I do like a wireless charger but I’ve never been too fussed about checking out MagSafe for iPhones… until now.
That’s because gaming brand Elgato has come up with the MagSafe MS W5 Charging Stand. Ignore the clunky name that feels like an errant cat has wandered over a keyboard, and focus on the fact that this MagSafe charger stand is styled after a Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP – aka the most stylish handheld games console (sorry, PS Vita fans).
And, my oh my do I want one.
(Image credit: Elago)
This is in spite of the charging stand being basically a hunk of stylized plastic that can’t fold shut, does not have a functioning button and does nothing other than hold up a MagSafe-compatible iPhone. Sure it’ll facilitate the StandBy mode brought in by the iPhone 14 series and featured on the iPhone 15 quartet, but it won’t really do a whole lot else.
So kill those hopes of getting a Nintendo emulator from the opened up App Store and playing retro Game Boy games on an SP-like device. Maybe some other third-party accessory maker will figure out how to do the latter, but the Elago MagSafe MS W5 Charging Stand ain’t the one, chief.
However for $25.99 / £29.99 / €24.68 at Amazon (sorry Australians, there’s no availability for you down under), it’s well worth a punt just for the gaming style points. I could certainly see it fitting nicely on a desk alongside a Steam Deck or a docked Nintendo Switch. Just be aware you do need to buy a MagSafe charging kit separately as Elgato simply provides a stand and nothing more.
(Image credit: Elago)
What’s more, the stand holds an iPhone in landscape orientation, making it handy for watching YouTube videos as you do something else, and it could work neatly for video calls. There’s also a cable winder underneath the stand, so you can avoid having another wire slithering out over your desk or bedside table to get cluttered with various other snaking wires.
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And that’s really about it. If you’re after a feature-rich stand then look elsewhere – our rundown of the best MagSafe accessories is a good place to start – but if you want a MagSafe charger stand that has some cool retro-gaming vibes, then the Elago MagSafe MS W5 Charging Stand is worth a look.
Modern iPhone cameras are extremely capable video recorders, but typically require accessories like lights and microphones to ensure professional results. Audio gear manufacturer Rode just announced a pair of gadgets intended to simplify this process, so streamers won’t have to build a cumbersome rig in the computer room or haul one to an outdoor space.
The Rode Magnetic Mount . It’s a MagSafe mount with a pair of connection points for accessories like the aforementioned lights and microphones. There are two adjustable cold shoe arms that allow people to use the phone in portrait or landscape mode. For the uninitiated, “cold shoe” refers to metal connection brackets that lack power, whereas “hot shoe” would refer to metal connection brackets that feature electronic contacts.
It’s not just for iPhones, as any smartphone snuggled into a MagSafe-compatible case should work. The Rode Magnetic Mount is made from high-grade aluminum, so it’s on the pricier side when compared to the endless barrage of similar products on Amazon. It costs $90 and begins shipping on April 24.
Rode
Rode also , which promises to “turn your smartphone into a professional filmmaking rig.” This is basically a beefier version of the aforementioned accessory, with five cold shoe mounts for attaching anything a budding filmmaker could possibly need, all while keeping the phone safe and snug inside its cage.
To that end, the mounts integrate with an array of thread sizes for attaching accessories like tripods and handles. There are also cable management slots, as five accessories could mean five cables snaking about and threatening to ruin that perfect shot. Again, this is for MagSafe models, which start with the iPhone 12. It’ll also work with another brand of smartphone inside of a MagSafe-compatible case. The Phone Cage starts shipping on April 24 and costs $120.
Rode recently Mackie and announced a renewed effort to design and release products for content creators. It looks like these mounts are part of that push. The company also just launched a for multi-mic setups.
Rode showcased a new microphone and two MagSafe mounts for iPhone at NAB 2024 in Las Vegas on Sunday that should serve mobile content creators like podcasters and streamers. They’re the new Rode Interview Pro microphone, the Phone Cage and the Magnetic Mount.
Rode Interview Pro microphone, Phone Cage and Magnetic Mount
Rode Interview Pro microphone
The Australian company said its new broadcast-quality wireless handheld microphone is great for podcasting, streaming and presentations. And it works with the company’s Series IV wireless system products, including the RodeCaster Pro II, RodeCaster Duo and Streamer X.
Rode Interview Pro microphone features 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption and should work within a range of up to 656 feet (200m) with line of sight of a receiver.
However, the mic, which includes physical controls, can be used as a standalone field recorder without a receiver.
And the mic’s pro-grade condenser capsule omnidirectional polar pattern provide detailed voice reproduction even without ideal mic placement, the company said.
The new Rode Interview Pro wireless microphone features high-quality voice reproduction. Photo: Rode
In addition, with Rode’s GainAssist technology, you can control the mic’s audio levels automatically, avoid signal imbalance and prevent clipping. The mic includes 32GB of internal memory for more than 40 hours of recording time.
So Rode Interview Pro ships in early May. But you can preorder now for $249.
As its name implies, the new Rode Phone Cage is a magnetic smartphone mounting system. It includes 33 mounting threads and five cold shoe slots. You can use it to attach various audio, lighting and mounting solutions to a smartphone rig.
Phone Cage includes a MagSafe-compatible magnetic mounting disc Rode said is “incredibly secure.” And cable-management slots help users run cables between iPhone and accessories.
And you can also use Phone Cage as an ergonomic grip for stable handheld shooting, or mount it on a tripod.
Rode Phone Cage ships April 24. Preorder now for $120.
The new Rode Magnetic Mount helps you attach various accessories to iPhone. Photo: Rode
Rode Magnetic Mount
Magnetic Mount helps you easily attach microphones, lights and other accessories to your iPhone.
And while its magnetic effect is similar to Phone Cage, it features three removable arms instead of a cage and a long arm you can attach to a tripod or desk mount.
This one comes out later in April. You can preorder for $90.
The SwitchEasy Orbit Universal Magnetic Stand is an incredibly handy little stand that’s sturdy and easy to use. It’s seamlessly blended into my daily iPhone habits — and unlike most products I review, everyone I show it to instantly wants one.
The handy stand props up your iPhone on a table, desk or kitchen counter. Its puck shape allows you to orient your phone vertically or horizontally. It collapses and folds flat, so you can carry it around.
You can also stick on double-sided tape and attach it to the back of your monitor as a camera mount for your iPhone.
I’ve been using it for a few months now at my desk and around the house. Here’s why I recommend it.
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Much like the final installment in the Harry Potter, Hunger Games and Twilight movie franchises, the MagSafe component in your iPhone is made up of two parts. There’s a magnetic circle that provides most of the grip and charging capability — plus a small line of magnets that snaps your device into a vertical position. (You can see both of these elements exposed in the Apple clear case.)
Flip it around as needed. Photo: SwitchEasy
The SwitchEasy Orbit leaves out the second piece of the MagSafe equation. This means you can freely rotate your iPhone as it remains attached to the Orbit from portrait to landscape.
You leave your phone in portrait. You start to play a YouTube video or put on a show, you spin it to landscape. A FaceTime call comes in, and you spin it back to portrait.
Dare I say, it is very easy to switch.
Leaving it on my desk
If you have a big iPhone and want to keep it a little more vertical, you might not have room to plug in a cable. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
You can leave your iPhone attached to the SwitchEasy stand all day long on your desk. Unlike more-permanent charging stands, you don’t have to worry about taxing your battery by leaving it on a charger all day long.
If you do want to charge your iPhone while it’s on the SwitchEasy Orbit, you might have some trouble with a larger iPhone. In the vertical orientation, I have to tilt it back quite far to have enough room for a Lightning cable — and I only have the mid-size iPhone 12 Pro. To get around this, I sit the Orbit on top of my Mac mini to get more space beneath.
Carrying it around the kitchen
Here, I simulate the act of eating lunch while watching YouTube with a spoon sitting in an empty bowl as I watch my own Cult of Mac videos. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
When I go downstairs for lunch, I just fold it down and carry my phone with the Orbit attached on the back. It adds a noticeable hunchback to the phone, but it’s not unwieldy.
Around the kitchen, it’s handy for propping up my phone as I check a recipe or play a video.
At the table, I tend to prop it up just a little higher by sitting it on a butter dish, an upside-down bowl or whatever is nearby. I try to avoid the bad ergonomics of looking too far down at my phone as much as possible.
Stand or stick
I chose to use the SwitchEasy Orbit with the rubbery foot as opposed to the sticky foot. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
I’ve been describing the Orbit thus far as a portable stand — but that’s not the only way to use it. In fact, you must make a choice when you take it out of the box.
In the box, you will find two attachable pieces for the bottom half of the Orbit. Both come perfectly sized for the bottom puck. One of them is a rubber mat, designed to keep the Orbit stable on a surface. The other is a piece of double-sided tape, so you can more permanently affix the Orbit to a display.
What does it do? Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
The bottom puck has a tiny button on the bottom. I’m not entirely sure what it’s for. I expected it to act like a small suction cup, but it doesn’t seem to do anything. Maybe it’s for use with the double-sided tape layer, but I couldn’t find any reference to its function online.
Update: I figured it out. Hold the button down and the rubber pad on the bottom will spin. This is so that you can glue the Orbit to the back of a monitor, hold the button down and rotate it out of the way when it’s not in use.
Collapsible design for portability
When you’re not using the SwitchEasy Orbit, you can collapse the stand and fold it together into a small puck. As you collapse the stand, it makes a very satisfying click, with a slightly louder clack when you reach the end.
The hinge is very sturdy. It’s not hard to adjust, nor is it jittery — it’s pleasant and smooth. It sticks out quite far, but I can forgive that for how nice and solid it feels.
Several times I have had friends over, they see it sitting on my kitchen counter or dining room table, they ask what it is, I show them, and they want to steal it from me. I can’t blame them — it’s a convenient and handy little stand.
Have you ever found yourself tangled in a web of iPhone charger cables, wondering if there’s a better way to power up your iPhone? Well, the age of wireless charging is upon us, and it’s time to untangle the cords and explore the options available. If you’re curious about the effectiveness of Apple’s $40 MagSafe charger compared to other contenders in the market, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into a detailed comparison from Max Tech between three leading wireless iPhone chargers: Apple’s MagSafe, the emerging Qi2, and a standard 7.5W charger. Our focus will be on their charging capabilities, efficiency, cost, and overall performance.
Charging Speed Test:
Imagine you have an iPhone 15 Pro Max, and it’s completely out of juice. You might wonder which charger gets it up and running the fastest. In a recent test, three identical phones were charged from zero using these three chargers. The MagSafe charger showed a bit of a slow start but was the first to bring the phone back to life. The Qi2 charger was not far behind, while the 7.5W charger trailed significantly.
Efficiency in the First 15 Minutes:
You will be pleased to know that both the MagSafe and Qi2 chargers demonstrated superior charging efficiency in the first 15 minutes compared to the 7.5W charger. Although the Qi2 charger had a slight edge in speed, it’s a close call.
Handling the Heat:
If you are wondering how these chargers fare in heat management, there’s an interesting twist. Despite its bulkier design, which was expected to dissipate heat effectively, the Qi2 transferred more heat to the phone than the MagSafe and the 7.5W charger.
Cost and Build Quality:
When it comes to cost, the Qi2 charger sits comfortably between the pricier MagSafe and the budget-friendly 7.5W charger. In terms of build, both the MagSafe and Qi2 are crafted from metal, offering a more premium feel than the plastic 7.5W charger. Additionally, the sleeker design and shorter cable of the MagSafe charger might appeal to those who prefer a minimalist setup.
Full Cycle Performance:
As the charging cycle progresses, an intriguing pattern emerges. The MagSafe charger gradually catches up with the Qi2, with both reaching the 100% mark around the same time. Meanwhile, the 7.5W charger remains significantly behind. Notably, the MagSafe excels in coolness and efficiency, keeping the heat at bay.
Overall Verdict:
After considering all factors, it appears that the Qi2 charger offers a reasonable balance between cost and performance for an iPhone charger. However, the MagSafe charger stands out in terms of its efficient heat management and overall charging efficiency. Although the 7.5W charger might tempt you with its low price, its slow charging speed and inadequate heat management make it a less desirable option.
Source & Image Credit: Max Tech
Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone
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The MagDisk MagSafe power bank, SSD storage, and USB-C hub is a versatile device compatible with a variety of platforms, including iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Camera, and iPad, and brings a host of innovative features that enhance the user experience.
One of the standout features of the MagDisk is its compatibility with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max’s ProRes 4K video recording capabilities. This feature allows users to record at 60 frames per second, a feat only achievable when using an external storage device. The MagDisk not only provides this storage capacity but does so in a compact, portable form factor. Early bird pricing are now available for the artful project from roughly $99 or £78 (depending on current exchange rates).
MagSafe power bank
In addition to its storage capabilities, the MagDisk also boasts a 48MP camera. This high-resolution camera, along with the superior video capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, allows users to capture stunning images and videos with exceptional clarity and detail.
SSD Storage
But the MagDisk is more than just a storage device and camera. It also functions as a wireless power bank with a 2400mAh capacity. The device is Qi2 compatible, which means it offers faster and more efficient charging speeds than the conventional Qi standard for wireless charging. This feature, combined with its cable-free design, makes the MagDisk a convenient and efficient power solution for users on the go.
The MagDisk is crafted from a resilient aluminum alloy, which not only provides durability but also offers protection against corrosion and UV damage. This sturdy construction ensures that the device can withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining its sleek, stylish appearance.
Assuming that the MagDisk funding campaign successfully raises its required pledge goal and production progresses smoothly, worldwide shipping is expected to take place sometime around March 2024. To learn more about the MagDisk MagSafe power bank, SSD and hub project play the promotional video below.
USB-C hub
Another notable feature of the MagDisk is its compatibility with Apple Find My. This feature allows users to track their files and captures, adding an extra layer of security and convenience. The device can be paired with the native Find My app on the iPhone and can send out an encrypted Bluetooth signal to pinpoint its location.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max come equipped with advanced video color encoding systems known as Apple Log and ACES (Academy Color Encoding System). These features facilitate the exchange of high-quality motion picture images. The iPhone 15 Pro is the first smartphone to support ACES, a global color standard used in major movie productions. Apple Log, on the other hand, is a logarithmic curve integrated into the devices, enabling the capture of a broader dynamic range on the sensor for a more naturally balanced High Dynamic Range (HDR) picture.
Finally, the MagDisk Pro also features a Dynamic Thermal Guard for superior heat dissipation. This feature automatically monitors and maintains optimal operating temperatures, ensuring the device’s longevity and performance.
The MagDisk MagSafe power bank, SSD storage, and USB-C hub offers a robust suite of features that enhance the capabilities of advanced smartphones like the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Whether it’s recording ProRes 4K video, charging wirelessly, or tracking files with Apple Find My, the MagDisk is a versatile and innovative accessory that elevates the smartphone experience.
For a complete list of all available pledges, stretch goals, extra media and build specifications for the MagSafe power bank, SSD and hub, jump over to the official MagDisk crowd funding campaign page by investigating the link below.
Source : Kickstarter
Disclaimer: Participating in Kickstarter campaigns involves inherent risks. While many projects successfully meet their goals, others may fail to deliver due to numerous challenges. Always conduct thorough research and exercise caution when pledging your hard-earned money.
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