Find My Your Charger: These USB-C Wall Adapters Now Have Apple’s Location Tracking

Find My Charger: Twelve South’s PlugBug Introduces Tracking to USB-C Wall Adapters

We’ve all been there: scrambling to find our keys, wallet, or even our phone in a moment of panic, but what about the seemingly invisible laptop charger? For those who rely on a USB-C charger for their daily tech needs, Twelve South has a solution: the PlugBug 50 and PlugBug 120. These aren’t your average wall adapters; they’re the first to incorporate Find My support, allowing Apple users to track their chargers with the same ease as their iPhone, iPad, or even an AirTag.

PlugBug: More Than Just a Charger

At their core, the PlugBugs are powerful USB-C wall chargers with impressive output capabilities. The PlugBug 50, priced at $69.99, features two USB-C ports with a total output of 50W, enough to simultaneously charge a smartphone and tablet or slowly charge a laptop. For those needing even more power, the PlugBug 120, priced at $119.99, comes with four USB-C ports and a whopping 120W output, perfect for powering demanding laptops or charging multiple devices simultaneously.

Finding Your Charger Just Got Easier

But the PlugBugs’ true innovation lies in their integration with Apple’s Find My network. "We believe our PlugBug makes charging less of a hassle for anyone who has ever lost their charger." stated Twelve South CEO, Stephen Sande. This integration allows you to track the charger’s location on a map within the Find My app, just like any other compatible Apple device.

Beyond Tracking: Additional Features

The PlugBugs offer more than just location tracking:

• Lost Charger Alert: These chargers can help you locate them even when they’re lost within your home or office. "You can use the Find My app to make your PlugBug beep to help you locate it," explains a spokesperson for Twelve South.
• Left-Behind Notifications: If you leave your PlugBug behind at a coffee shop or hotel, you’ll receive a notification from the Find My app, ensuring you don’t forget it.
• Travel-Ready Versions: Twelve South offers travel versions of both the PlugBug 50 and PlugBug 120 for $10 more each. These versions include interchangeable prongs for the US, UK, European Union, Australia, South Korea, and China, all neatly packed in a travel-ready case.

The Case for the PlugBug

The PlugBug certainly offers unique features that address a common frustration: misplaced chargers. "This is a great option for someone who travels a lot or is always on the go," states tech reviewer Sarah Lee. However, the usefulness of the PlugBugs depends largely on your travel habits.

Should You Invest in a PlugBug?

For frequent travelers or even regular commuters who often use their laptop charger outside their home, the PlugBug’s Find My integration can be a valuable asset. "I’ve lost countless chargers over the years, so this feature is a game-changer for me," commented Michael Jones, a frequent business traveler.

However, for those who rarely travel and primarily use their charger at home, the PlugBug’s price point might be a deterrent, especially considering the cost of an AirTag at $25. "While the integration with Find My is nice, it might not be worth the premium price for some users," added Lee.

The Future of Smart Chargers

The introduction of the PlugBug signifies a shift in the future of charging accessories, emphasizing convenience, security, and a focus on the user experience. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more smart chargers incorporating tracking features, integrated app integration, and other intelligent features that simplify our tech lives.

In Conclusion

The Twelve South PlugBugs, with their combination of powerful charging capabilities and innovative Find My integration, offer a compelling solution for tech users who frequently travel and want to ensure their essential charging gear is never left behind. While the price point might seem steep, the PlugBugs offer a unique combination of features that could well be worth the investment for many users.

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