Look and you will find: Twelve South brings power with Apple's “Find my”
Twelve South now offers a remedy for those who constantly misplace their power supply unit. However, the PlugBug currently still has two problems.
PlugBug from Twelve South: Unfortunately Ultra-Wideband is missing.
(Image: Twelve South)
Alongside smartphones and keys, power adapters are probably one of the most easily lost devices. The Apple accessory specialist Twelve South has now recognized this and solved the problem quite radically with a new edition of its well-known PlugBug: It is the first power supply with a built-in "Where is?" chip. This means that, for the first time, a power supply can be located via Apple's Find network. However, the Twelve South version currently still has two catches.
Two sizes, two or four connections
The new PlugBug is available in two versions: with 50 watts and 120 watts. Both also differ in terms of size and the number of USB-C ports included: the 50-watt version comes with two ports, the 120-watt version with four. Twelve South has made sure that the power supplies are built flat rather than high – so that they can fit behind the sofa and other tight spaces. The weight is 110 and 250 grams respectively.
"Where is?" is realized via a specially integrated chip. This is energetically separated from the power supply unit itself and is powered by its own battery. This is replaceable and corresponds to the size of an AirTag battery (CR2032 with 3 V) – Unfortunately, there is no provision for recharging. According to the manufacturer, the PlugBug should remain trackable for around a year.
Not for Europe, without ultra-wideband
However, the revised PlugBug –, which was previously only an attachment for Apple's original power supply units –, has two problems: firstly, it is currently only sold in a US version (including fold-out power plug), and secondly, "Where is?" comes without ultra-wideband radio (UWB) as usual. The US version therefore requires an adapter, which significantly increases the size of the entire power supply –, so it makes more sense to wait until an EU version is released, which will hopefully not be too bulky.
UWB, on the other hand, would be useful for locating the power supply at close range and not just via Bluetooth, which is comparatively inaccurate in the home or hotel room. However, there is still no "Where is?" device from third-party manufacturers (i.e. not from Apple) that uses UWB. The PlugBug costs 70 or 120 US dollars and is currently available for pre-order.
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