This year, IFA 2024 in Berlin saw a ton of innovative product launches, but one category of gear that stood out to me was new travel accessories. If you’re like me, you want to travel as smartly and efficiently as possible (and avoid tangled cables), so I’m always on the lookout for new and useful gadgets to slip into my carry-on luggage.
Plus: Everything to expect from Apple’s iPhone 16 event: AI features, AirPods, Apple Watch Series 10, and more
These six products, which stand out for being smart, innovative and above all space-saving, were recently made public. Let’s check them out.
1. PlugBug by TwelveSouth
Creator of unique works Airfry The company has just announced its next smart travel essential: an adapter that lets you use Bluetooth headphones with an airplane’s headphone jack. Plug Bugthe first USB-C adapter with built-in Find My support.
I’ve forgotten my adapter or charger plugged into a hotel outlet on more than one occasion, so bringing an adapter or charger with location support makes a difference.
Plus: Do you lose your chargers often? Twelve South’s new ‘PlugBugs’ have Find My built in
The PlugBug comes in a 50W model (with two USB-C ports) and a 120W model (with four USB-C ports), both of which can charge two or four devices simultaneously. The device itself is slim and sleek, and when plugged in it can be placed close to the wall for easy access. All in all, it’s such a smart device that it’s hard to believe it’s not more popular already.
The PlugBug is available to pre-order now, with orders shipping in mid-September.
2. Satechi Vegan Leather Passport Cover Find My
If you’re still walking around with a lost passport, you might want to consider taking steps to protect it. Satechi Passport Cover with Find My This is extremely useful as it not only protects the physical passport itself but also allows you to track its whereabouts.
If you forget your passport and head out, “Find My” will instantly let you know where it is, and it will also save you the time and money it would take to replace it if it were lost. You definitely don’t want to lose your passport.
We also had the chance to try out Lenovo’s auto-rotating laptop at IFA 2024, and it was quite impressive.
The vegan leather case is premium and durable, and it supports wireless charging with Qi, Qi2, and MagSafe chargers to keep your location tracker active. At $60, it’s not cheap, but it’s a go-to device for anyone who tends to lose things.
3. Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad
Anker’s MagGo 3-in-1 is a tiny foldable device that garnered attention at IFA for its portable form factor and convenience for travelers toting Apple devices. When folded, it’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and closes securely with magnets, but when unfolded, it becomes a Qi2-enabled 3-in-1 wireless charging station that can charge three devices simultaneously.
With a dedicated charging port for the Apple Watch and the ability to charge an iPhone 15 Pro from 0 to 20% in 15 minutes, it’s one of those devices that simplifies the situation on your hotel nightstand by providing a single charging point for your devices.
The only drawback to this device is its relatively high price tag of $90. While it certainly has an innovative and useful design, the asking price may put some buyers off purchasing it.
Plus: Will you buy the Apple Watch Series 10? Consider these 3 features before upgrading
It’s available in four colors, all of which are available for preorder now: Anker says the black units will ship after September 15, 2024, and the white units after September 20. The pink and blue units are expected to be available later this year.
4. Beyerdynamic Amiron 300 Earphones
Beyerdynamic makes several hi-fi audio products, from rugged open earbuds to bone conduction headphones, which are some of our favorite products we’ve tested this year. At IFA this week, the company announced not one but three new products, including a new pair of earphones that are perfect for travel.
Amiron 300 They feature active noise cancellation, a long battery life of up to 38 hours, and up to 10 hours of continuous playback for all-day use, which, if accurate, would be longer than Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, Sony’s XM5 earbuds, and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Pro 3. These are earbuds you can use for the entire flight.
And don’t buy the AirPods. These Beyerdynamic headphones combine looks, comfort, and sound.
The Amiron 300 features Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint support, 10mm dynamic drivers, and Qi-compatible wireless charging. In addition, the earphones themselves have a clean, flat design that doesn’t stick out, making them perfect for sleeping on an airplane. The current price is $279. Scheduled for release in October In black and white.
5. Soundcore Space One Pro Headphones
If you’re not a fan of earphones, you’re in luck. Soundcore launches foldable over-ear headphones Great thing for traveling. Space One Pro They’re portable enough to slip easily into even the most packed bag, and light enough that you won’t even notice them. Aside from the form factor, they also charge extremely quickly, with Soundcore claiming that just five minutes of charging will give you eight hours of battery life — not bad for a long-haul flight.
They feature active noise cancelling and are extremely lightweight to wear, making them ideal for people who like to sleep with their headphones on to drown out noise. In our hands-on testing at IFA, the sound quality was excellent, with a well-balanced soundstage overall.
Apple is also set to announce two new AirPods models on Monday, with key differences including:
of Space One Pro is available now for $200and for a limited time, it comes with a free travel carrying case (normally $35).
This is one of those products that really makes use of the included carrying case, which makes these headphones a great travel companion.
6. Belkin Boost Charge Pro
Finally, a reliable power bank for your laptop is an absolute must when traveling. Boost Charge Pro They are the best when it comes to reliable power.
Announced at IFA, the BoostCharge Pro features a 20K battery capacity and the ability to charge up to three devices simultaneously, though only with 65W power delivery when using one port. Personally, I like that it has two USB-C and one USB-A port, as it increases the number of different cables you can use since you don’t always have the same amount of gear as you normally would when traveling.
Plus, Apple lovers will love Belkin’s new multi-gadget foldable travel charger
The device is very light and compact for its capacity, and the display showing the available power is easy to read and practical. Available now for $90.
