Tag: #CABLES

Apple adds six new Zens chargers for the holiday season

Zens, the market leader in wireless charging, strengthens its partnership with Apple this holiday season with six new products. Building on the success of the Quattro Charger Pro 4 and 4-1 Wireless Charger, Zens continues to combine innovation, design, and ease of use in a way that resonates with Apple users worldwide.

In close collaboration with Apple, Zens introduces two innovative Charging Cables and a next-generation Magnetic Nightstand Charger, available globally via Apple and on zens.tech.

“We’re proud to expand our collaboration with Apple and introduce a gift collection that’s interesting for a broad audience,” says Johan Plasmans, CEO of Zens. “These are everyday practical essentials: beautifully designed, and made to fit right into the Apple experience. With a price range between €50 and €100, and available in clean white/silver or dark cherry, there’s something for everyone this holiday season.”

The gift collection includes:

Zens Charging Cable USB-C-C Pro 2: Designed to power your MacBook or iPad via USB-C while wirelessly charging your iPhone or AirPods at the same time. Ideal for daily use and a great gift for multitaskers who want fewer cables and more freedom.
Zens Charging Cable USB-C-C Pro 3: Foldable, compact, and travel-ready, this cable charges your MacBook or iPad via USB-C, iPhone or AirPods, and Apple Watch simultaneously. Made for Apple users who have it all.
Zens Magnetic Nightstand Charger: Next-generation bedside essential. With USB-C, braided cable and Apple StandBy support, it turns your iPhone into a smart alarm clock. A perfect gift for anyone with an iPhone 12 or newer.

All products are available from today via apple.com, in select Apple Stores worldwide, and as a pre-order on zens.tech (shipping end of November).

See our zens reviews 

 

Blast Off and Go Green with ERP’s EcoTrashShip at St. Patrick’s Festival

The European Recycling Platform (ERP), Ireland’s only pan-European compliance scheme for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Waste Batteries continues their Sustainability Partnership with St. Patrick’s Festival, coinciding with their 20th anniversary in Ireland. ERP, in collaboration with artist group FORJA Works, has created a WEEE-inspired installation entitled ‘EcoTrashShip’ that will take festivalgoers on a mission to reduce electrical waste on Earth while reaching for the stars! With research showing that 1 in 3 people are hoarding unused or broken electrical items in their homes, ERP is encouraging everyone to Go Green and Boldy Recycle their electrical waste over the long weekend.
The ERP ‘EcoTrashShip’ is a fun, space-themed installation that stands over 16 feet tall, is fully solar powered, and is composed of more than 100 electrical items, such as TVs, laptops, phones, and cables, which are some of the most frequently recycled electrical items in Ireland. Research conducted by Coyne Research in January 2025 revealed that 1 in 5 (20%)  people in Ireland recycled old TVs in the past 12 months, 1 in 6 (17%) recycled old mobile phones, and 1 in 8 (13%) recycled old laptops. Since the WEEE Directive was launched in Ireland in 2005, ERP has collected almost 220,000 tonnes of WEEE, and 4,500 tonnes of batteries in Ireland – that’s 480 times the weight of the International Space Station!
 
This year’s St. Patrick’s Festival theme, Adventures (Eachtraí), celebrates the adventurous spirit that defines Irish culture. The ERP ‘EcoTrashShip’ aligns with this spirit by blending art and activism, aiming to inspire change and highlights ERP’s commitment to a circular future where nothing goes to waste.
James Burgess, Country General Manager of ERP Ireland said: “What if your old kettle, laptop, or hairdryer became part of a spaceship? When you recycle your electrical waste, these products are broken down, and the materials can be reused. Every wire, chip, and circuit in this spaceship has had a past life— from the gadgets we’ve outgrown to the stars we dream of — the EcoTrashShip is transforming everyday waste into something extraordinary.
 
We are excited to be working with St. Patrick’s Festival again this year to join them on eco-friendly adventure! We hope our EcoTrashShip will inspire the thousands of visitors in Dublin over the weekend to join our mission to Go Green and Boldly Recycle their old and broken electrical items!”
Richard Tierney, CEO of St. Patrick’s Festival said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the European Recycling Platform for a second year, building on the success of our collaboration in promoting sustainability. Last year, the Trash Mammoth captured imaginations and sparked vital conversations about responsible recycling. This year, it has evolved into the EcoTrashShip—taking our mission to new heights and inspiring even more communities to embrace sustainable practices. Sustainability remains at the heart of our organisation, and by working with the European Recycling Platform, we can continue leading the way toward a greener future.”
FORJA Works ensure a circular construction process; the spaceship will be disassembled after the weekend and all materials re-purposed for future art projects. This approach transforms discarded technological components into functional and artistic materials, promoting sustainability while addressing the growing challenge of e-waste.
The EcoTrashShip installation will be on display at St. Patrick’s Park, Dublin 8, from the 15th and 16th March, 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Useful travel gadgets and accessories for holidays and trips in 2025

Need to up your tech game for your trips and holidays well here below is some you might want to check out for the year ahead with the latest tech on the market from cables to watches bluetooth speakers and more there is something for everyone that is also affordable and will make life easier in 2025
Twelve South PlugBug Travel Kit
Price: £79.99 (50w), £129.99 (120w)
Available from Twelve South UK and Apple
Twelve South’s PlugBug is the first ever USB-C plug with built-in Find My! Travellers will never leave their charger in the hotel or airport lounge again. Simply launch the Find My app on an iPhone so see exactly where it is, even if it’s on the other side of the world. The PlugBug can also act as an AirTag tracker for any bag it’s in, allowing users to find both their bag and charger. Users can even utilise the Notify When Left Behind feature to help ensure it’s not lost in the first place.

It can charge Power Delivery compatible devices much faster than a standard USB-C charger and detects which devices are being charged and delivers the right amount of fast charging power to them. Available in 50W with two ports or 120W with four ports, the Plug Bug also includes EU (Type C) and UK (Type G) interchangeable adaptors.

Folding prongs and ports that are accessible from the bottom of the charger rather than the back, make it easy to plug in to wall outlets in tight spaces, such as behind a sofa or side table. The all new travel version includes adaptors for US, UK, EU, AU KR and CN as well as a handy travel case to keep things organised.

QDOS PowerMotion Ultra 4.0 USB cable
Price: £39.99
Available from QDOS
The new QDOS PowerMotion Ultra USB-C to USB-C cables offer high performance both in terms of power delivery and data transfer. Users can enjoy up to 40Gbps of data transfer, making it the ideal travel accessory for creatives who travel, gaming, and those who want to transfer large files.
What’s more its 100% recycled TPE stepped connector means it’s compatible with all USB-C and high power enabled devices including Macbooks, laptops, smartphones, tablets and more.
Vango Tempest Airbeam pump from Outdoor World Direct
Price: £89.99
Available from Outdoor World Direct
The most intuitive pump for air tents available, the Vango Tempest pump offers easy inflation of any air tent or awning (not just Vango’s), meaning there is no need to carry and work a manual pump. The rechargeable pump simply plugs into the valve and inflates any tent to the correct pressure, offering effortless, fast-pitching when camping. The included attachments mean it can also inflate other gear like airbeds. It also has a deflate function to safely set down the tent. The LED screen features PSI (pressure gauge) and there’s even a USB port so it serves as a powerbank for charging other devices, like phones. What’s more it weighs just 1kg, so doesn’t add to a backpacker’s or festival goer’s load.
Highlander Ben Nevis 52L rucksack from Outdoor World Direct

Price: £99.99

Available in petrol blue for women and grey for men from Outdoor World Direct in March

Ideal for those who love hiking, and embark on multi-day hikes for pleasure or  the Highlander Ben Nevis 52L Rucksack in men’s or women’s from Outdoor World Direct is specially tailored for women’s bodies and designed for comfort.
The adjustable height system and dual webbing on the shoulder and hip straps prevents shoulder pain from long periods of carrying. Hydration bladder compatibility means no need to lift the rucksack off once it’s comfortably in place to drink to stay hydrated.
Large front and side pockets provide easy access and the included rain cover keeps belongings dry in wet conditions. It also features dedicated points for ice axes, walking poles, and a Pole-Park system for more technical hikes.
Highlander Venture Backpack from Outdoor World Direct
Price: £24.99
Available from Outdoor World Direct
This 20L day pack by Highlander is ideal for day trips, whether exploring the mountains or cities. It is also within cabin baggage size guidelines (H48 x W27 x D16cm) and so can make a useful hand luggage option, especially as it’s packed with features.
The main compartment has compression straps for neat packing and hydration bladder compatibility for outdoors activities. A bungee corded front pouch makes handy storage for a helmet or compressing a jacket, while the elasticated side pockets are perfect for a water bottle and umbrella.
Adjustable chest and shoulder straps allow for correct load distribution, preventing aching shoulders.
Groov-e Kidz Headphones – new upgraded version
Price: £17.99
Available from Amazon now and Currys and Robert Dyas in March
New and improved for 2025, these headphones now have a volume limiter switch of 85db or 100db to help protect little ears. Ideal for keeping them entertained on long car journeys or flights, they can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth or with the included 3.5mm cable (so compatible with in-flight entertainment).
The integrated mic is ideal for catching up with friends or gaming online. The generous 20-hours playback, adjustable headband and soft, padded ear cups make them ideal for long durations. When they’ve finished listening, the Kidz fold down to a compact size for storage or transportation.

Styletech Portable LED Speaker

Price: £19.99

Available from Very

This affordable, compact Bluetooth speaker is ideal for enjoying music and more when travelling. Enjoy up to 11 hours playback and punchy sound from the 5w speaker, while the 11 RGB animated light options on the LED ring – including 5 static colours and 6 animated – are perfect for setting the mood, or turn them off entirely.
Integrated buttons mean controlling playback can easily be done on the speaker, as well as from the connected device. Standing just 105mm tall and with a handy carry loop, it’s the perfect speaker for holidays and adventures.
Maxcom Gold and Silver 2

RRP: £79.99

Available from Amazon in gold and silver

Maxcom Gold and Maxcom Silver 2 smartwatches combine a classic look with advanced technology for managing life on the go. Designed to look and feel like a stunning piece of jewellery, perfect for dinners out when on holiday, its round stainless steel body and shiny gold or silver bracelet accessories any outfit perfectly.

The watches are ideal for travel; make calls and texts, check the local weather and receive important notifications on the go, as well as track steps and outdoor activities. They also continually measure pulse and blood pressure and analyse sleep quality, suggest breathing exercises, measure stress and mood and send reminders to stay hydrated.

Dedicated female focussed features allow women to track their menstrual cycle, fertile periods and pregnancy. A versatile fitness trainer, it also counts calories burned, distance travelled and supports over 70 sports disciplines.

The 1.2-inch AMOLED touch screen is bright and easy to read. Always-On-Display mode allows users to display the time on a blank screen, giving it the feel of a traditional watch. Users can choose from unique, original dials or from over 100 free watch faces that are available in the app. Its efficient battery lasts for up to seven days without charging.

Maxcom FW66 IronR review

Groov-e Triton
RRP: £20
Available from Groov-e, Moto motorway services, House of Fraser, Sports Direct, Amazon

Ideal for keeping your devices charged on the go, Groov-e Triton is a folding 3-in-1 portable magnetic wireless charger. Compact and no bigger than a post-it note when folded, it fits easily in a handbag, backpack or carry-on bag, meaning users don’t need to take multiple cables or chargers with them.

When unfolded, it has three separate Qi wireless charging pads that lay flat to provide power to multiple compatible devices. Whether that’s an Android or Apple mobile device, Apple Watch, AirPods or wireless earphones, users can charge them at the same time. Triton can also be folded into a rigid stand, allowing users to watch videos or take calls whilst charging.

The European Recycling Platform Aims to Banish Unused Cables Snaking Around Irish Homes with St. Patrick’s Festival Partnership

As new research shows that 1 in 3 are hoarding up to 10 unused cables, ERP is encouraging people to go green and recycle this St. Patrick’s Weekend

 

The European Recycling Platform (ERP), Ireland’s only pan-European compliance scheme for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Waste Batteries today announced research results by Coyne Research which revealed that 1 in 3 adults have between 5 to 10 unused electrical cables in their homes. Charging cables are the most common type of unused cables (77%), followed by USB (66%) and HDMI Cables (49%). Almost half of those surveyed keep these unused cables in a drawer in the home.

The research, commissioned by ERP, revealed that over half of all adults surveyed were aware of legislation announced by the European Council, Commission, and Parliament which requires all new smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other electronic gadgets marketed in the EU to have a USB-C charging port by the end of 2024. As this change comes into effect, households will likely have plenty of waste cables snaking around their homes to be recycled.

This St. Patrick’s Day, ERP is encouraging people to go green and banish unused cables from their homes – not by putting them in their domestic waste bins, but by recycling them at their nearest electrical retailer or recycling centre.

ERP Ireland was recently announced as a Sustainability Partner for this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival. As part of their partnership, ERP worked with artist Ned Leddy to create a WEEE inspired installation entitled ‘Trash Mammoth’ to raise awareness among festival goers about the importance of recycling electrical waste. Made from over 100 small electrical items and standing at 13 feet tall, the installation will be on display at St. Patrick’s Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks on 16th – 17th March.

Festival Quarter kicks off the Bank Holiday weekend at 12pm on Saturday 16th with a jam-packed family friendly programme of events including craic, ceol, dancing, games, conversation, workshops, food, and all kinds of entertainment for absolutely everybody, before Mother’s Cultúr Club takes over the site on the evening of March 16th for a massive St. Patrick’s Eve party. On March 17th, Festival Quarter will be a huge celebration of Irish culture throughout the day and night and is again completely FREE.

James Burgess, Country General Manager of ERP Ireland said: “We are excited to announce our sustainability partnership with St. Patrick’s Festival and align our purpose with the festival’s commitment to an eco-friendly St. Patrick’s celebration. This St. Patrick’s Weekend, ERP is encouraging everyone to join us in banishing unused cables from their homes and recycling them at their nearest free electrical recycling drop-off point. We believe that through such initiatives and partnerships we can collectively make a positive impact on our environment.”

Richard Tierney, CEO of St. Patrick’s Festival said: “We are delighted to partner with the European Recycling Platform in our shared mission to promote sustainability. Sustainability is one of our core organisational values, and it’s an area where we feel we can really lead from the front on. Partnering with organisations like the European Recycling Platform means we can inspire communities to embrace responsible recycling practices and pave the way for a greener future”.

Visit the MyWaste.ie website to locate your nearest free recycling drop-off point on their interactive map at www.mywaste.ie/waste-service-locator/.

Tech Review – Anchor cable the worlds strongest cable. #AnchorCable #Tech #MobileOutFitters

Typically the cables we get with our phones are crap to put it blunt although the USB-C cables seem to be more durable these days but anything else is pretty much short lived and in particular Apple cables they are the worst offender and they make a lot of money out of it. Lightning cables are woeful break at several points and in general your standard cable breaks and is an all too common scene, In Short you should invest in a much tougher cable that will last albeit more expensive in the long term it is worth it, I have tested cables similar from the likes of Otterbox too and they last and offer more longevity than your typical cable.

Anchor cable has been tested for 180K plus bends and are 30 times stronger than your average cable and I just put these to the test by brute force of my own and can easily snap your standard cable myself so in this real life test they are tough, they are thicker than the average cable too and have a nice coating with end to end cable jackets which again is a weak area on many cables. It is worth investing in such cables and I have said many times in the past steer clear of those cheap cables you see in euro shops and petrol stations as they are rubbish and the same applies to the plugs that go with them..

 

 

BUY HERE 

Mobile Outfitters sent us these cables to review with no compensation or copy approval..

We check out Bondcable the ‘smart’ cable – it is simply a clever one. #Kickstarter #Cables

Neat, tangle-free and long-lasting: reduce the cable waste,Compact, tangle-free and long lasting, A cable which puts an end to messy storage & structure damage

What is BondCable? 

BondCable is no ordinary ‘smart’ cable – it is simply a clever one. 

 

  • No additional fastener or fancy mechanism needed to keep your cables tidy and tangle-free 
  • Longer than standard cables (1.2m) and strength tested (up to 2 kg weight intake)
  • Fast charging & smooth data transfer. 
  • Our lightning cables are MFi certified and produced by Apple-certified manufacturers

 

Why BondCable

Did you know that obsolete cables generate more than 51,000 tonnes of waste per year? It’s because twisted and entangled cables get damaged easily. The additional stress from tension and friction is amplified further when they are twisted and pulled at force. 

 

  • BondCable features a flat-profile cable to  minimize twisting and stress on the cable. 

 

  • With this self-bonding cable management, the BondCable is able to achieve extremely high reliability and durability ratings, thus maximizing product lifetime and minimizing waste from needlessly discarding easily-damaged products.

 

  • Environmentally friendly packaging – no glue, no plastic, 100% recyclable and degradable.

How does it work…

 

 

PRE-ORDERS: Company will start collecting pre-orders on Kickstarter on June 16th, with expected shipment date of early October 2020. 

Our sample arrived a bit late but here is a hands on  look at what you are dealing with… This is a very robust cable it does what it says on the tin and works perfectly fine for data transfer and charging  but no messy tangled cable..

 

About CleverThings

The BondCable is the inaugural product from CleverThings, a new brand concept initiated by Design Insight, a design studio with over 16 years of experience in the design and development of consumer products.

PRE-ORDERS Support local! BondCable will start collecting pre-orders on Kickstarter.com on June 16th 2020 at 10pm (Singapore time), with expected shipment date of early October 2020. 

Support BondCable now at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cleverthings/bondcable-self-bonding-charging-cables 

Review – Otterbox 10,000 mAh Qi Powebank and power cables. #otterbox #tech

Otterbox have sent us over some products to check out which includes their super tough powerbank and some cables which simply beat most others out there due to their construction and also some cases but more on those at another time.

The powerbank is a solid block with what looks like the 21:9 aspect ratio which we now see in many phones today and is built like a tank with ports that are covered with a flap and textured edges and this is a 10,000 mAh which is more than enough for one person but three people can share this with its port availability making it a piece ideal for travel or going to festivals to keep you powered up on the go and knowing you have a solid piece that is built to last. This can be also got in a 20,000 mAh version too.. The top of the unit has a textured finish too and you also get some status LED lights to let you know how much juice you have left which is nice..

  • Battery Capacity 10,000 mAh and 20,000 mAh
  • Durable synthetic rubber exterior
  • Battery Status indicator and high speed charging
  • USB ports connect to chargers and devices
  • Dust and splash resistant Mil-Spec rated IP54

BUY HERE

OtterBox USB-A/C Car Charger

Car charger are available all over the place but what I find is they are rubbish and fall apart after a few weeks or less due to the crap build quality with either the springs going or the ends falling off, this will not be the case here with this product and just like any other Otterbox product it is built to last,this offers USB A and USB-C charging which again can be used to charge to products on the go in your vehicle which saves you ports too..

  • Rugged for rough wear and tear
  • Charge two devices at once, fast (27-watts total)
  • USB-A port provides 5V/2.4A (12-watts)
  • USB-C port provides 5V/3A (15-watts)

BUY HERE

USB-C to Lightning Cable 2 meter and Lightning Connector to USB Cable

Just like car chargers there is an abundance on offer in Euro shops and garages out there that always come in cheap and from any I have tried they are not worth the money and do not last and do offer a fire risk the cable is week and the ends typically wear down or just break off and thats it you are done, the saying is true “buy cheap buy twice” these cables are built to last and are constructed very well especially at the ends where most problems begin and these will last,these are also compatible with your car charger above and the wireless charging power bank too. With this range of cables you are sure to have power where and when you need it with knowing the cable will not fail your or get damaged easily.

 

Some might find such cables expensive but you have to pay to play and have the best equipment to ensure you are guaranteed a non failure when it comes to charging up your devices be it at home in the office or on the go.

Rugged and designed for long-term use, the Apple USB-C to Lightning cable from OtterBox features an extended strain relief at that notorious weak spot where the cable and connector attach. It charges at 3.0 AMPs and its braided nylon avoids tangling itself into knots. Pick from 1-meter and 2-meter lengths to upgrade your charging experience with the cable that’s made to last.

Charge up your iPhone or iPad with this ultrafast OtterBox Lightning Connector to USB-A cable, made robust for long-term durability.

BUY USB-C TO LIGHTNING 

Lightning Connector to USB Cable