A seemingly ordinary Thursday took an unexpected turn when The Verge’s senior news editor, Richard Lawler, tagged this reporter in a Slack thread. The subject? Belkin’s newly announced BoostCharge Pro—a $99.99 portable battery with a unique feature: a built-in divot for fast-charging compatible Apple Watches and second-gen AirPods Pro, alongside standard 20W USB-C charging for other devices.
The price may raise eyebrows, particularly since the product is currently available only for preorder. Skepticism is understandable—after all, shelling out $108 (including tax) for an untested gadget could prove to be a costly mistake. But for wearable tech enthusiasts and reviewers, this could be a game-changer.
The Persistent Problem of Proprietary Chargers
Smartwatches remain one of the few device categories still tethered to proprietary charging solutions. This reporter’s workspace is a testament to the chaos: drawers overflowing with chargers from Apple, Samsung, Fossil, Google, Fitbit, Garmin, and others. While regulators push for universal charging standards in phones and tablets, wearables present unique engineering challenges that complicate standardization.
Seeking a solution years ago, this reporter consulted Gadi Amit, founder of NewDealDesign, the agency behind several Fitbit products. His insights highlighted the difficulties in balancing sleek wearable designs with efficient charging mechanisms—a problem Belkin’s latest device attempts to address.
Will the BoostCharge Pro live up to its promise? Only time—and real-world testing—will tell. But for now, it offers a glimmer of hope for travelers and tech users tired of carrying a tangled mess of cables.
