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Analysis of Belkin’s Newest MagSafe Stands, Charging Gadgets, Power Banks, and Additional Products

**Belkin’s Cyber Monday Sales on MagSafe and Qi2 Accessories**

Belkin has positioned itself as a top accessory provider for iPhone users, especially with its MagSafe and Qi2 offerings. This Cyber Monday, the brand is providing substantial price cuts on several of its most sought-after charging gadgets, presenting a great chance for shoppers to enhance their charging setups.

### Overview of Qi2 Technology

It’s essential to clarify that the accessories highlighted are Qi2, not the latest Qi2.2 standard. Although Qi2 accessories are typically less expensive, they might not offer the fastest charging speeds compatible with newer iPhone models, including the iPhone 16 or 17. Nonetheless, they still present a dependable and economical charging option.

### Featured Items

#### 3-in-1 Charging Stand
Belkin’s 3-in-1 charging stand serves as a flexible choice, currently priced at $77, reflecting a 30% reduction. It comes equipped with a braided non-removable charging cable and a 36W power brick. The compact build is perfect for limited spaces, and the adjustable MagSafe charging ring facilitates easy placement of the iPhone. Available in black and white, it’s a chic present for anyone in need of a multi-device charging solution.

#### 8K MagSafe Power Bank
For those in need of a portable charging choice, the Belkin 8K BoostCharge power bank is listed at $55, also showcasing a 30% price cut. This power bank features a kickstand for convenient video viewing while charging. With LED indicators and a capacity of up to 28 hours of battery life, it’s an efficient option for users on the move.

#### 3-in-1 Charging Pad
The Belkin 3-in-1 charging pad, which echoes Apple’s AirPower design, is available for $65 this Cyber Monday. It enables the simultaneous charging of three devices on a flat surface. The detachable Apple Watch charger provides added versatility, allowing users to power other devices if they don’t own an Apple Watch. Offered in black and white, it’s a stylish enhancement for any workspace.

#### Magnetic Foldable Charger
At $25, the magnetic foldable charger offers a compact and portable solution for frequent travelers. It supports 15W MagSafe charging and includes a USB-C charging brick and cable. Its foldable construction ensures easy transportation, making it perfect for users who work in various settings.

#### 10K Traditional Power Bank
The 10,000mAh battery bank is a non-MagSafe option priced at just $15. It features an integrated USB-C cable and a sleek design for portability. With LED charge status lights and fast charging capabilities of up to 20W, it’s a trustworthy selection for users requiring extra power on the go.

#### 4-port 108W GaN Charger
This comprehensive charger is tailored for users wanting to reduce clutter. Available at a 40% discount, it includes two USB-C ports capable of delivering up to 96W and two USB-A ports. Even though the USB-A ports may not be the most sought after, they remain useful for replenishing older gadgets.

### Conclusion

Belkin’s Cyber Monday event presents a fantastic chance for iPhone users to procure premium charging accessories at lowered prices. Whether you’re after a multi-device charging stand, a portable power bank, or a versatile charging pad, Belkin has a variety of offerings to cater to different needs and preferences.

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How to Stop Your Wi-Fi Router from Monitoring You

someone from observing their Wi-Fi networks. An often-overlooked element of online security, however, is the hardware itself. Specifically, router manufacturers have drawn the ire of some critics because of their role at the center of their clients’ data, granting them a unique ability to violate the privacy of their users. A recent CNET report sheds light on the privacy practices within the industry by analyzing over 30,000 words of fine print and contacting representatives from seven of the biggest providers, namely Arris, TP-Link, Eero, D-Link, Asus, Google Nest, and Netgear. The findings were not as straightforward as one might wish. Generally, company privacy policies were lengthy, unclear, and intricate documents seemingly designed to foster as much legal ambiguity as possible. Regrettably, such documents render it exceedingly challenging for the typical user to understand the privacy safeguards of their chosen providers. Although the majority denied selling browsing information, all were discovered to gather user data for purposes of marketing or system upkeep.

The issue made headlines in December 2024 when the Wall Street Journal reported that the Departments of Commerce and Justice were <a href="https://www.bgr.com/2022708/why

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Top 5 Essential iPhone Applications for Audiophiles

if they still sound lacking on your iPhone, the problem may lie with the apps you’re using to stream music. For numerous iPhone users, subscriptions to Apple Music or Spotify do not ensure high detail or expansive dynamic range. The reason for inadequate output often stems from the app, codec, or settings on your device. Mediocre quality output results from how audio is compressed and transmitted within an app. Spotify’s default configurations favor storage efficiency and buffer speed over sound fidelity, streaming tracks utilizing “lossy” codecs like AAC or Ogg Vorbis.

Apple Music provides lossless ALAC streaming, but it is not activated by default. Bluetooth on the iPhone employs AAC, another “lossy” codec. This is why your headphones fail to produce the sound you anticipate from them. The “lossy” formats function adequately for casual listening; however, for those attuned to every chord, bass line, guitar riff, or instrument separation, lossless formats like ALAC and FLAC deliver true-to-life output.

The appropriate app and settings can significantly impact the experience. For iPhone users who prioritize unyielding audio quality, control, and availability of high-res or lossless libraries, these five crucial apps on the App Store provide the optimum experience. From support for various formats to curated playlists and music discovery features, these apps address what audiophiles genuinely value.

Apple Music

“Sturdy Headphones Offered for $13 on Black Friday Following Three Years of Everyday Use”

Get 48% off these wired Sony headphones, or 43% off my top choice with a microphone for calls or gaming.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Audio enthusiasts have a wealth of Black Friday headphone offers calling to them, featuring significant discounts on high-end Sony or Bose ANC headphones — yet they will still set you back at least $200. For regular folks like you and me, a straightforward pair of budget-friendly, dependable headphones is far more suitable.

My sincere advice? The Sony ZX Wired On-Ear Headphones, available for only $12.99 (48% off) at Best Buy, or the enhanced <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=169923&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB00OUX6U6G%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dac-gb-3576887498776961502-20" data-url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OUX6U6G" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="sponsored noopener" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-google-interstitial

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TESSAN Towers and Power Strips Offered at a 23% Discount This Black Friday

Don’t you find it frustrating when you run out of wall sockets to charge your devices? As a tech writer and a passionate tech lover, I have two of TESSAN’s amazing towers at home. The TESSAN Tower Power Strip Flat Plug with 11 Outlets is my go-to choice since it not only provides extra plugs but also includes one USB-C and two USB-A ports.

If you are desperately seeking wall socket extensions, you shouldn’t miss out on this Black Friday offer and snag a great

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Best Buy maintains $100 off on premier wireless earbuds following Black Friday

In addition to providing an exceptional audio experience, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are equipped with numerous premium audio functionalities. These wireless earbuds deliver top-notch sound quality, complemented by practical features like active noise cancellation, ambient sound mode, 360 reality audio, and compatibility with various high-resolution formats. We appreciate their outstanding battery performance and user-friendly interface through the Sony Headphones Connect app, which offers equalization and other adjustments. Furthermore, the earbuds come with an IPX4 water resistance rating and support fast charging via USB-C cable as well as Qi wireless charging. They certainly occupy the higher price range of earbuds, making promotions like this especially valuable.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are exceptional, primarily because of their remarkable sound performance, extensive feature set, and enduring battery life. Although the market is definitely competitive today, these remain a standout option for us, particularly for those prioritizing overall sound excellence.

The WF-1000XM5s boast robust AI-driven ANC, ambient sound settings, 360 reality audio, and customizable options with the Sony Headphones Connect app.

Sony claims that these earbuds provide up to 8 hours of battery life per charge, totaling 24 hours with intermittent recharges using the case. With the USB-C charging cable, users can gain an hour of playback with just a 3-minute charge. Additionally, they are compatible with Qi wireless charging. The earbuds feature six built-in microphones for superior call quality and convenient voice commands, along with functionalities such as Speak-to-Chat and Precise Voice Pickup Technology.

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“Best Alternatives to the Quest 3 Elite Strap with Battery: Superior Offers Accessible”

We’ve evaluated third-party solutions from Kiwi Design and BoboVR that enhance your Quest 3 or 3S comfort and durability at a significantly lower cost.

The standard Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S straps press into your ears, soak up sweat, and do not adequately counterbalance the front-heavy build or keep them secure during workout games. An upgrade is essential, one that also extends the two-hour battery life, to ensure the top VR experience.

However, Meta’s official Elite Strap with Battery comes with a hefty price tag! Even with its 20%-off Black Friday promotion ending Saturday night, it still costs $103 on Amazon, which is excessive given that a complete Quest 3S is just $249! Fortunately, among the finest Meta Quest 3 & 3S accessories, there are numerous excellent third-party alternatives on sale for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Our initial suggestion is KIWI Design, known for outstanding Elite-style straps. The H4 Boost Halo Strap is available for $63.99 (20% off), providing an additional three hours of gameplay while also featuring an adjustable, padded forehead cushion that allows you to discover the ideal viewing angle with reduced pressure on your face. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more classic “Elite” design similar to Meta’s strap, the KIWI Design K4 Boost is priced at $55.98 (20% off) with the same battery enhancement.

Our typical top recommendation, the BoboVR M3 Pro Halo Strap, remains at full price this year, regrettably. However, if you’re open to considering an Elite-style strap instead, the BoboVR E3 Pro presents an interesting option! It’s available for $59.99 on Amazon (25% off), boosts the Quest 3S battery life by 150%, and includes a 3.5mm audio jack port (which the Quest 3S does not have), allowing the USB-C port to be used for the battery pack.

My colleague Nick, a dedicated Meta Quest enthusiast, also suggested the Yoges battery pack as an alternative Black Friday deal, should these options not meet your needs.

This Black Friday-to-Cyber Monday period has been fantastic for those interested in VR gaming, with Quest 3 buyers receiving a $75 gift card at Best Buy, while the PSVR 2 Call of the Mountain Bundle is reduced to $299 ($100 off) on Amazon. For the seasoned VR users who already possess their headsets, it’s an excellent opportunity to seek out accessories that enhance your experience for less.

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$119 Cyber Monday Chromebook Offer Shines Amidst Lackluster Deals

I’m honestly surprised this hasn’t sold out yet. When I search for various deals to share, you won’t often find me recommending a Chromebook priced below $150. This is mainly because sub-$150 Chromebook offers typically aren’t worth it. However, I’m making an exception after noticing that Lenovo’s Slim 3 Chromebook is available for just $119, a substantial $200 discount.

In fact, I’d even go as far as to say that this is the only instance when you should genuinely consider purchasing the Slim 3 Chromebook. Its price tends to vary outside of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Prime Day, but I’ve never encountered this Chromebook at such a low price.

As long as you moderate your expectations and comprehend what this Chromebook can accomplish, this might be the best Cyber Monday deal available. It’s not common to see a decent Chromebook on sale for under $150, but that’s precisely what we have with the Slim 3 Chromebook.

✅Recommended if: You’re looking for an affordable laptop or tablet for light tasks and don’t prioritize a touchscreen or convertible design.

❌Skip this deal if: You’re searching for a budget Chromebook but require something with greater power or one that at least has a touchscreen.

What makes this such an attractive deal? The explanation is straightforward: it’s simply a well-balanced machine. This holds true for many of Lenovo’s other Chromebooks, regardless of their price point.

With the Slim 3 specifically, you’re getting a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, which provides a clear and sharp screen. While this particular model lacks a touchscreen, that’s not really a concern since you can’t pivot the screen back and use it as a tablet anyway.

Regarding performance, we have the MediaTek Kompanio 520 in charge, accompanied by 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. This is usually where I would advise you to steer clear, but Lenovo struck gold here. No, you won’t be able to manage numerous app windows and Chrome tabs simultaneously, but it works well for lighter browsing.

What convinces me is the battery life. Lenovo claims the Slim 3 Chromebook can last over 13 hours, even with a 1080p display. Often, I encounter low-priced Chromebooks advertised to have such longevity, only to discover they’re equipped with a 720p screen, which isn’t ideal.

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Apple Home: Anticipated Improvements Set for Next Year

### Apple Home: A New Chapter for Smart Home Integration

Apple introduced HomeKit over ten years ago, but the vision of a smart home has been rather chaotic ever since. Here’s why I believe that Apple Home will finally turn into what I’ve always wished for this upcoming year.

#### Speculations Suggest Apple is Prepared to Commit to the Smart Home

My background with a smart home setup has been filled with challenges throughout the years. While there have been occasions when it functioned well, I’ve also faced numerous instances of inconsistency, and even cases where product manufacturers ceased operations or rendered their products largely inoperable.

As an avid Apple user—with an iPhone, iPad, Mac, HomePods, Apple TV, and more—I have consistently favored acquiring smart home gadgets that boast HomeKit compatibility. I prefer not to use devices that rely on their own distinct applications or don’t integrate seamlessly with Siri. Unfortunately, locating quality products with excellent HomeKit support has not always been straightforward.

My aspiration for the smart home has always been for Apple to produce its own home devices. The Apple TV 4K and HomePod serve as a promising beginning—and new models are on the horizon—but I desire more. Next year, speculation suggests, my wish may finally come true.

Apple is allegedly set to introduce:
1. Its own home security camera
2. Possibly a video doorbell
3. The long-anticipated HomePod Touch featuring a display

I’m eager about HomePod Touch for various reasons, but ultimately, it remains an extension of the HomePod series. However, the introduction of Apple-created smart home devices like a security camera and doorbell could herald a bold new beginning for Apple Home.

#### Five New Apple Home Products May Enhance the Overall Ecosystem

When it comes to developing new products, Apple has traditionally chosen to decline product concepts much more frequently than it accepts them. Overall, I consider this a commendable strategy. The company can’t do everything. Nonetheless, rumors hint that Apple has internally expressed “yes” to a significantly larger investment in Apple Home with a broadened range of smart home products.

This renewed focus on Apple Home is expected to align well with the emergence of AI and a more advanced Siri arriving early next year. We anticipate five potential Home product releases in the upcoming year—a substantial increase compared to what we typically see from Apple.

My enthusiasm for these upcoming products is twofold. I’m delighted that there will be more Apple-produced Home accessories that should work flawlessly with HomeKit, the Home app, Siri, and more. All while delivering the level of quality and dependability I expect from Apple products.

I’m also optimistic that by manufacturing its own smart home devices, Apple will gain a better understanding of bugs and user experience challenges with HomeKit that it can enhance for all users. I believe that increased investment will lead to overall improvements for Apple Home.

Apple may not be able to produce every single smart home gadget that I desire. However, its lineup for 2026 seems like a tremendous starting point and should position Apple Home for a significantly more gratifying user experience in the coming years.

Are you excited about more Apple-branded smart home devices? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments.

#### Top Apple HomeKit-Compatible Accessories

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