Amazon is offering a deal for Amazon Prime members on the Anker PowerCore PIQ 10,000mAh Power Bank, priced at $12.64 after applying a 24% off coupon. This compact and lightweight power bank features both USB Type-A and Type-C outputs, making it convenient for travel. While it may charge the Nintendo Switch at a slower rate than the wall adapter, it still offers reliable quality from a trusted brand like Anker.
Backbone has released the latest version of its popular mobile controller, the Backbone One USB Type-C (Gen 2), which is compatible with almost all Android smartphones and the iPhone 15 series. The controller features an improved fit, a more ergonomic D-Pad, and a refreshed mobile app. It is praised for its quality, design, software support, and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. The new Backbone One is available now, along with a new carrying case.
Nothing's CEO, Carl Pei, has teased an accessory that may come with or be sold alongside the upcoming Phone (2) flagship Android smartphone. The accessory is a type-C cable that confirms USB type-C support in the new device and features an elegantly exposed metallic charging connector in a transparent housing that showcases the brand's emerging 'transparent minimalist' design language. The Phone (2) is set to be revealed in less than a month and is expected to feature a vastly upgraded processor and an update for its Glyph lighting system.
A new leak suggests that Apple will produce direct successors for each 14-series variant in 2023, with the Cupertino giant banking on upgrades such as USB type-C charging to set the new iPhones apart from previous generations. MacRumors has shown off what might be a full collection of iPhone 15-series dummy models, suggesting that Apple will offer its flagship handset in a choice of 4 variants for yet another year. The new models may feature a bevelled edge to their metallic frames and a change to frosted glass across the board.
The alleged iPhone 15 Ultra, set to launch in 2023, may have a new matte finish, "clicky" buttons, USB type-C, and no mute switch. The phone is rumored to be slightly narrower and thicker than the 14 Pro Max, with a titanium frame and a more "grippy" finish for its glass rear panel. The phone may also have thinner display bezels and a slightly smaller Dynamic Island screen cut-out. However, hopes of a switch to Taptic Buttons have been dashed, and the phone may not support MFi cables due to a reported EU crackdown.
The European Union has warned Apple not to encrypt the USB Type-C interface on its upcoming iPhone 15 series, as it would restrict third-party data cables and violate EU laws. The EU has passed a law requiring all new mobile phones, tablets, and laptops sold within its borders to have a common charging port by 2024 and 2026, respectively, to reduce electronic waste and make life easier for users. The law will require Apple to switch to the USB-C connector, which could result in additional costs for the company.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are rumored to feature Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, which would increase bandwidth by over 80x, allowing for external 4K monitor support. The phones are expected to debut in September with an A17 Bionic SoC and titanium sides. However, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will not have the same functionality despite also using USB Type-C ports.
Microsoft has launched a new docking station for its latest Surface devices equipped with Thunderbolt 4 ports. The Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock has eight ports and provides a comprehensive collection of eight current USB Type-C and legacy USB Type-A connectors along with a 2.5GbE. The dock does not have a Surface Connect port, making it compatible with non-Surface USB-C devices, including Windows OEM devices and Apple Macs. The dock supports enterprise-grade features and offers Firmware Update via Windows Update, Wake on LAN from Modern Standby, and MAC Address Pass-Through. The Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock will be available shortly directly from Microsoft as well as from its resellers for $299.
