Twelve South's new PowerBug turns any outlet into a floating MagSafe charger
Twelve South PowerBug
The new PowerBug from Twelve South packs a 30W USB-C charger and Qi2 magnetic power puck into a wall adapter that fits in the palm of your hand. It can charge two devices at once, making it perfect for use in the kitchen, bathroom or while traveling. Don't let the looks of the new PowerBug fool you. It may appear to just be a typical USB-C charger at first glance, but Twelve South has packed in an even more useful feature. The fact that it doubles as a MagSafe adapter with the same tech as the company's Butterfly 2-in-1 charger means that any outlet can become a compact iPhone wireless charging mount. After using it myself, that versatile design means there are a few use cases where the PowerBug feels like a real game-changer.
I had a chance to check this out earlier in the year during a trip to the Twelve South headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina. Ever since then, I've known exactly where I want this to live in my home: the kitchen. Right after unpacking it, I immediately plugged the charging puck into an outlet right next to my stove. I already have a USB-C charger there to power the HomePod Mini that serenades me while cooking, and this is a worthy replacement that adds extra functionality to my current setup.
Instead of just powering a smart speaker, it also means I could ditch the cheap MagSafe stand that had been keeping my phone propped up while I whip up dinner. Sometimes it's useful for double-checking a recipe or intently following along with a more in-depth cooking guide, others it's just having my phone away from the cutting board but still within arm's reach. In either case, the PowerBug means I can replace two accessories with one that is far handier and far more useful.
I've also explored using this in the bathroom with the outlet right next to my sink. If you have a long morning routine and are looking for a spot to place your phone while you get ready, the PowerBug can certainly deliver. Alongside keeping your iPhone in place, the wireless charger features can also handle sending 15W of power to your device.
Twelve South has a long track record of releasing useful and novel gadgets. I've been using (and loving) the brand's charging gear and Apple accessories for years, much like my colleagues. CNN Underscored's tech editor Henry T. Casey recently spoke highly of the company's new Curve Nano smartphone stand after testing it himself.
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors with many years of product testing experience as well as experience researching and recommending other buys, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to ensure we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Senior deals editor Rikka Altland has personally been reviewing all kinds of tech, gadgets and home goods for nearly a decade.
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