Anker’s new Prime 240W charger and 250W battery bank are coming in July - The Verge

Anker’s new Prime 240W charger and 250W battery bank are coming in July

Anker’s 240W Prime USB-C charger can fast-charge two MacBook Pros simultaneously

Anker’s new desktop multi-port USB-C charger and its dockable portable battery bank can both fast-charge two laptops at the same time.

By Umar Shakir , a news writer fond of the electric vehicle lifestyle and things that plug in via USB-C. He spent over 15 years in IT support before joining The Verge.

Jun 14, 2023, 10:37 PM UTC |

vertically stood charging brick with four usb ports — *Anker Prime 240W GaN Desktop Charger.*

Anker presented its updated lineup of USB-C power adapters as a solution to e-waste during a product reveal event on Tuesday in New York City, betting these versatile chargers can swoop in as smartphone manufacturers stop shipping adapters in the box. After releasing a slew of new gallium nitride (GaN) chargers dubbed GaNPrime over the last year with the third generation of its fast charging tech, many of them will be rereleased as part of its new line, Anker Prime.

Anker’s new Prime desktop 240W charger is due for release in July and supports a max of 140W per device, which we have seen from manufacturers like Hyper and Ugreen.

Image: Anker

However, if you have two of the larger MacBook Pro laptops for some reason, you could fast-charge them simultaneously on this new desktop charger, assuming you’re using Apple’s MagSafe to USB-C cable and that at least one of them is a smaller 14-inch model. This should be able to deliver 140W of charging to a 16-inch MacBook Pro on one port and 96W on the other. For chargers capable of outputting 240W over a single USB port, we’ll have to keep waiting for Power Delivery 3.1 chargers or even the 180W one coming from laptop maker Framework.

There’s also a third USB-C port on the desktop charger, along with one USB-A port, available for whatever else needs power. And like Satechi’s desktop charger, it has a stand to hold it vertically on your desk. Anker’s 240W desktop charger is coming in July, and the price is to be determined.

Anker’s senior PR manager Mary Woodbury introduced the charger by saying, “Today, with USB-C 2.1 standard, we can now safely build a charger capable of 240 watts of power,” and suggested it as a pack-in to power tech like new gaming laptops. But with current laptops typically maxing out at 100W charging over USB, most gamers will want to keep standard chargers around to eke out the most performance possible without draining their batteries.

Anker’s Prime 250W Battery Bank

Image: Umar Shakir / The Verge

Anker’s first product to support 140W charging for a single device was actually last year’s PowerCore 24K battery bank. And now the company is beefing it up a bit by adding a 27,650mAh battery in place of the previous 24,000mAh, with the new 250W Power Bank (so named because it can output up to a total of 250 watts from all of its ports and pull off the same two-laptop fast-charging as the previously mentioned desktop charger). The upgraded bank also has pins on the bottom that lets you drop it on an optional 100W charging dock, which gives the battery a home so you can habitually keep it charged.

The dock for the new Power Bank was marked as $69.99 and has its own 100W charger with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port for other devices you’d like to keep topped up on your desk.

This dock has a 100W charger built in and lets you situate the Battery Bank on top for easy daily charging.

Image: Umar Shakir / The Verge

Anker Prime Reserve has a pop-out lantern light.

Image: Anker

There’s also a new emergency / camping battery called Prime Reserve. It’s got a handle so you can carry it like a lantern, and it even is a lantern since a light can pop out from the top. It’s powered by 60,000mAh LFP batteries, which Anker says have enough power to recharge an iPhone 10 times. Along with its dual USB-C and USB-A (each) ports, the Reserve has an XT60 connector to support add-on solar panels. It’s available now for $169.99.

Anker’s also got an updated power station — the one that has the two pop-out AC ports. This time, the thin power strip that’s married to a DC charger has a power status screen embedded in the area that used to have just a weird circle light (and totally looked like a wireless charging pad but wasn’t). It has two USB-C ports and two USB-A ones as well, all outputting a total of 140 watts of power (up from 100W). You can expect this, and most of the new Anker Prime products, to be available in July.

Anker already sold these as GaN Prime chargers, but they’re now part of Anker Prime.

Image: Chris Welch / The Verge

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Why disabled users joined the Reddit blackout - The Verge

Why disabled users joined the Reddit blackout

The site and the official app are so inaccessible that a sighted person had to flip the switch to make r/blind go dark.

By s.e. smith

Jun 13, 2023, 8:49 PM UTC |

Image by Alex Castro / The Verge

The Reddit blackout is in its second day as more than 8,000 communities go dark to protest the tech giant’s plans to implement API pricing that users say is too high, too fast. It’s created a ripple effect from bored people not being able to access r/relationships to academics missing r/AskHistorians. In the process, it’s also highlighted an issue that often lurks in the darkness: accessibility.

Subreddits like r/blind, r/HardofHearing, and r/deaf are relatively small, but their concerns loom large in the protest. Some disabled users fear the API changes will threaten their ability to access the site. Because both Reddit’s website and its official app fall short of their needs, they rely on third-party applications to navigate Reddit. Those third-party applications can’t afford the API fees, and some, such as Apollo, are already announcing that they’re shutting down.

Accessibility, broadly, includes the implementation of features that allow disabled people to access a built environment, whether physical or digital. One in four Americans are disabled and have varying access needs, such as ramps, ASL interpreters, captions for videos, plain language information, and the ability to modify how text is displayed. Greater accessibility often benefits people in ways they don’t even notice. Enlarged text or changed contrast are access features, for example, and fans of dark mode can thank the disability community.

“If Reddit was a restaurant third party apps are franchises. We can get a burger from Reddit directly or from a franchise. The official Reddit location is at the top of a cliff. Disabled people can’t get there. Reddit is charging franchise fees so high nobody else can afford to offer burgers,” reads a message from the moderators of r/blind, one of the subreddits that joined the blackout.

In a conversation with The Verge, Norbert Rum, who founded r/blind in 2008, pointed out several places where Reddit’s official app falls short of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the set of standards used to guide developers in the creation of accessible apps and websites.

One is huge: people relying on keyboard-only navigation can’t actually use the app, a critical issue for people who rely on voice control. Reddit’s official app is also not compatible with screen readers, which read content to blind and low-vision users and also provide navigational information.

Reddit’s official app is also not compatible with screen readers

In an AMA, CEO Steve Huffman responded to a user query about accessibility with: “For our own apps, there is no excuse. We will do better.” When asked for more information, Reddit spokesperson Tim Rathschmidt said the company is “exploring a number of things at the moment” but did not provide a timeline for features such as alt text for media and interactive controls.

Many third-party apps either have explicit accessibility features or integrate smoothly with iOS or Android’s built-in accessibility options. Apple, in particular, is famous for its accessible iPhone features, such as VoiceOver, enabling accessibility shortcuts, and working seamlessly with Bluetooth hearing aids. These features can be extremely valuable for disabled people who can’t access Reddit on desktop or simply prefer mobile due to its affordability or portability.

Reddit’s culture relies on unpaid community moderators, and many of the mods, in turn, rely on tools in third-party apps with accessibility features that Reddit’s official app doesn’t have. In a post on r/traaaaaaannnnnnnnnns, moderator vibratoryblurriness discussed handling the bulk of the moderation as a disabled trans person who would be unable to continue without third-party apps.

In response to user outcry, Reddit introduced exemptions for developers of “non-commercial apps that address accessibility needs.” Rathschmidt confirmed that two apps, Dystopia and RedReader, have received exemptions, and the company is in talks with “a number of developers focused on accessibility.” In the meantime, he said developers can contact Reddit to learn more about exemptions. Meanwhile, in Friday’s AMA with Reddit’s CEO, MostlyBlindGamer commented: “You ask for what you consider to be a fair price for access to your API, yet you expect developers to provide accessible alternatives to your apps for free.”

Reddit appears to be making a distinction between accessibility apps and apps with access features, which might not necessarily qualify for exemptions; Rathschmidt did not respond to a request for clarification on exemption decisions. This kind of distinction often leads to absurd outcomes — for example, a dilemma where the state will fund a $3,000 bulky purpose-built item but not an iPad with a communication app, which would be more effective. But beyond the sheer inefficiency, siloing disabled people to a handful of sanctioned apps is a tiny echo of how disabled people have been pushed out of public lifetime and time again.

Disabled users say the most obvious fix to their accessibility woes is an overhaul of the official app

Disabled users say the most obvious fix to their accessibility woes is an overhaul of the official app. This could include fixes to address outstanding access issues, such as the need for alternate text and clearly labeled buttons that can interact with screen readers appropriately, and might integrate options to address cognitive disabilities and physical impairments such as Parkinson’s or tremors, which can make it very hard to use apps without making mistakes. In the short term, they want their beloved apps to be able to continue operating, which would require revisiting the API pricing and the timeline for implementation.

As for r/blind, it remains dark in protest, with a bitter twist: thanks to access conflicts, only a sighted person could actually flip the switch that set the community to private.

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Arlo’s Essential Video Doorbell Wired is on sale for less than $60 - The Verge

Arlo’s Essential Video Doorbell Wired is on sale for less than $60

Arlo’s Essential Wired Doorbell is on sale for less than $60 right now

Apple’s M1-powered iMac and Amazon’s latest Echo Show 8 have also dropped to their best prices to date.

By Sheena Vasani , a writer covering commerce, e-readers, and tech news. She previously wrote about everything from web development to AI at Inside.

Jun 17, 2023, 2:22 PM UTC |

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission.See our ethics statement.

Arlo’s Essential Wired Video Doorbell installed on a front door. — *Arlo’s Essential Wired Video Doorbell offers a high-res camera and a wide field of view.*

It’s unfortunate, but many video doorbells require you to lock yourself into one platform’s smart home ecosystem to really make the most of them. Thankfully, there’s at least one video doorbell that works well with any smart home platform: the Arlo Essential Wired Doorbell. And right now, it’s on sale in white for $59.49 (about $91 off) at Amazon. If you prefer another retailer (or color), you can also buy it in black at Verizon for $64.99.

Not only is Arlo’s video doorbell compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and even Apple Home, but it works well with many of these platforms. In fact, you can even use it to view live feeds from the Google Home app, which is a rarity for a non-Google camera. It also shares the same high video resolution as Amazon’s Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 — our top pick when it comes to wired doorbells — along with smart alerts for people and packages. Although it’s not nearly as fast or reliable, the Arlo does come with features the Pro 2 lacks, including smart alerts for animals and vehicles as well as a wider 180-degree field of view that’ll capture your entire porch.

Just be mindful that the doorbell doesn’t support HomeKit Secure Video and thus you’ll need to buy the Arlo SmartHub ($100) to integrate it into Apple Home. Also, be aware that you’ll need to pay $4.99 a month for cloud video storage, interactive notifications, and other perks. If that’s not a problem, though, Arlo’s budget option is a great pick that will help you keep tabs on your porch well.

Apple may not have released an updated iMac alongside the 15-inch MacBook Air and new Mac Studio this week, but at least the latest model continues to drop in price. Right now, for instance, Apple’s M1-powered iMac has returned to its all-time low at Woot, where you can pick it up in silver or pink with an eight-core GPU and 256GB of storage for $979.99 ($519 off). Woot is also selling the silver model with a seven-core GPU for $899.99 ($399 off), but note these are “open box” models, which means they’ll arrive in the original packaging but have previously been opened. They also only carry a 90-day warranty from Woot, as opposed to Apple’s standard one-year warranty.

If you’re looking for an attractive-looking family desktop, however, the 2021 iMac remains an excellent all-in-one machine. It comes with everything you’ll need to get started, including a keyboard, a mouse, a trackpad, and a 24-inch display. Plus, it boasts a 1080p webcam and a terrific six-speaker sound system. Admittedly, it’s not for creative professionals or power users who may find some specs limiting, but if all you need is a good-performing desktop that’s suitable for everyday work, you’ll be more than happy with the latest iMac.

If you’re in the market for a smart display, Amazon’s second-gen Echo Show 8 is currently available for half off at Amazon, where you can pick it up for a new low of $64.99 when you use promo code SHOW8 at checkout. Best Buy and Target are also discounting the smart display, albeit selling it for $74.99 instead, which is still one of its better prices to date.

Amazon’s versatile, Alexa-enabled smart display offers a lot of value for your money. With its spacious 8-inch screen and 13-megapixel camera, you can use it to comfortably make Zoom calls and stream a variety of video content. You can also use it to perform a wealth of other voice-enabled tasks, giving you a quick means of controlling your smart lighting, catching up on the news, and playing the latest tracks from T-Swift.

The second-gen Echo Show 8 with its main screen on display and resting on a table.

The Echo Show 8 is the midsize smart display in Amazon’s current Echo lineup and can be used to display the weather, news, calendars, grocery lists, and more. You can also use it to control your smart home devices, watch streaming video, or listen to music.

We wrote about Sonos’ Father’s Day promo earlier this month, but it’s worth flagging again since you only have through tomorrow, June 18th, to score a discount on the company’s impressive line of smart speakers and soundbars. Right now, for example, you can pick up the pint-sized Sonos Roam from Best Buy, Target, and Sonos for $134.25 (about $45 off). In addition to offering good sound quality and a rugged design, the portable smart speaker offers support for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s AirPlay 2.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to splurge on a quality soundbar, you can also buy the Sonos Arc from Sonos, Best Buy, and Target for $719.20 (about $181 off). That’s the best price we’ve seen this year on the Arc, which delivers immersive, powerful sound and Dolby Atmos support.

The Sonos Roam is a portable Bluetooth speaker that integrates with the company’s popular whole-home audio platform. It also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

The Sonos Arc is the company’s flagship soundbar, offering a plethora of drivers including upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers. This soundbar provides immersive, powerful sound, whether you’re watching movies or enjoying music.

Some other ways to save this Saturday

Costco members can buy Apple’s third-gen AirPods with a MagSafe Charging Case for $139.99 through June 18th. Non-members can also get a discount when they pay a five percent surcharge, which raises the price to $146.99. Unlike their predecessor, the third-gen earbuds tout water- and sweat-resistance, as well as shorter stems. Read our review.
If you’re looking for a good Kindle alternative, the Kobo Libra 2 is on sale for $169.99 ($20 off) at Kobo as a part of Kobo’s ongoing summer sale. This is my favorite e-reader, one that’s devoid of ads and offers physical page-turning buttons alongside waterproofing and a crisp 300ppi display. The only drawback is that, like all Kobo e-readers, you can’t easily read Kindle ebooks on it.
Speaking of good Costco deals, members can purchase a $100 Nintendo eShop gift card for just $79.99 through June 18th. Now is also a particularly good time to do so, namely because Nintendo’s so-called “Hyper Max Sale” runs through the end of next week.
The latest Tile Mate is on salefor around $20 ($5 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. The platform-agnostic Bluetooth tracker is a handy little travel gadget, one that’ll help you keep tabs on your luggage and other personal belongings from up to 250 feet away. It’s also a good budget-friendly Father’s Day gift that should arrive ahead of the holiday if you buy it from Walmart or pick it up in-store from Best Buy.

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