Latest news with #PowerBug
The Verge
12 hours ago
- The Verge
TwelveSouth's PowerBug turns outlets into wireless chargers.
Posted Jul 28, 2025 at 4:59 PM UTC TwelveSouth's PowerBug turns outlets into wireless chargers. Similar to Zens' Wireless Charging Adapter, the $49.99 PowerBug delivers true wireless charging by plugging directly into an outlet without a USB cable. It's compatible with MagSafe and Qi2-compatible devices and is designed to give you an elevated place to mount your phone in the kitchen or bathroom. It includes an extra USB-C port for charging an additional device but the PowerBug's size, and an attached smartphone, could end up blocking an adjacent outlet. Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Andrew Liszewski Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Andrew Liszewski Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Gadgets Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News
CNN
7 days ago
- CNN
Twelve South's new PowerBug turns any outlet into a floating MagSafe charger
Twelve South is launching its latest charging accessory today with the debut of the new PowerBug. The compact wall adapter merges a 30W USB-C charger with a MagSafe-compatible Qi2 wireless puck for turning any outlet into a magnetic iPhone mount. I've been using this handy gadget and am already sold on its 2-in-1 design. Twelve South PowerBug The new PowerBug from Twelve South packs a 30W USB-C charger and Qi2 magnetic power puck into a wall adapter that fits in the palm of your hand. It can charge two devices at once, making it perfect for use in the kitchen, bathroom or while traveling. Don't let the looks of the new PowerBug fool you. It may appear to just be a typical USB-C charger at first glance, but Twelve South has packed in an even more useful feature. The fact that it doubles as a MagSafe adapter with the same tech as the company's Butterfly 2-in-1 charger means that any outlet can become a compact iPhone wireless charging mount. After using it myself, that versatile design means there are a few use cases where the PowerBug feels like a real game-changer. I had a chance to check this out earlier in the year during a trip to the Twelve South headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina. Ever since then, I've known exactly where I want this to live in my home: the kitchen. Right after unpacking it, I immediately plugged the charging puck into an outlet right next to my stove. I already have a USB-C charger there to power the HomePod Mini that serenades me while cooking, and this is a worthy replacement that adds extra functionality to my current setup. Instead of just powering a smart speaker, it also means I could ditch the cheap MagSafe stand that had been keeping my phone propped up while I whip up dinner. Sometimes it's useful for double-checking a recipe or intently following along with a more in-depth cooking guide, others it's just having my phone away from the cutting board but still within arm's reach. In either case, the PowerBug means I can replace two accessories with one that is far handier and far more useful. I've also explored using this in the bathroom with the outlet right next to my sink. If you have a long morning routine and are looking for a spot to place your phone while you get ready, the PowerBug can certainly deliver. Alongside keeping your iPhone in place, the wireless charger features can also handle sending 15W of power to your device. Twelve South has a long track record of releasing useful and novel gadgets. I've been using (and loving) the brand's charging gear and Apple accessories for years, much like my colleagues. CNN Underscored's tech editor Henry T. Casey recently spoke highly of the company's new Curve Nano smartphone stand after testing it himself. CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors with many years of product testing experience as well as experience researching and recommending other buys, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to ensure we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Senior deals editor Rikka Altland has personally been reviewing all kinds of tech, gadgets and home goods for nearly a decade.
Stuff.tv
7 days ago
- Stuff.tv
This magnetic iPhone charger has no cables and doesn't need charging – here's how it works
If you're anything like me, you do a fair bit of travelling. There are plenty of travel chargers that you can chuck in a backpack, but they're all larger than your typical plug. More than that, you'll usually need a cable, which can get tangled up in your bag. But this new charging brick can juice up your smartphone without any cables or recharging. Twelve South's new PowerBug is a charging brick that doubles as a MagSafe charger. The concept is brilliantly simple: plug it into a wall and drop your iPhone onto the front. Read more: Best wireless charger in 2025 including charging stands and pads There are no cables, no battery to charge, no docking – just magnetic charging directly from the wall. You can stick your phone on the charger in portrait or landscape mode, with support for StandBy mode in iOS. It's perfect for checking recipes in the kitchen, scrolling while brushing your teeth, or pretending you're listening on a FaceTime call. What makes PowerBug particularly clever, though, is how travel-friendly it is. This isn't one of those chunky adapters that eats up half your backpack. It folds flat, with stowable prongs, so it's ideal for slipping into a carry-on or your 'tech bits' backpack pouch. Whether you're crowding around an outlet in a grimy airport lounge or contorting under the seat in front of you on a long-haul flight, this charger doesn't get in the way. Plus, while your iPhone's busy wirelessly charging at 15W, a USB-C port on the bottom can pump out up to 35W to top up a second device. If you're using this in the kitchen, for example, you could plug your HomePod mini into the PowerBug. It comes in two colours – Slate and Dune – both of which are sleek and suave. It's polished enough to leave out in plain sight, which is saying something for a plug. PowerBug is available now for $50/£50/€60 directly from the brand. You can get versions tailored for US, UK, and EU outlets.
