Accessories

Nomad’s wireless charger will complete your Tesla Model 3

Who has time to fumble with cables?

Published

July 26, 2018

Kevin Bruce Francisco

So you’ve got your Tesla Model 3 and you’re cruising in style in one of the most technologically advanced commercial vehicles of our time. Although, when your phone runs out of juice, you still whip out its cable and fumble your way to plugging it into the socket and your device. Not cool, right? Cluttered cables are always an eyesore.

Nomad, an accessory company, has come up with a solution in the form of a wireless charger.

The Tesla Model 3 Wireless Charger features two 7.5W chargers backed by anti-slip rubber coating to keep your devices in place. Although optimized for the iPhone X and iPhone 8, Nomad’s accessory is compatible with all Apple and Android devices that support wireless charging.

Interestingly, it also has a 6000mAh battery pack that stores power when not in use. This makes it possible for the device to boost power output from 1A to 2A, which translates to faster and more efficient charging.

The charger fits into the Tesla Model 3’s charging dash and connects to the vehicle’s USB port. In case you have a small phone, the package includes spacers to ensure the handset is firmly tucked in while driving. It also has LED indicators that let you know when your device is done charging.

Nomad’s Tesla Model 3 Wireless Charger is priced at US$ 149 and ships on September 1, 2018, but there’s a pre-order sale that slashes US$ 20 off the price.

Accessories

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ levels up battery, sound quality

Published

February 12, 2020

Rodneil Quiteles

With the the headphone port nowhere to be found on the Galaxy S20 series comes a pair of improved true wireless earbuds — the Samsung Galaxy Buds+.

It’s a step up from last year’s Galaxy Buds. While last year’s version promised 6 hours of listening time, the Galaxy Buds+ takes it up to 11 hours on a single charge. You also get another 11 hours with the charging case.

In terms of sound quality, these are still tuned by AKG. It employs 2-way dynamic speakers and 3 mics to deliver better sound and voice quality

Inside the box you’ll also find a variety of wing and ear tips so you get the fit and comfort that’s made just for you.

It doesn’t have the noise-cancelling chip that you’ll find on the true wireless earbuds offered by Sony, Apple, and Huawei. Its approach to noise-cancelling has to do more with its physical design and rather than a tiny chip.

Speaking of its design, it retains the form factor of the original Galaxy Buds — which is great since it doesn’t look anything like the AirPods which many other manufacturers have taken a cue from. Speaking of Apple, if you’re not a fan of the AirPods’ design, you’ll be happy to know that the Galaxy Buds+, along with its companion app, will be compatible with iOS devices.

Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ will be available in Cosmic Black, White, Red, and Cloud Blue, starting February 14, 2020 on Samsung.com, followed by major mobile carriers and retailers on March 6, 2020 and will retail for US$ 149.

Accessories

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ price and availability in the Philippines

A minor improvement

Published

February 12, 2020

Rodneil Quiteles

True wireless (TWS) earbuds are popping up one after the other. Samsung’s latest — the Galaxy Buds+ — is also making its way to the Philippines.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ improves upon the battery life of its predecessor promising up to 11 hours of listening time in a single charge. You also get another 11 hours thanks to the charging case.

Its approach to noise cancellation has to do more with its 2-dynamic speaker and physical design which means this may not be in direct competition with the likes of the AirPods Pro, Huawei Freebuds 3, and Sony WF-1000XM3.

It maintains the same design as its predecessor — a welcome look in the sea of TWS earbuds that all look like AirPods. If you use an iPhone but are not fans of the AirPods’ design, you’ll be happy to know that the Galaxy Buds+ will also be compatible with iOS devices.

Price and availabilty

The Galaxy Buds+ will be available starting March 6, 2020. It will retail for PhP 6,990.

Accessories

The Nokia Power Earbuds come with ‘150-hour battery life’

Available only in China

Published

February 7, 2020

Luigi Leonardo

A few years ago, Nokia’s expansion beyond phones would have been preposterous. Since its dominance at the start of the millennium, Nokia has always found its closely guarded niche in the phone-making business. However, the company has announced the first Nokia-branded televisions late last year. Now, they are going even further.

Recently, Nokia has launched its own wireless earbuds in China. The Power Earbuds touts the most bombastic feature ever seen in wireless earbuds — a 150-hour battery life.

Design-wise, the Power Earbuds have the traditional set of components for the emerging technology: two in-ear pieces and a charging case. The set comes in two colors: charcoal black and light gray.

Inside, the earbuds sport a 6mm graphene driver unit, supposedly putting out high-quality audio. It is compatible with Google Assistant, allowing hands-free operation.

Further, they can support Bluetooth 5.0, extending usage by up to 800 feet. For durability, the Power Earbuds are certified for IP7 resistance. Supposedly, users can submerge the earbuds underwater for up to 30 minutes.

As for that battery life, Nokia presents an interesting caveat. The earbuds themselves don’t last for 150 hours; instead, they last for a more believable 5-hour charge. Each bud contains only 50mAh capacity for battery life.

The gargantuan battery belongs to the charging case. The 3000mAh case has as much battery life as a smartphone. As such, users can charge the earbuds multiple times through the case before charging the case itself.

The Nokia Power Earbuds are available exclusively online in China. They retail for CNY 699 or around US$ 100.