You can plug your USB cable right into this outlet, no adaptor needed

By Erika Prafder March 31, 2015

snappower outlet cover has usb charger — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Forget fiddling with sockets and wires. A new outlet cover makes powering up your USB devices easier than ever.

Usually when you lose your adaptor, you have to charge your phone through your computer’s USB port. But with a new outlet cover called the SnapPower, all you need is the cable. The cover screws into your wall, so you don’t need to go searching for additional connective parts. If SnapPower sounds familiar, it may be because the company launched a crowdfunding campaign for its guidelight outlet covers last year, which turn on automatically when it gets dark.

Designed with internal power prongs, the charger draws power from screws located on the outlet’s sides. Its charging port is off to the side at the bottom of the cover, so you can freely plug in your USB cable without obstructing the two regular outlets. Just turn off the power to the outlet, remove the existing cover, screw on the SnapPower cover, and it’s ready for charging. Keep in mind that the extra USB port does make the SnapPower hang down a little lower than a standard cover.

Any standard outlet in your home with exposed screw terminals becomes USB compatible, no wiring required. However, the apparatus isn’t compatible with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets, sometimes located in bathrooms. They typically have a “test” and “reset” button on their faces.

Since launching his Kickstarter campaign, SnapPower has raised over $206,000, well beyond its $35,000 goal. The company claims it’s on target to deliver the cover to backers this August. While there are various packs available for sale, you can nab a single charger (in two styles and three colors) at the super early bird special price of $14.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Erika Prafder is Digital Trends’ Home contributor. She is a veteran writer, with over fifteen years of experience covering…

Smart Home

Are robotic pool cleaners worth it?

The Airper Seagull SE robotic pool cleaner at the bottom of a swimming pool.

The worst part of owning a swimming pool is taking care of it From filter maintenance and skimming debris from the surface to managing chemicals and more, you'll likely find yourself hanging out around the water more often than you're actually in the water. Robotic pool cleaners are designed to alleviate this pinch point of pool ownership by giving you back your time and automating most of your tasks.

But are robotic pool cleaners worth it, or are they a gimmick that still require heaps of manual input? Here's a closer look to help you decide if one would be a good addition to your backyard.
Budget-friendly devices are often a hassle

Smart Home

Best Buy cut this air fryer’s price in half, down to just $25

The Bella Pro Series 3 Quart Air Fryer near food.

If you want your food crispy all over without having to deal with draining a ton of oil, your best bet is to use an air fryer. They're never too expensive and there are always great air fryer deals going on, but you'll rarely find one with a price like this. Right now, the Bella Pro Series 3 Quart Analog Air Fryer is half off, moving its price from $50 to $25. To pick yours up today all you need to do is tap the button below. If you're interested in our take, however, be sure to keep reading.

Why you should buy the Bella Pro Series 3 Quart Air Fryer
The Bella Pro Series 3 Quart Air Fryer holds up to about 2.5 pounds of food, heats up to 400 degrees, and has easily-removable dishwasher-safe parts. If you notice it is "analog" that is because it has a 60 minute shut off timer to give you peace of mind and an easy way to time your cooking. Of course, this means there aren't a ton of digital options, buttons, and settings. However, this can be a plus for some and possibly you. Not every item in the home needs to be "smart" and less can certainly feel like more.

Smart Home

Revolution Cooking’s high-speed smart toaster is $100 off today

Someone using the Revolution Cooking InstaGLO R180 smart toaster in the kitchen.

If you're thinking about getting a new toaster for your kitchen, why not go with a high-speed smart toaster? Best Buy is currently selling the Revolution Cooking InstaGLO R180 smart toaster with a $100 discount, slashing its price to $250 from $350 originally. There's no telling how much time is remaining before this offer expires though, so if you're interested, it's highly recommended that you proceed with the purchase right now in order to secure the savings.

Why you should buy the Revolution Cooking InstaGLO R180 smart toaster
Are smart kitchen gadgets worth it? The answer is a resounding yes, and the Revolution Cooking InstaGLO R180 smart toaster will show you why. With this kitchen device, you'll no longer suffer from burnt or uneven toasts as it's powered by the brand's InstaGLO heating system. The technology will start toasting your bread in just two seconds without any need for preheating. You'll get bread that's crunchy outside and moist inside every single time, which is a huge upgrade over the inconsistencies of traditional toasters.