Voltix

Most chargers are black boxes: you plug in and hope for the best. Voltix takes the opposite approach. According to the maker, it carries what it calls the world's first real-time OLED power monitor, showing which device is drawing how much power and where the current is going. The example given is a screen reading "MacBook Pro: 100W | iPhone: 18W" while a laptop and phone charge side by side.

Power you can see

The maker describes this as a smart digital power dashboard that reports exact wattage per port. It is paired with adaptive load balancing: plug in something hungry, such as a DSLR camera, and Voltix is said to redistribute power automatically so each device gets what it needs. When not reporting watts, the display can switch to a clock mode with 12-hour and 24-hour formats.

The hardware

• 180W GaN (gallium nitride) fast charging, which the maker credits with higher efficiency and lower heat than conventional silicon designs
• Six ports for charging several devices at once
• 15W Qi2 magnetic wireless charging for compatible devices such as iPhone, plus small devices like earbuds
• Vacuum-lock suction base that grips smooth surfaces without adhesive
• Over-current, over-voltage and short-circuit protection

The suction base is a notable departure from the weak magnets used by some desktop chargers. The maker claims Voltix stays put whether the desk is bumped or a cable is tugged, yet can be lifted and moved easily because no adhesive is involved.

On compatibility, the campaign lists smartphones, laptops, electric shavers, digital cameras and Nintendo Switch among supported devices, positioning Voltix as a single hub to replace a drawer of separate chargers.