Belkin's new iPhone12 Magnetic stand can follow you around — here's how

Belkin's new iPhone12 Magnetic stand can follow you around — here's how

When Apple introduced MagSafe with the iPhone 12 series, it promised an array of accessories designed to take advantage of the magnetic ring. While that dream has yet to be fully realized, several accessory companies are slowly rolling out accessories that take advantage of MagSafe.

The most recent of these is Belkin, with its "Magnetic Mount with Face Tracking," an iPhone stand that tracks your face and adjusts accordingly. While it sounds quirky and cool, there's one thing about Belkin's accessory that should temper your excitement. [It] can't track you when you're on a video call, whether it's FaceTime or a third-party app like Zoom or Duo. Perhaps the biggest use case for this product, face tracking, could make video calls more interesting. Instead, Belkin chose not to go that route.

So what can a magnetic mount be used for? This, too, is problematic. Movement based on face tracking only works with Belkin's iOS app. In fact, it requires video recording. This could be a documentation error or omission, but if so, it is glaring.

Belkin's app claims to be able to connect to social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. When recording yourself moving around, it would be cool to have your phone adjust your position so that you are centered. Of course, this use case is cool, but it relegates this stand to a very niche market. We think this is where video calling might shine. Especially if you want to step back to show your family your clothes, etc.

Belkin's mount can be used in portrait or landscape orientation and can be tilted from -15 to 30 degrees. It is fully rotatable and powered by three AA batteries; because it is a MagSafe accessory, the magnetic mount will only work with the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

The Magnetic Mount with Face Tracking is available for $64.99 directly from the Belkin website." It is listed as "coming soon.

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