Anker has released a new HDMI to USB-C cable that lets you connect your device to an external display without draining the battery, The Verge reports.
We are talking about the Anker Nano USB-C to HDMI Cable Adapter , which can already be purchased for $28. The novelty supports Thunderbolt 5 and has an additional USB-C port on the HDMI connector, which allows you to charge the device with a power of up to 140 W via a power adapter.
USB-C to HDMI cables are quite common, but most of them do not support Power Delivery. This is not a problem for laptops with multiple USB-C ports, but for smartphones, tablets, and portable consoles with a single USB-C port, it means that you can't charge while connected to a display. You can use USB-C HDMI hubs or adapters, but then you have to buy a separate HDMI cable. Anker 's solution simplifies the situation.
Currently, the new product is available in a version up to 100 cm long, but a longer version will appear later.
However, there are a few limitations to the new product. While Anker claims broad compatibility with a variety of devices, including iPad, iPhone, ThinkPad, Chromebook, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy , as well as the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally portable consoles, this cable cannot function as a portable dock for the Nintendo Switch .
Additionally, due to the size of the HDMI connector, it is not compatible with some Dell, LG , and Samsung monitors where the HDMI ports are too close together or in an awkward location.