Tag: Gadget Picks

Every once and awhile I come across an incredibly useful gadget that becomes an essential part of my “nerd toolbox.” The latest device I’m throwing in there is the Werewolf VFLEX – a universal power adapter for just about anything that connects to a USB-C power supply.

Check it out in my latest video!

The base unit is priced at $8 and the adapter cables are $4 A starter kit containing three base units and multiple adapter cables retails for $48. They can be purchased directly from Werewolf’s website here (compensated affiliate link).

Users first need to attach the base unit to a computer or mobile device to program in the required voltage. Configuration is handled through an Android or iOS app, along with a browser-based interface on PCs.

To test the VFLEX, I powered a vintage Atari 2600 using a USB-C battery. The Atari requires 9 volts of direct current and a center-positive polarity. After dialing in the 9-volt requirement via the web interface, the VFLEX base unit stored the setting and successfully supplied the correct voltage, indicated by a green light on the device. The Atari fired up like it was connected to its 40+ year old power supply yet was powered by the battery.

If the unit fails to receive the requested voltage from the source, it displays a red light and cuts power to the connected device. It is necessary to correctly identify both the voltage and polarity before connecting any hardware, as the VFLEX cannot prevent electrical damage if configured improperly.

The capabilities of the USB-C power source dictate what the VFLEX can output. For instance, an Anker 30-watt adapter I examined supports Programmable Power Supply (PPS), a standard that permits granular voltage adjustments. With PPS, a user can specify voltages between 3.3 and 11 volts at 3 amps, or between 3.3 and 16 volts at 2 amps. In contrast, an older 100-watt Kensington power supply lacking PPS could only output fixed increments of 5, 9, 15, or 20 volts. The quality of the USB-C cables is also a variable; relying on established brands for both cables and power adapters minimizes risks associated with non-compliant USB standard implementations.

For a more complex load, I connected a Sega Tower of Power—comprising a Sega CD, a 32X, and a Genesis console—to a single Anker Prime 160 power adapter (compensated affiliate link) using three VFLEX units. The Sega CD requires a 9-volt supply, while the 32X and the second-generation Genesis require 10 volts. Because the Anker Prime adapter supports PPS, I was able to program two VFLEX units to output 10 volts and one to output 9 volts simultaneously. Monitoring the real-time power data from the Prime adapter showed the system drawing roughly 10-12 watts in operation, well within the Anker’s 160-watt capacity. Consolidating multiple enormous Sega “wall wart” into a single adapter proved functional, provided the operator strictly adheres to the voltage and polarity specifications of the hardware.

If you’re like me and have a bunch of stuff to power, the VFLEX can be a major convenience. While the starter kit supplies enough adapters for routine applications, the system requires the operator to accurately verify the voltage before connecting any hardware to avoid damaging the electronics. When configured correctly, the device bridges modern USB-C power delivery with both legacy and contemporary hardware.

Disclosure: Werewolf provided the VFLEX free of charge, however they did not review or approve this content prior to publication. All opinions are my own.

The other day I saw my friend Larry Hyrb, AKA Xbox’s Major Nelson showing off his Native Union POP Phone and I knew I had to get one too. It’s a telephone handset that looks like the same one my family had hanging on the kitchen wall when I was a kid. While it might look like something out of a time capsule, it’s actually built for the modern era with a USB-C connector that lets it plug into today’s phones, tablets, and computers. You can find the phone on Amazon (compensated affiliate link).

Check it out on my Gadget Picks channel!

It definitely lacks that heavy, metal feel the old ones did — this one’s all plastic, lighter, and sealed up, so there’s no unscrewing the receiver to see what’s inside. The cable is coiled like the originals but permanently attached, and there’s a single button for hanging up calls. It’s not quite as satisfying as slamming a handset onto a cradle, but if you need the full experience, you can always tap the button and smack it on the desk for good measure — just gently.

To really put it to the test, I called up Larry on a video call which you can see in the video. On my end, the audio setup didn’t cooperate perfectly, but Larry’s side of the call gave a clear sense of what the phone sounds like — surprisingly better than expected, with decent noise isolation.

We both laughed about the muscle memory that came right back — the way you naturally cradle it between your ear and shoulder or reach for a coiled cord that could stretch halfway across the house. Larry mentioned using his Pop Phone in meetings just to throw people off. Older coworkers immediately recognize it, while younger ones have no idea what they’re looking at. It’s one of those small reminders of how quickly technology moves on from something that used to be a fixture in every home.

The Pop Phone is a novelty for sure. But it’s a gag gift that’s actually pretty functional and works with just about any device that has a USB-C port.