Twelve South has unveiled all-new PlugBug multi-port power adapters which plug into a wall outlet and are compatible with Apple’s Find My service.
These red-and-white accessories sport multiple USB-C ports, leveraging the USB Power Delivery protocol which Apple uses for fast-charging on its devices and safety features like overcharging and overheating protection. The new PlugBug measures just 3.3” x 1.93” x 0.86” (8.3cm x 4.9cm x 2.2cm), making it fit any pocket, purse, or bag. As Twelve South points out, the new PlugBug files as the world’s first power supply with Find My compatibility.
I’ve never misplaced or lost any of my chargers, but the PlugBug’s compact dimensions mean you could easily leave it behind. Thankfully, Find My support gives you a piece of mind knowing you can add this charger to the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and easily track its location via the Items tab should you lose or misplace it. Like other Find My-enabled accessories, the new PlugBug can be put in Lost Mode and beeped if nearby. Tracking works even with the charger unplugged thanks to an integrated coin battery (like AirTag) lasting about a year. Plus, you can monitor the battery’s charge level in the Find My app.
Even better, turn on separation alerts to have Find My notify you if you leave the house without your PlugBug. To do so, select the Items tab and touch your PlugBug in the list, then enable “Notify When Left Behind” or “Notify When Detached” in the Notifications section.
Twelve South offers two versions of the new PlugBug, one with two ports and the other with four ports. The two-port version provides 50W of power shared across two ports, allowing you to fast-charge your iPhone and iPad (or other USB devices) at the same time. The four-port version can power up to four devices simultaneously.
The chargers support the Power Delivery protocol that Apple uses for fast charging on its devices. Like all multi-port chargers, Power Delivery negotiates power requirements with the connected devices to distribute the right amount of power to each used port.
The 20W and 50W PlugBugs are further offered in standard and world editions. The world edition includes a travel case with international adapter plugs for American, British, European, Australian, Korean, and Chinese sockets.
Keep in mind that Twelve South has discontinued its PlugBug World and Slim chargers. I was happy to own a PlugBug World and liked its smart design. The thing attached to a MacBook’s USB power adapter and converted it into an ingenious dual wall charger. The 20W PlugBug Slim, on the other hand, was a rectangular wall charger that could fit in tight spaces thanks to its 0.67-inch profile (17mm). Thankfully, the new PlugBug is just as thin.
The PlugBug 50W with two USB0-C ports is priced at $70, and its 120W counterpart with four USB-C ports is $120. Their international versions carry a $10 premium; the PlugBug Travel 50W is priced at $80, while the PlugBug Travel 120W will set you back $130.
The new chargers are “coming soon.” If interested, sign up for email alerts to be notified when the new PlugBugs are available through the Twelve South web store.
Source: Twelve South
