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When Power Banks Are No Longer Just Power Banks: Evolution or Over-Engineering?
In this era where everyone has one or even multiple phones, power banks (commonly known as the essential ‘IV bag’ for heavy users) have long been regulars in our bags. But have you noticed that power banks on the market have become increasingly ‘slashie’ lately? According to observations by tech media The Verge, the Feature Creep phenomenon in power banks has reached a bewildering level. In the past, we sought large capacity and fast charging; now, manufacturers act as if they are afraid you aren’t busy enough, wishing they could cram every computer function into them.From built-in cables and phone stands to powerful flashlights, these might still be described as killing two birds with one stone. But now, even 4G routers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and even large color screens with screensavers have appeared on power banks. This makes one wonder: do we really need a battery that runs a screensaver? Is this technological progress, or is it a case of gilding the lily where the focus is misplaced?
Analysis of Three Ridiculous Extra Features
- Built-in Screens and Screensavers:
High-end power banks today are often equipped with ultra-fancy color displays. Besides showing remaining power, they can also display voltage and current curves. Most absurdly, some manufacturers have even developed screensavers. Imagine, when you are anxious because your phone is out of power, your power bank is calmly running flashy animations on its screen. This not only consumes power that should have gone to your phone but is also a classic case of the tail wagging the dog. - All-around Wireless Connectivity (Wi-Fi and 4G):
Some products integrate 4G router functions. While it seems convenient for business people who travel abroad frequently, it also means a drastic increase in heat generation. When a power bank gets so hot it could fry an egg because it is running wireless signals, would you still dare to put it in your pocket? This is exactly what is meant by biting off more than one can chew—stuffing it with functions while sacrificing core stability. - All-inclusive Hardware Integration:
Integrating charging cables and stands is certainly convenient, but once the cable is damaged, half the power bank becomes useless. This bundled logic often makes originally simple products difficult to repair.
Why Back to Basics is the Real Solution?
Faced with these various features, we must think calmly: what was the original purpose of a power bank? There is an old saying in the tech world: The wool comes from the sheep’s back. These flashy features are not free; they are ultimately reflected in the price. You might pay double the price for a 4G sharing function you won’t use twice in your life, while also having to endure its bulky size.Significance of Tech Commentary:
This reflects the collective anxiety of the current hardware industry. When battery technology fails to achieve a revolutionary breakthrough, manufacturers, in order to differentiate themselves, can only keep over-complicating things with additional features. This might grab attention in the short term, but in the long run, it deviates from the user experience. For the general public, a pure power bank that is compact, has high conversion efficiency, good safety, and a reasonable price is the real product that can solve an urgent need.
Author’s Perspective: Don’t Forget the Original Intention; Simplicity is Beauty
As the saying goes, Every profession has its specialty. The duty of a power bank is to quietly be a power backup, not to compete in a beauty pageant. When a device becomes overly complex, the probability of error increases accordingly. If you buy a power bank and have to read the manual three times just to figure out how to turn off its screensaver, then the design of this product is clearly flawed.While we pursue technological convenience, we should also be wary of this innovation for the sake of innovation trap. Buy things that are truly necessary, and don’t be blinded by those flashy but impractical features. Sometimes, the simplest design is the divine object that best stands the test of time.In conclusion, the feature creep of power banks is a microcosm of technological surplus. I hope major manufacturers can return to the right path and spend R&D budgets on improving energy density and shortening charging times, rather than thinking about how to play Snake on a battery. After all, when the phone screen goes black, all we need is a puff of pure electricity, not a glowing toy.”
