Technology

The Revolutionary 'Phone Toaster' at CES: Can It Really Charge Your Phone in 5 Seconds?

2025-01-12

Author: Jia

Introduction

In a world where our smartphones are indispensable tools for communication, social networking, and work, keeping them charged becomes a constant battle. Enter CES 2025, where innovative gadgets are unveiled to tackle our charging woes. This year's show-stopper? The intriguingly named 'Swippitt' – dubbed a 'phone toaster' by many.

Product Overview

Imagine a device that resembles a toaster but is designed to supercharge your phone. The Swippitt allows users to pop their depleted devices into a specialized hub and, in just two seconds, retrieve a fully charged phone. Sounds unbelievable, right? Well, it was demonstrated at CES, and it actually works!

How It Works

Here’s the scoop: To harness the Swippitt's power, users must purchase the Hub along with the accompanying protective phone case, referred to as the 'Link.' The case incorporates a battery that seamlessly swaps with a fully charged 3,500 mAh battery within the Hub. While one battery gets replaced, the depleted one immediately begins charging, making it a continuous cycle of power.

User Experience

Tech reviewer Kerry Wan from ZDNET experienced this firsthand and noted the speed is astonishing, leaving him initially bewildered by how swiftly it operated. This level of functionality isn’t limited to specific phones; as long as your device dons a Swippitt case, you’re good to go!

Design and Features

The Hub not only serves multiple users within a household but is also aesthetically pleasing, coming in sleek designs that won’t compromise your style. Though the case may feel a bit bulkier than standard alternatives due to the integrated battery, it remains surprisingly portable.

Battery Functionality

Intriguingly, the Hub houses five batteries, which can be accessed in rapid succession — only about four seconds needed for a swap. If you're in a hurry and only need a quick power-up, any unused energy can be stored for later use.

Companion App

But the revolution doesn’t stop there. Swippitt also features a companion app that tracks battery levels, allows users to set desired charging percentages, and even lets you reserve specific batteries to prevent others from using them. This level of control ensures that you’ll always have backup power when you need it most.

Pricing and Availability

However, all this convenience comes at a significant price. The Hub is priced at $450, with each Link case costing around $120. For those eager to jump on this tech trend, pre-orders are available on the Swippitt website, currently offering a 30% discount. Moreover, an additional CES promotion knocks $100 off the Hub's price, which still leaves you with a hefty bill of over $350 for one Hub and case.

Conclusion

Is the hype surrounding the Swippitt warranted? With charging speeds and convenience levels at premium prices, it may just be the gadget to revolutionize how we keep our phones powered. Will this become a must-have accessory in the age of constant connectivity? Only time will tell!