Plenty of excellent wireless car chargers can charge your phone on the go while also serving as a mount. I usually recommend these for everyday use, especially since the latest generation of wireless car chargers is Qi2 magnetic, so you don't even need a clamp to mount your phone.
For long-haul journeys, I recommend wired car chargers instead because they support much faster charging speeds and let you recharge several devices at once. If you're traveling with a laptop or a Chromebook, your car charger needs to support at least 60W to 65W minimum to be compatible.
That's not enough power to be split between two devices, though, which is where the best 100W car chargers come in. I have used countless car chargers through the years. Anker, Baseus, and UGREEN are the top 3 most reliable brands for charging tech, so it's no surprise that, based on my hands-on testing, the best 100W car chargers are from these brands.
Anker Nano Car Charger (167.5W, 3 Ports)
(Image credit: Anker)
Anker's tri-ported marvel is surprisingly affordable for the power and number of ports it delivers. The Anker Nano Car Charger (167.5W, 3 Ports) has one USB-A and two USB-C ports and has a combined 167.5W power rating.
This compact charger supports both Samsung and Apple fast-charging profiles. The first USB-C port supports 100W, while the second USB-C port is rated 45W. Lastly, the USB-A port supports up to 22.5W. Anker's proprietary smart chip regulates the voltage and temperature, making it both efficient and safe.
Anker includes a 3.3ft USB-C to USB-C cable and offers an 18-month warranty. While the Anker Nano Car Charger usually costs $53.99, it goes on sale very frequently. In fact, it's only $37.79 on Amazon as of this writing.
Anker Nano Car Charger (167.5W, 3 Ports)
Anker knows exactly what users want and delivers just that with this powerful three-ported car charger.
I am not alone in my adoration of the spectacular Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max. My colleague Harish Jonnalagadda is also a big fan of the 240W car charger, and it's easy to see why. It has two built-in, 105W, 31.5-inch retractable USB-C cables coming out the top, and one 33W USB-C and one 30W USB-A port in the base.
If you can find it in stock, this insanely powerful charger will cost $59.99. That's nearly the same retail price as the Anker option, but features a significantly higher 240W output. And like Anker, Baseus frequently discounts the PrimeTrip VR2 Max, sometimes by as much as 40% during sales!
Baseus made this charger as convenient as possible, clearly thinking of every passenger and driver in a car. The top of the PrimeTrip VR2 Max rotates, supporting 450° multi-directional adjustment. Temperature and power management are handled by a smart chip and the body is a flame-retardant shell, and these are just two parts of the charger's seven-layer protection.
Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max 240W
If you want a car charger that's designed to deal with cable clutter but doesn't compromise on power or ports, this is the ultimate car charger.
UGREEN Nexode Car Charger 145W
(Image credit: UGREEN)
The UGREEN Nexode series has achieved legendary status in the charging gear world. The brand specializes in affordable charging solutions that look and feel premium. The Nexode Car Charger 145W may not be as popular as the GaN chargers from the series, but it definitely deserves your attention.
At $49.99, this is the cheapest 100W car charger on this list. In fact, it is easily one of the cheapest chargers in this category, period. Like the Baseus charger, the UGREEN Nexode Car Charger has four ports, though only one has a built-in, retractable USB-C cable rated 60W.
The second Type-C port delivers 100W, and the third delivers 30W. The USB-A port supports 30W charging. UGREEN also guarantees surge protection and smart temperature and voltage management, and the charger's shell is made of a fireproof material. One more reason to love the brand is that it also has frequent sales, and this charger is currently only $34.99 on Amazon!
UGREEN Nexode Car Charger 145W with Retractable USB-C Cable
The UGREEN Nexode Car Charger 145W with Retractable USB-C Cable might not be as powerful as the chargers from Anker and Baseus, but it prioritizes safety and affordability.
Qualcomm provided travel and lodging to Snapdragon Summit. There was no additional compensation, and Qualcomm did not have any input on this article prior to publication.
Earlier this year, Google introduced what had long been rumored: Android on your laptop. Googlebooks seem like a natural evolution of Chromebooks, and I got to spend some time with some of the first models at Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit.
I expected it wouldn't be very different from Chromebooks, and that's... kind of true. Googlebooks aim to take the best parts of ChromeOS and Android and merge them into a very capable computing OS that can take advantage of AI and better connect to your smartphone.
I never quite liked Chromebooks, but I find myself quite compelled by the prospect of Googlebooks, even if the barrier to entry feels a bit high right now.
Not the Chromebook you remember
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
One major way the new Googlebooks differ from Chromebooks is their price. Chromebooks are compelling because they are available at very low price points, which benefits schools and other institutions with limited budgets. However, Chromebooks in their current form are pushing for a more premium experience, with the cheapest laptop costing $899.
That's still cheaper than most lower-end MacBooks, but prices can easily hit over $1,000, depending on the model and configuration. I was told this is because it's much easier to start at the higher end and work your way down than to start low and work your way up.
It's clear that Google wants to ensure that Googlebooks are seen as a premium computing experience before bringing cheaper options that will eventually supplant Chromebooks.
Derrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android Central
It's easy to see this in the hardware available. At Snapdragon Summit, I got to play with two Snapdragon X Elite-powered Googlebooks, the HP Googlebook 14 ($1,299) and Dell XPS Googlebook ($999). They feature exceptional hardware that looks and feels premium, something I never quite got from the Chromebooks I've used (though I know higher-end models exist).
The HP has a larger 14-inch OLED display that looks phenomenal, with a sharp resolution and deep blacks for more vibrant images. It also has comfortable keys and a large trackpad. Meanwhile, the Dell XPS has a smaller LCD panel with thin bezels and a matte finish to reduce reflections. Its aluminum build reminds me a bit of a MacBook, which speaks to how light and premium it feels in hand.
Derrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android Central
Both laptops share similar specs, including 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. They also feature built-in fingerprint sensors and the distinctive Glowbar, which offers functions like displaying battery life, Gemini interactions, and more. There's also a hidden easter egg that unlocks more controls, but I was told users have to find it themselves.
I'm not sure why Google is hiding this Glowbar control panel, since it feels like an essential or even fun part of the experience. Fortunately, Google plans to expand Glow Bar functionality, but for now it's a bit limited, just like HiLight on the Pixel 11 Pro.
Derrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android Central
Many UI elements also just feel very familiar. The quick settings panel feels very Pixel and sits in the top-right corner. The Settings app also looks like it came straight out of a Pixel Tablet, so anyone coming from an Android phone should feel at home.
You can also pin widgets to the home screen for glanceable info and create app folders, just like on an Android phone.
All about AI
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
What will further help Googlebooks shake the Chromebook perception is its capabilities. Thanks to more powerful chipsets like the Snapdragon X Elite, as well as Android being the foundation for the Googlebook OS, these devices are more capable than Chromebooks in a few areas, and much of that has to do with AI capabilities.
Derrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android Central
Googlebook really shines in its ability to perform more AI functions you'd normally find on an Android smartphone. One example I saw during my hands-on was Rambler, which lets users dictate notes, emails, and documents using natural language. The AI automatically filters out "ums" and even accounts for moments when you seem to change your mind about something you said.
What's neat is that Googlebooks come with a dedicated Rambler key, so you can easily access this with a tap.
Derrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android Central
One feature I think I'll get plenty of mileage out of is the Magic Pointer. It almost feels like a desktop Circle to Search: you can activate it by wiggling the pointer a bit, and it will prompt you to click an item on your screen you want to know more about. You can ask about one thing or add multiple items, and a Gemini dialogue opens in a side panel.
It feels like a natural evolution of the cursor, giving you easy access to Gemini when you need it. And speaking of Gemini, there's also Gemini Live, with a neat little circular UI similar to what you find on an Android phone, plus proactive intelligence and automation features, so you can have your computer complete tasks for you, just like on your phone.
Derrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android Central
And remember when I mentioned widgets? Well, you can use AI to create your own widget, and you can be as specific as you want. When demoing this feature, the widget creator was given a very specific, long-winded instruction to create a widget that would display the 49ers' points scored, comparisons with rival teams, and Brock Purdy's passing yards, all in a purple and neon-colored widget. And within less than a minute, it appeared on the desktop.
I can see this being a very useful feature for people who like to use their desktops like notepads. I also can't help but think of Windows 8 and its Tile interface, which were essentially dynamic "widgets" that filled your screen, although this feels more functional and a bit less jarring.
Finally, because Googlebooks run on the Android foundation, it's easy to download pretty much any app or game from the Play Store. You can also easily connect your phone to your Googlebook, search through your phone's app drawer, and cast apps directly to your desktop.
I didn't get to see this in action, but this sounds like an evolution of Phone Hub on Chromebooks. It also reminds me of Motorola's Smart Connect, which can do the same, though a native experience should be more useful.
For example, Continue On is aHandoff-like feature that lets you start one task on your phone and continue it on your laptop. And by connecting your phone to a Googlebook, you can easily swap files between devices without needing Quick Share or a physical connection.
A promising start
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
I didn't get to spend much time with the Googlebooks, and this is only a small selection of devices, with other options powered by Intel and even MediaTek chips. Still, it's a promising start for Google's computing ambitions, and I can't wait to see where the company takes it, especially as it moves down in price point.
We'll still have Chromebooks for a while, and some may even be able to update to Googlebook OS at some point in the future. While Google is working with developers to better optimize games for these larger screens, you shouldn't expect native PC-like AAA games on Googlebook, though you can still use GeForce NOW to stream games to your device.
So, Googlebook may not be for everyone, but it feels like a viable option for Android users who need to stay productive on the go when a tablet won't suffice, and it could also be a go-to option for students.
I was never a fan of Chromebooks, but I will admit that even I'm intrigued by Googlebooks, and I'm seriously considering switching from Windows.
Pixel users say Google Photos is causing problems when editing images as it becomes "unresponsive."
Many Pixel users on Reddit report similarities, as the app's UI options become useless despite the lack of an error message.
Google responded to the thread; however, the suggested actions have not worked, and users have been encouraged to submit a proper bug report.
Pixel users are encountering a few frustrating issues late this week in Google Photos. They claim that certain actions make the entire app unresponsive.
Reports were spotted today (Sept. 25) on Reddit (via Android Authority). One report by a user with a Pixel 11 Pro XL says the app becomes unresponsive after editing a photo. In this particular instance, the user was cropping a photo of a newspaper. However, when they finished, they said, "the resulting photo becomes completely unresponsive to several actions." The user provided a video with their Reddit report.
It showed them trying to tap every button on the bottom nav bar: Share, Edit, and Trash. Nothing works. Tapping "Add To" brings up the folder menu, but that's hardly useful in this situation. They go on to say the app never surfaces an error message or a "loading indication." The app is simply stuck. This problem doesn't persist with other, unedited photos. This issue appears only after editing.
The thread is full of other users chiming in, too. Users with a Pixel 9 series device, Pixel 10, and Pixel 11 say the problem has occurred similarly to the original poster. One user said, "I did exactly what you did. Took a picture, edit, crop, save. Opened the photo gallery, none of the options are responsive."
Here's where things evolve. Google responded to the user's report, offering aid; however, nothing seems to have worked. The user states they've attempted their suggestions, as well as suggestions by Google support—nothing has worked. The user was then advised to file an official bug report, meaning this issue might require more attention.
What's unclear is whether this problem is the result of the latest Google Photos update. We covered the huge app update yesterday, which brings Gemini Spark integration into the mix for Android users. Users can write a prompt to the AI, telling it the changes they'd like to be made. If people are lingering in the background, you can remove them and brighten those that matter. Another huge part of this update was "Moods."
Moods are new styles ("more than filters," per Google) that can give your photos a different feel. If you're going for a vintage aesthetic, there are Moods to choose from. What's more, Google introduced a new "redact pen" to help users blur sensitive details in images.
Since the issues have appeared late this week, it's unlikely that a fix will arrive so soon. We might have to deal with this for now until Google can apply a proper software update.
Google is rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 to Pixel testers, aiming to fix an assortment of crashes and unexpected reboots for a few phones.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold experienced an unexpected reboot, thanks to a third-party app issue when trying to open the camera's viewfinder.
QPR2 Beta 5 rolled out almost ten days ago; however, we are down the final stretch since Google achieved Platform Stability with this update.
Google continues to press ahead with its Android !7 QPR2 Beta with another update for Pixel users.
Over on the Android Beta subreddit, Google announced that it's rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 to Pixel testers. The company states all devices are synced up on build numbers, so all users will find vCP41.260831.007. Eligible phones include the Pixel 6a up to the Pixel 10 series (10a, too). There's a handful of fixes arriving late this week, and one concerns a major Pixel 9 Pro Fold reboot problem.
This was a fairly prominent issue for Pixel testers in the QPR2 Beta. Several threads have appeared on the Issue Tracker, informing Google that their devices have experienced an "unexpected reboot." Google states the issue would occur when "initializing the camera viewfinder in third-party applications." The fix for this should hopefully alleviate any problems users have been experiencing.
Elsewhere, QPR2 Beta 6 offers a fix for a severe "system kernel crash." This problem also affected devices when a third-party app would "request simultaneous camera and microphone access" during biometric verification stages.
Clarity to the situation
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
A visual regression causing letterboxed content to leak through the status bar during activity transitions
The screensaver displays a blank screen while charging
Locked applications could not be dismissed using swipe gestures in Recents
An issue that caused device crashes, reboots, or hangs when scrolling
There are two things to note about Beta 6. One user reports that Google removed blurred notifications on the lock screen. This drew quick attention from Mishaal Rahman on Reddit, who clarified the situation, stating, "The product team temporarily reverted the lock screen blur effect from this recent beta release in order to fix some bugs."
Other users note that their phones (Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 7, Pixel 9) have received Kernel 6.12. Many note improved fluidity on their devices.
QPR2 Beta 5 rolled out almost ten days ago, and it seems Google is keen on getting these major fixes in as quickly as possible. A few additional Bluetooth fixes were included last week, following Android 17 QPR2's "Platform Stability" achievement. We continue our trek down the final stretch toward a full release.
Meta reportedly debuted its latest gadget, the Muse Charm, which is designed to keep users connected directly to its AI via 5G connectivity.
The Charm features a 2-inch OLED touch screen, a camera, a microphone, and speakers, with a price tag that could encroach on smartwatches.
During the event, Zuckerberg stated, "...if you’re not wearing glasses, this is going to be by far the fastest way" to talk to Muse AI.
We're winding down from Meta Connect 2026, but one thing stole the show for us (aside from AI glasses), and that's the Muse Charm.
A post by The Verge discussed this AI device called the Muse Charm, stating it will feature a "built-in 5G modem" so consumers can communicate with Meta's AI. To us, this looks like the classic Tamagotchi but for the modern age. Meta provided us with images of this device, showcasing the small, rounded size, similar to the virtual pet gadget we used to have (Tamagotchis are making a return, though).
Meta is reportedly eyeing a December launch for the Muse Charm, but there's more to this. It's been announced to have a 2-inch OLED touchscreen, a camera, a microphone, built-in speakers, and a USB-C port.
The entire point of the Muse Charm is to let consumers use Meta's AI, Muse. At least, that's the gist of the situation Bloomberg was able to glean. What's more, users can reportedly use the charm's camera to give the AI additional real-world context. By this, it seems no different than opening your camera with Gemini Live and asking, "What does this sign say?"
Some additional coverage by CNBC highlighted more about the Muse Charm. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, "We’ve packed a lot of technology with this little guy. So, if you’re not wearing glasses, this is going to be by far the fastest way to talk to your Muse and to show it what’s going on around you." Aside from cute avatars designed to attract the user, the publication notes that the Muse Charm is a part of Meta's bigger AI push.
Elsewhere, it's been alleged that the Muse Charm could see pricing mirroring smartwatches.
Muse will charm you
(Image credit: Meta)
Meta Connect 2026 was packed with a bunch of reveals from the company. While it revealed new AI glasses, it had another reveal in store: VR Glasses. Meta's new device caught Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich off guard. While many VR-related devices are headsets—larger and heavier—Meta's VR Glasses strip that all away. This device is reportedly 83% lighter and 60% smaller than your typical VR headset (Apple Vision Pro).
One thing to note is that these VR Glasses are not meant to be worn all day. They're not AI glasses. Regarding their specifications, the VR Glasses feature 5K micro-OLED panels and a 37 pixels-per-degree (PPD) resolution. This level of clarity didn't come without compromise. Sutrich states Meta achieved this by narrowing the FOV (field of view). These VR Glasses are roughly 11 degrees narrower than the Quest 3S and 25 degrees narrower than the Quest 3.
Android Central's Take
I'm more than a little curious about why this is a thing. The idea of walking around with a tiny device resembling a Tamagotchi... for the sole purpose of communicating with Muse seems strange. What makes it more strange is the alleged pricing—near the levels of a smartwatch? The Charm has a camera (oh boy), a touch screen, and will reportedly play nice with Android and iOS for setup purposes. To me, it seems like a gimmick, and one that I'm unsure of the purpose it serves.
Motorola deals are hardly uncommon, but if you're a Verizon customer, you may have noticed that a few key models are missing from the carrier's store. Fortunately, that changes today, as Verizon just added some new 2026 Razr phones to its site with some excellent discounts to boot.
Whether you want the groundbreaking Motorola Razr Fold, the crowd-pleasing Razr Plus, or an exclusive variant of the standard Motorola Razr (2026), September's Verizon deals spell great news for Android users and foldable phone fans alike. Just be aware that most of the new offers require a trade-in to receive the full discount, so get ready to dig up those old devices.
Need a new smartwatch? Verizon has also started carrying the Moto Watch Ultra, and you can get this sleek wearable for free when you bundle the purchase with a Motorola phone. Needless to say, things are clearly changing over at Verizon, and Motorola fans should take note.
Verizon just got some new Motorola phones in stock - don't miss these deals
The Motorola Razr Plus (2026) is probably my favorite phone in the 2026 Razr lineup, balancing premium design and durability with significant upgrades to the camera tech and battery life.
Trade in an old or broken phone and add a line with the Unlimited Ultimate plan and Verizon will now give you the Razr Plus (2026) for free. Considering that the clamshell device usually starts at $1,100, that discount is nothing to scoff at. View Deal
The Razr Fold is Motorola's first attempt at building a book-style foldable, and it's already giving Samsung's Galaxy Z line a run for its money in 2026.
Send Verizon an old or broken phone and add a line with the Unlimited Ultimate plan and you'll get $1,100 off the premium device over 36 months, a deal that puts a serious dent into the Fold's steep $1,949.99 price tag. View Deal
Did you ever wish that your flip phone had a bit more bling? The limited edition Swarovski Crystal Motorola Razr (2026) has arrived, and you can get the eye-catching foldable for FREE by trading in an eligible device and adding a line with the Unlimited Ultimate plan at Verizon. According to Motorola, each phone is hand-embedded with 35 individual Swarovski crystals and a large precision-cut crystal on the hinge. View Deal
Motorola also dropped the powerful Moto Watch Ultra this year, and you can get the new Android smartwatch for FREE by bundling it with the purchase of any Motorola phone at Verizon. You'll still have to cover the service plan for the watch, but these start at only $15 per month. View Deal
Pixel 11 users can now delegate routine calls — like checking store inventory, booking appointments, or changing reservations — directly to Gemini.
You can monitor the entire conversation via a live transcript on your screen and take over the call at any moment.
The preview begins September 24 for Gemini paid subscribers in the Phone by Google Public Beta.
Google today introduced a new task for Gemini on the Pixel 11: helping you dodge those pesky calls you keep putting off. The company is testing a feature that allows Gemini to contact businesses for routine tasks such as checking inventory, booking appointments, and changing reservations.
The idea builds on Google’s existing Hold for Me and Direct My Call features, which already take care of parts of the experience of a phone call. This time, Gemini goes one step further. You tell it what you need, and it will call the business, identify itself, go through automated menus, wait on hold, and speak with the person who answers, all through the Gemini app.
Google’s updated terms say these agentic calls are placed from your own phone number and use an AI-generated voice. That makes the feature less like a glorified voicemail assistant and more like an AI impersonating you.
You aren't handing over the phone altogether, though. The experience will include a live transcript so you can follow the conversation as it happens, Google says. If Gemini starts to go off the rails, you can take over the call at any point.
(Image credit: Google)
Google says it’s limiting the initial rollout as it works through the nuances of real-world conversations. There’s a good practical reason for Google’s decision to limit the initial rollout. These are conversations that are real. Gemini's calls are from real customers trying to book appointments, hold items, or change the date of services, meaning that businesses and the people who work for them have to deal with the AI on the other end.
The preview starts on September 24 for Gemini paid subscribers enrolled in the Phone by Google Public Beta, which is limited to Pixel 11 phones in the U.S.
