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stablecoin, crypto
GameFi Guides

PetroChina Eyes Stablecoins As Eric Trump Lauds China Power

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Following the recent regulatory developments in Hong Kong, Asia’s largest oil and gas producer, PetroChina, is reportedly evaluating the adoption of stablecoins for cross-border payments.

PetroChina Considers Stablecoin Adoption

On Friday, local news media outlets reported that PetroChina, the listed arm of state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), will explore cross-border settlement and payments using stablecoins.

According to the reports, Wang Hua, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Board Secretary of PetroChina, disclosed during the half-year meeting that the company is closely monitoring the latest developments regarding the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA) Stablecoin Ordinance.

In May, Hong Kong’s Legislative Council officially passed the new Stablecoins Ordinance, directing any individual or entity seeking to issue a fiat-referenced stablecoin (FRS) in the jurisdiction, or any Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)-pegged token, to obtain a license from the HKMA.

The ordinance, enacted on August 1, aims to reinforce regulatory oversight on the digital assets industry, while fostering innovation and “responsible, sustainable” development. Under the new framework, licensed entities are allowed to offer FRS in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, retail investors can access the tokens issued only by these qualified institutions.

Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, previously noted that stablecoins, “particularly when it is referenced to fiat currencies, (have) many use case scenarios,” including cross-border payments to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

PetroChina will reportedly initiate a viability study on the use of stablecoins for cross-border settlement and payments, marking the Chinese energy giant’s entry into the digital assets landscape under Hong Kong’s new regulatory framework.

HK, China Crypto Landscape

As the report noted, Wang Hua didn’t disclose a specific timeline, only stating that the company would “closely monitor policy developments and build technical capabilities.” This could suggest that PetroChina’s stablecoin exploration remains in the research phase.

It’s worth noting that the HKMA established a six-month transition period and encouraged interested institutions to submit applications before September 30. Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary has stated that regulators received several applications from entities seeking to become qualified issuers.

Previous reports revealed that multiple companies have applied for the HKMA license ahead of the ordinance enactment, including logistics technology firm Reitar Logtech and the overseas arm of Chinese mainland financial technology giant Ant Group.

Meanwhile, e-commerce giant JD.com, through its fintech arm JD Coinlink, was testing HKD-pegged tokens under the regulator’s sandbox program earlier this year. Despite Hong Kong’s crypto push, authorities have warned about the excessive hype in the market and public opinion, raising concerns over a developing trend toward speculation as the market has become “overly enthusiastic.”

Similarly, Chinese regulators have allegedly instructed firms to halt promotions and research publications related to stablecoins amid concerns that the growing interest in the sector could enable the digital asset to be exploited as a new tool for fraudulent activities.

Nonetheless, Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump, recently highlighted China’s role in the crypto industry. At Bitcoin Asia 2025, the American businessman affirmed that the country is a “hell of a power” in the sector, adding that the US and China likely understood digital assets “better than anyone else in the world.”

“There’s no question that China is a hell of a power when it comes to this world,” Trump said, stating that he would love for President Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to talk about Bitcoin.

Bitcoin’s performance in the one-week chart. Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView

Featured Image from Unsplash.com, Chart from TradingView.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.



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Hut 8 (HUT) Gains on Power Capacity Expansion Plan
NFT Gaming

Hut 8 (HUT) Gains on Power Capacity Expansion Plan

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Hut 8 (HUT), a public bitcoin BTC$111,274.18 mining and energy infrastructure firm, surged Tuesday after revealing plans to more than double the company’s power capacity.

The plans include the development of four new sites across the United States with more than 1.5 gigawatts (GW), expanding total power capacity to over $2.5 GW across 19 locations, according to a press release.

The stock rose more than 10%, hitting a seven-month high just shy of $26 per share even as bitcoin prices remain stuck in the doldrums below $110,000.

Data center firms are enjoying renewed investor interest as demand for computing power soars to fuel artificial intelligence innovation. Recently, tech giant Google took a minority stake in bitcoin miner TeraWulf as part of a $3.2 billion AI infrastructure deal.

“This expansion marks a defining step in Hut 8’s evolution into one of the largest energy and digital infrastructure platforms in the world,” Hut 8 CEO Asher Genoot said in the press release.

The company said it has reclassified the projects from “exclusivity” to “development,” meaning it has secured land and power deals and is working on design and commercialization.

To finance the projects, the firm plans to draw in up to $$2.4 billion in liquidity from various sources. That includes borrowing against its 10,000 BTC stash worth roughly $1.1 billion, a $200 million revolving credit line, an expanded $130 million facility from Coinbase and a recently launched $1 billion at-the-market equity offering.

Investment bank Roth Capital viewed the expansion plans as a “notable step-up,” with potential to “materially re-rate the stock” as the sites come online and get contracted for AI and high-performance computing.

Read more: Bitcoin Mining Faces ‘Incredibly Difficult’ Market as Power Becomes the Real Currency



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EcoFlow’s Rapid power bank is the fastest yet
Product Reviews

EcoFlow’s Rapid power bank is the fastest yet

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It’s now possible to charge a large 99Wh (27,650mAh) power bank — the largest you can easily take on an airplane — from zero to 80 percent in about 20 minutes. But only if you own EcoFlow’s new power bank and desktop charger combo, launching in the US today.

The $179.99 / €169.99 Rapid Pro Power Bank 27k can take a powerful 320W charge when placed onto the pogo-pin connector on top of the company’s $199.99 / €159.99 Rapid Pro Desktop Charger. Both devices can simultaneously charge two power-hungry laptops at up to 140W each over USB-C, and you can plug two 140W USB-C PD 3.1 chargers into the power bank to charge its battery from zero to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.

You can even monitor progress over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth from the EcoFlow app on your phone while packing for the airport, and the portable battery should be suitably charged by the time your Uber arrives.

I’ve been testing the power bank and desktop charger for the last few weeks to verify EcoFlow’s claims, and to see how well the two products function at home and on the go, together and apart.

Fast bidirectional charging is the standout feature of this bulky workhorse of a power bank, followed closely by its built-in retractable USB-C cable that can handle 140W of input or output. When stacked onto the desktop charger you get nine USB ports and a staggering 600W of total output for your laptops, phones, drones, headphones, Starlink… you name it, as we enter the golden age of USB-C connectivity.

$180

The Good

  • Recharges (briefly) at an incredibly fast 320W
  • Simultaneous 140W USB-C PD 3.1 in/out on two ports
  • Built-in retractable USB-C cable
  • Remote monitoring

The Bad

  • Expensive and bulky for 99Wh
  • 320W possible when battery cool using proprietary connector
  • Display easily scratches, unreadable in sunlight
  • Nobody needs a screensaver on their battery

$200

The Good

  • Charges Rapid Power Bank at 320W
  • Charges two USB-C PD 3.1 laptops at 140W simultaneously
  • Large display with dial to monitor individual ports
  • Remote monitoring and control

The Bad

  • 320W output uses proprietary pogo-pin connector
  • Dim display can be scratched

The ultra-fast 320W charge is delivered over proprietary spring-loaded pogo-pin connectors on the bottom of the power bank and top of the desktop charger, with magnets to help keep them aligned. EcoFlow claims an “industry fastest recharging speed” from the combo, which seems to check out.

The closest competitor we can find is Anker’s $179.99 Prime Power Bank, which tops out briefly at 170W when connecting its 99Wh battery to two 140W USB-C chargers simultaneously.

I managed to charge EcoFlow’s Rapid Pro Power Bank at a maximum of 320.5W when stacked on top of the desktop charger, or 232W when simultaneously connected to both a 100W USB-C charger and the only 140W PD 3.1 charger I own. I’m unable to validate the 280W claim — though I have no reason to doubt it.

In both scenarios, EcoFlow’s power bank followed a typical charging curve for a lithium-ion battery that’s meant to preserve its health and prevent overheating. With dual USB-C inputs, the power bank maintained its max charge rate when the battery was between 10 to 50 percent full in my testing, but the pogo-pin connector was only pulling its max input when between 10 to 25 percent. However, on a mild day when the battery was warm due to excessive benchmarking, I never saw the power bank pull more than 250W when placed on the desktop charger — well below the 320W max advertised. The Rapid Pro Power Bank grew warm to the touch in my testing, but never hot.

The Rapid Pro Power Bank has four USB-C ports: 2x 140W input/output and 2x 65W output. It can simultaneously charge two power-hungry USB-C devices — like a high-end MacBook and gaming laptop — at 140W each for a max total output of 280W when both ports are active. It maxes out at 300W when either three or all four ports are active. Three of the charger’s ports also support 63W Universal Fast Charging Specification (UFCS) favored by Chinese device makers.

Notably, one of the power bank’s bidirectional 140W USB-C jacks is at the end of a flat 2-foot (60cm) cable that stays flush with the case when retracted with help from magnets. It’s incredibly convenient to have the appropriately spec’d USB-C cable with you at all times. I also like that EcoFlow labels every port with its maximum power rating and whether it’s suitable for input, output, or both. Nice.

In addition to the pogo-pin connector on top, EcoFlow’s Rapid Pro Desktop Charger features one 30W USB-A port and four USB-C ports: 2x 140W, 1x 65W, 1x 30W. It also supports a mix of 30W and 63W UFS charging. Max total output from the GaN charger is 280W when two USB ports are active, 310W for three, 295W for four, and 289W for five.

And yes, you can stack the power bank on top of the desktop charger for a total of nine active ports while the Power Bank charges through the pogo pins.

Good: magnetic pogo-pin connector for ultra-fast 320W charging. Bad: screensavers on your desktop charger and power bank. Photo by Thomas Ricker / The Verge

The 140W USB-C in/out retractable cable fully extended. Photo by Thomas Ricker / The Verge

The EcoFlow app lets you remotely monitor the power bank and monitor and control ports on the desktop charger. Photo by Thomas Ricker / The Verge

Charges up to nine devices simultaneously while the power bank charges. Photo by Thomas Ricker / The Verge

I tested the Rapid Pro Power Bank’s output capacity with my iPhone 15 Pro while it was on and being lightly used in temperatures between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius (68 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit). The power bank charged my phone from zero to full nearly four times — the last charge peaked at 87 percent before the power bank showed empty. Mathematically, you’d think EcoFlow’s 27,650mAh (99.54Wh @ 3.6V) power bank could charge the iPhone 15 Pro’s 3,274mAh battery more than eight times. Afterall, 27,650 divided by 3,274 equals 8.4. But that’s not how power banks work.

A power bank’s available capacity is much less than the advertised capacity due to the process of converting that stored chemical energy into power for attached USB devices. To charge my iPhone, the power bank has to continuously boost the internal cell voltage of 3.6V to between 5V and 9V. Energy is also lost to inefficiencies in the charging circuit, heat, cable resistance, and battery health which degrades over time.

A generic 99Wh power bank on the left shows just how bulky EcoFlow’s model is.

Placing the depleted power bank on top of the desktop charger returned the battery to 50 percent in just 10 minutes, 80 percent in 22 minutes, and 100 percent in 33 minutes. When the power bank was about 10 percent charged, it started pulling between 315W and 320W from the desktop charger until it reached 25 percent. The majority of the time, it was charging at around 250W before falling to 150W late in the cycle. This charging curve explains why the 99.54Wh battery doesn’t charge from zero to 100 percent in 18.7 minutes (99.54Wh divided by 320W x 60 min).

The power bank’s lithium-ion (ternary) battery is good for about 300 cycles before capacity drops to 80 percent, says EcoFlow. You can prolong the battery’s health by setting charging limits within the EcoFlow app to keep it within the recommended 20 to 80 percent range.

The desktop charger, like the power bank, feels solid and well built. The dial on the side is plastic but suitably tactile and clicky as it rotates. It lets you scroll through the status of each port — a push on the dial reveals voltage and amperage. I like it. The EcoFlow app gives you similar visibility and lets you remotely turn ports on and off individually. My only real complaint is the stiff power cable on the back that prevents the desktop charger from sitting flush against the wall.

The Rapid Pro Power Bank is bulky compared to a cheaper 99Wh / 140W model I purchased from a random Amazon brand last year, and the plastic display already has a long scuff mark across it. That EcoFlow display is unreadable in sunlight and barely readable in shadow. The desktop charger seems to use the same screen but visibility is better indoors. I wish EcoFlow’s portable battery had a “find device” feature like Anker’s power bank that plays a sound when triggered from the app.

1/12Powering a Starlink Mini, MacBook Pro, Apple Watch Ultra, and AirPods Pro.

The EcoFlow power bank and desktop charger compare favorably to Anker’s remarkably similar Prime series of devices. The Prime Power Bank I mentioned earlier can even be purchased as part of a $269.99 Prime Power Bank and Charging Base bundle that offers only 100W of charge over its pogo-pin connector. Anker sells a $169.99 Prime Charger without the pogo-pins and six outputs, but it maxes out at 140W on any single port or 250W total.

That makes EcoFlow’s Rapid Pro Power Bank and Rapid Pro Desktop Charger — available in a $360 bundle — the clear winners in terms of raw power and bidirectional charging speeds for anyone willing to spend a bit more. At least until we see what Anker and others have up their sleeves next week at the big IFA tech show.

Photography by Thomas Ricker / The Verge

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Helene Braun
GameFi Guides

Bitcoin (BTC) Mining Faces ‘Incredibly Difficult’ Market as Power Becomes the Real Currency

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Jackson Hole, Wy. — Bitcoin miners have long been defined by the boom-and-bust rhythm of the four-year halving cycle. But the game has now changed, according to some of the industry’s most prominent executives at the SALT conference in Jackson Hole earlier this week.

The rise of exchange-traded funds, surging demand for power, and the prospect of artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping infrastructure needs mean that miners must find ways to diversify or risk being left behind.

“We used to come here and talk about hash rate,” said Matt Schultz, CEO of Cleanspark. “Now we’re talking about how to monetize megawatts.”

For years, mining companies—which derived their main source of revenue solely from mining bitcoin—lived and died by the four-year bitcoin halving cycle. Every cycle, rewards were slashed in half, and miners scrambled to cut costs or scale up to survive. But that rhythm, according to these executives, no longer defines the business.

“The four-year cycle is effectively broken with the maturation of bitcoin as a strategic asset, with the ETF and now the strategic treasury and whatnot,” Schultz said. “The adoption is driving demand. If you read anything about the most recent ETF, they’ve consumed infinitely more bitcoin than have been generated so far this year.”

Cleanspark, which now operates 800 megawatts of energy infrastructure and has another 1.2 gigawatts in development, has begun turning its attention beyond proof-of-work. “Our speed to market with the electricity has created opportunities such that now we can look at ways to monetize power beyond just bitcoin mining,” he said. “With 33 locations, we now have a great deal more flexibility than we ever did before.”

A brutal business

Schultz is not alone in calling the industry’s monumental shift in business model.

Patrick Fleury, CFO of Terawulf, echoed the sentiment and didn’t try to sugarcoat the profit squeeze the miners are now feeling.

“Bitcoin mining is an incredibly difficult business,” he said. He broke down the economics of bitcoin mining in straightforward terms: with electricity priced at five cents per kilowatt hour, it currently costs around $60,000 to mine a single bitcoin. At a bitcoin price of $115,000, that means half the revenue is consumed by power alone. Once corporate expenses and other operating costs are factored in, the margins tighten quickly. In his view, profitability in mining hinges almost entirely on securing ultra-low-cost power.

For Fleury, the deeper problem isn’t just power costs — it’s the relentless expansion of the network itself, driven by hardware manufacturers with little incentive to slow down.

He pointed to Bitmain, which continues to produce mining rigs regardless of market demand, thanks to its direct pipeline to chipmakers like TSMC. Even when miners aren’t buying, the company can deploy the machines itself in regions with ultra-cheap electricity — from the U.S. to Pakistan — flooding the network with hash power and driving up mining difficulty. That global footprint, coupled with low production costs, allows Bitmain to remain profitable while squeezing margins for everyone else.

Still, Terawulf is pivoting aggressively. Last week, it signed a $6.7 billion lease-backed deal with Google to convert hundreds of megawatts of mining infrastructure into data center space.

“These things, as everyone can attest to up here, like electrical infrastructure, don’t move quickly,” Fleury said. “Tech is used to moving quickly and breaking things, but these deals take an extremely long time to come together. It took us four to five months of very intense due diligence.”

“What I take the most pride in in that transaction was really working collectively with those partners to come up with a new mousetrap that I hope now becomes something that the industry can duplicate at other companies,” he said. “Google is providing $3.2 billion of backstop lease obligation support to Terawulf, which effectively allows me to go out and secure financing at a really efficient cost of capital.”

Profitability—or Patience

Kent Draper, chief commercial officer at IREN, took a quieter but confident stance. His company mines bitcoin profitably — even today, he said. Still, he pointed to one common denominator: power.

“Being a low-cost producer is fundamentally important, and that’s how we’ve always focused our business — having control of our sites, having operational control, being in areas that are low-cost power jurisdictions,” Draper said.

Iren, according to him, is currently operating at 50 exahash, which translates to a billion-dollar annual revenue run rate under current bitcoin market conditions. He noted that the company’s gross margins — revenue minus electricity costs — stand at 75%, and even after accounting for corporate overhead and SG&A expenses, IREN maintains a 65% EBITDA margin, or roughly $650 million in annualized earnings.

Still, even IREN is pausing its expansion in mining. “That’s really dictated just by the opportunity set that we see on the AI side today and the potential to really diversify the revenue streams within our business, rather than a fundamental view that bitcoin mining is no longer attractive,” Draper said.

On the AI side, IREN is pursuing both co-location and cloud. “Capital intensity is very different,” Draper said. “If you’re owning the GPUs on top of the data center infrastructure, that’s 3x the investment. On the cloud side, the payback periods tend to be a lot faster—typically around two years on the GPU investment alone.”

Holding bitcoin — and the Line

For Marathon Digital (MARA) CFO Salman Khan, survival is about agility. With decades in the oil industry, Khan sees a familiar pattern: boom, bust, consolidation, and the constant race to stay efficient.

“This reminds me of those trends in commodity-exposed cycle industries,” Khan said. “There are some very wealthy families in the oil sector who made billions, and then there are others who have filed bankruptcies. You have to have a strong balance sheet to survive these cycles.”

Marathon holds bitcoin on its balance sheet — something Khan said paid off. “We’re not a treasury company, we’re not Strategy, but we like to have that hedge if bitcoin price escalates.”

More recently, Marathon announced a majority stake in Exaion. “The angle that we have on the AI front is compute on the edge,” Khan said. “We like sovereign compute, which allows people to control their data better at a closer location to them. We like the aspect of recurring revenues that come with that. We also like that there’s a software aspect to it, and also the platform aspect to it.”

Beyond bitcoin, behind the grid

Despite the different points of view and strategies, it all comes down to one common factor: power. Whether it was being used to mine bitcoin, power AI, or balance electrical grids, energy — not hash rate — was the currency of the conversation.

“We curtail our energy consumption for 120 hours a year,” CleanSpark’s Schultz said. “We can avoid about a third of our total energy costs. So being that flexible load matters.”

Cleanspark, he added, has spent the past year quietly locking up megawatts around the country. “You mentioned Georgia,” Schultz said. “We have 100 megawatts surrounding the Atlanta airport. That’s a prime example. We’ve been focused on being the valuable partner for some of these rural utilities to monetize stranded megawatts.”

Still about bitcoin — for now

Despite the growing focus on AI, the panelists made it clear that bitcoin remains central to their businesses — for now. When asked why mining companies still deserve investor attention, the answers pointed to scale, cost efficiency, and the ability to weather volatility.

Fleury emphasized that Terawulf’s contracted power capacity could generate substantial cash flow, comparing the economics to established data center operators. Khan pointed out a disconnect between Marathon’s bitcoin holdings and its market valuation, suggesting that the core mining business is being overlooked. Draper underscored IREN’s operational efficiency and low-cost footprint, citing recent performance metrics that placed the company ahead of other public miners.

And while the future may include cloud infrastructure and edge compute, Schultz argued that bitcoin itself could still evolve into something larger — a foundational layer for energy systems. As he put it, the next phase may not be about speculation, but about bitcoin’s role in helping balance power networks.

Read more: Bitcoin Mining Costs Soar as Hashrate Hits Records: TheMinerMag



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VTOMAN
Product Reviews

Vtoman FlashSpeed Pro 3600 portable power station review

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Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The Vtoman FlashSpeed Pro 3600 is hefty. There is no way around that. This is not a power station that you’ll want to be toting around, though it is technically still portable.

See, unlike many of the best portable power station units I’ve reviewed, the Pro 3600 is more designed for long-term backup or for use with enormous power demands, not just to charge your smartphone (though it could).

So, for that reason, this unit is hefty in both size and specs, yet it is still something that can be used in real-world applications with ease.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

VTOMAN FlashSpeed Pro 3600: Pricing & Availability

The Vtoman FlashSpeed Pro 3600 starts around $1499 right now, on sale from $2,299. They do offer bundles at the point of purchase that include solar panels that can stretch up to $2,700, too, all with a two-year warranty.

Also worth mentioning is that the unreleased battery expansion is expected sometime in 2025. Outside of that, the other pieces are available.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

VTOMAN FlashSpeed Pro 3600: Unboxing & first impressions

The FlashSpeed Pro 3600 Portable Power Station is a fluorescent yellow and black power station that made me sigh when I picked it up; it was so heavy. Keep in mind, I pick up and move power stations, chairs, desks, and more. This one shocked me.

Thankfully, this unit has wheels and a handle with two height settings to accommodate those with varying heights and those who can’t quite reach the same physical height.

From the first moment I turned this unit on, I loved the screen. The readout is excellent; it’s easy to understand, shows all the information I want, and feels premium in quality.

Taking another pass, I noticed the lightbar that can shine white or even red light. I saw a small storage bay in the back of the unit, perhaps for the charging cable, and I noticed that the port layout is super helpful.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

VTOMAN FlashSpeed Pro 3600: Design & build quality

Specs

Battery Capacity: 3,096 Wh
Continuous Output: 3,600 W AC (6,000 W surge)
Outputs: 4× AC, 2× 100 W USB‑C, 2× DC, 4× USB‑A, 2× Cigarette port
Features: UPS (switch‑over <20 ms), LCD screen, wheels, IP65-rated shell
Dimensions / Weight: 378×418×581 mm / 38 kg
Warranty: 2-year global

The whole unit feels like a hefty suitcase. I wish that suitcases or luggage in general rolled as easily as this machine does. I’d even be happy if shopping carts rolled as smoothly as this setup does. Moving on, the ports are covered with a flap, enhancing their water resistance. And the entire case around the power station feels rugged and ready to take anywhere. The wheels I mentioned briefly above are not easily damaged. They are large with a decent grip, and super easy to maneuver the power station with.

The ports are organized and easily accessible, and clearly labeled. All things that make using a power station super helpful. If you are in an emergency and need power quickly, the last thing you want to have to do is slow down to try to figure out where ports are, which are which, and how to turn your power supply on. It’s easy to know what is what, and with the integrated light bar, you can light up your scenario to make getting things plugged in and backed up even easier.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

VTOMAN FlashSpeed Pro 3600: In use

I’ve used a lot of power stations, and while I don’t usually note or have the recharge time stand out to me, in the VTOMAN FlashSpeed Pro 3600’s case, it stands out as one of the most significant benefits to this unit. Now, rather than feeling like you need to have this always charged, if you know a storm is coming, you have time to recharge it quickly, whether from zero to full or from partial charge to full charge.

Additionally, you are more likely to use this power station for portable power where there isn’t shore power or a grid power system. In that case, you can plan to go, quickly plug this in, get everything else ready and squared away, and only two hours later (zero to full), you can have a fully charged power station prepared to tackle your construction project, off-grid camping, or whatever else you may be powering.

I don’t currently have this power station plugged into my house, but I have had it power my garage while working on projects, running saws, air compressors, shop vacs, and battery chargers. I’ve also had this recharge my EGO Electric mower, my Eufy E18 Robot Mower, my Lectric XPedition2 E-Bike, and more, to see if it can – and it did without any issue.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

If you live on some land and are looking for more ways to recharge, rather than using the grid, you could also add a solar panel to recharge using the sun, which also recharges incredibly fast.

The unit also boasts Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS), and for good reason. If you have networking gear, computers, or other devices, you don’t want to have any downtime in a power outage, the UPS will flip over before your devices even realize that the grid lost power.

Overall, this is a great power station. It is pretty heavy, so the wheels are essential for moving it around. However, I suggest only relocating it when necessary. It’s best to place it in a location where you’ll use it frequently and leave it there for a while.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed Pro 3600: Final verdict

The FlashSpeed Pro 3600 is a power station for the (semi) portable pros. This is a great hub to place and use as an added power source wherever you may need it, whether that is a job site, an off-grid setup, or a backup unit. It’s got incredible speeds, high capacity, a fantastic port layout, a built-in light bar, and wheels to help move it around.

If you’re in the market for a power station, especially one with a fast recharge and multiple ports, this power station is a great one to consider. IF you’re wanting something ultra portable, or if you don’t need 3000Wh capacity, though, this may be too much of a unit for your use case.

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Rugged, hefty design

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

For those who need massive power

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Decent price for what it is

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vtoman FlashSpeed Pro 3600: Price Comparison



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BLUETTI
Product Reviews

Bluetti AC180T portable power station review

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Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Specs

Battery: 2× 716 Wh LFP (total 1,433 Wh), ≥3,500 cycles
Output: 1,800 W continuous; 2,700 W surge; four AC outlets + USB-A/C + car port
Inputs: 1,440 W AC, ~500 W solar; UPS switching <20 ms; app + LCD control
Weight/Size: 26.5 kg, 390×280×395 mm

When I have the chance to go on any adventure, I will occasionally take portable power with me. Having something like the swap power system, where I can move around my charged power banks to whatever inverter I want, is handy, especially when you pair that with the SwapSolar Multi-Cooler.

This system allows me to have my Multi-Cooler anywhere in the world that I want, running on batteries, and when one gets low, I can pop it out, hot swap it with another battery that is charging in my AC180T, for example, and keep the cool times cooling. Plus, on the days or trips that I don’t need to bring an entire Cooler with me, I can use just the AC180T on its own, just as I would any standard portable power station.

Bluetti’s AC180T is one of many devices in the SwapSolar ecosystem, and I hope Bluetti continues expanding the devices in that family, too. I didn’t realize how helpful this was until I visited my family cabin. I am in the process of installing the Bluetti AC500 system as a whole cabin backup, but until then, having portable solutions like the SwapSolar Multi-Cooler is vital.

The Cabin is on an old lakefront grid, so during storms, the power goes out regularly. Knowing I can put my meats, dairy, and some beverages I want to keep cold in the SwapSolar Multi-Cooler, and keep that inside, in a tent, in the truck, or wherever I want while at the same time being able to put the AC180T wherever needed to best pull some solar power makes for such an easy experience. Mainly because I don’t even have to move the full AC180T when the batteries are charged, I have to pull out one of the hot-swappable batteries.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)

  • Bluetti AC180T at Walmart for $499

Bluetti AC180T: In use

I’ve gotten to the point where power stations are all the same to me. Yes, there are, of course, specifics that make each unique, but each portable power station is the same idea. It’s heavy enough that you don’t want to move it, but not heavy enough that you can’t.

This makes it portable, and it has a range of port options and capacities. That’s the portable power station market. Now, however, there is a new possibility that has joined the scene. The hot-swappable batteries make for an entirely new possibility when it comes to mentioning specs, features, and even use cases.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)

I use the AC180T entirely differently than I use any of the best portable power stations I’ve tested. Most power stations I can plug in and charge, then bring to where I need it, plug things in there, and go from there.

With AC180T, I can set up a charging station. This allows me to efficiently run my cooler or any other Bluetti products within the SwapSolar ecosystem. I can take out a fully charged battery from my AC180T and place it into a different inverter (like my cooler) when I need it. Or, I can use my AC180T as a UPS, a power strip, a battery backup, or anything else.

Speaking of the cooler, it has plenty of space, which is excellent. In addition, if you add some filtered water, you can make ice on the go. So with this setup, you’ll not only have portable power, but you can also keep your food cold and enjoy ice-cold drinks—literally!

The AC180T stands out on its own. It can recharge in about an hour and has enough output to power even larger devices. The accompanying app provides all the relevant stats and information.

On the front of the AC180T, you’ll find four AC ports, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and a 120W car port. There’s also a port for the Explore Charger 1, which allows for faster car charging, as well as options for a standard car charger, solar panels, or lead-acid battery charging. The right side features a standard AC port for more traditional recharging of the unit.

Overall, this power station has been fantastic. It’s impressive on its own, but when paired with the cooler, it unlocks amazing capabilities.

If you’re a nomadic traveler, a camper, or just someone looking to ensure you have a backup to keep food and drinks cool, this power station is an excellent choice.

Bluetti AC180T: Final verdict

The Bluetti AC180T is one of the most unique power stations I have tried. It can hot swap batteries with a portable fridge with a working ice maker, it has great ports, fast recharging, and it will hopefully work with other devices in the future as well.

For RV caravaners, van campers, off-grid users, and anything in between, this is a serious power station to consider. It’s a sweet spot. It’s not the largest, but it’s got enough power to give a good amount of power to those who need it, plus it has the added benefit of being able to hot swap with the portable fridge.

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Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Easy to use, great layout

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for most who want portable power

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Decent price for what it is

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bluetti AC180T: Price Comparison



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Product Reviews

Pick up this Anker 5K magnetic power bank while it’s on sale for only $28

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The Anker 621 MagGo power bank is on sale for just $28 via Amazon, which is a discount of 30 percent. The deal applies to all five colorways, and there are some snazzy options to choose from.

This particular model didn’t make our list of the best power banks, but plenty of other Anker products did. The 621 MagGo is equipped with magnets that attach to the back of certain iPhone models, which makes it easy to charge up the handset while still using it. The 5,000 mAh device can juice up the latest flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max to around 60 percent when fully charged.

Anker

This is a thin and light device, so it’s perfect for pockets, purses, backpacks and just about anywhere else. It charges up via an included USB-C cable.

As a warning, the Anker 621 MagGo requires a magnetic connection via the smartphone itself or a magnetic case. It won’t work with non-magnetic cases. It also runs a bit hot, reaching internal temperatures of up to 118 F, which could be something to keep an eye on during use.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.





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GoalZero
Product Reviews

Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000 portable power station review

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We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The Goal Zero powerstation lineup is impressive, especially since their merger with BioLite. According to Goal Zero, the Yeti Pro 4000 is their most remarkable power station yet. It boasts a high output, high capacity, high weight, and a high price to match.

There are several different setups that this power station can support. First, there are Haven Setups that provide additional capacity and a home connection point, allowing a home to function as a battery backup. Second, there is an option to integrate solar power, enabling recharging from the sun. Lastly, there is an escape system that can either convert a towable RV into a system powered by the Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000 or a drivable kit that transforms an adventure vehicle into a system backed by the Yeti Pro 4000.

No matter what the use case is, if you need a large amount of reliable power, high output, and you’re willing to pay for quality gear, this system could be the right fit for you. Goal Zero’s goal with the Yeti Pro 4000 was to replace noisy and messy traditional gas generators – and they’ve done it.

I will note here that I have seen some notes about reliability issues that some have had with this unit, though I have not experienced that myself. So far, I haven’t had any problems.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)

  • Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000 at Amazon for $2,379.89

Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000: Pricing & Availability

The Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000 is available on Goal Zero’s website for just under $4000. There are other retailers selling, including Amazon.com.

You can pick up an expansion battery to extend the capacity for another $2000, and there are other accessories to outfit this even further.

Worth noting that I’m seeing limited availability outside the US right now.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)

Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000: Design & build quality

Specs

Battery: ~3,994 Wh (LiFePO₄), 4,000+ cycles
Power: 3,600 W continuous; 7,200 W surge
Recharge: 1,800 W AC inlet; up to 3,000 W solar

The Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000 is not a compact device. It’s pretty cumbersome, so it has a wheeled base that comes with the standard purchase to facilitate more effortless movement.

However, what it misses in ease of mobility, it makes up for in pure power. The output is phenomenal for this size, and the choice in port layout makes sense. All of the inputs are on the back of the unit, plus the inverter you would use if you are plugging into the Haven system, for example.

All of the output ports are on the front, making it super simple if you want to set this unit up and leave it somewhere for an extended period. You can set it and forget it, and still you’re able to plug in everything you may need to without moving the unit around, unless you are changing primary inputs, which is less familiar to change around than outputs.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)

Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000: In use

The Yeti Pro 4000 by Goal Zero is designed to carry a heavy load, all without any issue. It’s intended to be a home backup, a primary power system on the road, or even a primary system for an off-grid building.

It’s rated to run a residential fridge for 1-2 days, while also running a Wi-Fi Setup, basic lighting, and other essentials. If you connect to solar, depending on the sun, you can keep things running for longer. You recharge with the sun and then run off the battery when the sun is not out, and recharge via the solar panels.

For home use, this is an easy option. Set it, forget it, keep it tucked away, hooked up to your house with a Haven backup system. If your home requires more power, you can add more tanks, which adds capacity to run off-grid for longer.

For those who are looking for an RV/Van Life/Off-Grid Camper solution, you can have this unit in the corner of your setup, or tucked away and have it plugged in with the Escape system to have an integrated screen and complete system, meaning you’ll never even have to touch this unit, or if you don’t want to do that, you can plug anything and everything you need into the front of this unit, have any solar input plugged into the back, and then you can run things that way.

If you do choose to add the Escape System, you can then add an integrated screen wherever you want in the vehicle or trailer to control all aspects of the Yeti Pro 4000 while the unit itself is tucked away. Add this to a system where you have outlets placed where you want them throughout your off-grid home on wheels, and it will feel like you’re in a standard home when it comes to power convenience.

Some people don’t need a semi-permanent setup, and they want something that can be brought out for job sites, one-off jobs, or similar projects. The Yeti Pro 4000 can be great for this, too, as long as you have a good way to transport it there. But, if you work at a job site and you want to be able to swap out the traditional generator for a portable power station to recharge tools, run a table saw, or similar tasks, this is a great solution.

Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000: Final verdict

No matter your potential solution, this power station is a serious one worth considering. It could power you for days on the road if used reasonably, and it could back up essentials in your home in the case of a power outage. The Yeti Pro 4000 has a great set of offerings for expansion, and it is built to last. If you’re looking for a high-powered, high-capacity, and highly reliable power station, the Yeti Pro 4000 is one worth considering – keep in mind that it’s not easy to move.

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Hefty, robust.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for heavy users

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Expensive

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For more power solutions, we’ve tested and reviewed the best portable power stations.

Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000: Price Comparison



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Product Reviews

Apple is reportedly considering using Gemini to power the new Siri

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Apple might use Gemini to power its revamped version of Siri, Bloomberg reports. The companies are in the early stages of exploring a partnership, with Google training a version of its Gemini model that can run on Apple’s servers. The iPhone maker was previously reported to be considering similar partnerships with OpenAI and Anthropic.

“The company is simultaneously developing two versions of the new Siri: one dubbed Linwood that is powered by its models and another code-named Glenwood that runs on outside technology, ” Bloomberg writes. A final decision has yet to be made on what AI model Apple will ultimately use, but it’s entirely possible it sticks with its internally-developed models.

While seceding a potentially key technology to a competitor seems decidedly un-Apple, it’s a testament to how much difficulty the company has had rolling out Apple Intelligence. Apple included the majority of its new AI features in the release of iOS 18, but failed to ship an updated version of Siri that can draw on personal data to take action in apps. Apple ultimately admitted the Siri update was delayed in March, with the new launch now expected sometime in 2026.

The turmoil caused by the delay reportedly led to Apple’s various AI projects changing hands internally, and the company’s decision to consider using a third-party AI model. As of the launch of the Pixel 10, Gemini now offers a similar set of capabilities to what Apple promised with the new Siri. It could presumably do the same things on iOS with the right changes. Using a version of Gemini that runs on Apple’s hardware and servers — the company calls this Private Cloud Compute — could also add an additional layer of security.

Apple was reportedly planning to offer Gemini as an alternative to ChatGPT in Apple Intelligence, but the option has yet to ship. Having Gemini power some of its AI features would put Apple in a similar position to Samsung, who’s Galaxy AI relies on a mix of custom models and Gemini.



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Zenless Zone Zero 2.2 gets political with its focus on power struggles in the Waifei Peninsula
Game Reviews

Zenless Zone Zero 2.2 gets political with its focus on power struggles in the Waifei Peninsula

by admin


HoYoverse has delivered some more fresh gamescom week news – and no, it’s not the big Genshin Impact update we covered yesterday. This time, it’s all about Zenless Zone Zero, which itself is preparing for its next major update.

The big Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night chapter, otherwise known as Version 2.2, has a release date and everything.

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ZZZ’s version 2.2 arrives September 4 across all platforms. The narrative is set after the Defence Force dealt with the Exaltists’ conspiracy, and stars Seed and Orphie & Magus from the Defense Force’s Obol Squad. They’ve been dispatched to investigate the power struggles in New Eridu.

Part of their mission is to eliminate any remaining Exaltists, but there’s a bit of a mystery surrounding Obol Squad itself that they’re going to uncover, shedding light on its past.

Newcomer Seed is an S-Rank Electric Attack Agent, who, together with the Seed Sr. mecha, offer big combat bonuses. Seed is made to work well with other Attack Agents, mainly because they can boost the sustained damage output of the squad. Orphie & Magus is another S-Rank Attack Agent, except with a Fire elemental speciality.

As the squad’s captain, they work well as assist. Orphie is able to gather Bottled Heat, and get all squad members in a Zeroed-in state each time enemies are hit. This boosts attack damage, and even allows Aftershocks to go through a portion of enemy defences.

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Mercury is another new arrival, an S-Rank Bangboo who supports the squad from inside the tank that they drive. Returning Agents for this update will be Trigger (S-Rank Electric Stun) and Evelyn (S-Rank Fire Attack).

HoYoverse also teased the return of Soldier 0 – Anby, who’ll be arriving back in the game at some point soon, once she’s done with her training.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a new update without in-game events. Band of Brave Bangboo, the Bangboo tower defence event, is getting new maps, enemies, and mechanics, and a free A-Rank Excaliboo once you’ve cleared enough stages. There’s also the more chill Rhythm Rave event, which as you might expect is a bit of a rhythm minigame.

Finally, you can expect some general quality of life tweaks and other optimisation. For example: you’ll now be able to pick between Belle and Wise before starting companion events, such as Quality Time. A happy day for whichever sibling was being denied a social life in your game until now!

As ever, our Zenless Zone Zero codes page has been updated with that good, free stuff. Check it out.



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