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Faster Qi2.2 wireless power banks are on the way

is a senior reporter who’s been covering and reviewing the latest gadgets and tech since 2006, but has loved all things electronic since he was a kid. Ugreen has announced what it claims is the “world’s first Qi2.2-certified power bank” that can wireless charge devices at speeds of up to 25W. Most wireless chargers in the US currently max out at just 15W of power delivery, but the Ugreen MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank will push that to 25W, matching the speed of the updated MagSafe charger Apple i

I replaced my Apple Watch with these heart-rate-monitoring earbuds from Beats (and they did some things better)

ZDNET's key takeaways The Powerbeats Pro 2 retail for $250 in vibrant Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange colorways. The earbuds can replace your smartwatch or fitness tracker, offering exercise and activity data via companion apps. The sound isn't very robust, delivering weak bass and hollow mids. View now at Apple I've tested dozens of earbuds over the past year, and even new releases can feel monotonous after a while. Most brands make product upgrades in small strides, kee

Move Over Telsa Powerwall. EcoFlow Says This New Battery Is Better for Disaster-Prone Areas

Between floods, hurricanes, and brownouts, being a homeowner in states like California, Texas and Florida can make it challenging to keep the lights on. A whole-home battery backup is usually a good solution, letting you charge the battery while the power is on and then kick in when the power goes out. EcoFlow is the latest to enter this market with the Ocean Pro, which the company says is the first “full integrated, multi-source home energy system in the US.” What that means in simpler terms,

This power station just kept my lights on during an outage

ZDNET's key takeaways The EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra battery and inverter unit is available now for $6,299 while the Smart Home Panel 2 is available for $1,899. The single unit has a 6kWh capacity and supports a 7,200W output and 5.6kW solar input, allowing it to run an entire home, especially when stacked with other units for increased capacity. The Delta Pro Ultra is a decidedly expensive solution for a home backup system, and though portable, its hefty weight could affect portability. View now

How to maximize your Windows 11 PC's battery life in 9 easy steps

Kerry Wan/ZDNET Over the years, Windows PCs have gotten considerably more capable of squeezing a full day of work out of a laptop battery, but there's still a certain level of anxiety that comes with disconnecting from a fixed power source. That's especially true if you have an older PC that's lost some of its battery capacity with age. Also: Your complete Windows 11 upgrade guide: Everything to know - before you ditch Windows 10 Reducing battery anxiety doesn't require drugs or meditation. A

Move Over Telsa Powerwall. EcoFlow Claims This New Battery is Better for Disaster Prone Areas

Between floods, hurricanes, and brownouts, being a homeowner in states like California, Texas and Florida can make it challenging to keep the lights on. A whole-home battery backup is usually a good solution, letting you charge the battery while the power is on and then kick in when the power goes out. EcoFlow is the latest to enter this market with the Ocean Pro, which the company says is the first “full integrated, multi-source home energy system in the US.” What that means in simpler terms,

EcoFlow says its new Ocean Pro is better than Tesla’s Powerwall

is a smart home reporter who’s been testing connected gadgets since 2013. Previously a contributor to Wirecutter, Wired, Dwell, and US News. EcoFlow is powering up its first permanently installed whole-home energy solution for the US. The Ocean Pro system launches this week, featuring the new Ocean Pro Battery with 10kWh of storage expandable to 80kWh, and the Ocean Pro Inverter, which supports solar arrays of up to 40kWh. EcoFlow claims the system delivers 24kW of continuous power, enough to

Google inks $3B deal to buy hydropower from Brookfield

As it races to build ever larger data centers, Google on Tuesday said it has agreed to pay more than $3 billion to source carbon-free hydropower from Brookfield Asset Management’s company, Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners. The first contracts under the deal include 20-year power purchase agreements, the companies said, altogether amounting to $3 billion, for 670 megawatts of capacity from two hydropower plants in Pennsylvania. The deal is part of a broader framework agreement that will allo

Don't plug these 7 appliances (including AC units) into extension cords - here's why

Maria Diaz/ZDNET Extension cords are generally a safe solution for running power to electronics that are too far from the nearest wall outlet. But the operative word here is "electronics," which is not as all-encompassing as some people might think. Appliances (like refrigerators and toaster ovens) are obviously electronic devices, but they're in a different class from most electronics because of the amperage demands they need to function. Why you shouldn't plug everything into an extension c

Amogy raises $80M to power ships and data centers with ammonia

From tariffs to the recent reconciliation bill, climate tech startups have been grappling with a rapidly changing landscape. Brooklyn-based startup Amogy has managed to avoid turbulence induced by U.S. politics by keeping its sights on more promising foreign markets. Amogy’s ammonia-to-power tech and its focus on Asian markets, including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, has helped it land a fresh $23 million in funding. The round, which brings its most recent fundraise to $80 million, increas

I powered my smartphone off-grid with this portable wind generator. Here's how

ZDNET's key takeaways The Shine Turbine kit is on sale for $279, while the Essentials Kit is on sale for $342. The kit includes everything you need to turn wind into electrical energy, and the turbine features a 12,000 mAh battery. There are limitations, which include the weight of the kit and the 40W of power it taps out at. View now at Shineturbine The Shine Turbine is on sale for $280, a $120 savings off its normal $400 price. You can also get the Shine Essentials kit on sale for $342. I

I've tested dozens of cheap portable power stations and this EcoFlow is my favorite

The EcoFlow River 2. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET Power banks have given way to power stations. And while I really like the colossal capacity offered by those behemoths, sometimes I want something I can grab quickly to take with me on a job or in an emergency. The EcoFlow River 2 fits the bill. EcoFlow River 2 specs Capacity : 256Wh : 256Wh Net Weight : Approximately 7.7lbs : Approximately 7.7lbs Dimensions : 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7inches : 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7inches AC Input : 100-120V 50Hz/60Hz, 36

I found the perfect portable power station for off-grid adventures

EcoFlow River 2 Max. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET I love power stations. They're the off-grid adventurer's answer to the power bank. They're a huge box of batteries that can charge USB devices and run gadgets that need AC power. But power stations can be big, weighty things. That's fine if you have a vehicle to haul your gear to your destination, but if you're going on foot, most power stations are just too heavy to lug about. Also: The best portable power stations you can buy: Expert tested

My top-rated laptop power bank works with almost any model - and has a useful display

ZDNET's key takeaways The Bluetti X20 has a massive capacity designed for high-draw devices, available now for $199. It's kitted out with a DC port, and it comes with a dozen adapters covering most laptops on the market. There's no carry handle, so the unit can be a bit cumbersome to carry. View now at Walmart Most of us think of power banks as small, smartphone-sized battery packs that can be slipped into a pocket or clamped onto the back of a smartphone. But there's a category of power bank

This $12 USB-C accessory solved the biggest issue I had with my laptop's charger

ZDNET's key takeaways The magnetic USB-C connector now supports a 180-degree swivel, and it's only $12 at Amazon. It can pump out as much as 240W of power. I just wish it was suitable for data transferring or powering monitors. $12.99 at Amazon A hill I'm always willing to fight on -- and maybe even die on -- is that the magnetic breakaway USB-C connector is one of the best USB accessories out there. Sure, it's not as flashy as a hardware-encrypted storage device or as geeky as a USB power me

This portable battery station powered my home for two weeks

ZDNET's key takeaways The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus expands up to 24,000 Wh, powering a home for two weeks. Built-in wheels and handle make the Explorer 2000 Plus easy to move. The Explorer 2000 Plus delivers 3,000W power, fast charging, and rugged durability. View now at Amazon If you see the sun regularly, solar generators are the way forward. They allow you to capture and store the free energy that's beaming down from the sun, convert it into electricity, and store it in batteries. Solar

Lightning Detector Circuits

Here's a version I built into a "fake" book I found at an art store. The copper PCB is connected to the circuit ground to act as a counterpoise for the antenna, increasing sensitivity. The lightning bolt was cut with a sharp knife then filled with blue-dyed epoxy. The antenna connects to the pin jack. I used a cheap flashlight head for the LED - I used too much blue dye in the epoxy so I need a bright flash! The image below is with an LED and no pot (but with the 150k resistor added). I made se

Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 N offers more sound, more shifts, more smiles

Hyundai provided flights from Albany to London and accommodation so Ars could attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Ioniq 6 N reveal. Ars does not accept paid editorial content. Hyundai's N division is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. That's not long enough to earn the cachet of other performance sub-brands, like BMW's M or Mercedes-Benz's AMG, but N has certainly developed a reputation for fun, attainable, and powder-blue cars. With the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai's skunkworks for spee

California is set to become the first US state to manage power outages with AI

In April, the PJM Interconnection—the nation’s largest grid system, spanning 13 states along the densely populated mid-Atlantic and Eastern Seaboard—took a big step toward embracing AI by inking a deal with Google to use its Tapestry software to improve regional planning and speed up grid connections for new power generators. ERCOT, the Texas grid system, is considering adopting technology similar to what CAISO is now set to use, according to a source with knowledge of the plans who requested a

Topics: ai grid power says use

The U.S. Is Testing Tiny Nuclear Reactors That Can Go Practically Anywhere

In contrast to other technological advances, the objective for next-generation nuclear reactors seems to be to scale down, not up—an initiative backed by the Department of Energy (DOE). Earlier this month, the DOE announced a conditional agreement made with private firms Westinghouse and Radiant to conduct the first reactor tests at its Demonstration on Microreactor Experiment (DOME) facility, located at Idaho National Laboratory. These experiments, featuring two trailer-sized microreactors, w

An electrician's plea: Don't plug these 7 appliances (including AC units) into extension cords

Maria Diaz/ZDNET Extension cords are generally a safe solution for running power to electronics that are too far from the nearest wall outlet. But the operative word here is "electronics," which is not as all-encompassing as some people might think. Appliances (like refrigerators and toaster ovens) are obviously electronic devices, but they're in a different class from most electronics because of the amperage demands they need to function. Why you shouldn't plug everything into an extension c

Don’t wait: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are 28% off for a few more hours

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority If you’re looking to upgrade your workout gear, you have a few more hours of Prime Day to catch this record deal on the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds. The wireless buds are on offer for just $179.99, which is a full $20 lower than we’ve ever previously tracked their price. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 for $179.99 (28% off) Designed for fitness enthusiasts, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 features secure-fit ear hooks made from lightweight nickel-titanium alloy, 20% ligh

The Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 portable power station is 50% off for Prime Day - a new low price

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Jackery Jackery is one of the best portable power station brands on the market, and I've tested -- and relied on for several weeks -- many of the company's units, ranging from tiny ones you can hold in your hand to huge ones on wheels. Here's one that falls into that Goldilocks zone of both price and portability -- the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station. On the final day of Amazon's Prime Day sale, Amazon is offering 50% off the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2, br

Topics: 12v 3a jackery max power

The price of these workout earbuds from Beats just dropped even lower. Get them while the deal still aplies

ZDNET's key takeaways The Powerbeats Pro 2 retail for $250 in vibrant Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange colorways. The earbuds can replace your smartwatch or fitness tracker, offering exercise and activity data via companion apps. The sound isn't very robust, delivering weak bass and hollow mids. View now at Apple The Powerbeats Pro 2 are $80 off right now on Amazon, during Amazon's last day of Prime Day. This is $30 more savings compared to the first two days of Prime Day.

In a First, Solar Was Europe's Biggest Source of Power Last Month

For the first time, solar was the largest source of electricity in the EU last month, supplying a record 22 percent of the bloc’s power. At least 13 countries saw solar output hit a new monthly high in June, according to an analysis from energy think tank Ember. Solar amounted to more than 40 percent of generation in the Netherlands and 35 percent in Greece. Nuclear was the second biggest source of electricity across the bloc, followed by wind, natural gas, and hydropower. Coal generated just

Anker’s Laptop Power Bank Is on Sale Right Now for Prime Day (2025)

I have tested hundreds of portable chargers over the years, but the Anker Laptop Power Bank ($94, down from $135) is my current upgrade pick of the best power banks. It’s 30 percent off for Prime Day, and that’s the cheapest price I’ve seen for this charger. Remember, Prime Day ends tonight, so this deal won't last long. If you want something that can fast-charge your phone, juice up your tablet, and even refill your laptop, look no further. This chunky power bank is packing serious heat, with

Anker's Laptop Power Bank Is on Sale Right Now for Prime Day (2025)

I have tested hundreds of portable chargers over the years, but the Anker Laptop Power Bank ($94, down from $135) is my current upgrade pick of the best power banks. It’s 30% off for Prime Day, and that’s the cheapest price I’ve seen for this charger. Remember, Prime Day ends tonight, so this deal won't last long. If you want something that can fast-charge your phone, juice up your tablet, and even refill your laptop, look no further. This chunky power bank is packing serious heat, with a smart

Just 4 days until TechCrunch All Stage kicks off in Boston — and the lowest ticket prices vanish

Time’s running out. In just four days, TechCrunch All Stage 2025 touches down at Boston’s SoWa Power Station on July 15 — and your chance to lock in savings of up to $475 disappears. This one-day summit isn’t built for spectators. It’s designed for the doers — the founders, builders, and backers who are shaping what’s next. Whether you’re raising your first round, preparing for a growth-stage leap, or scaling your team, this event is packed with insight you can act on now. Founder Passes are j

This power station just kept my lights on during an outage (and it's nearly 40% off for Prime Day)

ZDNET's key takeaways The EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra battery and inverter unit is available now for $6,299 while the Smart Home Panel 2 is available for $1,899. The single unit has a 6kWh capacity and supports a 7,200W output and 5.6kW solar input, allowing it to run an entire home, especially when stacked with other units for increased capacity. The Delta Pro Ultra is a decidedly expensive solution for a home backup system, and though portable, its hefty weight could affect portability. View now

Anker’s fast power bank with two built-in USB-C cables is 30 percent off for Prime Day

Anker’s 25,000mAh power bank with two built-in, retractable USB-C cables might be as essential for you as it is for me. It offers fast charging speeds, serving up to 100W through either of its USB-C cables (one of which doubles as a handle when it’s not in use), or a combined 165W if you have them both charging gadgets simultaneously. In time for Prime Day, this model costs $94.99 ($25 off) at Amazon and Anker. This is the lowest price it’s sold at in months. I’ve tested this battery pack with