Life in the digital age means keeping a bunch of devices charged. Between our homes, workplaces, cars, and travel destinations, that can become a complicated task. We’ve rounded up a set of charging accessories to handle any personal power shortage. We’ve got a 6-port modular surge protector, a smart power strip with USB outlets, a car charger with four ports, and a super thin, massively powerful portable battery. Read on for more details:
Shortages force Apple to swap old MacBook Pros for new models
Apple has been forced to swap old MacBook Pros in need of repair with new models due to severe component shortages. It means some lucky customers get a free upgrade to the latest machines when in need of service under warranty.
Apple may have already picked its iPhone 9 battery supplier
The iPhone 8 isn’t even out yet, and already the tech world is focused on who might be supplying the various components for next year’s iPhone 9 (or iPhone 8s, depending on whether Apple returns to its traditional naming formula!)
A new report claims that South Korean tech company LG has secured the exclusive contract to provide Apple with its iPhone 9 batteries, having committed to making a big investment in production facilities in 2018.
Super-smart rings, secure GPS trackers and more [Crowdfund Roundup]
Maybe smartwatches aren’t your thing, but what about an impressive smart ring that lets you take calls, interact with virtual assistants, and more without being too intrusive?
It’s just one of the awesome ideas in this week’s Crowdfund Roundup. We also have the world’s first graphene headphones, a fidget spinner that you can connect to your smartphone for ultra-cool LED effects, and more!
This kit has all you need to swap your Retina MacBook Pro battery
If your Retina MacBook Pro dies too quickly in between charges, you likely need a new battery. You can either pay Apple a small fortune to install a new one for you, or you can do it yourself with this new kit from iFixit.
Throwaway phone chargers, Lightning cable keychains and more [Deals]
There are so many ways to run out of battery at just the wrong moment. Maybe you underestimated the lifespan of your backup battery, forgot your cable, or mistook them for your Lightning headphone cables. Whatever the case, it pays to have options, and that’s why we’ve rounded up these great deals on charging accessories that can save the day when the juice runs low.
5 ways to boost your MacBook battery life
Despite the MacBook’s svelte design, their batteries last a long time because Apple put a lot of thought into how the hardware and software work together. Still, if you find yourself running out of juice, some simple changes can help you extend your MacBook battery life.
Apple designs its laptops to maximize user productivity and minimize extra work, but following these simple tips will boost MacBook battery life considerably.
Why I love Apple’s hideous Smart Battery Case
Apple’s own battery case, cleverly titled the Smart Battery Case, has been on the market for over two years now. I had never really taken an interest in it; it was just another battery case, only this one looked like it was pregnant with an iPod.
That was until last week, when I was desperately in need of some form of charger for my iPhone and decided to pick one up. Since then, my thoughts on what was just an ugly, overpriced battery case have totally changed.
Check out the video below to find out why it’s earned a place in my heart — and is now my favorite iPhone case.
Apple blames third-party battery for exploding headphones
Apple has blamed a third-party battery for the explosion of a pair of noise-cancelling headphones.
Apple does not specify which batteries should be used with its devices, and the owner, who was wearing the headphones when they blew up on a flight between Australia and China, is “disappointed” with the company’s response.
Galaxy S8 review roundup: Samsung just schooled the iPhone
The first reviews of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ have dropped a day ahead of their official launch in many markets, and there’s one thing to take away from them: Samsung just knocked it out of the park with its best smartphones to date.
Despite the problems the company encountered with the Galaxy Note 7 last fall, it has managed to produce two new devices that don’t disappoint. From gorgeous design and impressive cameras to the best display on the market, the Galaxy S8 series has it all.
It might not perfect, but the changes and improvements Samsung has made show Apple what a smartphone should be in 2017, and make it even more difficult for the iPhone to catch up.
Here’s our review roundup.
Apple targets students and travelers in new iPad Pro ads
Apple continued its new ad campaign series for the iPad Pro today by publishing some new ads that showcase how the tablet is the perfect laptop replacements.
The three new ads are aimed at students and frequent travelers by highlighting the iPad Pro’s lightness, ability to carry textbooks and notes on the same screen, as well as its all day battery life that can keep you entertained on a 12 hour flight. Like the previous set of iPad Pro ads, the quirky new videos feature tweets from real people with real problems.
Watch all three short ads below:
2017 iPhones probably won’t ditch Lightning for USB-C after all
The rumor that Apple plans to switch to USB-C on all 2017 iPhones has been shot down by one of the most reliable Apple analysts in the game.
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo sent a note to investors today claiming that all three new iPhone models supposedly set for release this fall will come with a Lightning port, not USB-C.
MacBook Pro destroyed by exploding battery
iPhone fanboys will have you believe that exploding batteries are exclusive to Samsung Galaxy smartphones, but that’s not true.
Even Apple devices go bang from time to time — like this 2015 Retina MacBook Pro, which was completely destroyed when its battery catastrophically failed and caught fire.
Smaller iPhone set to get big battery upgrade in 2017
Apple reportedly plans to pack a much bigger battery inside the new 4.7-inch iPhone set to be revealed later this year.
In his latest research report, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims the smaller iPhone will be the first device to feature a stacked logic board design to bring better battery performance.
Apple discusses iPhone battery issues with Chinese regulators
An Apple representative has met with a government-sanctioned consumer watchdog organization in Beijing, China to discuss the ongoing iPhone battery drain issues.
The issue in question relates to to iPhone 6s handsets which shut down with reportedly 30 percent of battery life remaining. The fault has been widely discussed, but the Chinese government has been particularly outspoken about the issue.
iOS 10.2.1 fails to fix annoying iPhone battery bug
Apple promised “bug fixes” with its most recent iOS 10.2.1 update, but it failed to fix an annoying issue that causes the iPhone to switch itself off with around 30 percent battery life remaining.
MacBooks will warn you when your display is sapping battery
Apple’s latest macOS Sierra beta now warns MacBook users when display brightness is draining battery life.
The warning could help fans maximise usage in between charges by turning down brightness when it might not need to be so high.
Consumer Reports changes its verdict on new MacBook Pros
Consumer Reports has revised its earlier rating for the new MacBook Pro lineup and now recommends the laptops, after a software update fixed battery problems found in testing.
The respected consumer watchdog previously cited the new laptops’ “highly inconsistent” battery life as the reason it couldn’t give out one of its coveted recommendations — the first time an Apple laptop had failed to make the grade.
Galaxy S8 could use same battery supplier as explosive Note 7
Samsung threw away millions of dollars and took a hefty PR hit thanks to its exploding Galaxy Note 7, which it wound up recalling at great cost last year.
However, it seems that Samsung’s not ready to give up on the controversial batteries used in the smartphone, but will instead continue using Samsung SDI batteries for its upcoming Galaxy S8 flagship device.
Apple Watch Series 3 manufacturer focuses on better battery life
Apple has chosen its manufacturer for the next-generation Apple Watch and tasked the company with delivering better battery life, according to a new report.
Apple Watch Series 3 is also expected to bring improved performance, but its hardware is unlikely to come with any major changes.
iXtra case brings more storage and battery life to iPhone
You can never have too much storage or battery life with your smartphone. The iXtra case adds more of both to your iPhone, with up to 128GB of built-in memory and up to 2,000mAh of additional juice.
It could be the perfect iPhone case, and you can claim yours now on Kickstarter.
Samsung update will brick remaining Galaxy Note 7 devices
Galaxy Note 7 owners who refuse to give up their explosive device will soon have no choice but to use a different phone.
Samsung revealed today that it plans to release a software update later this month that will brick all Galaxy Note 7 units not returned during its recall.
Tightly packed battery may be responsible for Samsung’s Note 7 disaster
The Galaxy Note 7’s embarrassing tendency to catch fire might have been caused by Samsung’s decision to cram the battery too tightly into the smartphone’s body.
How to find out if your iPhone 6s battery is eligible for replacement
Apple is offering iPhone 6s customers a free battery replacement for devices that unexpectedly shut down. The problem mostly affects iPhone 6s units made between September 2015 and October 2015.
If you’re not sure when your iPhone 6s was made, you can use a new tool created by Apple to find out if your device has a faulty battery.
Here’s how to check:
iPhone 7 battery life can’t match rivals
The iPhone 7 battery might be larger than its predecessor, but that’s still not enough for it to catch up with other leading flagship smartphones, as per a new consumer testing report.
According to the U.K.-based Which?, the iPhone 7 performs far behind the Samsung Galaxy S7, LG G5 and HTC 10 when it comes to call and internet time.