| Cult of Mac

Brilliant MagSafe power bank cuts cables with two-way charging [Review]

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OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe review
With double the MagSafe, this power bank from OtterBox both sends and receives power wirelessly.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe doubles down on wireless charging. It clings magnetically to your iPhone while charging it, and the external battery also magnetically attaches to MagSafe chargers to receive power. And it can do both at the same time. There are versions with 3,000mAh and 5,000 mAh of capacity.

I tested the MagSafe accessory with my iPhone 13, and I’m pleased with how well it works.

10 tough cases that keep your iPhone in top condition

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10 tough cases for iPhone
Ensure your iPhone always looks brand-new.
Photos: OtterBox, Casetify, LifeProof, SwitchEasy, Elago

If you want your iPhone to always look brand-new — even after you’ve dropped it over and over again — you’ll need a rugged case that offers plenty of impact protection. And there are loads of tough iPhone cases to choose from.

We rounded up 10, starting at just $7.99, that are all built to be robust bodyguards for your iPhone.

New OtterBox MagSafe power bank sends and receives wireless power

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New OtterBox MagSafe power bank both sends and receives wireless power
No cables needed. The Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe gets and provides power wirelessly.
Photo: Otterbox

The OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe offers two-sided charging capability. It clings magnetically to an iPhone while charging it, and the external battery also magnetically attaches to MagSafe chargers to receive power. It’s that second feature that sets it part from rivals.

There are versions with 3,000mAh and 5,000mAh of capacity.

OtterBox will replace OtterSpot batteries for free due to potential swelling

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OtterBox OtterSpot
If you have an affected unit, you should stop using it immediately.
Photo: OtterBox

OtterBox this week launched a replacement program for its unique OtterSpot batteries after confirming that some are susceptible to swelling.

Earlier versions of the battery, which are designed to stack so that multiple units can be charged simultaneously, will be swapped at no cost for those who contact OtterBox support.

Top 10 MagSafe-compatible iPhone 13 cases

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Totallee's iPhone 13 cases are thin and light.
Totallee's iPhone 13 cases are thin and light.
Photo: Totallee

With many new iPhones 13s already shipped to customers and many more on the way, now’s the time for folks to find the right case to protect their new investment. Accessories makers have obliged with many, many choices, from minimalistic to stylish to super-tough.

We offer a top 10 list below, but not a ranked one, because that would be comparing apples and oranges, so to speak. Several different types of cases are included.

Easily attach iPhone to Xbox controller with OtterBox MagSafe clip [Review]

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OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip for MagSafe review
The OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip for MagSafe offers better gaming with the convenience of magnets.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip for MagSafe uses magnets to connect your iPhone to your Xbox controller. It’s quick but secure. And you can easily rotate between landscape and portrait orientation.

I played a bunch of different games over the weekend using this accessory. Here’s why I like it.

iPhone X survives 11,000-foot fall from an airplane

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An iPhone X fell about 11,000 feet from a Diamond DA40 aircraft -- and survived!
An iPhone X fell about 11,000 feet from a Diamond DA40 aircraft -- and survived!
Photo: Diamond Aircraft

You know how technology publications do “drop tests” on gadgets like smartphones, just to see if the thing is likely to survive if and when you knock yours off the kitchen counter? Well, an iPhone X recently passed an accidental drop test from 11,000 feet. From an airplane.

You’re always ready to play with OtterBox’s protective Xbox controller case [Review]

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OtterBox Gaming Carry Case review
OtterBox Gaming Carry Case provides solid protection for your Xbox controller.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Slip your Xbox controller into the OtterBox Gaming Carry Case to protect it when gaming on the go. There’s a built-in phone stand so you can play anywhere, and the case makes room for OtterBox’s new phone mount.

I’ve used this Xbox controller case for several weeks. Here’s why I like it.

OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip unites iPhone with Xbox controller [Review]

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OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip review
Securely mount your iPhone on an Xbox controller with the OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Playing fast-moving games on a touchscreen is often frustrating. And while iOS supports external game controllers, combining one with an iPhone can be cumbersome. But not with the OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip. It attaches an iPhone to an Xbox controller in a surprisingly usable setup.

I did some gaming with the phone mount to see how it stands up to real-world use. Spoiler: it performed far better than the many cheap alternatives.