I love the convenience of Qi ("chee") charging, which is now an option in most midrange and premium phones. Just lay it on a Qi pad or stand and presto: magic electricity transfer.Of course, that's one more thing cluttering up your desk, nightstand or whatever. And they're not the most attractive-looking things, either. Thankfully, wireless charging pads are starting to work their way into other products: desk lamps, Bluetooth speakers and so on. Here's a look at some of the more in-Qi-neous places you'll find them. Topelek Wireless Charging Alarm Clock Topolek A growing number of alarm clocks offer built-in Qi charging pads, but I like this one for a couple reasons. First, it looks cool. Second, because the base of the clock is also the charger, it's easier to fumble for in the dark. With brick-like clocks that integrate the pad into the top, you're less likely to hit the sweet spot -- and more likely to accidentally graze a control button. $34.00 at Amazon TaoTronics LED … [Read more...] about 6 unexpectedly cool things with built-in wireless charging pads
Magic pad
Nintendo Labo VR tested – Magical entry point into Virtual Reality for just £35
NINTENDO Labo lets you build cardboard toys that interact with your Switch, and the latest pack for it is arguably the best yet. The basic pack lets you build you very own VR headset and jump into the usually expensive world of VR for just £35, and works really well. We were very sceptical before trying it out, but were won over quickly. As with the vehicles before it, building the headset is simple buy slightly fiddly, but what you end up with is robust and works really well, with a huge range of experiences on offer right out of the (sorry) box. The games and experiences you've got on offer range from the very simple -- manipulating a UFO catcher claw in 3D space to pick up some fruit -- to a complete on-rails shooter. One big selling point comes from one of the most obviously weird things about it -- you need to physically hold your cardboard creations up to your face. The obvious benefit here is that the ability to disengage instantly with the immersive experience means the … [Read more...] about Nintendo Labo VR tested – Magical entry point into Virtual Reality for just £35
Best Alternatives to Apple’s Magic Keyboard in 2019
Every iMac and iMac Pro comes with a specially designed, Apple-branded Magic Keyboard and you either love it or hate it. If you love the look of the Magic Keyboard but don't love the feel, or maybe you were hoping for a little more than what comes in the box, we've got a list of keyboards that have a very similar design, but offer something a little different. If you love everything about the Magic Keyboard, but you really want a numerical pad, this model's nearly identical to the Magic Keyboard except that it has a 10-key number pad, a couple of additional function keys, and dedicated control keys. It's the perfect solution for Mac users that need more keyboard functionality. $129 at Apple Matias' keyboard looks very similar to the Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad and has a nice, comfortable slant for typing. You can also pair up to four different Bluetooth supported devices, including your Apple TV. You can get the standard Matias Wireless Aluminum Keyboard in space gray, … [Read more...] about Best Alternatives to Apple’s Magic Keyboard in 2019
We found the poor man’s Magic Leap headset at CES 2019
One of the biggest challenges to mixed reality (MR) headsets is the size. Compared to virtual reality (VR), MR headsets like the Magic Leap One and Microsoft HoloLens are small. But on the muted Jackson Pollock-style carpet of the Mirage Hotel at CES, the company Nreal announced a pair of MR glasses the size of a pair of chunky Oakley sunglasses. Now playing: Watch this: Nreal Light headset is a small Magic Leap One 1:36 The small size and bold primary colors are part of the Nreal Light's consumer audience. Nreal takes a similar approach as Magic Leap by separating the glasses and the processor. There is an over-the-shoulder cable that connects the glasses and processor pack which is appropriately called "toast" due to its size. It has a Snapdragon 845 processor the same used in flagship Android phones like the Google Pixel 3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 9. Sticking with food analogies, the controller is called "oreo" and is about the size of… well, an Oreo. And … [Read more...] about We found the poor man’s Magic Leap headset at CES 2019
OnePlus Explorer Backpack review: Meet my magical new gear bag
OnePlus is known for flagship phones that don't break the bank, high-quality accessories, and they already make a pretty great backpack, which is why when they announced alongside the OnePlus 6T that they were releasing a new backpack with a higher capacity and a slicker look, we all sat up and took notice. The OnePlus Explorer Backpack is beautiful, durable, and one of the hardest items to acquire this holiday season, which makes me all the more grateful for the one on my desk. Bottom line: This is a top-notch backpack for the technology enthusiast with a lot to carry. 2 laptops, 5 phones, power banks, chargers, cables, hubs, headphones, and snacks can be securely stored without overloading the bag or my shoulders. The Good 2 laptop pockets, including a padded rear sleeve Good-sized accessory pockets on front and back Water resistant CORDURA is nice (Slate Black only) Well padded shoulder straps and back Fidlock keeps the main compartment secured The Bad Begging for invite … [Read more...] about OnePlus Explorer Backpack review: Meet my magical new gear bag