GoKawiil
Tech News
Amazon has cut the price of Anker's clamp-on Nano Power Strip to $57.99, down from its $69.99 list price, marking a 17% discount and the first price reduction the device has seen on the platform. The strip offers six AC outlets and four USB ports (two USB-C, two USB-A) with up to 70W total output, plus surge and overload protection.
Thunderbolt 5 upgrades on Thunderbolt 4 by offering up to 120Gbps in one direction and 40Gbps in the other, compared to Thunderbolt 4's symmetric bandwidth, while also supporting 240 watts of power delivery. Both standards share USB-C connectors and support data, video and power over the same cables, and Thunderbolt 5 remains backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 4, 3 and USB4 devices.
SteelSeries' Arctis Nova 3P gaming headset, a top pick recommended by WIRED, is currently discounted across several color options, with prices ranging from $90 down to $60 for the aqua version sold through Woot. The headset works across PC, consoles, phones, and Nintendo Switch, though buyers should note Xbox and PlayStation versions aren't fully cross-compatible.
Cooler Master has released the Q300L V3, an updated version of its budget Micro-ATX/Mini-ITX case line first introduced in 2018. The new model is slightly larger than its predecessors, featuring bigger panel perforations for airflow, a reinforced frame, flexible front I/O placement, more room for CPUs and graphics cards, and a bundled 140mm fan. It carries an MSRP of $44.90, though it's currently listed under $40 on Amazon.
Mini PCs use laptop-grade components that are largely non-upgradable, with CPUs and GPUs typically soldered directly to the motherboard. Even RAM and storage, when replaceable, use compact SO-DIMM and M.2 formats, and many budget models solder these too, eliminating upgrade paths entirely. Limited internal space also restricts I/O and expansion options like extra ports or drive bays.
Amazon has dropped the Anker Prime Charging Station back to $94.99, matching its previous Prime Day low and cutting $55 off the $149.99 list price. The device combines 2 AC outlets, 4 USB-C ports, and 2 USB-A ports in one desktop hub, delivering up to 240W total output with GaN fast-charging and smart power distribution.
Adafruit has released a small PCB accessory called the USB Type C CC Resistor Fixer, designed to correct USB-C devices that lack the required 5.1K CC resistors for proper power delivery. The device plugs into a cable or port and passes through data and power lines while adding the missing resistors and a power-good LED indicator.
A reviewer tested Xreal smart glasses that tether to a laptop via USB-C and project a virtual screen equivalent to a 170-inch TV directly into the wearer's field of view. Unlike Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, these devices from makers like Xreal, Viture and Rokid contain no cameras or recording features, instead mirroring displays from laptops, phones, tablets or handheld consoles for a personal, portable viewing experience.
Mophie has released four new PowerStation Plus power banks in Standard and Signature finishes, each available in 5000mAh and 10000mAh capacities. Every model includes at least one integrated, non-retractable USB-C cable, with the top-tier Signature 10K version offering two braided cables and support for charging three devices simultaneously. Prices range from $29.95 to $59.95 on Amazon.
USB PD, especially its PPS feature, now underpins fast charging on most major phones, including Apple's iPhone 17 and Android flagships like Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra and Google's Pixel 11 series. Qualcomm Quick Charge, once dominant, has largely folded into USB PD compatibility, while brands like OnePlus, Oppo and Xiaomi still rely on proprietary systems such as SuperVOOC and HyperCharge for their fastest speeds.
USB-C laptop chargers can be safely used to charge phones, and will speed up charging only if the phone supports higher-wattage fast charging via USB Power Delivery. Phones capped at 18-20W input won't charge any faster on a 65W or 100W charger, since the device only draws what it's rated for. Charger safety depends more on certification and build quality than wattage, as counterfeit units can pass dangerous voltage spikes and cheap cables may lack required safety components.
WIRED's laptop docking station roundup adds several alternative picks beyond its main recommendations, including the $200 Baseus Spacemate Air 12-in-1, the $300 Belkin Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock, and the $200 Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Pro Hub. Each option targets a different need, from dual 4K display support on older MacBooks to a minimalist three-port Thunderbolt 4 setup for decluttered desks.