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The traveler's charger
The traveler's charger

Sep 01 2024 / Round the Table Magazine

The traveler's charger

Gadgets, apps and solutions that aid travel and translating.

Topics Covered

The traveler’s charger

Want to ditch low-battery anxiety? The Anker 325 Power Bank can last three to four days between charges. With a massive 20,000mAh capacity, this portable powerhouse can charge your phone as many as five times and assure multiple days of battery life is ahead of you. Power Bank features two ports so you can power up your phone and another device simultaneously. Additionally, Anker’s MultiProtect technology safeguards your devices from damage while they charge. Perfect for trips or everyday use. $50, anker.com 



Language helper

Google Search Labs has a new feature that can help English learners improve their speaking skills. Speaking practice is an experimental app available in Argentina, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Venezuela that offers AI-driven interactive language exercises for practicing conversational English. Users, through their device microphone, speak to a chatbot, which will ask open-ended questions to foster conversation. Participants have the opportunity to practice pronunciation, say vocabulary words in context with real-life prompts and clarify vocabulary usage in everyday situations. Speaking practice will be listed as one of the active Search Labs experiments if it is available in your market or Google account. Free, labs.google


Translate with confidence

Tired of robotic communication and inaccurate translation? The Articula AI Interpreter translates calls and voice messages in real time across 24 languages. Whether you need to be understood in Spanish or Arabic, Articula contends the accuracy of its app rivals professional interpreters. No more fumbling with translation apps or language courses. Speak to your colleagues overseas with your own voice. Free, Apple App Store


 

AI trip planner

Planning a vacation can take hours, but Copilot2trip puts artificial intelligence to work for you and creates a trip with personalized itineraries within seconds. Just tell the app your interests, destination and trip length, and it will build a custom plan packed with must-see sights and hidden gems. See your trip come to life on an interactive map and access booking recommendations. Free trial available, subscription $8/month, copilot2trip.com

PDF annotator

Besides just viewing PDFs, Foxit PDF Reader can create, edit, digitally sign and print PDF files. Users can open multiple PDF files in separate tabs, append notes, callouts, stamps and overlay text boxes onto pages of a document. Foxit enables you to preview comments, open file or media attachments and validate signatures. It also supports text-to-speech mode, so it can read a page or entire document aloud. The app integrates with popular cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive. Free trials are available and annual subscriptions start at $60, foxit.com




Maximize your space 

Tired of bulky desktops and expensive add-ons? The GEEKOM A7 Mini PC Ryzen 7000U is a perfect desktop replacement. Despite its small size, the minicomputer offers desktop-grade performance without the bulk with support for up to 64GB of DDR5 memory and a blazing-fast Wi-Fi 6E experience for fast responsiveness and seamless multitasking. The A7 also impresses visually, supporting 4K displays on up to four monitors, perfect for both gaming and a serious office grind. $829, geekompc.com


Travel confidently 

Does the fear of a dead car battery loom over your head whenever you travel? The WOLFBOX MegaVolt24 Jump Starter is your roadside guardian. This compact but mighty device fits in the glove compartment and provides 24,000mAh, enough to jump-start most gas and diesel vehicles in seconds. No more waiting for a tow truck or a friend to bail you out, theMegaVolt24 gets you back on the road with intelligent clamps that prevent sparks and ensure a secure connection. The starter also functions as a portable power bank, allowing you to recharge your phone, tablet or laptop. It also features a bright LED flashlight for emergencies. $130, wolfbox.com


Pocket-sized productivity booster 

24me is a personal assistant app that can streamline your life. The all-in-one app integrates your calendar, tasks, notes and even personal accounts to keep you on top of deadlines with synced calendars and smart alerts. The to-do list enables fast completion of tasks with color labels, multiple reminders, email to task and other features to boost productivity. Say goodbye to missed appointments and capture ideas on the fly with notes that include photos and videos. 24me personalizes your experience, even factoring in traffic so you can arrive at meetings on time. Free, twentyfour.me 

Organize in style 

Conquer desk clutter and stop rummaging through your bag for loose items with the Orbitkey Nest. The stylish, fabric-wrapped desk organizer has customizable dividers for creating compartments to secure tech accessories, cables, cards and more, so you never leave essentials behind when you travel. Its built-in wireless charging pad assures your phone always has charge, and the unique dual-function hinge doubles as a loop to hold your pen. A hidden cable-management system ensures your workspace stays tidy, boosting both productivity and aesthetics. $110, orbitkey.com