Tech News
← Home  ·  All topics

Charging

80 GoKawiil briefs on this topic

How to decide if your EV needs a Level 2 home charger

Electric vehicle owners can charge at home either through a standard household outlet or by installing a faster Level 2 charger. The choice depends on factors like battery size, the car's maximum AC charging speed, and daily driving distance, rather than a need to always charge to full like a phone. Home charging remains far cheaper than gasoline, roughly a third of the cost, even before factoring in a Level 2 upgrade.

Apple's AirPods 5 Bring ANC and Longer Battery Life at $129-$149

Apple's new AirPods 5 launch at $129 for the standard model, adding active noise cancellation that was previously missing from the lineup. A $149 version bundles a Wireless Charging Case and extended battery life, making it the more compelling purchase for most buyers.

ChargePoint report: EV charging network still trailing vehicle demand

ChargePoint's latest report finds that public charging infrastructure buildout continues to lag behind EV adoption, even as sales remain strong—over 1.8 million EVs sold globally between January and August. CEO Rick Wilmer said demand signals like high used-EV retention rates and steady RFP volume suggest the North American market is healthier than press coverage implies.

Arlo cuts price on 4-camera solar-powered outdoor security bundle to $286

Amazon is selling Arlo's 3rd Generation outdoor security kit, which includes four 2K cameras plus four matching solar panels, for $286, a 43% markdown from its usual price. The bundle also comes bundled with six months of Arlo's subscription service included.

Android phones can gain MagSafe compatibility via cases and magnetic rings

MagSafe, Apple's magnetic accessory system, has become a signature iPhone feature since 2020, while only a few Android devices like Google's Pixel with Pixelsnap or the HMD Skyline ship with built-in magnets. Android users without native support can still use MagSafe accessories by adding a phone case with embedded magnets or attaching a magnetic ring, provided their device supports wireless charging.

Vinich launches MagSafe wallet with 15+ colors and traditional folded design

Vinich has released a new MagSafe wallet designed to mimic a classic foldable wallet rather than the typical slim card holder look, aiming to complement leather iPhone cases. It offers over 15 color options, including an aged leather aesthetic and a Desert Titanium finish for caseless iPhones, plus room for three to five cards and a couple of folded bills.

MagSafe outpaces USB-C for MacBook fast charging, but safety trade-offs differ

MagSafe cables detach safely if yanked, protecting a MacBook from being dragged off a table, while USB-C stays firmly plugged in and can pull the laptop down in an accident. On charging speed, MagSafe reaches up to 140W with Apple's $99 adapter, enabling a 50% charge in 30 minutes, whereas standard USB-C tops out at 60W unless users buy specialized 100W or 240W cables.

Apple opens preorders for AirPods 5, adding ANC to base $129 model

Apple has started taking preorders for its new AirPods 5 earbuds ahead of a September 18th launch, the same day as the Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4, and iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The lineup includes a $129 standard model that now includes active noise cancellation, a feature previously reserved for pricier variants, and a $149 upgraded version with wireless charging, longer battery life, and stem-based touch controls for volume.

Sharge launches DIY Disk Pro 2 SSD dock with HDMI 2.1 and 80W charging

Sharge has unveiled the Disk Pro 2, a follow-up to its popular Disk Pro external SSD, this time allowing users to install their own M.2 drives up to 8TB in 2230, 2242, or 2280 sizes. The device comes in two variants: a Lite version with HDMI 2.0 output and a 5W minimum power draw, and an Ultra version with HDMI 2.1 supporting 4K@144Hz or 8K@30Hz, a faster card reader, and just 1.5W minimum power consumption. Both models include active cooling, magnetic attachment, and 80W passthrough charging.

Apple's AirPods 5 undercut AirPods 4 on price while improving performance

Apple introduced the AirPods 5 with a wireless charging case at its recent event, pricing them roughly $30 below the ANC-equipped AirPods 4. Hands-on impressions suggest the newer earbuds outperform their predecessor across the board despite the lower cost.

iPhone 18 Pro needs Apple's 40W dynamic adapter for fastest charging

Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro charges 0-50% in about 15 minutes, roughly 5 minutes quicker than the iPhone 17 Pro, but only when paired with its 40W dynamic power adapter and a USB-C cable supporting 60W output. That adapter is currently the only one meeting Apple's requirement for USB PD 3.1 with Adjustable Voltage Supply. Wireless charging via MagSafe with a 35W brick reaches 0-50% in about 30 minutes.

Google pulls Pixel Tablet listing from its online store

Google has removed the Pixel Tablet from its online store and dropped the 'Tablet' category from its site navigation, following earlier reports that the device was marked out of stock. Most Pixel Tablet accessories, including the case and charging speaker dock, are also unavailable, with only a third-party speaker stand still purchasable. The tablet has similarly vanished from Amazon, and Best Buy lists it as no longer available in new condition.