultra features two USB ports, a USB-A port capable of 18W output and a USB-C PD 3.0 port that enables up to 100W input for charging the battery pack and 65W output, sufficient to charge most USB-C laptops. So what's the catch? There are a couple. 

For the top-end charging speeds, you need a 100W GaN charger, it's useful for much more than this battery pack if you have a laptop, phone, or tablet that charges by USB-C, but it's an added $50-$70 expense if you don't have one already. The second is that the Elecjet Apollo Ultra is a crowdfunding project, you can get the Apollo Ultra for as low as $69 on IndieGogo currently. While I rarely cover crowdfunding campaigns, Elecjet already has a smaller version of this product in the market, has shipped working prototypes to multiple reliable outlets for early reviews that have been universally positive, and in the latest update, the company confirmed the first production run is ready to ship. If you're in the market for a portable battery pack, it's one of the more intriguing options I've seen in recent years.

Mobile by Peak Design

Mobile by Peak Design isn't a single accessory, but a whole ecosystem from the renowned company behind our favorite laptop bag and a whole host of photography accessories that have a permanent place in my bag. At the heart of Mobile is the Everyday Case with its "SlimLink" attachment system. The case is available for iPhone 11 and up or Samsung's Galaxy S21 series, if you don't have one of those phones a universal adapter is available.

The case itself is minimal, but it opens you up to the rest of the ecosystem. This includes a multitude of mounts allowing you to attach your phone securely to your car, bike, motorcycle, desk, tripod or GoPro mounts. A wireless charging stand, mobile tripod and mobile wallet fill out the rest of the lineup. If you are an avid mobile photographer or videographer then Mobile by Peak Design is worth a look as it has something for just about every scenario.

Amazon's Black Friday deals extravaganza slashes up to 47% off Echo Show devices.  

As part of the sale, the 2021Amazon Echo Show 5 is $44.99. Normally, it retails for $85, so you're saving $45 with this deal. This is the Echo Show 5's lowest price ever and one of the best Black Friday deals on Amazon. 

It's also one of the best Black Friday deals we've seen so far. 

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Echo Show Black Friday deals

These Alexa-enabled smart displays make a great gift for anyone, as they're great for video calls, streaming movies and more. It features a 5.5-inch (960 x 480) display, a single 4-watt speaker, a microphone, and built-in 2MP camera. 

Although we didn't review the Echo Show 5, positive feedback from happy owners praised its compact design and great video calling. What's more, the Echo Show 5 is powered by Amazon's Alexa voice assistant. This means you can control it hands-free and get news, weather, traffic or recipes via voice commands. 

As an alternative, Amazon also offers the Echo Show 8 for $89 ($40 off). It has an 8-inch (1280 x800 display), dual 2-inch speakers, and a 13MP camera with auto-framing.

Black Friday 2021 falls on November 26 and we expect to see tons of excellent deals on today’s most coveted tech. Be sure to bookmark our Black Friday 2021 deals hub for the best holiday discounts. 

All the attention is paid to the best Black Friday phone deals, but what about the cases we immediately put on our new super-expensive slabs? If you’re clumsy (like me), this Otterbox saving is for you.

Right now at Amazon, you can get nearly 70% off Otterbox cases and screen protectors for all the latest several previous gen. phones including iPhone 13, OnePlus 9 Pro and more.

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Otterbox phone case Black Friday deals

For more deals recommendations from our crack team of experts, we've got a tonne of pages being updated live! Whether you're looking for Black Friday iPhone deals, OnePlus Black Friday deals, or you're just shopping around the likes of Amazon, Best Buy or Walmart, we have you covered.

Apple released iOS 15.2 beta on Nov. 10, which adds a new AirTag feature that thwarts creeps from using the tracking device to stalk unsuspecting victims. According to MacRumors, the Find My app now lets users scan for AirTags that may be tracking their location.

With a distraught woman claiming she was stalked with an AirTag in a viral TikTok and The Washington Post chastising Apple for not doing enough to discourage unwanted tracking, the Cupertino-based tech giant likely felt pressured to add more AirTag safety features to the Find My app.

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iOS 15.2 beta adds anti-stalking feature for AirTags

As mentioned, iOS 15.2 beta arms users with a new scanning feature that's designed to issue an alert if there's a nearby AirTag tracking their every move. After installing the beta, iPhone users can access this perk by opening the Find My app, tapping on the "Items" tab and selecting "Items That Can Track Me." This initiates a search for nearby items that may be tracking the user's location.

If an item is found, the app offers instructions on how to render the device inoperable so that it no longer tracks the user. It's also worth noting that this isn't the only anti-stalking feature Apple has implemented. AirTags are engineered to start playing a chime between eight and 24 hours after being separated from their owners. On top of that, iPhone users will get an alert if a suspicious AirTag is traveling with them.

Of course, Apple owners have the upper hand here; Android users won't get alerts if an AirTag is tracking them. Fortunately, according to MacRumors, Apple is working on launching an Android app that will let non-Apple users detect unknown AirTags (and other Find My-enabled devices).

Apple also introduced a "Help Return Lost Items" option to iOS 15.2 beta. This feature lets users locate lost devices and provides guidelines on how to contact their owners.

Lastly, iOS 15.2 beta lets users appoint loved ones as "legacy contacts." In other words, should an iPhone user pass away, legacy contacts can gain access to their account.

The iOS 15.2 release date is unknown, but it will likely roll out to a wider audience in the coming weeks.

The iPhone 13 drop test results are in, thanks to Allstate Protection Plans' (APP) smash-filled experiment. Apple never said that its latest flagship phone is shatterproof, but it did reiterate that it's packed with the world's toughest smartphone glass: the Ceramic Shield display.

We covered APP's iPhone 12 drop test last year, and the company concluded that it's the most durable smartphone they've evaluated to date. This year, APP is kicking its breakability analysis up a notch by adding a new element: drop testing the iPhone 13 with a case.

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Apple released new MagSafe-supported silicone and leather cases for the iPhone 13 series, and APP tested both. Not only was APP able to determine the iPhone 13's drop performance with this experiment, but it also was able to conclude which MagSafe case offered the best protection.

iPhone 13 drop test results

APP tested the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 Pro. For each phone, the company evaluated its breakability by dropping it face down and back down. Let's start with the face down test, which consisted of two drops at six feet.

iPhone 13 (no case) face-down drop test

The iPhone 13 survived the first face-down drop test, but not the second. The only wounds it suffered were cracked corners and scuffed metal.

iPhone 13 (with case) face-down drop test

You'd think that the iPhone 13 equipped with a silicone case would fare better than one without protection, but you'd be wrong. Similar to the uncased iPhone 13, the cased iPhone 13 endured the first face-down drop test, but suffered damage after the second. Spider-web like cracks besmirched the screen, and surprisingly, the breakage appears to be much worse than the uncased iPhone.

iPhone 13 Pro (no case) face-down drop test

The iPhone 13 Pro fared worse than the standard iPhone 13 model; it was damaged after the first drop. Perhaps this is due to the Pro model's weight. It's slightly heavier (7 ounces) than the iPhone 13 (6 ounces). The damage the iPhone 13 Pro suffered included a cracked screen, raised glass and scuffed metal.

iPhone 13 Pro (with case) face-down drop test

Yikes! Despite being enveloped inside a leather MagSafe case, the iPhone 13 Pro looked like a shattered mess after the drop test. It didn't survive the first drop test and ended up with an unsightly cracked screen and raised glass.

Next, we'll dive into APP's back-down drop test, which consists of three drops at six feet.

iPhone 13 (no case) back-down drop test

The iPhone 13 survived two out of the three drops, which isn't half bad. A cracked camera and cracked corners blemished the device.

iPhone 13 (with case) back-down drop test

Equipped with a silicone case, the iPhone 13 fared slightly better than its uncased counterpart. It, too, survived two out of three drops, but it walked away with less damage (only a cracked camera).

iPhone 13 Pro (no case) back-down drop test

The iPhone 13 Pro got knocked out cold after the first drop. It suffered cracks, shattered cameras and loose glass.

iPhone 13 Pro (with case) back-down drop test

Out of all the drop tests APP performed during its breakability experiment, the cased iPhone 13 Pro did the best. Packed inside a MagSafe leather case, the iPhone 13 Pro survived all three drops and walked away unscathed.

APP's drop-test results revealed that the MagSafe leather case is better than the silicone case for protecting your iPhone 13, particularly for back-down drops. However, it's not infallible. If you drop your cased iPhone 13 face down, there's a chance it may suffer even more damage than if it were uncased.

With Amazon Prime Day coming to a close, we're seeing some great deals on Bluetooth trackers. Notably,  you can currently get 30% off the wildly popular Tile Trackers, both individually and in bundles.

We're all familiar with that frantic dance you do when you're about to leave but you can't find your wallet, keys, or phone. If this tends to be a frequent occurrence for you, it might be a good idea to invest in one of these Tile Tracker deals.

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Tile Prime Day deals

Losing objects is just a part of being human. Sometimes it's as simple as a pen or an important document. But for more substantial essentials, like keys, wallets, and phones, panic ensues as soon as the realization hits that they're missing. Thankfully, Tile has you covered. 

These Bluetooth trackers work together with their free phone apps to emit a loud sound to help you locate whatever they happen to be attached to. Most of these have a range of around 200ft, but if your object happens to be out of range the app can also pull up the Tile's most recent location using the secure, anonymous Tile Network.

Outfitted with a replaceable battery that should last around a year,  the Tile Trackers are reliable even if you don't use them often. Plus, if you tend to frequent more damp places, the Tile Pro and Tile Mate are water-resistant, while the Tile Slim and Tile Sticker are fully waterproof. 

If you've had your eye on Bluetooth trackers for a while now because they always seemed so neat, now's the best time to buy. With up to $30 in savings, pick these up before they're lost for good.

Prime Day ends at midnight June 22, so be sure to check out our Amazon Prime Day 2021 deals hub for the best Prime Day discounts before they are gone.

Early Prime Day deals on select Amazon Echo devices are now available for Prime members. Although Prime Day 2021 starts June 21, one of the benefits of Amazon Prime is early access to deals. 

One early Prime Day deal offers the Amazon Echo Show 5 for just $44.99. Normally, this video calling device retails for $80, so that's $35 in savings. It's the lowest price we've ever seen for the Echo Show 5 and one of the best Prime Day 2021 deals so far.

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Early Prime Day deals

The Echo Show 5 is a solid choice if you want an affordable smart display for video calling. It features a 5.5-inch (960 x 480) display, a single 4-watt speaker, a microphone, and built-in 1MP camera. 

Although we didn't review the Echo Show 5, positive feedback from happy owners praised its compact design and great video calling. What's more, the Echo Show 5 is powered by Amazon's Alexa voice assistant. This means you can control it hands-free and get news, weather, traffic or recipes via voice commands. 

Now at its best price yet, the Echo 5 is a cheaper alternative to the $130 Amazon Echo Show and $180 Lenovo Smart Display. 

Amazon also offers its best-selling Echo Buds wireless earbuds for an all-time low price of $79.99 ($40 off). 

If you're not a Prime member, sign up for an Amazon free 30-day trial here to shop early Amazon Prime Day 2021 deals.

Prime Day 2021 falls on June 21 and 22 with offers of fantastic mobile tech. Be sure to bookmark our Amazon Prime Day 2021 deals hub for the best Prime Day discounts.

As reported by DroidMaze, rumors that OnePlus is joining Apple and Samsung in the smart tag market and looking to launch its own version of the location product. OnePlus smart tags could help users of OnePlus devices track down stolen or lost items, akin to what Apple and Samsung tags can. 

In a trademark filed on May 18th, 2021, by OnePlus parent company Beijing Intangible Technology Co., Ltd, we see the OnePlusTag listed as seen in the photo below. The trademark registered didn't describe what the OnePlus Tag will do, but the name makes it obvious. 

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With the OnePlus 9T expected to launch later this year, it's not a bad guess that the OnePlustag could be released alongside the upcoming smartphone. With Samsung and Apple currently dominating the location tag market, some new competition is welcomed. 

Although location tags are handy, there have already been reports of hacking and Apple AirTags being used to stalk users. With new technology come new threats, and it will be interesting to see what OnePlus may come up with to combat these issues as the company works towards bringing its OnePusTag to market. 

Apple’s tracking device, the AirTag ($29 starting), does a good job of playing lost and found by using a combination of Bluetooth and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) communications. Similar to Tile and Samsung Galaxy SmartTag devices, the AirTag is small and lightweight and works well whether your lost item is somewhere close in the house or waiting for you to return to the coffee shop. It’s all thanks to the help of the wider Apple community. 

There are a few issues, like the lack of a keyhole or how the tracking only works within Apple’s software landscape. Still, by combining the latest chip technology with excellent software and ruggedness, AirTags can keep everything from keys to luggage from ending up in a parallel universe. 

Apple AirTag pricing and configurations 

Apple sells a single AirTag model for $29 each or four for $99. The competition is very close with Tile products going for between $25 (for the Mate) and $35 (for the Pro) and Samsung Galaxy SmartTags at $30. The upcoming SmartTag Plus is expected to sell for $40 each.

Shaped like a large coin, the round Apple tags lack a hole for attaching to keys, luggage or a favorite umbrella. Because of that, you’ll probably need a case, cover or strap to attach an Air Tag to your bag, keys and other accouterment, creating another Apple accessory ecosystem. These items range from Belkin’s $13 silicone key fob to the $450 Hermes luggage tag.

Apple AirTag Design

To start, the AirTags are small and round with a 1.3-inch diameter and are 0.3-inch thick. Slightly larger than a stack of four quarters, they’re smaller than the square-shaped Samsung Galaxy SmartTag (1.5 x 1.5 x 0.4 inches), although the Tile Mate tag leads with a 0.2-inch profile. 

Aesthetically, the AirTag design is like a coin or an arcade token. One side is made of shiny stainless steel while the other is made of white plastic. You can order the AirTag with a variety of images or characters on the plastic side, like your initials or a special message to a forgetful friend. On the downside, early reports are that the steel side is far too easy to scratch, particularly for an item that will live in a pocket full of keys, pocket change and who knows what else. 

By contrast, the Samsung SmartTags can be had in any color as long as its black but Tile breaks through the color barrier with its Tile Pro family. The tags are available in a variety of colors and patterns, some of which are on sale for a limited time. 

An AirTag weighs 0.39  ounces, but the Tile Mate and SmartTag are a little lighter at 0.35 ounces. Inside, the AirTag has a battery, a doughnut-shaped circuit board and speaker. In addition to the expected Bluetooth tracking, the device has Apple’s U1 Ultra-Wide Band chip that creates trackable UWB signals; the CR-2032 battery should last about a year, according to Apple. 

The big step forward (or backward) is that the AirTags lack a hole for attaching to a keychain or backpack clip. While you can just put the bottlecap-sized AirTag into a bag or jacket pocket, getting an AirTag is just the start because you’ll likely need to get a cover, strap or key fob to attach it to something you value. 

The AirTag is among the most rugged items that Apple sells. It has an IP67 rating that translates into the device surviving being dunked in water up to 1-meter deep for up to 30 minutes. By contrast, Samsung’s SmartTag carries an IP52 rating, allowing it to stand up to water dripping on it while Tile’s Mate and Pro models have a slightly higher IP55 that makes them able to survive a water spray. 

How AirTags Work

Inside each AirTag is a sophisticated tracking device that, like Tile and Samsung SmartTags, uses Bluetooth to locate the tag (and whatever it’s attached to). It changes the encryption key frequently so that the tag doesn’t open a security vulnerability.

The AirTags take a big technological step forward by also transmitting an Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) signal for a more precise location. The phone integrates data from the UWB signal, as well as the phone’s accelerometer and gyroscope to help home in on the target. At the moment, the AirTag is the only tracker that uses UWB, but there’s a big gotcha: the UWB technology only works with iPhone 11 or 12 models using iOS 14.5 or newer. There are rumors that it will be part of the next-generation iPads. Still, if your phone or iPad lacks UWB, it can still use Bluetooth.

Samsung has announced its UWB-powered Galaxy SmartTag Plus, but they’re not yet available. They will face a similar compatibility issue and only work with Galaxy Note 20 or newer phones. There is no word yet if the UWB tech will be incorporated into the company’s tablets or other products.

Apple AirTag Setup

One of the easiest tags to pair with a phone, AirTag is a snap to set up. Just put the new AirTag next to an iPhone or iPad and pull off the clear plastic cover. When removed, the tag’s battery connects and the tag starts up and makes a trilling sound. 

Now open the iPhone’s FindMy app; it’s the one with the green radar screen on its icon. The phone senses the new AirTag and shows a video of a spinning tag. At this point, I tapped Connect and gave the tag a name. Since it will be chained to a box-cutting knife that I can never find when I need it, I called it “Knife.” I chose an emoji that will show up on a map of its location.

Finally, the interface shows a contact phone number if it does get lost. When the setup is complete, the tag plays its song. All told, it took about 2 minutes to set the first AirTag up. And adding additional ones for my keys and backpack was just as fast and easy.

Apple AirTag performance

To gauge how the AirTags compare with Tile and SmartTags, I spent two weeks playing hide-and-go-seek with my tagged stuff. I left things around the house, at coffee shops and the park. When needed, I used my iPhone 12 to find them. It all worked quickly and efficiently, but the AirTags lack the ability to use the tag’s switch to ping my phone or the ability to warn me that I’m about to leave an item behind. 

In addition to my iPhone 12, the AirTags worked well with my MacBook Air after I upgraded its software to Big Sur 11.3.1 software. On the downside, it only worked in Bluetooth mode and the communications were one-way as I was not allowed to ping the tag to help find it.

There’s a FindMy app for your iPhone and iPad, but nothing for Android products, PCs or Chromebooks. About the only thing you can do with an Android phone and AirTag is to view the owner-supplied information, like a contact phone number using Near Field Communications (NFC). It worked well with my Galaxy S9+. 

Still, the world would be a better place if I could use my Android phone to track AirTags or use my iPad to track a SmartTag. At least it would be a world that’s safer for me to leave all sorts of things behind.

Apple AirTag Find Nearby Mode

Similar to Tile and Samsung’s SmartTags, finding the tag and your gear is split between local and long-distance locations. After getting my son to hide my tagged knife in a drawer, I went hunting for it. To start, I tapped Find Nearby on the FindMy interface to activate the precision mode. The phone showed a constellation of moving dots as it tried to pick up the tag. 

When it got a bead on the tag, the screen showed an arrow that pointed me in the right direction and noted that it was 15-feet away. One major innovation is that, as I got closer, I felt haptic vibrations on the right and left of the phone that gave me clues to where the tag (and my knife) was located.

It worked just as well in a drawer, under a couch cushion and in a car’s glove box. Overall, the tag had an indoor range of 29-feet with an iPhone 12, but that depends on the idiosyncrasies of the structure and local interference. In the same location, the SmartTag had a 110-foot range with a Galaxy Note 20. You can also get an assist by way of Siri, by saying “Siri, find my knife.” The AirTag played its irritating tune, which helped me surface it.

The screen can not only turn on the phone’s light for spotlighting the lost item under a couch but it can also make the tag play its distinctively annoying tune. Unlike Tile and SmartTag devices, you can’t change the AirTag’s song. 

Apple AirTag Lost Mode

If you and your tagged item are farther afield, the AirTags can tap into the nearly billion iPhones and iPads out there.

Tap Lost Mode and the FindMy app changes gear to incorporate the anonymous use of any iPhone or iPad that is within Bluetooth range of the tag. Those who don’t want to participate in this crowdsourced effort can opt out.

I left my AirTagged backpack on a park bench, something I’ve been known to do. When I was a quarter-mile away, I searched for it. The area appeared to be well-populated with iPhones and the system found my backpack in a matter of minutes.

Apple AirTag Security

Tracking a lost item is all well and good, but what you don’t want happening is someone using your fancy AirTag to track you. In anticipation of all the creepers out there, Apple incorporated some anti-stalking provisions. For instance, every three days, the AirTag needs to reconnect with its host phone or it plays its tune to alert anyone in the area that it is active. If a would-be stalker surreptitiously placed a tag in your bag, your iPhone, iPad or iPhone, will get a message about the electronic hitchhiker. 

Unfortunately, the alert makes no provision for those of us who own Android phones and tablets. Another downside, if you live with your stalker, presumably sometime during the day or night the phone and tag will be able to reconnect. 

Apple AirTag battery life

Because it’s powered by a disposable CR-2032 battery, there’s a good chance you’ll need to change the AirTag’s battery roughly every year. Rather than prying the AirTag apart, it takes a little finesse to get inside. 

Start by pressing on the stainless steel side and rotating it counter-clockwise.

Work the lid loose.

Remove the old battery and put a new one in place.

Close the tag by pressing and rotating the lid clockwise to lock it. It plays its tune when it starts up.

Bottom line

In a world that’s increasingly crowded with tracking tags, Apple’s AirTag stands out as an excellent first effort. Small, lightweight and attractively designed, the AirTags not only help locate lost things nearby or over a long distance, but the Ultra-Wide Band technology makes it easy, precise and a little fun. Its IP67 rating means it can stand up to dust, rain and the occasional swim. And as is the case with other Apple products, the company put a lot of effort into the software, which not only shows my lost items on a map but can garner the help of crowds to anonymously find my tagged items. Plus it’s only $29 and offers a fairly easy-to-replace battery. 

However, there are a few issues.   The stainless steel surface is prone to scratches. Plus, the AirTags lack something as simple as a hole for attaching a keyring, so you’ll likely need to invest in accessories like key fobs and luggage straps. And it lacks the ability to use the tag to find your phone or warn you that you’re about to leave a tagged item behind. And like many other Apple products, AirTags can only be tracked with iOS and macOS systems, leaving at least half the computing world out in the cold. 

In the final analysis, the Apple AirTag is for those careless types – myself included – who leave keys, umbrellas and luggage in their wake. AirTags may not keep me from losing them, but it can help me find them quickly.

An Apple enthusiast used an AirTag to track a package across the UK using the tech giant's expansive Find My network.

Apple writer and enthusiast Kirk McElhearn posted a package with an AirTag inside and sent it across the United Kingdom. He successfully tracked the device's entire journey from Stratford-upon-Avon to a friend's location near London. However, McElhearn found a few issues with the tracker. 

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As detailed in an Intego security blog post (via MacRumors), McElhearn taped an AirTag to a card and mailed it with first-class postage. Using the Find My app on his iPhone and iPad, he saw the package at a local sorting station then on the move via truck delivery to a "highly automated mail processing centre" (the South Midlands Mail Centre). 

After this, McElhearn set up a script on his MacBook to take pictures of the AirTag package on the move every two minutes, effectively tracking its whereabouts live. The following morning, the friend received that package. 

Apple AirTag mishap 

AirTags can precisely locate any item they're attached to in relation to other Apple products in the general vicinity using sound and haptic feedback. This means that even if there is a single iPhone, iPad, or other Apple device within the Find My network that is located near the AirTag, a user will be able to locate the tracker. 

As pointed out in the post, the AirTag could be discovered via McElhearn's Find My network app because people in the mailing facility, the truck drivers carrying the package, or even people driving nearby, had an Apple device on them. 

The experiment shows how expansive the Find My network is in the United Kingdom, as there are clearly many people with an Apple device that can help an AirTag user find their lost item. As shown here, it can even go as far as live tracking the item in crowded areas. 

However, McElhearn found a flaw. When the device arrived at the friend's location, the AirTag didn't send an "AirTag Found Moving With You" message to their iPhone. As we've previously reported, the AirTag will either notify an unsuspecting user with a message or alert them with a sound if an AirTag has been separated from the person who registered it. 

According to the post, it takes up to three days before an AirTag notifies nearby users with a message. However, the friend never received a notification, even after that time period. The writer states, "my friend thinks he might have heard a sound at some point, but he couldn’t be sure, because he had the TV on at the time."

One of Apple AirTag's key features is letting other iOS users know of an unknown AirTag that's been following them or is located around them. Apple's security precaution prevents unwanted tracking and someone using the device for malicious reasons. While this experiment was between friends, it's not a good sign that this feature failed to work, and that it can potentially take up to three days for an AirTag to notify a user. 

This could be the fault of the particular AirTag that was used in the experiment. Either way, AirTags can clearly be used in interesting ways. Check out McElhearn's post for further details. 

Apple has finally revealed its long-awaited AirTag tracking device, which can help you quickly track down your lost keys, wallet, and any other misplaced items. Unfortunately, this means it can also be used to track you.

Owners of a registered AirTag have the ability to see the location of the Bluetooth tracking device via Apple’s Find My software, meaning wrongdoers with malicious intent could plant an AirTag on your person. The good news? The tech giant has already taken precautions to prevent this kind of tracking. 

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Apple has made it a point to prevent unwanted tracking by introducing several security features to its new AirTag. This includes disabling an unknown AirTag you might find on you.

An unsuspecting owner will be notified via a Find My message stating "AirTag Found Moving With You," if the unknown tracking device has been separated from its original owner and has been traveling with you for a long period of time.  

That's not all, as an AirTag will also make a sound to alert those nearby if it has been separated from the person who registered it. This will let you pinpoint where it is.

This isn't just limited to iOS or iPadOS. A near-field communication (NFC) capable smartphone, whether it be an iPhone or Android phone, will be able to see these notifications, play sounds, and will be able to find out if its owner marked it as lost. 

How to disable an Apple AirTag

Once the message is received, tap on it and then tap "Continue." You will be given the option to tap "Play Sound" if you need help locating the unknown AirTag.

From here, you can tap "Learn About This AirTag" to check its serial number and see if the owner marked it as lost.

If not, you can disable the AirTag and stop sharing your location by tapping "Instructions to Disable AirTag." You will then need to follow the onscreen steps to disable it.

Apple also recommends contacting local law enforcement who will work with Apple if you feel your safety is at risk.

The tech company also states its AirTags won’t store any location data or history inside the device, and will also use end-to-end encryption to keep the communications between the tracker and the Find My Network app secure.

It's important to note if the AirTag is within range of the person who registered it, you also won't be able to play a sound. Apple hasn't mentioned what the range limit is until playing a sound is possible.

The AirTag wasn't the only device announced at the recent Apple Event, as the company also unveiled its iPad Pro 2021 and iMac designs.