Twelve South Launches 'PowerPic' Wooden Picture Frame With 10W Qi Charger for $80

[MacRumors]

Twelve South today launched the "PowerPic," a traditional wooden picture frame that includes a hidden, 10W wireless charger. You can place any 5" x 7" photo in the PowerPic, and then to charge an iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, XS, XS Max, or XR, you simply place the device on top of the photo.

Twelve South says that the idea behind the PowerPic was to create a Qi charger that would not add to the clutter of a bedside table or desk, so that when your iPhone (or any compatible Qi smartphone) isn't charging, it just looks like any other framed picture in your home.

The main visual difference comes at the back of the frame, where a small status light lets you know when the smartphone is fully charged. The light can also alert you if a foreign object in a wallet case, like a bank card with a chip, is preventing the iPhone from charging. The PowerPic includes a 1.5m USB-C to USB-A cable, so the device can be plugged into any traditional USB 3.0 port.

The company also notes that there are potentially inventive ways for customers to use PowerPic, like taking two separate images -- one for the frame and one for your iPhone -- that when placed together are completed. Twelve South has a few ideas of its own to inspire users, offering a list of frame and iPhone wallpapers themed around New York City, Paris, the holidays, and Rockefeller Center, downloadable for free here.

Those interested can purchase the PowerPic for $79.99 in White or Black on TwelveSouth.com starting today.

Article Link: Twelve South Launches 'PowerPic' Wooden Picture Frame With 10W Qi Charger for $80

 

[SkippyThorson]

That is, without a doubt, one of the coolest Qi chargers I've seen yet. Very slick, very minimal.

Something that finally doesn't take up space; but makes good, clean use of pre-existing space. Nice!

 

[campingsk8er]

This is something I didn't know I needed. Now I need it.

 

[AngerDanger]

Gotta admit, it looks like a more fun DIY project than purchase.

Perfect.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

That is, without a doubt, one of the coolest QI chargers I've seen yet. Very slick, very minimal. Nice!

Let's build our own using a regular picture frame, a charger, and some glue.
Use one with thin glass and backing so there's minimal bulk added to it.

Post your inventions below.

 

[scottfm]

I get that this would look nice when not in use, but the phone screen doesn't stay on while it is charging?
So wouldn't you'd just have a big black square covering your photo?

 

[MacOH21]

The Apple version of this would sync the iPhone wallpaper with an LCD screen in the photo frame... and ship sometime late 2019.

 

[BrettArchibald]

I get that this would look nice when not in use, but the phone screen doesn't stay on while it is charging?
So wouldn't you'd just have a big black square covering your photo?

If you're like most people I know, that would be when you're asleep, so it's OK.
When you're awake, the picture is unobscured.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

Just use the round charger, it also doubles as a coaster.

 

[Cryates]

The Apple version of this would sync the iPhone wallpaper with an LCD screen in the photo frame... and ship sometime late 2019.

And be $200

 

[EEzycade]

I think i saw this on unbox therapy

 

[shareef777]

I get that this would look nice when not in use, but the phone screen doesn't stay on while it is charging?
So wouldn't you'd just have a big black square covering your photo?

Great point. Wonder what the return rate will be on this after people figure that out when it’s in front of them. What’s worse is even if it could stay on, it’d be too bright bedside.

 

[Rychiar]

Can I buy this at Michaels for 70% off like my other frames? that would make the cost acceptable

 

[imola.zhp]

Interesting... Could be a fun DIY project.

 

[djlythium]

I get that this would look nice when not in use, but the phone screen doesn't stay on while it is charging?
So wouldn't you'd just have a big black square covering your photo?

Critical thinking FTW! How this passed their inspection is boggling.

 

[dude-x]

Isn't this bad for OLED iPhones to have a static image? Even LCD screens will burn in.

 

[djbuddha]

Nothing says cherishing your loved ones like your phone covering them.....

Unless your phone’s wallpaper is a picture of the phone covering the frame, and so on, and so on, and so on ....

Sidenote, I think inception is due for a re-watch.

 

[bluechair1984]

Isn't this bad for OLED iPhones to have a static image? Even LCD screens will burn in.

The screen would turn off just like normal.

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

Never have I thought, "I wish I could cover a nice photo with my phone and have it charge." And spend $80 to do so.

 

[mcdj]

Coming soon to a Target closeout shelf near you.

 

[timborama]

vs reality...

 

[SigEp265]

They make some of the most odd apple products.

 

[coolkid93]

This can be perfect if you have any pictures of your ex or someone you don’t like. Just cover them up. Wonderful!

 

[sinsin07]

This can be perfect if you have any pictures of your ex or someone you don’t like. Just cover them up. Wonderful!

Or just toss the pic(s).
Problem solved for less than $80 bucks.
Not clear why a person would display pics of someone they don’t like.

 

[jtara]

This screams "geek" and "grandparent" at the same time.

"You see, there's my phone there on the picture, and it shows a picture. It's the same picture as the picture! Did you notice there was a phone there?"