Gadgets: Accessories that make everyday life a little easier

Smartish, an Austin, Texas-based company is celebrating its 15th year of business. Their mission is to create accessories that make everyday life a little easier, such as innovative smartphone cases and clever stuff with creative names to solve unexpected needs. Continuing this mission, they recently launched some great new accessories to pair with iPhones.

These days, with the transition of devices to the universal USB-C charging, many of us are caught in the middle needing multiple charging cables since they all don't have the same connection. The Crown Joule charging cable solves the problem of having one cable for both USB-C and Apple Lightning connections. The Lighting is exclusive to Apple devices, but having the USB-C allows charging for the growing list of compatible devices worldwide.

The solid fabric-wrapped 6-foot braided cable, with reinforced strength connectors, has what Smartish calls a new dual sparkler. It has one plug but two different connections and a single USB-C connection on the other end to plug into your power source. There are no more adapters to swap. Instead, the solid-built tip is ready to go.

The new cables are $19.99 and available in color choices of No. 2 Pencil Grey and Lightly Toasted Beige. The Crown Jewel cable is also available in other combinations, including the old favorite USB-A.

Smartish has a versatile lineup of cases to fit the new iPhone 16 and has also updated its Cable Wrangler (magnetic cord organizer) with new colors. If you're not familiar with this accessory, you should be. It's a small hockey puck-sized device that does an amazing job of cable management on a desktop, nightstand or kitchen counter.

The wrangler has a powerful magnet that snaps your cables in place for an easy on/off clutter-free system. With the cables attached, you'll never be reaching for the charging tip; it's always there, ready and waiting. In some cases, a cable itself might not have a magnetic tip to pair up. No problem; the Cable Wrangler comes with two magnetic cable collars, which clip on or off without interfering with the charging connection.

The Smartish Cable Wrangler does not use semi-permanent adhesives. It's a weighted device that stays in place on its own. The universal wranglers are available for $29.99, or a bigger size for $39.99. Each has a choice of six fabric colors, including the new cool vegan leather in Black Tie Affair and Snow Day White.

The new Smartish Mountaineer wall mount hangs anywhere and has the magnetic strength to hold iPhones, new AirPods, Qi2 magnetic accessories and other magnetic devices. With an easy and secure installation, it can be kitchen-mounted to get eye-level access to read a recipe on your iPhone screen or mounted anywhere to hold onto your AirPods so you know where they are. Or a suggestion from Smartish (don't shoot the messenger), the Mountaineer can be used for hanging out in the bathroom getting you through that 45-step self-care routine. They are available in No. 2 Pencil Grey and Lightly Toasted Beige for $21.99.

https://smartish.com

A keyboard is one of those items we all use, but never think of upgrading until you try a new one with more advanced features. Maybe it's in a different office or a friend's house, but either way, once you see the difference, you'll look up the model and instantly go shopping.

A great choice for upgrading an existing keyboard is the Kensington wireless Pro Fit Ergo KB675 EQ TKL Rechargeable Keyboard, designed for small to average-sized hands. The full-sized keyboard is filled with every feature you want and adds up to be comfortable and functional. The comfort comes from the ergonomic design of the keyboard, which can either prevent or ease our aching wrists.

The black keyboard is listed to work with Chrome OS, macOS and Windows. It will pair with up to three devices simultaneously with Bluetooth or one with the included 2.4GHz USB receiver with AES government-grade 128-bit encryption security. Swift Pair Technology makes it easy for Windows users to pair.

The keyboard keeps your wrists in a correct and natural position to reduce strain and the associated injuries keyboard work can cause, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. This is especially true for those who require repetitive keystrokes. A built-in wrist pad, curved key layout and front keyboard legs all assist with comfort for all-day use.

Inside is a USB-C (cable included) charging 500mAh rechargeable battery. RGB indicators on the keyboard show how much battery power is remaining, whether the caps lock is on, and the connection status.

Along with all the basic keys, including a top row of numbers, the Kensington Pro Fit Ergo KB675 keyboard supports video conferencing keys. Customization can be done with Kensington Konnect software for features such as macros, key mappings, and launching preferred AI applications.