GoKawiil
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USB-C video capability depends on DisplayPort Alternate Mode, a feature that lets a single cable carry both data and display signals, but it requires the device, cable, and monitor to all support it. Older USB 3.1/3.2 devices may or may not include this support depending on the manufacturer, while USB4 and all Thunderbolt 3-5 connections guarantee it.
Most major phone makers, including Apple, Google and Samsung, have phased out the 3.5mm headphone jack in favor of USB-C for wired audio, charging and data transfer. Apple made the switch starting with the iPhone 7 in 2016, followed by Google in 2017 and Samsung in 2019, with Apple finally adopting USB-C for the iPhone 15 due to EU regulation. Sony remains an exception, still including a 3.5mm jack on its upcoming Xperia 1 VIII.
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 unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro at its recent event, starting at $1,199 and adding a variable aperture camera and a faster A20 Pro chip. The comparison to the iPhone 14 Pro, released four years earlier, shows major shifts including the switch from Lightning to USB-C, a brighter display capable of 3,000 nits versus 1,000 nits, and an upgraded Dynamic Island that can display three activities simultaneously.
Apple still sells wired EarPods alongside its AirPods lineup, offering a no-frills alternative for users who want simple audio without Bluetooth or battery concerns. The wired buds come in 3.5mm, Lightning, and USB-C variants, making them compatible with a broad range of devices at a low price point.
USB-C hubs can substitute for docking stations by adding extra ports to a laptop, but they draw power and bandwidth directly from the host computer rather than a dedicated outlet or bus. This makes them less reliable for power-hungry or high-bandwidth devices like external SSDs, HD webcams, external GPUs, and multiple monitors.
Dell has launched the Pro 5 (WB526), a compact 2K QHD webcam aimed at office workers, featuring a Sony sensor, 78-degree field of view, autofocus, and a physical lens shutter. The device supports Windows Hello, includes an anti-theft cable lock, and offers AI-driven features like auto-framing and face tracking, alongside a built-in microphone. It's priced at $119.99, currently discounted to $114.99.
Amazon has discounted Belkin's 45W USB-C wall charger by 25%, bringing the price down to $14.99. The compact charger supports USB Power Delivery 3.1 and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) standards, making it compatible with fast charging for phones, tablets, and some laptops.
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.
Apple unveiled its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, alongside new iPhones and Apple Watches. The device supports the USB-C Apple Pencil on both its cover screen and inner display, though Apple notes this functionality arrives 'later this year' rather than at launch. Pricing starts at $2,000 for 256GB storage, with pre-orders beginning October 16 and availability October 23.
Asus' Cetra Open wireless gaming earbuds are on sale for $22 off at Amazon and Best Buy, dropping the price to $206.99. It's the first discount the open-style earbuds have received since launch.
Amazon is selling Anker's compact Nano Laptop Docking Station for $111.99, a 25% cut from its $149.99 list price. The dock offers 13 ports total, including a removable 6-in-1 hub, and supports triple monitors via dual HDMI and one DisplayPort output.