Accessory

Apple is tipped to try and make the world accept its Reality (headset) during WWDC 2023. The first-gen VR/AR platform is now backed to come with its own version of Safari, FaceTime, Fitness, Siri and more on its allegedly impending launch. However, it seems the Cupertino giant has gone and developed something for it that might end up being a major sticking point to its adoption.

Available on Amazon since September 2021, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini 65% wireless mechanical gaming keyboard features Chroma RGB lighting and up to 200 hours of battery life. With a list price of US$199.99, the Phantom Edition is now down to US$94.99, while the regular one drops from US$179.99 to US$89.99.

It's Earth Day 2023, and, thus, a potentially ideal time to augment your personal or home audio set-up finished in FSC-certified wood. If so, House of Marley has you covered with speakers, ANC TWS earbuds or wireless headphones in sustainable style. They often back it up with high-quality materials such as stainless steel and recyclable aluminum.

Robo & Kala touted its eponymous tablet PC as the thinnest and lightest machine in its category on its launch via Kickstarter. That event has gone so well that the start-up is now able to sell the 2-in-1 via its own online shop. It also now sells accessories such as the device's magnetic keyboard and Smart Pen.

The Xiaomi Mijia Multifunctional Rechargeable Desk Lamp is now crowdfunding in China. The gadget can be used as a desk lamp or flashlight and has a clamp accessory. You can adjust the brightness of the light from 10 to 100 lumens and set the color temperature to between 2,700 and 5,000K.

The Corsair TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is selling at Amazon US for just US$279.99, US$60 off the original retail price. The gadget, released last year, provides ten additional ports, including three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C. Other ports include 15W USB-C, 2.5GB Ethernet and an SD card reader.

Xiaomi has introduced the Sound Move, a new Bluetooth speaker with plenty of features up its sleeve. Not only does the Xiaomi Sound Move offer up to 21 hours of battery life, but it also provides Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.

Xiaomi has released a camera accessory kit to accompany the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. To be available in at least China, the kit includes a protective case, a camera handle and a 67 mm adapter ring, among other accessories.

Further details and pricing for the EcoFlow Glacier portable cooler have been revealed in the US and EU. The device has two compartments with different temperatures, with the ability to cool or freeze from -13 to 50°F (~-25 to 10°C). A detachable add-on battery provides up to 24 hours of run time and a USB-C port to charge other gadgets.

The EcoFlow Wave 2, a portable air conditioner and heater, is now available in the US and EU. The gadget provides 6,100 BTU cooling and 5,100 BTU heating performance, with Fast, Sleeping and Eco modes. With an add-on battery, the device can run on a single charge for up to 9.6 hours.

Huawei has announced updates to the MateBook D line of laptops for 2023. The PCs are powered by 13th-gen Intel processors, and are joined by new smart TVs. Each Smart Screen S3 Pro also has triple HDMI 2.1 ports and a 120Hz display rated to scale up to 240Hz in a gaming mode.

Huawei has just made the latest generation of its Band official in both NFC- and non-NFC form. The fitness tracker is mainly touted as a lighter version of its predecessor with more band options that are more user-friendly this time. The fitness tracker has launched alongside the Enjoy 60X, a new smartphone that brings top-end Mate-series design and a massive battery to its mid-range segment.

Tim Cook is headed to India to open two new retail stores in the country. The new locations are found in 2 different cities, and will start to welcome customers from April 18, 2023. Apple touts them as sources of "excellent" customer service and experience in advance, and indicates that they underpin the country's increasing importance to it as a source of both sales and production.

The attractive periphery bundle contains one of Logitech's most popular wireless productivity mice as well as a compact wireless keyboard, which can currently be ordered at a 20% discount at Lenovo's official online shop thanks to a certain coupon code.

Xiaomi's ongoing hype campaign for its next top-end Android smartphone asserts that the 13 Ultra is much more than a mere "camera phone". To that end, it is now said to underpin its "professional" use-cases through the ability to work with certain filters, just like a real DSLR. This might be achieved with a new accessory with the requisite adapter.

Belkin has discounted its Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock in the US at its online store and Amazon, reducing the price to US$262.49. The gadget adds twelve ports to your laptop, including 90W USB-C, 40 Gbps USB-A and Gigabit Ethernet. Plus, you can connect up to three displays simultaneously or a single display at 8K@30Hz.

Xiaomi has launched the Power Bank 10000mAh 22.5W Lite in China. The upgraded device has two USB-A ports and a 22.5 W USB-C port which can be used to fast charge gadgets or recharge the device. You can fast charge an iPhone 14 to 57% in 30 minutes, and the 37 Wh battery enables you to charge the gadget twice fully.

Garmin has introduced the Edge 540 and Edge 840, a pair of bike computers also available as solar versions. While the Edge 540 and Edge 840 are compatible with regular bikes, Garmin provides compatibility with e-bikes too.

Xiaomi has now confirmed the imminent debut of its next-gen fitness tracker, the Xiaomi Band 8. The Band 8 will launch in China on April 18 as a direct successor to the Band 7, and will do so alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Xiaomi Pad 6 series.

New Philips Ultra Efficient LED bulbs have been launched in the US, exclusively available at Walmart. A range of formats is on offer, including 60W A19 and 100W A21, with soft white or daylight options. Signify claims that the bulbs last over three times longer than traditional bulbs, consuming 40% less energy.

Dasung is now selling its Link E Ink smartphone companion on Indiegogo, where it starts at US$299. Available in wired or wireless variants, the Dasung Link has a 6.7-inch E Ink display that is suited for note-taking, drawing or reading.

LG has announced that it has re-vamped its signature logo with a "a new visual identity" that "smiles back" at an increasingly digital audience. It involves an upgrade for the basic 'face' made of the electronics giant's name to a solid "Active Red" background and the ability to become a GIF at any opportunity. This, according to the OEM, will turn it into an engaging and lively mascot for its "human-centered" business.

Plugable has unveiled the 5-in-1 USB-C Hub designed for Apple MagSafe. The gadget clips onto a MacBook via two USB-C connectors, with a cut-out for the laptop’s charger. Ports on the device include 100 W USB-C, supporting displays with resolutions up to 6K@60Hz, and Gigabit Ethernet.

Available with three color choices, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro wireless gaming headset is discounted between 11% and 38%. While those who choose the Six Siege finish have to pay US$178.57, customers who choose the black version only need to cash out US$111.99. The retail price is US$199.99, regardless of color.

The super-affordable Anker PowerCore 10000 features just one USB-A port and a maximum output of 12 watts, which may be enough for regular users who are looking for a cheap and very portable power bank made by a reputable brand.

Syntech pitches its new 6-in-1 Dock at the Steam Deck owner "on the go". The accessory is designed to "expand" the console with ports for Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 via type-C and HDMI 2.0 for 4K/60Hz external monitor support, as well as triple type-A ports. It is available on Amazon with generous launch-day discounts for a limited time.

Vivo's major product launch, now allegedly set for later in April 2023, is projected to introduce a second-gen Android tablet as well as the OEM's latest foldable devices. A new leak purports to outline all the similarities and differences between this "Pad2" and its possible closest rival, which has now been released globally as the OnePlus Pad. The two slates are now said to come in different colorways, for a start.

Anker is currently offering coupons for its 525 Charging Station in North America, with up to 30% off. The 7-in-1 gadget features AC and USB ports, which can fast charge devices at 67W via USB-C. Plus, the charging hub has ActiveShield 2.0 technology and intelligent power adjustment.

AOHi has upgraded its Magcube series of multi-USB port "GaN+" power bricks with a new, up-to-140 watt (W) version. It has been released with a recommended retail price of about US$150 - however, initial launch deals bring that cost down to just under US$100 for a limited time.

OnePlus has announced that its inaugural Android tablet is now available to order - sort of. The first-gen ReadFit Display slate is in fact now up for a "Blind Sale" event, during which the potential buyer can make a deposit on the device from today (April 10, 2023) to unlock "free gifts" such as a free detachable keyboard. Then again, OnePlus is still keeping some important information on the Pad in reserve for now.

The Anker 637 Magnetic Charging Station (MagGo) is now discounted by 36% in the US; a CA$20 coupon is also offered on the device in Canada. The Anker charging station has a magnetic wireless charging pad and 65W USB-C ports. The GaN gadget also includes USB-A and AC outlets.

ZTE has announced a new foray into the Android tablet market with the new Axon Pad. The device is now officially slated to launch later in April 2023, with a flat-edged metallic unibody design marked out with a large, single-lens rear camera hump. It is touted as capable of forming an ecosystem between itself and smartphones such as those of the flagship Axon 50 series.

Telecommunications networks that work in the stratosphere represent the next big thing for companies like SoftBank. However, the airborne platforms on which this "Information Revolution" are to be based depend on batteries that can withstand the extremes of temperature and pressure at those altitudes to work. Enpower Greentech Inc (EGI) claims to have developed a power-pack with the durability, stability and energy density needed to live up to that demanding use-case.

The Volcan E300 is "coming soon" on Indiegogo, yet is already being touted as one of the most "reliable and efficient" portable power generator, as well as the most stylish, ahead of its launch. It comes in a form-factor small enough to be carried around like a briefcase, yet is slated to pack a "high-capacity battery". It is also rated to work with solar panels and with a "range" of cables and devices ahead of its launch.

LG's new Portable Tower Speaker takes the RGB lighting of its XBOOM series and re-imagines it in a whole new way. The "ring-light" around its main forward-facing driver is joined by a Matrix LED display that can show a range of animations, text banners or other effects, some of which can be customized in its app. It is now available on the US market.

The gorgeous white color version of the Anker 335, also known as the PowerCore 20K, features three USB ports and a maximum output of 20 watts, which makes the power bank well-suited for charging smartphones and other small devices.

The electric car brand Tesla also now sells a wireless charger that purports to rationalize its ultra-premium price through its ability to do what Apple could not with the scrapped AirPower project. The "Cybertruck-inspired" accessory's ODM has achieved this via a fascinating arrangement of coils and more, as revealed during a new online teardown.

Hohem has announced an Easter 2023 sale with up to 15% off its line of hand-held gimbals and their accessories. Those mobile videography tools include the new iSteady M6, normally priced at over US$200 with its innovative module that confers both AI tracking and RGB fill light functions on the product. The right code can bring that price down to just under US$190, however.

An EU version of the Xiaomi Mijia Outdoor Power Supply 1000 Pro could be coming. ChinaHandys, a media outlet based in Germany, reported seeing the device at MWC, with EU Schuko sockets replacing the 1,800 W AC Type-A and Type I sockets on the original model sold in China.

The Anker x Transformers Limited Edition collection has been revealed. The 733 Power Bank and 735 Charger with a Transformer inspired design are now available in the US. Plus, the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser projector featuring an image of Optimus Prime has launched in the US, UK and EU with an introductory offer.

Insta360 has announced that it is offering a better shot at getting one of its high-end cameras for potentially lifestyle vlog- or even VR-quality content during its 2023 Spring Sale. The deals in question include up to US$110 off the innovative, modular ONE RS action camera, the top-end version with the 1-inch sensor and Leica branding included. Then again, Amazon still does better on some options.

Logitech's compact wireless keyboard works with basically all noteworthy operating systems, which means that the MX Keys Mini can also serve as a practical travel accessory for Android or iOS devices whose on-screen keyboards certainly do not provide the most comfortable or fastest typing experience.

Huawei remains unable to sell smartphones with integrated 5G modems because of US sanctions. As such, its new flagship smartphones feature a 4G version of the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1. A new third-party case addresses this shortcoming for the P60 and P60 Pro thanks to a built-in 5G modem.

It seems Sony is building a larger PlayStation 5 ecosystem with rumors now making mention of at least five pieces of hardware, including two new PS5 consoles. There is more news about the purported PlayStation handheld, although it appears it won’t be the Vita 2-style device many had hoped for. The PS5 Pro could end up being the jewel in the crown of this potential ecosystem.

Cable Matters has released a desk mount to accompany the new Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock. Designed to work exclusively with Microsoft's new Surface Dock, the desk mount should prevent it from moving around on a desk and will allow you to connect or disconnect cables with one hand.

Microsoft has refreshed the Surface Dock with a new model that supports Thunderbolt 4. However, Microsoft has removed the Surface Connect port in the process, among other changes, making the Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock compatible with non-Surface devices.

ESR has introduced the world's first accessory that combines what might be the most popular and practical uses of MagSafe for the iPhone 12 to 14 generations. It consists of a 5,000mAh power bank that can also hold some cards for the user and act as a kick-stand at the same time. The HaloLock Power Bank Wallet will be available to buy from tomorrow (April 6, 2023).