This desktop charger turns your iPhone into a robotic AI assistant

CES is packed with AI companions and assistant robots this year, but the DeskMate from Loona is a clever take on the idea: it’s a desktop charging hub, with three USB-C ports, one USB-A, and a MagSafe pad, that automatically activates an AI companion app when you attach your iPhone to the wireless charger.

What’s unique about the DeskMate is that by using your phone, it takes advantage of tech you already have. It doesn’t need its own display, camera, or microphone, because the iPhone provides them (and it is, for now, iPhone-only). By providing charging too, it might replace a charger that’s already on your desk, rather than adding to the clutter.

The stand rotates and tilts, so that the DeskMate keeps looking at you as you talk to it. It’s got cute, Pixar-y eyes, but still has practical features like Slack integration and meeting assistance.

DeskMate is expected to launch in a crowdfunding campaign in March, but my big hesitation is the price. There’s no final figure yet, but the company told me it will be “below $300,” which is steep for a device that’s already piggybacking on your phone.