“Charging With a Window: Anker’s Tiny Brick Sees and Shows More”

In the sea of tiny gadgets that fill our pockets and backpacks, a humble wall charger rarely earns much attention — until it starts showing you what it’s doing. At CES 2026, tech accessory maker Anker unveiled a refresh of its compact power brick that pushes beyond mere wattage: a 45 W USB‑C charger equipped with a front‑facing screen that displays live charging information.

Traditionally, plug‑in chargers are blank slabs — you plug in, and power flows without telling you much beyond maybe a tiny LED. Anker’s latest Nano Charger breaks that mold by integrating a smart display into its ultra‑compact design. As it delivers up to 45 W of fast charging to your device, the little screen actively shows real‑time power delivery data, temperature, and even device charge level while you’re plugged in.

Despite its advanced new feature, the Nano Charger remains tiny — about the same footprint as many existing 45 W USB‑C bricks — and gains additional travel‑friendly touches like 180‑degree rotating prongs and smart device identification that recognizes certain iPhones and iPads to tailor charging. It also uses a three‑stage temperature management system designed to help keep device batteries cooler and healthier over time.

This move — putting a display front and center on a charger — is part of a broader trend among accessory makers to make utility products more informative and interactive. Instead of simply providing power, the updated Nano Charger invites users to see what that power looks like in action, offering insights that were once the domain of software apps or dedicated monitoring gear.

Anker plans to launch the smart charger in late January 2026 at an MSRP around $39.99, putting this blend of portability, performance, and real‑time feedback within reach for everyday users.

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Sources The Verge reporting on Anker’s 45 W charger with a screen at CES 2026.