Charge it
Valencia, California-based Naztech announced the release of its 18W Super Speed Wall Charger, which it says provides the latest high-speed charging technology – USB-C Power Delivery and Adaptive Fast Charging – in a single charger. Both of the charger’s ports deliver up to 18W output and can accommodate all USB-powered devices, including smartphones, tablets, wearables and USB-C laptops. The 18W USB-C PD + AFC Wall Charger is able to quick-charge an iPhone X/8 or Samsung Galaxy 9/9+ from 0 percent to 50 percent in 30 minutes. According to Naztech, the USB PD, or USB Power Delivery protocol, is designed to standardize charging across the latest and future USB electronics. Everything from smartphones and tablets, to high-powered laptops, will soon be able to charge from a single device, reducing the need to carry around an assortment of cables and chargers. USB-C PD technology can charge a smartphone up to 80 percent faster than standard USB chargers, and automatically adjusts to deliver the exact power needed for the fastest possible charge.
Smart deadbolt
Schlage, the door hardware maker, announced that homeowners can access their Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt using Google Assistant. This functionality can be activated by saying, “OK Google, lock my door” or “OK Google, is my door locked?” The capability of Google Assistant will also extend to Android™ phones or the Google Assistant app on Apple® devices. Using the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt with Google Assistant-enabled devices will require the Schlage Sense™ Wi-Fi Adapter (sold separately). The Wi-Fi Adapter allows iOS and Android smartphone users to gain remote access to their lock through the Schlage Sense app with no monthly fee required.
Knotty problem solved
ZIPPEAR is said to employ the power of magnets to prevent earphone cords from becoming tangled and knotted and to remain stylish and nicely bundled when put away. The product is an earphone accessory kit consisting of 10 small plastic clips that clip on your favorite pair of earphones. Each clip contains a small but powerful magnet. “I commute to work on a train every day, and as a music lover, I use my earphones a lot,” inventor Gal Avivi was quoted as saying. “So I grew tired of having to untangle the cords each time I take them out of my bag.” ZIPPEAR has launched an Indiegogo campaign to spread awareness about their product among consumers and the investment community.
Blackberry’s back
TLC Communication – a smartphone manufacturer and BlackBerry-brand licensing partner – introduced the BlackBerry® KEY2. Running the latest Android™ 8.1 Oreo operating system, the BlackBerry KEY2 is the first-ever BlackBerry smartphone to feature a dual-rear camera. It also includes the introduction of Speed Key, a universal shortcut key that makes it possible to instantly access frequently used functions, apps and contacts anywhere on your device at any time. BlackBerry KEY2 has a redesigned intelligent keyboard as well as a 4.5-inch touch display that includes 2.5D Corning® Gorilla® Glass, said to offer increased scratch resistance and create a more seamless design and edge-to-edge look.
Net neutrality? Not a chance.
“Net neutrality was too good for us,” writes Farhad Manjoo in June in The New York Times. “And even if rules are restored, the notion that the Internet should afford at least a minimally competitive landscape for new entrants now seems as antiquated as Friendster. Today, the Internet is run by giants. A handful of American tech behemoths – Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google and Microsoft – control the most important digital infrastructure, while a handful of broadband companies – AT&T, Charter, Comcast and Verizon – control most of the Internet connections in the United States. The very idea that large companies can’t dictate what happens online is laughable now. Large companies, today, pretty much are the Internet. In this world, net neutrality didn’t have a chance.”
Get my message?
Time-released messaging, by TimeSpring, Inc., enables people to share messages with anyone at any age, including children, up to 30 years into the future. Parents and grandparents can create accounts for children too young for email and send a photo or video with a message and have it scheduled to be delivered when the child is old enough to understand and appreciate the memory. The app works like this: Pick a photo or video, write a message, and schedule the date to be delivered to someone up to 30 years into the future. A reported 52 percent of TimeSpring users are sending messages between 10 and 20 years into the future, while the average TimeSpring user creates 1.5 child accounts. It seems, given the opportunity, people want to communicate their stories in the future, especially for their children, according to the company. TimeSpring can be installed for free in Google Play and Apple Store.