Gadgets: A truly wireless charger

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There’s a funny thing about most wireless smartphone chargers: They need a wire. Often a cable connects the charging pad to its power source. Twelve South’s PowerBug 35-watt magnetic wireless charger is the first I’ve seen that is truly wireless.

Setup is simple: Plug it into any standard household AC outlet to turn it into a MagSafe charger. Connect your Qi2- or MagSafe-compatible smartphone to the puck-shaped (2.3 inches by 1.14 inches deep/3.35 ounces) wireless charger. On the backside are fold-out AC prongs. Twelve South lists the compatibility with all Qi2 and MagSafe-enabled smartphones.

Depending on your AC outlet’s location, the PowerBug can power your smartphone while keeping it ready for streaming, video conferencing, or just in standby mode. Whatever you choose, it will be in true 100% wireless charging.

If you add your own USB-C cable, you can use the side port to power a second device simultaneously. You can charge another smartphone, earbuds or any device needing up to 35 watts of fast charging. If you connect two devices, the USB-C port supplies 20 watts, and the wireless connection provides 15 watts.

The PowerBug was so popular upon its debut last year that it was almost instantly out of stock. Now it’s back and ready to transform any AC outlet into a dual charging station.

https://www.twelvesouth.com/products/powerbug $49.99, available in white/dune or slate/black color combinations

Scosche’s Magstack tangle-free USB-C to USB-C charging cables feature magnets, making it easy to keep the cables clutter-free.

The high-quality braided cables have an outside tangle-free braided nylon jacket and an aluminum housing. The construction includes a Statik MagStack magnetic sleeve, which makes it even easier to coil the cable for a clean, clutter-free desk or storage.

The cable is available in 3- or 6-foot lengths and is USB-certified for rapid data transfer and fast, safe charging. It will also attach itself to a metal or steel surface to keep things neat and orderly. Magstack is a USB-C 3.2 cable certified for 60 watts. They are rated for up to 480 mbs transfer speeds.

https://www.scosche.com/cabm-tangle-free-usbc-to-usba-magnetic-charging-cable $29.99

When it comes to travel gadgets, smaller is better, and that’s exactly where the Tessan PD 20W ultra-thin universal travel adapter shines.

The pocket-sized 4-in-1 global travel adapter (3.33 by 2.01 by 1.24 inches, 3.65 ounces) can power multiple devices simultaneously via its standard AC outlet, one USB-A port and two USB-C ports. With power from a single wall outlet, the USB-A port delivers up to 18 watts, and each USB-C port delivers up to 20 watts.

According to the specifications supplied, the travel adapter supports major plug types, including C, G, A, and I, covering most countries. They also highlight that it is not a voltage converter; instead, it is an adapter that can supply power to charge or power most any smartphone, tablet, computer, digital camera, hair dryer and other accessories needed on the go away from home.

Devices to be powered need to support 100V-250V dual voltage before use. And it is said to be cruise ship compliant.

https://tessan.com/products/ultra-thin-universal-travel-adapter-pd-20w $19.99 on Amazon