News
MagSafe charger works best only with Apple’s charging adapters
To access the full 15W charging speed
Almost two weeks after the iPhone 12’s announcement, Apple continues to catch flak for the controversial charging adapter decision. However, at the very least, Apple’s new MagSafe system promised an optimistic future for the iconic series. However, as a tester has found, MagSafe comes with a debilitating caveat. The MagSafe charger works best only with Apple’s charging adapters.
Yes, you read that right. Apple’s new wireless charging system works at maximum capacity only if paired with the same charging adapter that the company took out from the iPhone 12 box.
At its strongest, the MagSafe charger fills up a phone at 15W speeds. Unfortunately, the charger doesn’t always fulfill that promise. It still depends on the charging adapter.
Recently, YouTuber Aaron Zollo tested the charger using different adapters including third-party and rival chargers. Unsurprisingly, the Pixel 5’s and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra’s chargers don’t work effectively at all. With the MagSafe charger, it runs only up to 9W speeds (and goes as slow as 6W).
Meanwhile, third-party “power adapters” don’t help as much. The Anker 30W PowerPort Atom PD 1 bumps this up from 7.5W to 10W speeds. The more powerful Aukey 65W Power Adapter only goes up to 8W to 9W speeds.
As expected, Apple’s own adapters work best with the MagSafe charger. But only up to a point. For example, Apple’s strong 96W adapter for the MacBook Pro only fills up a device at 10W speeds.
At the top, Apple’s dedicated phone adapters tweak the MagSafe charger to its maximum abilities. The 18W Power Adapter bumps the wireless charger up to 13W speeds. Finally, only the 20W Power Adapter accesses the maximum 15W charging speeds.
Now, for most iPhone 12 users, getting the MagSafe’s maximum power is almost impossible without buying a new charger or owning an old one.
SEE ALSO: Apple’s MagSafe charger works on Samsung and Google phones
Lifestyle
Sony releases two affordable turntables
They’re built for both first-timers and veteran vinyl listeners.
Vinyl records have been going through fits and starts throughout the years. While some years have a tepid collection of releases in the space, some feature new releases we’re very excited about. This year might be one of the latter, because Sony has just launched two new turntables that can bring the classic auditory experience for a competitive price.
First up is the PS-LX3BT. It’s a beginner-friendly turntable that values ease of use, while still prioritizing sleek designs. Right away, users can start listening with the attached audio cable and the built-in phono equalizer.
On the other hand, the PS-LX5BT is built for robustness. It has a rigid one-piece body and an aluminum tone arm. Together with the rubber mat and the circuit design, the entire turntable reduces vibrations and preserves audio quality. The high-grade cartridge delivers a wider soundstage. Finally, the gold-plated audio jack puts the premium on wired connections.
Despite the differences, both models will feature Bluetooth connectivity with aptX, aptX Adaptive, and Hi-Res Wireless Audio. They also have USB output with three-level gain control so you can digitize your library. Finally, they will support 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records.
The Sony PS-LX3BT is already available for presales. It will retail for US$ 399.99.
Meanwhile, the Sony PS-LX5BT will start its pre-sales later this spring. It will retail for US$ 499.99.
Accessories
G-DRAGON is CASETiFY’s first ever Global Brand Ambassador
Right on time with the brand’s 15th-year milestone
One of K-Pop’s most iconic soloists of all time has finally partnered up with the globally-renowned case maker.
And this isn’t like any other CASETiFY’s K-Pop Collab, this is much grander than that.
i-naugural Brand iCON
You heard that right! CASETiFY reveals their first ever Global Brand Ambassador.
Amassing 25 million Instagram followers, over 1.2 Billion YouTube views, and hitting almost 4 Million Spotify listeners, G-DRAGON has truly marked his footprint as the “King of K-Pop” — more than just being the iconic member of the global hit group BIGBANG.
His long overdue comeback (and world tour) with ‘Übermensch’ last 2025 further proves how massive the VIP (and FAM) community is.
View this post on Instagram
That said, GD’s influence isn’t limited to the music industry alone. Art and fashion have also witnessed his legendary artistry through his PEACEMINUSONE label. That pretty daisy with a fallen petal is the brand’s most iconic emblem you can see around.
The introduction of his fashion line was connected to music as well. It was introduced way back in 2013 during his ‘COUP D’ETAT’ solo promotions which was a true hit. It was totally evident in the album art’s peace symbol minus that one line.
Wesley Ng, CASETiFY’s CEO and Co-Founder (who’s also fashion-savvy), said that “welcoming G-DRAGON as the brand’s first Global iCON is a powerful statement.” This will not only amplify the reach of the already-popular case maker, it will also influence the brand’s creative direction.
After all, one’s artistic expression can be seen easily with the cases we rock out and about.
i-conic CHROMATIC
In line with this milestone also lies a new collection of cases and accessories.
The all-new CHROMATIC Collection is built around two concepts: FORMS & HUES. First, the CHROMATIC: FORMS set is headlined by the premium-made Alloy Ripple Case with an upgraded aluminum material.
Speaking of aluminum, the accompanying accessories are all metallic — from the 2-in-1 cross-body chain to custom cube charms for bespoke personalization.
Meanwhile, the CHROMATIC: HUES adds five new vibrant shades to CASETiFY’s ever-popular Ripple Collection through the Neon Ripple Case. These bold range of colors not only embody users’ creativity and self-expression, it also showcases an individual’s overall aesthetics.
While this isn’t the PEACEMINUSONE collab some of us have initially thought, crossing fingers that will be the next official CASETiFY collab in line.
Pricing and Availability
The brand new CHROMATIC COLLECTION is expected to hit shelves real soon with prices ranging between US$ 10 to US$ 85,
They will be available for purchase on CASETiFY.com and in select CASETiFY Studio retail stores around the world starting on January 26 (Monday).
Accessories
Razer fully unwraps these limited BLACKPINK Edition gaming gear
They are finally coming in your area!
Initially teased a month ago, the much-awaited BLACKPINK x Razer collab has finally been revealed for all the BLINKs to see (and purchase).
Hitting the ‘DEADLINE’
ICYMI, BLACKPINK (or K-Pop’s biggest female quartet composed of Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo) started their highly-anticipated ‘DEADLINE’ World Tour just last year.
With Razer’s signature dark black styling paired with BLACKPINK’s bold and iconic pink scheme, this collaboration felt like the perfect match.
Now, if you’re the type of BLINK who still has a severe sepanx (like yours truly), all these limited BLACKPINK-themed gaming gear by Razer might just be the cure.
That said, here are all the BLACKPINK Edition gaming accessories you should expect from the Singaporean-American gaming giant.
Ornata V3 Tenkeyless – BLACKPINK Edition
A low-profile RGB keyboard with clicky Mecha-Membrane switches.
DeathAdder Essential – BLACKPINK Edition
Gaming mouse with ergonic comfort and precision alongside mechanical switches and programmable buttons.
Gigantus V2 – Medium – BLACKPINK Edition
Razer’s smooth and durable mouse mat with that BLACKPINK flair
Enki X – BLACKPINK Edition
Badly-needed gaming chair for all-day comfort combined with BLACKPINK’s aesthetics — made for your marathon gaming sessions.
Pricing and Availability
Here are the SRP of the special Razer x BLACKPINK Edition gaming essentials:
- Ornata V3 Tenkeyless – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 119.99
- DeathAdder Essential – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 49.99
- Gigantus V2 – Medium – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 29.99
- Enki X – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 499.99
These will all be released worldwide (excluding Canada and Japan) by the 2nd quarter of 2026.
Currently, Razer has set-up a pop-up store in Hong Kong. BLINKs in the area can experience all the special gaming gear with dedicated photo zones in the scene.
View this post on Instagram
This popped right in time as BLACKPINK will hold the Hong Kong stop of their ‘DEADLINE’ tour for three straight days — from January 24 (Saturday) until January 26, 2026 (Monday).
Moreover, these might just be the perfect complement to the quatro’s upcoming ‘DEADLINE’ EP by February 27, 2026.
Might as well, an advanced 10th year anniversary gift this August 2026.
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