If you’re a vlogger, constant FaceTime-er, or just want an incredibly cool smartphone accessory, Belkin’s Auto-Tracking Stand Pro With DockKit is a must-have peripheral.
It makes it easy-peezy to livestream and video conference hands-free. And it’s handy for creating action videos — as long as as you’re reasonably close to the device.
Thankfully, it’s a breeze to set up. Thanks to build-in NFC, you just place your iPhone atop the base and they’ll automatically automatically pair. There’s no need to install a new app to make this work.
With the Stand Pro’s 360-degree rotating stand, you can use the front or rear cameras on an iPhone (12 and later with iOS 17.2 or higher) to automatically track your face and body movements. The Belkin peripheral has a motorized 90-degree auto-tilt that adjusts the angle of your device up or down during video calls.
Its motors run quite, so there’s no motor noise in a video. At least that’s been my experience. I’ve seen a post or two that said the Auto-Tracking Stand Pro DID pick up motor hum.
The Auto-Tracking Stand Pro’s internal battery powers it for five hours on a full charge, which is handy when you need to use it when no power outlet is available. However, a five-foot USB-C to USB-C cable and 30W power supply is included, so you don’t have to depend solely on the internal battery.
However, if you’re traveling with the Auto-Tracking Stand Pro With DockKit, keep in mind that it’s kinda bulky. It weighs 1.5 pounds and is about 8.5 inches tall.
When you’re not making videos or FaceTiming, the Auto-Tracking Stand Pro works fine as an iPhone charger as it offers 15W MagSafe wireless charging with the aforementioned 30W power supply plug-in. Your iPhone will stay securely attached even when the Auto-Tracking Stand Pro is powered off. A single button powers on/off the device.
You should note that if you’re live-streaming, filming a video, etc. with the focus on you, the Belkin accessory can get distracted if other folks are nearby and may pivot towards them. And even when it’s simply following you, there’s a brief delay in the tracking.
Two LEDs on the front and back of the rotating section of the Auto-Tracking Stand Pro With DockKit flashes green when your iPhone is connected and in tracking mode. They turn solid green when tracking is enabled but inactive, such as when you’re not running a compatible app (FaceTime, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, etc.) or your iPhone screen is off. A single press of the button at the front of the base toggles tracking mode off, with the LEDs turning white to indicate that it’s in standby mode.
By the way, you’re wondering (aren’t you?) what is the DockKit in the name of the device. DockKit is a software development kit that allows DockKit-enabled accessories to connect directly to both the front and back cameras on an iPhone.
The Auto-Tracking Stand Pro is normally US$149.99, but you can get it for $89.99 for a limited time.
Do most of us truly need the Belkin accessory? Naw. But after reading this review, you’ll know if you MUST HAVE IT or not.
Apple World Today rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★.5
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