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Sony WF-1000XM4 True Wireless ANC Earbuds review

Jason England
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Sony WF-1000XM4 True Wireless ANC Earbuds review

When Sony released the WF-1000XM3 earbuds with ANC they instantly became one of the highest-rated true wireless buds on the market. In my review, I raved about how great the sound quality and active noise cancellation was. The only downside was how large both the buds and case were, and how that lead to a less than ideal fit in your ears.

Fortunately, Sony recently released its WF-1000XM4 earbuds to address these issues, and in what is no surprise, they are a fantastic upgrade in every way.

Design

The “biggest” difference Sony made with the design of its flagship true wireless buds this time around was shrinking the case and earbuds. The WF-1000XM4 can now comfortably fit in your pocket and your ears, which was the most common criticism of the previous generation.

Not only was Sony able to minimize the case and earbud design this time around, it was actually able to add more features. Both buds feature IPX4 sweat proofing while still working independently and include a sensor to automatically pause music when removed from your ear.

Plus, Sony has added Qi wireless charging to the case this time around, providing you with the choice of using the USB-C port or keeping your buds juiced up wirelessly.

Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about the buds falling out of the case and getting lost because of the curiously strong magnets Sony employs. Trust me, once they are in the case, those buds aren’t going anywhere.

Just like the previous generation, the new WF-1000XM4 buds are also absent of any physical buttons opting for touch-sensitive controls. You can customize them in the app, but by default, the right bud controls audio playback and the left bud swaps between noise cancellation and ambient sound modes. I’m happy to report these work perfectly and I had no issues with activating the controls by accident like with some buds.

Comfort

Sony also changed the ear tips this time around, going for a squishy foam similar to what you’d find on earplugs. This makes sense, because if you’re trying to block out sound, what’s better than foam earplugs?

Unfortunately, I have smaller than average ear canals and I found these new tips to be too large for my ears. It was difficult for me to get a comfortable fit, even when using the smallest ear tips in the package. Eventually, I swapped the tips out for some smaller silicone tips I have. If you’re in the same boat as me, then you can purchase something like this from Amazon and replace the tips for a more comfortable fit.

User experience

If fantastic sound and class-leading noise cancellation aren’t enough to sway you, the Sony WF-1000XM4 buds also offer a host of smart features. For starters, it has Fast Pairing to make connecting to your phone easier. After the buds have been paired, you’ll also get a handy notification keeping you informed of the battery life of each individual bud and the case.

Next, the WF-1000XM4 buds have Google Assistant and Alexa built-in–your choice–but with Assistant you’ll be able to hear your notifications and reply to messages using your voice.

Having a conversation with buds jammed in your ears is usually an irritating ordeal, but thanks to ambient mode and speak-to-chat technology, it’s much more convenient. While ambient mode can be activated by touching the earbud, speak-to-chat makes it even easier by enabling ambient mode when it hears your voice.

On top of all of that, the app also allows you to customize the touch-sensitive buttons on the buds, adjust the equalizer, and control the level of active noise cancellation.

Basically, when it comes to usability and features, there aren’t another pair of buds out there that come close.

Sound quality

The WF-1000XM3 buds were some of the best I’ve ever listened to, and Sony has done it again with the WF-1000XM4s. The soundstage is nice and open with a balanced sound. Plus, the wonderful app allows you to customize the sound to your exact liking.

For me, that meant raising the highs a little and adding a bit more to the low end for that V-shaped sound I find most pleasing. But, what’s most important is that you have a good base to build from and having an open soundstage to start with. Thankfully, the WF-1000XM4 deliver exactly that.

Even better, the WF-1000XM4 earbuds support the LDAC codec that transmits audio wirelessly at a higher bit rate for near CD-quality sound. That’s perfect for any of you using streaming services such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, or Tidal that feature HiFi sound. Fair warning though, the LDAC codec will consume more power and you’ll need to keep a closer watch on your battery life.

Last but not least, in the Sony Headphones app you can choose to enhance music playback with DSEE Extreme processing to improve the sound of compressed audio.

ANC

Sony is an industry leader in active noise cancellation headphones, so it’s no surprise here that the WF-1000XM4 excels at blocking out noise. It’s aided by the new foam ear tips which help create a tight seal to block out much of the extra noise around us.

On top of doing a fantastic job of blocking out noise, the Adaptive Sound Control allows the ANC to adjust based on your surroundings. Personally, I got a little annoyed that it would let in more of the outside noise, but fortunately, you can adjust this in the settings.

Finally, Sony added wind noise reduction for those times when you’re out and about and the wind keeps ruining your jams.

Battery life

Amazingly enough, even though Sony shrank the size of the case and buds, the WF-1000XM4 actually beats its predecessor in battery life.

Sony rates the WF-1000XM4 buds for eight hours of continuous listening with another 16 hours provided by the case. In my experience, this tends to be right on the money, and when it’s time to charge up, five minutes will give you up to an hour of listening time.

Additionally, the case supports wired and wireless Qi charging to ensure you always keep it topped off.

Final thoughts

Sony has dominated the ANC true wireless earbud market the past couple of years with the WF-1000XM3. The follow-up had to be something really special and address the few flaws of the previous generation.

Fortunately, Sony delivered big time with the WF-1000XM4 earbuds–improving them in just about every way–especially in the areas it mattered the most, such as the size and audio quality.

While the WF-1000XM4 earbuds don’t come cheap at their $280 price tag, you can part with that money confidently knowing that you’re purchasing the best pair of active noise cancelling buds on the market. Alternatively, you can still purchase the WF-1000XM3 true wireless buds and still get a fantastic pair of ANC headphones while saving some money.

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Just $99, this quadcopter drone packs two wide-angle cameras

AG Deals Team
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Drones and quadcopters can make for fun toys and hours of enjoyment, but they can also serve a practical purpose, too. More and more photographers and videographers are adding them to their gear. Why? Because they can capture aerial footage in a way that standard cameras and ladders cannot.

Not only are these quadcopters getting more impressive, they’re also getting less expensive with each generation. Take the Ninja Dragon Dual 4K Wide Angle 3D Flip Quadcopter, for instance. With two wide-angle cameras, gesture controls, and 4K recording capability, it’s a heck of a bargain at its current $99 price tag.

Ninja Dragon Dual 4K Wide Angle 3D Flip Features

  • 4K HD camera. Details are 4 times that of 1080 pixels; better highlight & shadows
  • Optical flow positioning. Provides more accurate & stable hovering fly
  • Palm control: Use palm to control the aircraft to go up & down within about 3 ft
  • Gesture control: Enables you to take photo or record a video just by doing hand gestures
  • Follow function: Connect the distance between the aircraft & the current location of the controller and linked them
  • One-key automatic return. Enables it to find its way back automatically
  • Headless mode. No need to adjust the position of aircraft before flying

This gadget has gesture palm control with optical flow positioning and follows me feature that enables you to handle your drone with ease while providing a more accurate and stable hovering fly.

This drone is also equipped with WiFi FPV, way-point fly, headless mode, one key return.

Order Yours!

The Ninja Dragon Dual 4K drone normally sells for $169 but right now you can grab one for a mere $99 while prices and supplies last. That’s a cool 41 percent discount for a limited time!.

Tronsmart Apollo Air review

Andrew Allen
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We recently had a great time reviewing the Tronsmart Apollo Air+ wireless earbuds as the truly wireless headset checked all the major boxes for most user needs in the area of Bluetooth earbuds. Here, we’ll take a look at something a little more simple and budget-friendly from Tronsmart, the Apollo Air wireless earbuds.

How much different are the standard model from their plus-signed counterpart? Let’s find out in our official review of the Tronsmart Apollo Air earbuds.

Design

You’d be hard-pressed to find much difference in the Apollo Air and the Air+. Sitting side by side I honestly can’t pick them out of a lineup. I won’t spend much time here due to that and simply say that you have the same stemmed form-factor as the more premium Air+.

Touch controls

Again the overlap with the Air+ model is very similar. You have some basic interacts that can be accessed with single, double, or triple taps of each earbud. A single tap of the right bud will raise the volume while the same on the left side will lower the levels.

A double-tap of the right or left side will play/pause the current track. The same will also answer or end a phone call. Holding the left Apollo Air for two seconds will take you to the previous track. A two-second hold on the right earbud will take you to the next item in a playlist.

The only odd gesture is how you launch your favorite voice assistant. The timing takes some work, but you have to single tap and then hold for two seconds. Once you get it down you can easily access Google Assistant, Bixby, or even Siri.

One final touch control is for Active Noise Cancellation. This can be toggled on and off with a triple tap of either the right or left earbud. When turned on the Apollo Air earbuds can eliminate up to 35 decibels of outside noise.

Audio and Calls

Media playback is pretty solid with the Tronsmart Apollo Air earbuds. The overall sound is good with mids and highs coming through crisply. One note versus the more premium is the bass from the Apollo Air gets slightly distorted at higher volumes.

Phone calls are also very good. I had no issues with either end of phone calls. A six microphone design lends to this clarity with Qualcomm’s cVc (Clear Voice Capture) protocol. Think of this as ANC for voice calls. It helps use the mics to isolate your voice from the outside elements.

Battery life and charging

Honestly, this might be the biggest section to notice a difference in the spec sheet from the Apollo Air and the Air+. Both offer USB-C quick charging with the battery case. This gets you over 24 hours of full playback.

One omission you won’t find on the Apollo Air is wireless charging. Qi chargers will be useless in this instance to recharge the Apollo Air. If you want this, you’ll have to upgrade to the Apollo Air+. In reality, it’s a $20 debate you’ll have to have with your wallet when considering models.

Conclusion

The Tronsmart Apollo Air wireless earbuds are another great addition to the company’s offerings. You get five-hour battery life, good sound, and a $70 price tag. This makes the Apollo Air a solid option for those looking to add wireless audio to their commuter bag.

You can snag these new Apollo Air earbuds from Amazon. The price is currently 10% off the full retail price of $70.

Snag 3 years of PlayStation Plus and a lifetime of VPN Unlimited for $50

AG Deals Team
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Whether you’re concerned about security domestically or you’re a frequent traveler, transmitting your data over public Wi-Fi and mobile carrier networks isn’t always the safest option. Enter the VPN Unlimited service, providing you with a dedicated server to protect your online activities.

With this subscription plan you’ll have access to worry-free browsing, unlimited bandwidth, and the ability to unlock territory-restricted content by choosing a server from the country of your preference. Some users have found that, through bypassing their ISP’s restrictions, they’ve even increased their transfer speeds.

Gaming Benefits

It’s not just computers and phones that benefit from having a VPN, either. Millions of people own game consoles like the PlayStation 4 or PS5. Those, too, have apps that connect to services like Hulu, Netflix, and others. Moreover, connection speeds are vital when you’re dealing with battle royale games; lag is enemy number one.

If you’re a PlayStation owner, you’re probably signed up for its PlayStation Plus service. If not, you really should be. It’s a great way to get free games, access classic titles, store things in the cloud, plus more.

We’ve got an amazing deal in the AG Deals Store today which provides you with three years of PlayStation Plus and a lifetime account to VPN Unlimited. Indeed, you can get all of this for just $210. That’s hundreds of dollars you won’t have to worry about spending.

PlayStation Plus Features

  • Free games (two each month)
  • Exclusive discounts & deals
  • Online multiplayer to let you enjoy your favorite games to the fullest
  • Cloud storage allows you to upload saved games & character profiles

VPN Unlimited Features

  • Reliably protect your data on any public WiFi
  • Surf w/ no speed or bandwidth limits
  • Access a wide range of VPN servers w/ 70+ locations globally, including the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia & Hong Kong. Check the list here
  • Surf on a variety of VPN protocols, like IKEv2, OpenVPN & KeepSolid Wise
  • Access streaming servers for US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, ESPN+ & HBO Now
  • Enjoy a better browsing experience w/ handy features, like Trusted Networks, Ping Tests & Favorite Servers
  • Easily configure your VPN connection on your router.
  • Convenient management of connected devices
  • 24/7 customer support

Get Started Now!

Valued much higher in the hundreds of dollars, AndroidGuys readers can get a lifetime of VPN Unlimited and three years of PlayStation Plus for just $210.

Don’t want or need the PlaySation Plus? Give them out as individual years in the form of three separate gifts!

Mockplus: Streamline your design collaboration process

AG Deals Team
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Does your work environment find you collaborating on a design or multi-step process? How are things going for you? If the pandemic threw a wrench into the machine and you’ve found it more difficult to work as a remote or distributed team, maybe it’s time to find a new solution.

Enter Mockplus Cloud Pro, a product design platform that lets small teams work from ideation to final product. Indeed, it will allow you and your team to work more efficiently as it runs each step of your process through its intuitive software.

Mockplus makes it simple to edit, manage, iterate, and share functional documents online between coworkers and can even help with general task management, too.

Right now you can get a two-year subscription that lets you lets you incorporate and run Canva, State Page, Logic Line, and other programs right within Mockplus. Moreover, you’ll get access to a built-in library of components, icons, and templates, saving you money on other services in the long run.

Normally, a two-year subscription to Mockplus retails for $954, but for a limited time, you can save 68% and get a license for up to five users for just $299.99. Other options available include a six-month plan and one-year subscription.

Grab a refurbished Google Pixel 3a for just $150

Scott Webster
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The Nitty Gritty: Purchase a pre-owned unlocked Google 3a for just $150 and use it with your favorite carrier.

On the hunt for a new handset but don’t need all the bells and whistles that come with a flagship model? That’s totally understandable; most people can get by with a phone that’s a generation or two behind. What’s more, you don’t need a device that was ever considered a “flagship” to begin with. Take the Google Pixel 3a, for instance.

One of our favorite phones of the last few years, the Pixel 3a is the Google standard for what a mid-range device should look like and how it should operate. And while it originally launched in 2019, it still has a decent amount of hardware for most people. , Google will continue to support it with timely software updates and patches for another year or two.

The AG Deals Store has a sale on pre-owned versions of the Google Pixel 3a, listing them for just $150 right now. Sold unlocked, it will work with your carrier of choice, and has a 30-day parts and labor warranty.

If you’re the type to only replace your device every few years, this would a great, and affordable way, of buying time until your next purchase.

Pixel 3a Highlights

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 + Android 9. Flip through menus, run home screens, apps & more
  • LTE unlocked. Choose the network that you want to use
  • Network access. Browse the net & download videos, music, and movies
  • 12MP camera. Record your favorite memories with good resolutions
  • 5.6″ FHD+ touch display. Browse apps, view photos, & watch videos in crisp detail
  • 64GB storage. Save more contacts, music, photos, apps & more

Refurbished Rating

This product is listed with a grade of “A”. It arrives in a near-mint condition and may have very minimal to zero amounts of scuffing on the case.

Order Yours!

Visit the AG Deals Store and purchase your Google Pixel 3a for just $150 while supplies last!

How to open the task manager on a Chromebook

Jason England
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Computers run into problems from time to time. When that invariably happens one of the first troubleshooting steps is to check the task manager and see if anything is running amok. If you’re a long-time Windows user, you’ve undoubtedly hit the trusty Ctrl+Alt+Del in the past, or more recently Ctrl+Shift+Esc when Microsoft changed it in Windows 8.

Like Windows and other operating systems, Chrome OS also has a task manager which can be viewed using a couple of different techniques. Follow the steps below to discover how to open task manager on your Chromebook.

Either of these methods will get you to the task manager and allow you to see what apps or extensions are siphoning up all your resources and slowing down your machine. One just requires a little more effort than the other.

Keyboard Shortcut

One of the easiest and quickest ways to access the task manager is through a keyboard shortcut, and thankfully Chrome OS has an easy one to remember. Unlike Windows, it only requires two keypresses instead of one, just press the Search+Esc keys on the keyboard and the task manager will appear on the screen.

Open Manually

If you’re not a fan of keyboard shortcuts and prefer to use the trackpad, then this next method is for you. First, navigate to the hamburger menu (three dots) in the top right-hand corner. After clicking on it, locate the option for “More tools” and select “Task Manager” from the fly-out menu.

Ending Processes

Once the task manager is up on screen, you’ll get an overview of all the processes currently running on your Chromebook.

Tip: Double-clicking on the tab or extension will take you directly to the tab in question or settings for the extension.

Most of the time it’s easy to decipher which one is the troublemaker by clicking on CPU to arrange them by highest to lowest. From there, you’ll be able to select the process and clicking on “End Process.”

Tip: You can select multiple processes at once by holding Ctrl and clicking, or by holding shift to select a group of processes all at once.

Related content:

Score two years of award-winning NordVPN for just $89

AG Deals Team
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When it comes to online privacy and security, few VPN services are as highly rated as NordVPN. Trusted by many, it has received numerous awards, including five star rating from PC Magazine, CNET, and Trustpilot. A major player in the space to be sure, it’s definitely worth the investment.

Right now you can score two years of NordVPN from the AG Deals Store for just $89, a considerable savings from its typical $300 value. Not only that, but you’ll also pick up a $10 credit that can be used for a future purchase, too.

Since 2012 NordVPN has helped more than 14 million users stay safe online, providing anonymity, and unrestricted access to the web. With almost 5,400 servers in 59 countries, it offers double data SSL-based 2048-bit encryption to keep your activity shielded from prying eyes.

NordVPN Features

  • Secure any Internet connection: public Wi-Fi hotspots, cellular networks & more
  • Bypass content restrictions & stay anonymous
  • Rest easy knowing that your activity is not recorded anywhere (no log policy)
  • Get online access anywhere with 5,390 worldwide server locations in 59 different countries
  • Enjoy high-speed connections for instant video access & content access
  • Automatically shut down your site as soon as the VPN connection drops, so no data is revealed

Get Started!

A two-year NordVPN subscription normally costs nearly $300, but with the current discount in the AG Deals Store, it’s 68-percent off, or just $89. Plus, you also get the bonus $10 store credit to use on future purchases!

Prices are subject to change

BLUETTI announces AC300 & AC200 MAX, up to 24.6kWh, 6000W Power Stations

AndroidGuys
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The game changing BLUETTI AC200 power station was initially released to the public on July 1st, 2020. After pulling in a staggering $6.7M US dollars on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo and having sold tens of thousands of units over the past year, BLUETTI has continued working on making major improvements to their power stations and by listening to their customers. Today, they are extremely happy to announce the culmination of this work over the past year.

The Mega Launch

For the first time ever, BLUETTI will be launching 4 new models at the same time: The portable power stations BLUETTI AC200 MAX, the BLUETTI AC300, and the expandable battery modules BLUETTI B230 & BLUETTI B300. After hinting of something big coming in their official Facebook group originally on June 23rd, the company has now unveiled a whole picture of these new power monsters today!

AC300: 3~6kW, 3~24kWh. HUGE Leap Forward

BLUETTI’s first 3,000W home power center – The EP500 Pro – has caused a huge sensation with its premiere debut on Kickstarter. Now, shortly after the end of the EP500 crowdfunding, BLUETTI is pleased to release their first, much more flexible, modular 3kW flagship model: Meet the AC300.

These four new arrivals follow BLUETTI’s classic design language of their AC series: A delicate, rectangular power box with two solid lifting handles on the top of each side, and the AC300 is no exception. Yet surprisingly, the AC300 does NOT come with an internal battery pack. Its modular design allows you to select B300 battery module to mate with the AC300. This new modular design is a bold move for BLUETTI, but for a heavy-duty unit like BLUETTI AC300, this design not only significantly reduces the weight of each single unit but also allows users to replace any or all batteries, if necessary, in the future. And since the system is modular, you can carry each module individually. Whether it is up the stairs to your bedroom, or outside to your van, you will be protecting your back from heavy lifting by being able to carry your modular BLUETTI system, module by module, instead of everything at once.

Under the hood, there is a 3,000W pure sine wave inverter and an MPPT controller which can support up to a staggering 2,400W of solar charging. A single AC300 supports up to four battery packs for a whopping total of 12.3kWh of capacity. Do you still feel like that’s not enough power? With BLUETTI’s Fusion Box Pro, you can connect two AC300s to double the power and capacity at the same time! Boast up to 6,000W of continuous power, 24.6kWh capacity in total, and 10.4kW of groundbreaking solar input capability! This setup can be an emergency power center and run your home essentials for over a week, or with enough solar panels, you can even run your entire whole house, off-grid… indefinitely.

AC200 MAX: An All-round Upgraded Successor

With the new BLUETTI AC200 MAX, despite looking identical to the AC200P, there have been many changes and improvements that make the AC200 MAX an attractive solar generator in its own right.

For I/O capability, the AC200 MAX features higher continuous output power at 2,200W from its pure sine wave inverter, a 100W PD3.0 USB-C port, an upgraded MPPT controller which now handles up to 900W of solar input and a built-in 30A NEMA TT-30 outlet designed especially for the RV crowds. And most importantly of all after feedback and listening to our customers, finally, the BLUETTI AC200 MAX supports Bluetooth connection and can be controlled wirelessly with the new BLUETTI Smartphone App (iOS & Android). And it too, also supports expandable battery packs!

The AC200 MAX supports up to two additional battery packs, using either the BLUETTI B230 or B300. With two BLUETTI B300 you can easily expand your AC200 MAX to a massive 8192Wh of capacity to run all of your essential needs at home or on-the-go for hours, days, or even more than a week!

Availability & Date

According to the information released by BLUETTI, they will be launching all of these exciting models on their official website www.bluettipower.com. No crowdfunding or prolonged waiting this time!

Orders for the AC200 MAX and B230 battery modules will begin in late August 2021 and will be delivered as quickly as three weeks. The BLUETTI AC300 and B300 will arrive later in September 2021 and will also be delivered as quickly as two weeks. You may join their official Facebook Launch Group for more information and subscribe to their emails on their product pages for super early bird pricing when the new models are available.

One More Thing

At the end of BLUETTI’s hinting via their social media outlets, the company showed us a sneak peak of some-kind “product roadmap.”. BLUETTI listed the AC200 MAX as the “Challenger”, the BLUETTI AC300 as the “Dominator”, and a mysterious “APEX” to be released in the end of 2021. This may indicate that the company is working on another even more powerful, classified model in the lab. They have not said anything about this “APEX” model yet. So, let us wait and see!

Mophie Snap Ecosystem review

Scott Webster
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Although wireless charging in mobile phones has been around for quite some time, it seems to have picked up a little steam as of late. Largely due to Apple’s MagSafe tech for its latest devices, consumers are more interested in wireless charging than ever.

Mophie, no stranger to the world of charging, is out with a new ecosystem of products centered around one common goal. In short, it aims to offer MagSafe-like experience to all handsets, regardless of whether it runs iOS or Android.

We’ve been provided a sample of some of the first accessories to hit the market and have come away quite impressed. Here’s a Test Drive review of the mophie snap ecosystem.

Test Drive posts are our way of sharing immediate impressions and early reactions to products, apps, and services. Not to be construed as a full review, these are first-blush looks at things we think you’d enjoy.

Here’s a quick official description of the three accessories we’re reviewing.

  • snap vent mount ($29.95) – The snap vent mount keeps smartphones at the perfect viewing angle while driving and holds it in portrait or landscape mode. The strong magnets secure your phone in place, making it easy to use for GPS navigation or hands‑free calling.
  • snap+ wireless vent mount ($49.95) – The snap+ wireless charging vent mount delivers up to 15W of power to your phone while holding it at the perfect viewing angle. The strong magnets secure your phone in place and make it easy to use for GPS navigation or hands‑free calling. The snap+ wireless charger is removable for added versatility, and the snap+ wireless vent mount includes a 20W USB-C car adapter.
  • snap+ juice pack mini ($49.95) – The snap+ juice pack mini contains a 5,000mAh internal battery and demonstrates mophie’s deep commitment to the performance and convenience of mobile power. Use the USB-C input/output port to quickly recharge the snap+ juice pack mini or to charge another device at up to 12W. The magnetic array ensures accurate placement so charging begins on contact, and the integrated four-light LED power indicator displays charging status and current battery life.

Early Impressions

Here’s how things break down in a nutshell. The mophie snap products employ the use of a circular magnetic ring that adheres to the back of your phone. Once in place it can help your phone stick to a car mount, wireless charger, or other accessory in the line.

If your phone has wireless charging capabilities and you’ve yet to purchase a car mount, you’d be wise to consider something in the mophie snap lineup. Not only will it make travel more convenient, it also opens the door to extra flexibility in other areas, too.

SEE: Google Pixel 5 review

Sticking the snap plate onto your phone is about as easy as it gets, provided you know where your charging coils are located on the phone. There is a simple tool included with the snap adapters to help ensure you line things up properly.

Our advice is to clean the back of your phone properly and, if possible, avoid any cases with too much texture. There is an adhesive at play so the more of a tight seal or bite, the better. After you’ve got your snap adapter in place, you’re good to go.

We found the mophie snap products connect to each other easily and with a bit of “oomph”. There’s no questioning of whether things are connected; however, it doesn’t require all that much to pull them apart.

It’s important that point out that the snap adapters are nice to have even if you don’t want or need the wireless charging. Take the vent mount, for instance. This one doesn’t have any charging capabilities, but it makes it so you can place your phone in an easy-to-reach spot. If you rely on Google Maps, Waze, or Android Auto for anything, it’s nice to have a convenient place to glance at every so often.

On the other hand, if you do plan to utilize wireless charging as often as possible, check out the snap+ wireless vent mount. In short, it adds a powered wireless charger to the mount. This is a great option for those who like to top off the battery on the way home or to keep powered up on a road trip.

The snap+ juice pack mini is a portable charger for phones that calls to mind the other battery packs in the mophie lineup. The key difference here is that there are no extra ports for plugging in a device. Well, aside from the requisite USB-C port which can be used for both charging the battery or a phone.

Smaller than a deck of playing cards, it’s an extra 5,000mAh to keep in your pocket or purse. And similar to other mophie chargers, you get the soft fabric and minimalist design as well as four LED indicator lights. Indeed, you can see just how much battery is left in the reserve so you know when it’s time to charge it back up.

With other accessories due later this year, we like where mophie is headed. The snap adapters are a great way of adding MagSafe-like functionality to existing Apple devices as well as Qi-enabled handsets.

If you have a phone that supports wireless charging and have not purchased any accessories yet, the snap ecosystem is a no-brainer. Likewise, they’re convenient for standard devices, too.

Share a vehicle or desk with someone who utilizes the snap mounts? You can purchase two snap adapters for $20 and add them to other phones. This way everyone in the family can use the same car mount, even if they’re not charging off of it. All of the snap products come with a snap adapter.

One of the best parts about buying mophie products is that it backs them with a two-year warranty.

Where to Buy

You can learn more about the various mophie snap accessories at the manufacturer’s website where’s they are also available to purchase. Additionally, select products are offered at places like Best Buy and Amazon.

Look for more mophie snap products to arrive later in the year.

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