Accessories
Apple cancels its wireless charger, says it’s inferior
But promises a wireless future

Smartphone charging is branching off into two separate roads — wireless charging and super-fast charging. Recently, Xiaomi teased their upcoming 100W super-fast charger, boasting a zero-to-full 4000mAh battery in just 17 minutes. The race is heating up. Unfortunately, the other branch has hit a snag.
Unlike super-fast charging, wireless charging has existed for quite some time now. A lot of smartphone brands have already adopted the technology in some form. Unfortunately, the ubiquitous Apple has not launched its own wireless charging option. Even worse, the iPhone maker might not implement the technology at all.
Previously, Apple teased its official wireless charger, the AirPower, for a long time. Finally, the hype train came to a head this year. Several rumors pointed to an impending release in the near future. Sadly, this is the closest that we’ll ever get to the AirPower.
In a statement provided to TechCrunch, Apple confirmed the project’s canning. “After much effort, we’ve concluded AirPower will not achieve our high standards and we have canceled the project. We apologize to those customers who were looking forward to this launch. We continue to believe that the future is wireless and are committed to push the wireless experience forward,” according to Apple’s senior vice president, Dan Riccio.
In the statement, Apple does not explain why the project was canceled. However, previous rumors have speculated on an overheating device and other engineering debacles. Regardless, the AirPower is no more. If anything, Apple has still promised a wireless future. However, it’s back to the drawing board for the iPhone maker.
SEE ALSO: Apple finally acknowledges MacBook’s butterfly keyboard problem

Accessories
JBL decks out new pairs of True Wireless earbuds
Meet the Tune 130NC, Tune 230NC, and Endurance RACE

JBL is expanding its collection of True Wireless earbuds. After hitting it off with the popular Tune 125 TWS and Tune 225 TWS, the company is bringing the JBL Tune 230NC, Tune 130NC, and the Endurance RACE.
The new pairs of True Wireless earbuds promise an impressive audio experience sans the steep price tag.
JBL Tune 230NC: For those who like the stem design
First on the new collection is the JBL Tune 230NC. It punches with JBL’s pure bass sound, together with its 5.8mm driver delivering splendid sound apt for people who are always on the go. Impressively, it has an active noise cancellation feature.
Also, it has four microphones for crystal-clear calls enabled in the stem design following its predecessor. Moreover, it has new silicone tips for a more secure fit and better bass performance.
The Tune 230NC aims to deliver 40 hours of playtime, and a speed charge feature that enables you an hour of listening after plugging it in for only ten minutes.
JBL Tune 130NC: When you like it in the usual ‘buds’
For those who prefer the in-ear ‘buds’, the JBL Tune 130NC provides style and substance through its design and functions. It carries JBL’s signature pure bass sound of up to 40 hours of combined playtime.
To top it off, it comes with active noise cancellation so you can listen intently to your favorite tunes while on the go. It also has four microphones to ensure crystal clear communication during calls.
JBL Endurance RACE: Ready for action
Fitness freaks and adventure buffs alike might find a new companion through the JBL Endurance RACE. The latest addition to the Endurance series delivers the same durability and comfort found on the JBL Endurance RUN, SPRINT, JUMP, DIVE, and PEAK headphones.
It has an IP67 rating that enables it to come along in your toughest workouts — dust, sweat, and splashes considered. RACE offers ten hours of continuous playback, with 20 hours of backup power through its charging case.
With its Pure Bass Performance audio, athletes can revel in music that accompanies them in pushing past any obstacles. However, too much focus can be a bad thing, which is why RACE’s Ambient Aware technology aids the athletes by helping them stay alert to their surroundings.
Price and availability
The JBL Tune 230NC and the JBL Tune 130NC retail for PhP 5,999 while the JBL Endurance RACE retails for PhP 4,999. The new pair of True Wireless earbuds are available at JBL’s concept stores, official dealers, and online stores nationwide.
Accessories
SteelSeries adds world’s lightest gaming mice to Aerox series
The Aerox 5, Aerox 5 Wireless, and Aerox 9 Wireless
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SteelSeries continues to expanded its award-winning Aerox series, adding three new ultra-lightweight gaming mice to the collection.
The new Aerox 5, Aerox 5 Wireless, and Aerox 9 Wireless mice are now available, offering gamers even better precision, speed, and comfort.
Dubbed as the world’s lightest multi-genre and MMO/MOBA gaming mice, the latest peripherals come with customizable features.
These include programmable buttons for instant access to a gamer’s preferred shortcuts, as well as syncing RGB lighting for a more personalized gaming experience.
Pricing, availability
The three new Aerox mice are now available at SteelSeries’ official Lazada and Shopee stores, as well as Challenger, Courts, Endless passion, Tec Drome, Xtreme, and other major channels.
Refer to the table below for the prices and specs.
Model | Specs | Price |
Aerox 5 |
|
SG$ 149 |
Aerox 5 Wireless |
|
SG$ 229 |
Aerox 9 Wireless |
|
SG$ 249 |
In addition, any purchase of SteelSeries entitles customers to a free one-month GeForce NOW cloud gaming subscription.

Sony remains one of the most important players in the noise-canceling realm. While Bose is also a force in the industry, Sony is doing what it can to improve its own audio technology. Following up its impressive flagship lineup of headphones, the company has announced the WH-1000XM5, a new pair for your discerning ears.
Much like its predecessor, the WH-1000XM5 follows the same tradition of design. The sleeker evolution makes way for a softer, more comfortable fit around your skull, bolstered by synthetic leather.
Under the hood, the headphones sports an additional processor to improve noise cancelation, especially in mid to high frequency ranges. It can also adapt to various user scenarios like those who wear glasses or have long hair.
As always, Sony is also focusing on audio quality. The 30mm driver uses a light dome with carbon fiber composite material to deliver natural sound. Plus, with Sony’s LDAC coding technology, users can enjoy Hi-Fi Audio. DSEE Extreme automatically upscales audio files to high quality. Finally, if your audio can support it, the headphones is compatible with 360 Reality Audio.
The WH-1000XM5 also worked on call quality with four beamforming microphones on the device and noise reduction.
Starting May 20, users can buy the WM-1000XM5 for US$ 399.99.
SEE ALSO: Sony introduces 2022 BRAVIA XR TV lineup with latest tech
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