Belkin has announced eight new products, “Across its power, audio and connectivity categories” which us, here at High Performance Laptops call laptop accessories. Some of the devices are more for mobile phones and tablets but, when you think about it, they’re often used in proximity to one’s lap too, sometimes.
Belkin also makes a point that all of its new products are made with post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics for sustainability.
Belkin’s new wireless charging products
In the wireless charging space there are three new products. As is usual for Belkin, the company has eschewed snappy product names for long-winded, descriptive monikers that tell you exactly what the device does. This underlines these are more partnering tools more than branded, premium products. Still, all Belkin products also have code numbers and these will be useful for quick-and-accurate product identification (they’re also good for identifying regional spec variations).
BoostCharge Pro Universal Easy Align Wireless Charging Pad 15W (WIA007)
The BoostCharge Pro charges Qi-compatible devices up to 15-Watts. The large, non-slip charging surface makes for easy device alignment and keeps it in place if vibrating or knocked. It has two, individual, thermal protection systems to prevent overheating.
BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with Qi2 (WIZ021 and WIZ022)
The 3-in-1 BoostCharge Pro is MagSafe compatible and uses the new Qi2 standard for even-faster charging for devices at 15-Watts, while simultaneously performing regular Qi charging for 5-Watt devices (WIZ021). Meanwhile, a USB-C port enables fast charging for recent Apple Watch models via an optional dongle (included on the WIZ021). The thingy on the right is the optional watch-charging dongle. The whole pad is also available in white.
BoostCharge Convertible Qi2 Wireless Pad to Stand (WIA008)
The MagSafe-compatible, Qi2 Convertible Pad/Stand facilitates the switching between horizontal and pad and stand modes. Pictures of it also keep making us thing we’ve got the aspect ratio wrong. At the time of going to press, we don’t have the code number.
The USB stuff which is a bit more laptopy
BoostCharge Pro 140W 4-Port GaN Wall Charger (WCH014)
It’s designed to charge a MacBook Pro at full speed and fast-charge an iPhone (or iPad) while simultaneously charging two additional devices at the same time. The 140-Watt, 4-Port GaN charger has three USB-C and one USB-A ports. Despite the Apple focus, Belkin states it also supports a multiple other USB-C devices including smartphones, tablets and laptops.Â
BoostCharge Hybrid Wall Charger 25W + Power Bank 5K (BPZ003)
Belkin’s latest portable Hybrid Wall Charger is a power bank and a PD wall charger. It’s got integrated PD3.1 PPS technology and provides high-speed safe charging to most PD-enabled devices including laptops.
Don’t worry about the Seppo plug prongs, you get Aussie versions in Straya. They use the American ones in Japan too, which is odd, considering their expertise in electronics. So, it’s not uncommon to see amazing, cutting-edge tech with two silly prongs that can’t even stay in a wall properly. Sometimes they even have a loose Earth wire that needs wrapping round a chunk of metal sticking out of the wall. Not even joking.
Connect 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Hub (INC013)
Belkin’s 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Hub cn charge multiple devices (including a laptop) with one Thunderbolt connection. It can connect to multiple monitors, safely charge devices with smart charging, facilitate fast file transfer and daisy chain up to six devices. It has four Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB-A port and is capable of 40Gbps data-transfer speeds. It also supports 96-Watt Power Delivery.
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Belkin’s new headphones which all work with laptops
SoundForm Inspire Kids Headphones (AUD006)
Belkin’s SoundForm Inspire is designed for kids to listen safely and comfortably while learning and playing. The small-cupped headset has 40mm drivers with a volume cap of 85 decibels. It also has a “RockStar Mode” that features an extra 3.5mm audio jack to share audio with a classmate or friend. A high-quality boom microphone keeps the sound clear when remote learning and an indicator light shows when the headset is muted. It’s also available in black with blue accents.
SoundForm Adapt Headset (AUD005)
Belkin’s SoundForm Adapt wireless (or wired) headset supports environmental noise cancellation (ENC) and has a high-quality boom-mic. It can be folded away for travel and has a 65-hour battery.Â
Availability
As is common for international announcements, we’ve NFI about how much any of this stuff costs. Belkin says that local product availability and pricing will appear in early 2024, so we’ve got a while. Nonetheless, all of the above will be on display at IFA 2023 in Germany.
