A good fast charger can make a world of difference when you're low on battery and short on time. With more devices from smartphones to laptops supporting quick-charging tech, having an accessory that can deliver serious power in minutes is almost essential. Many newer phones no longer come with charging bricks in the box, so picking up a reliable fast charger will be essential for most people. Whether you're at home, at work or on the move, the right charger can help keep your gear topped up without wasting time.Todays fast chargers come in all shapes and sizes. Youll find compact wall plugs perfect for travel, multi-port hubs for charging several devices at once and GaN (gallium nitride) chargers that offer powerful performance in a smaller footprint. Some support multiple charging standards like USB Power Delivery (PD) and Qualcomm Quick Charge, making them great for everything from iPhones to Android phones, tablets and even some laptops. In this guide, well help you find the best fast chargers for your setup, so you can spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time getting things done. Best fast chargers for 2025 What to consider before buying a fast charger Before you start looking at specific chargers, it's critical to determine three things: how many devices do you need to charge, how much power do they require and whether or not you're planning on traveling with any of them. The reason for the first question is simple. If you only need to charge a single device, like an iPhone or Android phone, it's cheaper and usually more space-efficient to get a lower-wattage phone charger with one port instead of two or three. Next, it's critical to figure out how much electricity your gadgets need because it doesn't make sense to buy a power brick that pushes out more juice than your device can actually use. This may sound a bit tricky, but most major manufacturers will list a product's max charging speeds in its tech specs, which is typically denoted by a specific wattage (15W, for example) or a quick-charge rating. Unfortunately, very powerful or large laptops like gaming notebooks can suck a ton of juice (more than 140 watts), which means they may rely on more traditional power adapters with barrel plugs. This may result in them not being compatible with universal chargers. Some of these PCs may also support charging over USB-C, so even if a specific adapter can't deliver its full power draw, it can still send over some energy but it will do so at a slower rate compared to the laptop's included charger. To get the best performance, using a fast charging cable, such as a USB-C cable, can make a big difference in maintaining consistent power delivery. For frequent travelers, size and weight are often important considerations, because the bigger and heavier a charger is, the more annoying it will be to lug around. You'll also want to think about other factors like support for international plugs, which can be a big help to anyone who regularly visits other countries. If youre already traveling with power banks or a charging station, choosing a compact GaN charger can help streamline your gear. Finally, you'll want to figure out if your smartphone uses a proprietary charging standard or if it's compatible with the USB Power Delivery spec (USB PD). For example, the OnePlus 13's included SuperVOOC power adapter can send up to 100 watts to the phone. However, if you use a generic USB-PD charger, speeds top out at 45 watts. Thats still pretty quick, but not nearly as fast as OnePlus' brick and the same applies to devices with super fast charging support. Also, make sure your charging cable and connector are up to spec, as lower-quality accessories can bottleneck your charging speeds. Fast charger FAQs What is GaN? When looking for chargers, you may notice that some are marked as GaN, which stands for gallium nitride. This is an important distinction because, when compared to older adapters that use silicon switches, GaN-based devices support increased power efficiency and output, allowing manufacturers to create more compact bricks that run cooler and support higher wattages. Depending on the specific power output, GaN adapters can be 30 to 50 percent smaller and lighter than silicon-based alternatives. That might not sound like much, but when theyre sitting in a bag alongside a laptop and a half dozen other accessories you might have, cutting down on excess bulk and weight goes a long way. Do fast chargers affect battery life? Technically yes, because the process of sending a ton of watts into a gadget and potentially generating additional heat while doing so can decrease battery health over time. That said, modern devices and chargers use various protocols to ensure temperatures and power levels stay within preset limits in large part to avoid damaging the product or creating a safety risk. At a base level, simply charging a gadget regardless of speed will cause degradation over time (nothing stays perfect forever, you know?). So as long as you use compatible chargers and cables, the impact of fast charging is generally quite negligible. What's the difference between a fast charger and a regular charger? There isn't a single generally accepted definition of fast charging. However, with power adapters capable of sending as little as five watts or less, it's important to know how much juice your device is getting, especially if you need to recharge something quickly. So depending on who you ask (particularly when it comes to smartphones), any charger that can push out more than 15 to 18 watts is generally considered to be "fast." That said, with some phones capable of receiving more than 100 watts and up to 240 watts for some laptops, it's more important than ever to consider what devices you own before buying a new fast charger.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-fast-chargers-140011033.html?src=rss

Framework and Nvidia have made a significant leap with new gaming laptop hardware - and we might see this in future handhelds, maybe.

The numbers underscore how local Chinese challengers to Nvidia are gaining traction as Beijing looks to push its domestic industry.

A whole swathe of spreads from the book are now available.Industrial Light & Magic: 50 Years of Innovation, the book I have written to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ILM, is being published on 13 January 2026.But right now you can already see a whole bunch of fun spreads from inside the book. Heres two below, and you can see even more at ILM.com in their updated story. Pre-order the book here from Amazon, but also check out your local Amazon marketplace:USA: https://amzn.to/3GSyUsWIndustrial Light & Magic: 50 Years of Innovation.The post New previews of my Industrial Light & Magic: 50 Years of Innovation book are here! appeared first on befores & afters.

Becky Cloonan @beckycloonan - The Pot of Basil @miski - PLANT CRIMINAL Mix & Match your October art challenge with Plantober! About the EventWant a break from your other list or an excuse to include any kind of plant life in your art? Then chill with Plantober and some greenery - be it forests, cacti, ferns and flowers or your very own fantasy flora designs!Plantober is a community event celebrating the month of October with plant-themed artwork.With seemingly countless art challenges taking root throughout this spooky month, we wanted to offer an open theme as a pressure-free addition to the fun:To participate in Plantober, all you have to do is include any type of flora in your art and share it with #plantober2024!Feel free to use the hashtag alongside art with plants you created for other October challenges, get inspired by our list of daily themes or make up your own fantasy flora designs!Whether you draw a piece including a plant a day throughout the entire month or participate with a single entry is completely up to you: You can join in as much or as little as you want and can.How to join Plantober 2024 on Cara1. Participate by posting new work youve made (which can be a part of other art challenges) including any type of plant or plants from our theme list2. Make sure to mention #plantober2024 in the description box when posting!Cara Theme ListWe encourage everyone to take this chance to explore new ideas, experiment with the nature of your art and take a chance at growing your art skills within our budding theme. Most of all, we are excited to see everyone having fun while creating and nurturing each other's works in the comments!We hope you can plant fresh friendships, discover new artwork and artists, collaborate and enjoy Plantober together. We look forward to seeing your creativity blossom! - The Cara Team Janine Narciso @jnarciso - Bloomy and the sproutlets Eva Toorenent @evaboneva - Plant Musician Neil Blevins @artofsoulburn -Space Baroque Venrusi Forest Rough Alice Ferox @aliceferox - May We Never Wake Up Robbie Trevino @robbietrevino - Amaniloth Ksenia Palchikova @kotartist - Watcher Elizah Leigh @elizahleighartwriter - Papaver Somniferum Eliza Leigh @elizahleighartwriter - Yora Tranca Eva Vilhelmiina @evelmiina - Finnish Folklore Illustrations @lucocurtis - Plants! Mali @sleepimali - Plant Bebs Angela @angothemango - Leaf Chaser Jason Chuang @jasonchuangart - Jade Vine Lich Juliorra @lichjuliorra - Main Cover for Kitasu @digitiel -Rejuvenation @requinoesis -Aurantia - The Vassal of Vanguard Sysina @sysinacgi - Artist's Cozy, Plant-Filled Studio Henry Wong @henrywongdraws - Doggo Flowers @incaseyouart - Plant Art Comp Lich Juliorra @lichjuliorra - Tina in Flowers @sleepingwoolf - Thorned Rachel Sergiyenko @stallelio - Peaceful Dream Natalie Dombois @nataliedombois - Spaceplan(t)s

Wt FX takes us behind the curtain of House of the Dragon Season 2 to reveal the creation of one of Westeros most haunting locationsHarrenhal. Building this iconic ruin wasnt just about scale, but about storytelling through texture, history, and realism.Drawing inspiration from real-life medieval castles, the team crafted a photorealistic digital environment that feels grounded and lived-in. The sprawling design included a modular town layout, hills for army encampments, an island set on a vast lake, and rugged surrounding mountainsall meticulously modeled and textured.The breakdown showcases how Wt FX combined practical references with cutting-edge CG techniques to breathe life into Harrenhals eerie atmosphere. Every stone, shadow, and ruined tower serves the narrative, reinforcing the weight of legacy and decay in the Targaryen saga. Its a masterclass in world-building through visual effects.The post Creating Harrenhal House of the Dragon Season 2 | VFX Breakdown by Wt FX appeared first on Vfxexpress.

Having $1 billion isnt enough these days. To be seen among the richest of the rich, you now need your own private sanctuary.For some, that means a sprawling compound. Increasingly, though, members of techs 1% are incorporating their own towns, giving them the power to set rules, issue building permits, and even influence education. Some of these modern-day land grabs are already functioning; others are still in the works.Either way, the billionaire class is busy creating its own utopias. Heres where things stand:Elon MuskMusk can lay claim to not one but two towns in Texas.In May, residents along the Gulf Coast voted to incorporate Starbase (though its worth noting that nearly all of them were SpaceX employees). Previously called Boca Chica, the 1.5-square-mile zone elected Bobby Peden, a SpaceX vice president of 12 years, as mayor. He ran unopposed.The vote stirred controversy. The South Texas Environmental Justice Network opposed the plan. The group wrote in a press release in May: Boca Chica Beach is meant for the people, not Elon Musk to control. For generations, residents have visited Boca Chica Beach for fishing, swimming, recreation, and the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe has spiritual ties to the beach. They should be able to keep access.Musk also controls Snailbrook, an unincorporated town near Bastrop, about 350 miles north of Starbase. The area includes a SpaceX site that produces Starlink receiver technology, sits just 13 miles from Teslas Gigafactory, and features housing and a Montessori school that opened last year.Mark CubanIn 2021, Cuban purchased Mustang, Texas (population: 23). The 77-acre town, an hour south of Dallas, was founded in 1973 as an oasis for alcohol sales in a dry county. The former Shark Tank star told CNN he has no immediate plans beyond basic cleanup. Its how I typically deal with undeveloped land, he said. It sits there until an idea hits me.California ForeverThis project isnt tied to a single billionaire, but a collective. In 2017, venture capitalist Michael Moritz spearheaded a plan for a new city in Solano County, California, about 60 miles northeast of San Francisco. Backers included Marc Andreessen, Chris Dixon, Reid Hoffman, Stripes Patrick and John Collison, and Laurene Powell Jobs. Together, they spent $800 million on 60,000 acres.The plan proved unpopular. In November, California Forever withdrew its ballot measure to bypass zoning restrictions. (The land is not zoned for residential use.) It pivoted last month, unveiling Solano Foundry, a 2,100-acre project the founders say could become the nations largest, most strategically located, and best designed advanced manufacturing park.The group also envisions a walkable community with 150,000-plus homes. A Bay Area Council Economic Institute study released this week projected 517,000 permanent jobs and $4 billion in annual tax revenue if the revised plan goes forward.Larry EllisonEllison doesnt own a town, but he owns virtually all of one of the Hawaiian Islands. In 2012, he bought 98% of Lanai for about $300 million. He also owns the islands two Four Seasons hotels, most commercial properties, and serves as landlord to most residents. Lanai has become a retreat for the wealthy, hosting visitors from Elon Musk to Tom Cruise to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Peter ThielThiel doesnt own a city, per se, but he is part of a collective backing Praxis, a proposed startup city that is currently eyeing Greenland for its base of operations. Other investors include Thiels PayPal cofounder Ken Howery and Andreessen. The plan for Praxis is similar to California Forever. Founders hope to create a Libertarian-minded city that has minimal corporate regulation and focuses on AI and other emerging technologies. So far, however, no notable progress has been made on the project.Mark ZuckerbergZuckerberg owns a 2,300-acre compound on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Hes investing $270 million into Koolau Ranch, which will include a 5,000-square-foot underground bunker. Located on the islands North Shore, the property is also said to have its own energy and food supplies, Wired reports.While its not technically its own city, it will house more than a dozen buildings boasting upwards of 30 bedrooms and 30 bathrooms. There will be two mansions spanning 57,000 square feet, with elevators, offices, conference rooms, and an industrial kitchen. Those will be joined by a tunnel, which branches off into the underground bunker, which has a living space and a mechanical room as well as an escape hatch. Zuckerberg has posted on Instagram about the compound, saying he plans to raise Wagyu and Angus cattle.Bill GatesIn 2017, Gates announced plans for Belmont, a smart city on 234 square miles near Phoenix. Designed to house 180,000 people, it promised autonomous vehicles and high-speed networks. There havent been any recent updates on the status of the Arizona development, however, and the project is considered dead in the water (well, desert) at this point.

A number of older houses across the world will have penciled height marks on the wall, in what was once a child's room. These marks were simple to make, requiring just two already-owned items in the kitchen junk drawer: A tape measure and a pencil.These days, however, we're apparently running out of things to spend money on. Rather than relying on a pencil and tape measure, which most households already own, you can splash out on something far more expensive and ultimately disposable. Companies like Pottery Barn Kids will sell you a $130 piece of MDF with markings on it. (Ironically, you still need a tape measure and pencil to accurately install it; it doesn't start at 0, to accommodate for trim.) You can even order custom versions with your child's name written in Garamond. And in Japan, they have of course solved this "problem" with technology. This Digital Height Meter by Tomica is a toy bus concealing a laser measuring unit. It runs 3,850 (USD $26). But if your child prefers giraffes to buses, no worries: Admittedly I'm not a parent, so it's perhaps not my place to criticize these objects.

If youre heading to IFA 2025 in Berlin, you already know the drill. Massive exhibition halls stretch endlessly, product launches occur every hour, and back-to-back interviews with industry leaders take place, all under the constant pressure to capture everything worth covering. The worlds biggest consumer electronics show doesnt mess around, and neither should your gear. Between navigating crowded press areas and chasing breaking announcements, having the right equipment can make the difference between professional coverage and completely missed opportunities that could define your reporting.These five essential designs will keep you ahead of the chaos while everyone else is still fumbling with cables and dead batteries. From smart note-taking solutions that bridge analog comfort with digital efficiency to modular backpacks that adapt to changing coverage needs, this carefully curated toolkit ensures youre properly equipped for comprehensive event coverage that stands out from the competition.1.AlmoMost of us have tried going fully digital for note-taking, only to find ourselves missing the simple pleasure of pen on paper. The Almo gets this completely. Instead of forcing you into another app or complicated system, it lets you write naturally while adding just enough intelligence to make your life easier. Scribble down a meeting time next to your notes, and Almo spots it automatically, setting a gentle reminder without you touching a single button.The magnetic back sticks to booth frames and equipment cases, while the kickstand works perfectly on those tiny press tables everyone fights over. The pen clips magnetically to the top because losing pens at trade shows is practically a universal law. As your deadline approaches, a subtle LED color shift gives you a heads-up without the jarring beeps that make you look unprofessional during quiet interview moments.What we likeHandwriting recognition that works without making you change how you naturally write.Smart mounting options that adapt to the weird spaces you end up working in at events.What we dislikeStill a concept, so good luck buying one for this years show.A small writing surface might frustrate people used to full-size notebooks.2. Lancer300Carrying camera gear to events usually means choosing between a bag thats either too small for everything or too big for comfort. The Lancer300 solves this with a modular approach that makes sense. Start with the core pack for light days, then snap on modules when you need serious capacity. The exoskeleton frame looks a bit sci-fi, but it handles the abuse of constant movement while keeping your expensive toys protected.The power station module transforms your backpack into a mobile charging hub. Cables run cleanly through the frame, so you can juice up cameras, drones, and even laptops while you walk. No more playing outlet roulette in crowded press areas or carrying a separate arsenal of battery packs. When that perfect shot opportunity hits and your cameras at 15%, youll understand why this matters.What we likeModular design means you only carry what you need instead of lugging everything everywhere.Built-in power system eliminates the anxiety of watching battery percentages drop during critical moments.What we dislikeLearning curve for optimizing the modular setup might eat into your prep time.Premium features probably mean premium pricing thatll make your accountant wince.3. Memento Business Card LogEveryone exchanges LinkedIn details now, but theres something powerful about physically handling someones business card while jotting down notes about your conversation. The Memento Business Card Log brings back this lost art without feeling outdated. It holds 120 cards with space for handwritten context about each person you meet. Those little details about shared interests or follow-up promises turn generic contacts into actual relationships.The Japanese craftsmanship from Re+g shows in every detail. The binding system lets you reorganize pages easily, while the two-point card slots keep everything secure when youre rushing between meetings. The paper feels substantial and inviting, encouraging you to slow down and actually think about the connections youre making. In a world of digital overwhelm, taking time to write notes by hand signals true interest that people remember.Click Here to Buy Now: $35.00What we likeHandwritten context turns business cards into relationship-building tools instead of just contact info.Japanese attention to detail makes this feel special rather than like another boring organizer.What we dislikePhysical organization takes more effort than letting your phone handle everything automatically.120 cards might not last through a major networking event if youre working the floor.4. Ridge Magnetic Power BankEvent coverage means juggling multiple devices that all seem to die at the worst possible moments. The Ridge Magnetic Power Bank cuts through the usual cable chaos with a simple approach: wireless charging for your iPhone plus built-in cables for everything else. The magnetic connection holds strong enough that you can toss it in your bag without worrying about disconnection, while the 15W wireless charging keeps pace with your usage.It truly handles real-world charging scenarios instead of trying to be everything to everyone. The built-in cables mean youre never digging for the right connector when your camera battery hits red. The compact design disappears into jacket pockets, and the magnetic system works beautifully with existing MagSafe accessories. Its not trying to revolutionize portable power; its just doing the basics well.What we likeBuilt-in cables eliminate the eternal hunt for the right charging cord when you need it most.Magnetic wireless charging that stays connected even when youre moving around constantly.What we dislikeCompact size means limited capacity for power-hungry professional gear.Quality features typically come with quality pricing, so budget accordingly.5.Lenovo C55 The best gear for event coverage isnt the most expensive stuff. The Lenovo C55 proves this beautifully at just $70, offering excellent 4K video when you need a reliable backup or secondary angle. This little white camera isnt trying to impress anyone or compete with your main setup. Its just there when you need it, whether thats grabbing B-roll while your primary camera handles the main interview or catching those spontaneous moments that happen between scheduled press events.It is perfect for events and trade shows because the built-in ring light truly works. Anyone whos covered IFA knows the lighting nightmare youre walking into. One minute youre under harsh exhibition spotlights, the next youre squeezed into a dimly lit booth corner trying to get usable footage. Having that ring light built right in means you can grab clean interview shots anywhere without dragging lighting gear around. The physical dial feels solid and responsive when you need quick adjustments, and at 190 grams, it disappears into your bag until you need it.What we likeBuilt-in ring light tackles lighting challenges without hauling additional equipment around.Sub-$70 price point makes professional backup capability accessible to literally anyone.What we dislikeThe basic screen might make precise framing tricky in challenging lighting situations.The compact size could get uncomfortable during longer recording sessions.Getting Ready To Dominate IFA 2025These five innovative tools work splendidly together without getting in each others way. The Almo keeps your thoughts organized while the Lancer300 carries everything you need, powered and ready. The Memento ensures those random booth conversations turn into meaningful connections, while the Ridge keeps your devices alive when outlets are nowhere to be found. The little Lenovo sits quietly in your bag until you need that perfect secondary angle or quick interview setup.None of these will make you a better journalist or content creator overnight, but theyll remove the friction that kills good coverage. When everyone else is scrambling for power outlets, untangling cables, or missing shots because their gear failed, youll be the one getting the story. IFA 2025 is going to be massive, chaotic, and essential for anyone covering tech. Show up prepared, stay mobile, and let your coverage speak for itself.The post Top 5 Must-Have Gadgets & Gear For Effortless Event Coverage In 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Soft Apartment, designed by O l a f s B a r o n, is a thoughtfully styled space that blends sculptural forms, warm wood tones, and a calming neutral palette. From the herringbone oak floors to the organic lighting and fluted finishes, every detail invites softness into everyday living. Perfectly suited for city dwellers who crave calm without compromising on style, this apartment is a masterclass in texture.In the living space of The Soft Apartment, a cloud-like boucle sofa anchors the room. Its rounded form reflects the organic shapes found throughout the apartment. The soft texture pairs beautifully with the brushed bronze coffee table.A washed grey rug underfoot defines the seating zone while complementing the pale herringbone wood floors. Across the room, a sleek marble media unit adds a luxurious touch beneath the wall-mounted TV. Dual standing speakers and a turntable add a layer of modern nostalgia.Matte blue cabinetry stretches seamlessly across the back wall in the kitchen area. It offers generous storage while maintaining a clean, handle-less look. The backdrop? A full-height marble backsplash that brings an elegant texture.A round marble dining table sits at the heart of the space. Its fluted cylindrical base echoes the sculptural theme found throughout the apartment. Surrounding it, caramel-toned velvet chairs add warmth. A floating pendant light above the table provides a soft, ambient glow, perfect for intimate meals or quiet coffee moments.Bright, functional, and playful, the first bedroom space blends soft neutrals with earthy tones. A rust-framed bed adds warmth, while the skylight and window keep the room sunlit. The built-in study nook features a minimalist desk, floating shelves, and a comfy swivel chair.The main bedroom pairs an olive upholstered bed with layered bedding. Neutral artwork and floor-length curtains enhance the serene vibe. A sculptural chandelier adds drama, balancing simplicity with statement design.This small bathroom makes a strong impression with its deep blue fluted wall panels and terrazzo flooring. A floating sink and wall-mounted toilet keep the space feeling open, while the hexagon mosaic tile in the shower cubicle adds visual interest.