ZDNET has published a list of more than ten car gadgets designed to improve daily commutes and road trips, based on testing by its editorial team, including gadget reviewer Adrian Kingsley-Hughes. The recommendations span charging devices, phone mounts, safety tools, and emergency gear, with many items currently discounted. The list is aimed at U.S. consumers looking for practical upgrades to their vehicles without significant expense.
Among the charging options, a retractable car charger from Lisen is highlighted as a 4-in-1 hub that plugs into a cigarette lighter socket. It includes a built-in USB-C cable, a Lightning cable, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port, with cables extending up to 31.5 inches to reach back-seat passengers. A separate dual-port charger from Pioneer offers both USB-C and USB-A connections, suitable for iPhone and Android devices, and can power accessories like MagSafe mounts.
For phone mounting, ZDNET鈥檚 Kingsley-Hughes recommends a Scosche car mount with a built-in charger, which he described as sturdy and reliable for fast charging. Another option is a MagSafe-compatible mount that clips to air vents, featuring a cooling fan, a built-in Qi2 charger, and illumination, and it includes a metal ring for non-MagSafe devices. A simpler clip from Lamicall is also noted for its longevity and reliability, having been used by a writer for over five years.
Emergency gear is a significant part of the list. Kingsley-Hughes tested a jump starter from Hulkman, reporting that it successfully started a car with a dead battery multiple times during a journey across England. Also included is Statik鈥檚 Tire Hero air compressor, which offers a flashlight and a portable charger in addition to tire inflation. A personal safety alarm called She鈥檚 Birdie, designed for keychains, produces a 130db siren and a strobe light for up to 40 minutes when activated, a sound level comparable to a jackhammer.
The list also covers connectivity and accessories. The AAWireless Two Plus enables wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, with a button for quick pairing and switching between Android and iPhone devices; ZDNET鈥檚 editor-in-chief, Kerry Wan, called it the best wireless Android Auto experience available. Nomad鈥檚 Chargekey is a keychain accessory with dual USB-C ends compatible with many devices, including recent iPhones. Additionally, headrest hooks from Amazon, available in multiple colors for under $10, provide storage for bags and purses.
More software news from TechManNews.
