In this mobile-first world, we all rely on our mostly mediocre device batteries to ‘get us through the day’. As device manufacturers have largely abandoned adequate capacity batteries in preference for thiner phones they have convinced most consumers of the virtues of faster charging. As such our needs have shifted from reliably batteries to ludicrously fast charging to keep these tiny tanks full.
This introduces a new (and horrid) world of power complexity, with you now needing to have the right charger and the right cable to push these ever growing currents into your device. Enter Kurrent. Kurrent is a mobile accessory maker focusing mostly on power delivery, and their latest device the “USB Type-C Power Meter” is intended to let you know just how much juice you’re pumping into your beloved digital companion.
What is the Kurrent Power meter? The USB C Power Meter provides a real-time display of the current volts and amps as well as a record of how much power has been supplied since charging began measured in mAh, just like your batteries.
What did I use it for? I immediately set about testing all of my USB C cables and chargers. For me, since I’ve only invested in good quality cables since preparing for and making the switch to USB C they all passed, however, it won’t be long until other accessories I buy start coming with cheap and nasty cables.
Using the Kurrent Power Meter I will be able to test any cable against my benchmark cable the Belkin DuraTek. Get within 10% of that and you can stay, otherwise, it’s off to cable heaven for you.
The other use is obviously testing wall chargers and portable batteries to make sure that they pair well with any given device. With USB 3.0 power delivery spec, Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 4+, Moto Fast Charge, OnePlus Discharge etc it can be difficult to know exactly what will charge your device quickly, especially as not all OEMs advertise all of the charging tech included in their devices. Whack a Power Meter on that sucker and you’ll see first hand exactly what’s happening.
Do you need a Power Meter? I guess not but man have I wanted one and now I’m going to have to buy a MicroUSB Power Meter as I’ve found these tests more accurate than using apps like Ampere which while giving an indication are known to be less accurate. Sure I won’t be monitoring every time I charge but I will be testing, and knowing me retesting, all of my USB C power delivery components.
Check out Kurrent’s web page if you want more details of how to get a USB Type-C Power Meter, or head straight to Amazon and grab one, international shipping is still being added for the Power Meter, but if you want it I know you know what to do.
Win a Kurrent USB Type-C Power Meter
Thanks to the kind people over at Kurrent we’ve got some USB Power Meters to give away to you. Simply write in 25 words or less why you want a USB C Power Meter and we’ll select the best answers.
Only users signed in will be eligible as we need to be able to contact you, so make sure you’re commenting with a profile that has an email address or something behind it.
