We know Apple has various big plans for the wireless
charging future of its iPhones, Watches, and AirPods, but for the time being,
we’re still waiting for that September 2017-unveiled AirPower to actually kick
off sales.
In the meantime, the Cupertino-based tech giant
recommends you purchase either a Mophie wireless charging base or a Belkin
Boost Up pad for your iPhone X, 8, or 8 Plus, both of which fetch a fairly
reasonable US$ 49.95, doing an adequate enough job of juicing up the latest
“iDevice” generation without (many) cables.
But Swiss peripheral manufacturer Logitech has a
more elegant and efficient wireless charging solution designed in close
“collaboration with Apple”, allowing you to actually use your iPhone while
connected to a power source.
Somewhat confusingly named Powered, the company’s
newest iPhone accessory holds the X, 8, or 8 Plus in a “snug and comfortable
position” at a 65-degree angle, facilitating “optimal” Face ID unlocking, as
well as an “effortless” message-sending, movie-watching, FaceTiming experience.
You can drop your iPhone inside the U-shaped cradle
without worrying about finding some sweet spot, and the Logitech Powered also
supports both landscape and portrait mode charging. If you can settle for 5W
speeds, you’re even free to use this with Qi-certified Android handsets sharing
“similar dimensions and coil configuration to iPhone”, including Samsung’s
Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, S7, and S7 Edge.
The iPhone X, 8, and 8 Plus get fast 7.5 watt
wireless charging, although obviously, Logitech’s fancy, Swiss-engineered,
California-designed stand is a little pricier than Mophie and Belkin’s pads, at US$ 79.99. Up for pre-order now in “off-white” only, Powered weighs in at a paltry 412 grams, working with non-metal cases up to 3 mm thick, and
featuring “superior overheat protection.” That sounds like a pretty good deal
all in all.