Reviews

Redmi makes improvements over last years model, but not enough to compete with the best.

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is true powerhouse of a phone with cutting-edge features and exceptional performance. The latest in Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series pretty much sets a new standard for mid-range smartphones. From its sleek design to its stunning display, versatile camera system, and long-lasting battery life, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a device that seamlessly blends style with substance. Seriously, whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a multitasker, or a gamer, this smartphone caters to your every need. Do not be fooled by the price tag.Read on to learn more about what I thought of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.Design: A Blend of Elegance and DurabilityXiaomi does a fantastic job of walking the line between elegance and durability; the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ stands out in a crowded market.The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is both sleek and sophisticated in its design. Its glass back panel with a gradient finish and a robust metal frame offer a premium look and feel. My Sky Blue review unit was gorgeous, dancing in sunlight, almost requiring a closer inspection.The placement of physical buttons and fingerprint sensor is ergonomic and comfortable. It’s not as if they are in an unusual position, but they do feel “right” with their placement. Display: Immersive Visuals that MesmerizeThe Redmi Note 12 Pro+ boasts a captivating display. With its 6.67-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED panel, you’ll be treated to stunning visuals with vibrant colors, sharp details, and impressive contrast levels. Browsing photos, streaming videos, and playing games all look terrific on the display of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers an immersive experience that brings content to life.One of the standout features of the display is its 120Hz refresh rate, which means smooth and fluid animations. Every swipe and scroll feels responsive and buttery. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+’s display also supports HDR10+ technology, enabling a wider color gamut and better contrast for more lifelike visuals. HDR content appears more vibrant and detailed, with richer colors and deeper blacks, bringing out the finer nuances in movies, videos, and games. And when it comes to checking out your photos, well, that’s even more fun.The display offers excellent brightness levels, making it easily readable even under bright sunlight. As we spend more time out in the sun over the next few months the last thing we want to do is seek out shade so we can read a few quick texts.To protect the display from scratches and accidental drops, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ features Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The durable and robust glass adds an extra layer of protection yet doesn’t compromise visual clarity.Software: MIUI Delivers a Feature-Packed ExperienceThe Redmi Note 12 Pro+ delivers a feature-packed software experience with its MIUI, Xiaomi’s custom user interface. Designed to enhance user productivity and provide a seamless and intuitive user experience, the software offers up a ton of customization options and system-wide enhancements, but also a plethora of pre-installed apps and services.Customization and ThemesMIUI allows users to personalize their Redmi Note 12 Pro+ according to their own unique tastes. With a seemingly endless supply of themes, wallpapers, and icon packs to choose from, users can give their device a truly personalized look. The ability to customize the layout, font size, and icon styles further enhances the user’s ability to tailor the interface to their liking.System-Wide Dark ModeLet’s face it, we’re pretty much all-in on dark mode with apps on our devices these days. One of the standout features of MIUI is its system-wide dark mode. This mode not only enhances visual comfort during low-light conditions but also helps conserve battery life on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. By applying a dark color scheme across the entire interface, users can enjoy a more immersive experience and reduce eye strain. Pre-installed Apps and ServicesFor better or worse, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ comes with a comprehensive set of pre-installed apps and services. Designed to add value to your smartphone experience, some users simply refer to this as bloatware and get to uninstalling right away. From productivity tools such as file managers, note-taking apps, and weather applications to entertainment apps like music and video players, users have a range of options readily available at their fingertips. If you haven’t settled on a favorite app for these types of things, then you might like what’s on offer. But for the vast majority of us who have taken to specifics, (often from Google), you might feel as if there’s quite a bit of redundancy here.To be clear, there are quite a few additional titles installed ahead of time, each of which can be removed. Present on my review unit were AliExpress, Crazy Juicer, Dust Settle, Jewels Blast, LinkedIn, Netflix, QEEQ, Solitaire, TikTok, Tile Fun, and others.Multitasking and ProductivityThe Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a range of features to enhance multitasking and productivity. MIUI supports split-screen mode, allowing users to run two apps simultaneously, making it easier to multitask and access information from multiple sources. Additionally, the device incorporates a floating window feature, enabling users to use certain apps in a smaller window while performing other tasks. Some of these features are pretty nifty to have once you get used to them. Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing Google introduce a little more of this in the Pixel experience. MIUI provides a smart assistant that offers personalized recommendations, quick access to frequently used apps, and a convenient search function. It can also provide relevant information, suggest actions, and daily routines. Again, if you have not settled on Google Assistant as your go-to in this area, I can see how one might appreciate what Xiaomi does.Performance: Powerhouse Performance for MultitaskingPowered by the octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset, the handset delivers exceptional performance and responsiveness.With 8GB of RAM, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ ensures seamless multitasking and smooth app transitions. As one might exepect juggling multiple applications, running graphics-intensive games, or editing photos and video don’t prove to be a challenge. In the time I’ve spent with the phone I’ve found it to be a lag-free and fluid experience.The powerful Mali-G68 GPU and CPU combination ensure smooth gameplay, with high frame rates and detailed graphics. Paired with the display, it’s a lot of fun to play games on this so-called mid-range phone.The phone offers ample storage space at 256GB, allowing you to store pretty much all of the apps, photos, videos, and files you might need without worrying about running out of space. The fingerprint reader is located in the right side with the power button and is really quick to respond. I will always hold my phone the same way but I don’t always pick it up the same. That’s probably why I am starting really like it when manufacturers employ this option.Camera: Versatile and PreciseThe Redmi Note 12 Pro+ really shines when it comes to its camera capabilities. It’s a versatile and feature-rich photography experience that comes from a triple-camera setup with advanced imaging smarts. At the heart of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+’s camera system lies a 200MP primary sensor. This high-resolution sensor captures exceptional detail, enabling users to zoom in or crop images without compromising quality. Time and again I found it produces sharp and vibrant images with excellent dynamic range. One of the main reasons I tend to carry two phones with me when reviewing is because I always defer to my Pixel for photos. For years it was the safe bet for point and shoot with minimal effort and nearly zero retouching. Things have certainly changed as of late and handsets like this make me think twice about dealing with a secondary device.Images stored on Google Photos have resized but otherwise untouchedThe 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens expands the field of view, allowing users to capture breathtaking landscapes, group photos, and architectural shots. With its wide-angle perspective, users can fit more into the frame and unleash their creativity, creating visually stunning compositions. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+’s ultra-wide-angle lens adds depth and dimension to photographs, enhancing their overall impact.In addition to the primary and ultra-wide-angle lenses, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is equipped with a dedicated 2-megapixel sensor for macro photography and depth sensing. The macro sensor enables users to capture intricate details up close, such as the delicate petals of a flower or the texture of an object. The depth sensor enhances portrait photography, allowing for excellent subject separation and bokeh effects, resulting in professional-looking portraits with pleasing background blur. And my favorite part is that I don’t have to use the portrait mode to do it.The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ leverages advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to automatically detect and optimize settings based on the scene being captured. This feature ensures that each photo is well-balanced, with accurate colors and optimal exposure. Whether it’s a landscape, food, or a sunset, the handset does a great job of recognizing the scene and adjusts the settings to capture the best, most true-to-life shot.Battery: All-Day Power and Fast ChargingThe Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers remarkable battery life with its 5,000mAh battery capacity. The phone easily gets through a full day of moderate to heavy usage with juice to spare. Additionally, the device comes with a 120W HyperCharge charger for downright ridiculous charging speeds. Plug in for a few minutes anywhere along your day and you’ll more than certainly add hours of life to the phone.Parting ThoughtsThe Redmi Note 12 Pro+ lives up to its reputation as a power-packed smartphone that excels in multiple areas. Its elegant design, immersive display, feature-rich software, robust performance, and long-lasting battery life make it a strong contender in its price range. Not only do I like the camera, I trust it. Color, accuracy, brightness, and all of the other things that make for a great camera are present here. Sure, 200-megapixel might sound like a gimmick, and pixels don’t really matter in the scheme of things, but this is one of the first devices in a long time that’s given me serious pause for consideration.The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ delivers exceptional value for money, catering to users seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone. The price point puts it in a crowded space but I have no reservations recommending the phone for folks looking to change things up. As much as I love the Pixel series and its take on Android, I have come to dig the MIUI experience and its wide range of customization. I know it’s not for everyone, and I get that some may have reservations about buying a device that’s not as readily accessible. With that said, if you live in a market where the Xiaomi brand is easy to get your hands on, you’d be wise to consider the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for your next handset.

Amazon has announced its latest addition to the Fire tablet lineup, in the form of the Fire Max 11. With its larger screen, enhanced performance, and suite of entertainment features, the 11-inch tablet aims for tech-savvy users and entertainment enthusiasts. You know, users who like to lean back to consume content.Targeted towards those who crave immersive entertainment experiences and seamless multitasking, the Fire Max 11 boasts a stunning 11-inch display for binge-watching shows, gaming, and browsing the web. Or playing games and reading. Amazon’s tablets speak to a wide consumer base and this one should be no different.One of the standout highlights of the tablets is its powerhouse performance. Equipped with a robust octa-core processor and 4GB RAM, the tablet should be smooth and lag-free whether switching through various apps, streaming videos, or playing games. Additionally, its 64GB or 128GB internal storage options provide plenty of space to store your digital library, photos, and videos.For movie buffs and audiophiles the Fire Max 11 offers a truly immersive audio experience. Dual stereo speakers enhanced by Dolby Atmos technology deliver rich, crisp sound.Amazon Fire Max 11 SpecificationsDisplay: 11-inch high-definition (2,000 x 1,200) displayProcessor: Octa-core processorRAM: 4GB RAM Storage: 64GB or 128GB internal storage optionsAudio: Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos technologyBattery Life: Up to 14 hours of mixed-use battery lifeConnectivity: Wi-Fi 6Another notable feature of the Fire Max 11 is its long-lasting battery life. With up to 14 hours of mixed-use battery life, you can enjoy extended hours of entertainment without constantly worrying about finding a power outlet. This makes the Amazon tablet an ideal companion for road trips, flights, or lazy weekends around the pool. In terms of data connection, the Fire Max 11 features Wi-Fi 6, giving users the latest in speeds, flexibility, and connectivity. This, of course, requires a Wi-Fi 6 compatible router.Amazon Fire tablets are known for their robust parental control features. With the Fire Max 11, parents can set up individual profiles for their children and manage screen time limits, content restrictions, and age-appropriate access. AvailabilityAs for pricing, the tablet comes at a reasonable cost, starting at $229 for the base 64GB model. The higher-end 128GB variant is priced at $279. The Amazon Fire Max 11 should be an excellent choice for users seeking a versatile and immersive entertainment experience. Look for it to ship starting on June 14.Optional AccessoriesIn addition to the impressive Fire Max 11 tablet itself, Amazon has introduced a range of optional accessories that complement and enhance the user experience. To enhance your tablet experience, Amazon offers some optional accessories. The integrated Keyboard Case, priced at $89.99, allows you to type comfortably and work on the go. If you’re into digital art or note-taking, the Made for Amazon Stylus Pen is available for $34.99, providing precision and control.For those who want it all, Amazon has a bundle deal. Get the Fire Max 11 tablet, the Keyboard Case, and the Stylus Pen starting at $329.99, saving nearly $25 compared to purchasing them individually.There’s also a new Slim Cover available ($49.99) that not only keeps your device safe but also doubles as a stylish stand for hands-free viewing.

The Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights for desks provide a customizable, glare-free lighting solution with multiple color options and smart home integration. They feature RGBIC technology, adjustable brightness, and a durable diffuser for improved comfort and convenience.Read on to learn we thought of the Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights for Desks.Noteworthy FeaturesRGBIC technology allows for multiple colors to be displayed simultaneouslyIntegration with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice controlComes with a range of preset scenes and the ability to create custom scenesDiffuser design reduces glare and provides a comfortable lighting solutionAdjustable brightness options to suit your needsDurable and easy to clean diffuser materialGalleryThe rope light is designed to add a colorful and vibrant lighting solution to your workspace. The RGBIC technology allows the light strip to display multiple colors simultaneously, creating a dynamic and engaging effect that can help to improve your mood and productivity. The colors can be easily switched and adjusted using the included/attached control box, giving you complete control over the lighting in your workspace.One of the great features of the Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights is the ease of installation. The lights come with a strong adhesive backing that allows them to be attached to any clean, dry surface. This means that you can quickly and easily install the lights without the need for any special tools or equipment. Additionally, the light strip can be cut to fit any desk size, allowing for a completely customized lighting solution.The Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights for desks are a great way to add some fun and colorful lighting to your workspace. With customizable length, easy installation, and a built-in control for easy operation, these lights are a convenient and engaging way to improve the ambiance of your workspace.The Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights for desks are compatible with smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows you to control the lights using voice commands and integrate them with other smart devices in your home.Once connected, you can use voice commands to turn the lights on or off, change the colors or adjust the brightness. In addition to voice control, the Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights can also be controlled using the Govee Home app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to easily switch between colors, adjust the brightness, and set schedules for the lights to turn on or off at specific times.The Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights for desks offer a wide range of color options (up to 16.8 million) and scenes (64+) to choose from, giving you complete control over the lighting in your workspace. These scenes include options like “Rainbow,” “Ocean,” and “Party,” among others, each of which offers a different combination of colors and lighting effects.The Govee app also offers the ability to create and save custom scenes, allowing you to create a unique and personalized lighting solution for your workspace. You can adjust the color, brightness, and speed of the lights to create the perfect ambiance for your needs.The rope lights offer a wide range of color and scene options, allowing you to easily customize the lighting in your workspace to suit your preferences and needs. Whether you want a bright and vibrant lighting solution or a more calming and relaxing atmosphere, the Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights can help you achieve the perfect lighting for your space.I especially love how easily these lights integrate with other Govee products, including the recently introduced AI Gaming Sync Box. Adding these to a room is a great way to punch up the vibe without the bright glaring LEDs that most light strips do. It’s not unlike having a neon light tube that’s yours to wrap in any way you want.The lights for desks are designed to provide a glare-free lighting solution that is easy on the eyes. This is achieved through the use of a diffuser, which helps to spread the light evenly and reduce glare. Made from high-quality materials, the diffuser durable and long-lasting, and easy to clean.You can learn more about the Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights for Desks and/or purchase yours for about $90.

With cryptocurrency taking the world by storm the way that it is, clearly there is an abundance of crypto wallets to choose from. But not everyone around the world is using an iPhone, so are there still ample options for Android phone users?The simple answer is yes. If you take a quick browse through the Google Play app store, you’ll find plenty of crypto wallet options at your disposal. And with one search, your problem goes from having no Android crypto wallet options to having too many. What will you turn to when you need to check the Spell Token price? How do you decide which is the best, and even more importantly, which is the best option for you? That’s where we come in. Read on for our guide to the best Android crypto wallets to find out which one is the best for you.Bitcoin walletThe Bitcoin wallet is the crypto wallet that does exactly what it says on the tin and nothing more. It’s an app that allows you to buy, sell, store, send and receive your Bitcoin, Ethereum and Bitcoin Cash. If you’re someone who is only just getting into crypto trading, or you’d prefer to keep it simple, this is the crypto wallet for you.It’s not entirely featureless. For example, it allows you to view live market data on a widget on your phone’s home screen and to swap between currencies and customize your network fees.GeminiGemini, like the name suggests, is double trouble. The crypto twins of e-wallet and exchange are at play in this app. Coins available include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Doge, Bitcoin Cash and over 90 others, all ready to buy, sell, and store on the Gemini app. Its security starts with mandatory two-factor authentication and it has Wear OS support so you can trade while you jog if you please. Features include setting price alerts and interactive user interface.Coinbase walletCoinbase is a crypto wallet that takes things a step further. It has been described as more of a brokerage app for crypto. Not only can you exchange crypto, but it can also store and transfer your crypto to and from it. Even if you can’t buy all of your currencies from Coinbase, the app will keep you updated on the prices of many of them. But very few are omitted. You can buy from Doge, Bitcoin, Ethereum and more.Mycelium Bitcoin walletThe Mycelium Bitcoin wallet is a mixed bag. Its best selling point is its superior security, with control of your private keys solely controlled by the app, but its worst selling point is its user interface which looks oddly old and cluttered, like it belongs in a Windows 95 environment.Aside from that, the Mycelium Bitcoin Wallet allows you to send and receive currency, supporting multiple coins like ERC-20 and Ethereum, and supports hardware solutions like Ledger and Trezor.Coinomi walletThe Coinomi crypto wallet is the wallet that understands the assignment. It allows you to trade every cryptocurrency that’s based on the ERC20/223/723, the Omnilayer, NEM, BEP2, and TRC10, making it the wallet for the trader who is taking this seriously. It’s the perfect wallet for storing lots of various kinds of coins, and with a slick and polished user interface, multi-seed support, and security that exceeds expectations, it is considered the best of the bunch by many.Eclair MobileThe Eclair Mobile app is one for people who like a simple interface, but impressive features. It is an app that is compatible with the Lightning Network and only supports Bitcoin, making it the ideal wallet for people who simply want to focus on Bitcoin and go in hard.Electrum Bitcoin walletThe Electrum Bitcoin wallet is very well made, but niche. It boasts a set of good security features that make it particularly appealing, including local encrypted security keys that stay with your phone.It does need work to its user interface however, and you’re likely to struggle with it if you need a language other than English, but it uses redundant servers to reduce loading time to almost nothing.ExodusExodus is the popular choice amongst crypto traders, and it’s not without merit. The Exodus crypto wallet supports dozens of coins, allows you to easily swap them, and send and receive coins straight from the app. Its security features are also something to raise an eyebrow at, with the app encrypting private keys on your device so there is no chance of them getting stolen.Trust WalletAnother popular choice amongst crypto traders is the Trust Wallet, which supports both mainstream crypto coins like Ethereum and Bitcoin but also ERC200, ERC721, and BEP20 tokens. In fact, coins are almost limitless since you can add currencies to the app that aren’t previously supported with the proper links.You can send and receive crypto and use a DApps browser on Trust Wallet. The only issue is buying from the app, which is possible, but is limited on busy days.ConclusionThere are pros and cons to all of these crypto wallets, but some are more suited to the type of crypto user you can be than others. Hopefully with a rundown of their individual features, you’ve landed on the crypto wallet that suits your needs. 

iQOO has launched its first iQOO Pad Android tablet alongside iQOO Neo 8 series in China. The device is said to be a rebranded version of the Vivo Pad launched last month in China. iQOO’s tablet has a bunch of competitors in the market such as OPPO Pad 2, Xiaomi Pad 6, Nubia Pad 3D, and many more. iQOO packs flagship features in the iQOO Pad. Have a look at the detailed specifications and pricing of the iQOO Pad. iQOO Pad kicks off at CNY 2,599 (~$368) for the base 8GB + 128GB variant, the 12GB + 256GB model costs CNY 3,199 (~$453) and the top end 12GB + 512GB RAM is priced at CNY 3,499 (~$495). The tablet will go on sale starting on May 31 through the iQOO store and other retailers in China. The keyboard and stylus are sold separately. It comes in a sole Interstellar Grey color option. iQOO Pad is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ paired with up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB internal storage. It packs a massive 10,000mAH battery with support for 44W fast charging tech, under the hood. iQOO’s all devices run on Origin OS 3 (in China) based on Android 13 out of the box. iQOO Pad has an Aluminum body built that weighs 585 grams and is just 6.59mm thick. The Android Tablet sports a 12.1-inch 2.8K LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, up to 600 nits of peak brightness, and HDR10 support. It also has a stylus and keyboard support. You’ll get quad speakers and two tweeters for an immersive listening experience. For optics, the device has a dual rear camera setup with a 13MP primary camera paired with a 2MP macro unit. There is an 8MP front-facing camera for selfies and video chats. 

Compact, comfortable earbuds designed for listeners who hop between Android and iOS.

In an era where indoor air quality is gaining increasing attention, Airthings View Plus emerges as a game-changer, providing users with a comprehensive solution to monitor and improve the air they breathe within the comfort of their homes. This innovative product combines advanced technology and user-friendly design, making it an essential tool for those seeking to optimize their living environment.The Airthings View Plus is a cutting-edge air quality monitor designed to provide real-time, accurate data on various elements that can affect indoor air quality. With its sleek and compact design, it seamlessly blends into any home decor while discreetly delivering crucial information to its users.We’ve reviewed the Airthings View Plus here before, finding it to be really helpful and insightful to have in the home. Suffice it to say, we look at the topic of “air quality” differently now that we understand all the ways in which it can be affected.Spring is in the AirAs the weather warms up and windows are opened, pollen and allergens can easily enter your home, causing discomfort for allergy sufferers. With the View Plus, you can monitor the air quality in real-time, identify potential triggers, and take proactive measures to minimize allergens, ensuring a more pleasant and symptom-free living environment. Additionally, spring often brings fluctuations in humidity levels, which can lead to mold growth. The View Plus helps you track humidity levels and provides recommendations to maintain optimal conditions, reducing the risk of mold and supporting a healthier home.Comprehensive Air Quality MonitoringThe Airthings View Plus measures and analyzes key air quality parameters, including temperature, humidity, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, and air pressure. This comprehensive monitoring enables users to gain a holistic understanding of their indoor environment.Visual and Intuitive Display Equipped with an intuitive color-coded LED display, the Airthings View Plus offers instant feedback on air quality levels. The display utilizes green, yellow, and red indicators to signify excellent, moderate, and poor air quality, respectively. This feature allows users to quickly assess the condition of their indoor air at a glance.Mobile App IntegrationSeamlessly connecting to the Airthings mobile app, the View Plus provides users with detailed insights and historical data. The app offers a user-friendly interface where users can track air quality trends, set personalized alerts, and access helpful tips for improving their home environment.Smart Home IntegrationThe Airthings View Plus is compatible with popular smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can effortlessly access air quality information through voice commands or integrate it into their existing smart home automation systems.Healthy Living SuggestionsThe Airthings app not only provides data but also offers actionable suggestions to help users improve their air quality. It offers personalized tips on ventilation, humidity control, and pollutant reduction, empowering users to make informed decisions for a healthier living environment.Target UsersThe Airthings View Plus is a valuable tool for a wide range of users concerned about their indoor air quality. It is particularly beneficial for:Health-Conscious Individuals – Those who prioritize their well-being and want to ensure they are breathing clean air can rely on the Airthings View Plus to monitor and optimize their indoor environment.Allergy and Asthma Sufferers – People with allergies or respiratory conditions can benefit greatly from the Airthings View Plus. By tracking air quality in real-time, they can identify triggers, take preventive measures, and minimize exposure to potential irritants.Parents and Families – Families with young children are often more sensitive to air quality issues. The Airthings View Plus helps parents create a healthier living space for their children, ensuring a conducive environment for growth and development.Smart Home Enthusiasts – The View Plus integrates seamlessly into existing smart home setups, making it an attractive choice for tech-savvy individuals who seek to create a connected and automated living environment.ConclusionWith its comprehensive monitoring capabilities, intuitive display, mobile app integration, and smart home compatibility, the Airthings View Plus ($299) is a must-have device for anyone seeking to optimize their indoor air quality. By empowering users with real-time data and actionable insights, it transforms the way we approach air quality management at home, ultimately contributing to healthier and more comfortable living spaces.

Meross is a brand you may have seen on Amazon and other online outlets. The company has been around for several years and really has been one of the first to embrace the connected home. I took a whim on them a few years ago and added a smart garage opener and couldn’t be happier with it.I recently reached out to their team for a possible collaboration that’s allowed me to test two of the most popular devices in its lineup. Let’s get into my full review of the Meross Smart WiFi LED bulb and Plug Mini plug.DesignThe Meross Smart WiFi LED bulbs are pretty much what you’d expect. They could easily be confused for any LED bulb in the aisles at Wal-Mart. I personally think that’s a good thing. Design is very much in the eye of the beholder and passing for just another light bulb makes it more appealing to the masses.The Meross Smart WiFi Mini plug is a small adapter that plugs into your home outlets. The Mini is purposedly longer than it is tall. This allows you to use the WiFi Mini without blocking the other outlet in your wall. It’s a smart design for the Smart Mini plug.SetupGetting both of these devices up and running is a simple process. If using Android you can download the app and give the Meross device power by plugging it into the wall or screwing it into a light. From there, open the app and follow the prompts. Here you’ll give access to your WiFi and name your new smart Meross appliance.If you purchased a HomeKit-enabled version of the WiFi Smart LED bulbs or Mini plug, you have just as easy a process if slightly different. You can skip the need for the Meross app and just open up iOS Home instead. Here you’ll scan the QR code on the side of the unit and follow similar prompts to allow it access to your home network and give it a name you’ll recognize.PerformanceI have to say that these devices from Meross are the most consistent smart home devices I’ve used to date. The setup was easy and my day-to-day interactions have been near flawless. Whether I’m using my Android phone with Google Home, the iOS Home app, or the Meross 1st-party application, I’ve had zero issues.Turning the devices on and off is fast and almost never misses communication. Tasks and schedules have also worked as advertised on a daily basis. It really has been impressive how well these just are set-and-forget devices as far as management is concerned.Final thoughtsIf you are in the market for entering the smart home world, look no further than the Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini and LED Bulbs. The cross-platform support is a huge plus and the stability of these devices on both iOS and Android is unmatched.You can head over to the links below for purchasing these two great devices from either Amazon or Meross directly. The Wi-Fi Mini Plugs are normally $23 on Meross and $29 on Amazon but you can snag them for $19 right now on Amazon. The reverse is true on the LED Bulbs. You can get discounts from $30 for just $26 directly from Meross.Purchase the Meross Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb from MerossPurchase the Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini from MerossPurchase the Meross Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb from AmazonPurchase the Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini from Amazon

The Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset is a high-end gaming headset designed for serious gamers who want to enjoy immersive audio and a comfortable fit for extended gaming sessions.Read on to find out what we thought of the Audeze Maxwell Gaming Headphones.Noteworthy Features90mm planar magnetic driver80 hour battery lifeBluetooth 5.3 compatible with a wide array of devicesLC3plus / LC3 / LDAC / AAC codec supportUltra-low latencyGalleryThoughts and ConclusionAudeze is a well-known brand in the audiophile community and has been creating high-quality audio products for years. With the Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset, Audeze has combined its expertise in audio engineering with modern gaming technology to create a premium gaming headset.One of the standout features of the Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset is its planar magnetic drivers, which deliver incredibly accurate and detailed sound. Planar magnetic drivers are a type of speaker technology that uses a thin and light diaphragm to create sound waves. They are known for their exceptional sound quality and are often used in high-end audiophile headphones. They’re among the best-sounding gaming headphones we’ve tested in quite some time. In fact, these rival a few non-gaming headphones we’ve had in here over the last few years.The headset is designed for maximum comfort, with plush ear cups and a lightweight, ergonomic design that reduces pressure on the head and ears. The ear cups are made with memory foam that conforms to your ears, ensuring a comfortable fit even during long gaming sessions. Try as we might, we just never could get to a point where were tired of wearing these.The headset is also wireless, with a range of up to 30 feet, allowing you to move around freely while gaming. The Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset also features a built-in microphone with noise-canceling technology, ensuring clear voice communication with your teammates.The Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset also has a long battery life, with up to 80 hours of use on a single charge. It also comes with a detachable boom microphone, a USB-C charging cable, and a carrying case for easy storage and transport.The Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset is an exceptional choice for gamers who want the best possible audio quality and comfort during their gaming sessions. It’s been some time since we’ve tested gaming headphones that sound this good. With its planar magnetic drivers, noise-canceling microphone, and wireless design, it is a premium gaming headset that offers exceptional sound quality and a comfortable fit for extended use. And with upwards of 80 hours battery life, these are about as well-rounded of a pair of headphones as you’ll find at this price.Editor’s ChoiceThis award is reserved for products, apps, and services which have an overall average score of 4.25 or higher. Graded on a scale of 1-5, our reviews look at a variety of aspects to determine a total rating. Factors which help to create the composite score will often include design, features, price, warranty, audio, battery, general and performance.Compatible with a whole array of gaming consoles and mobile devices, these are an easy pair to recommend for gamers and audio fans alike.You can learn more about the Audeze Maxwell Gaming Headphones and/or purchase yours for about $300.

Samsung’s latest entry-level Samsung Galaxy A14 smartphone hits the Indian markets. Samsung has already launched the A14 5G in India recently and now the A14 4G goes official. The brand’s new entry-level smartphone comes with decent features at an affordable price tag. Have a look at the detailed specs and price of the A14 smartphone. The new Galaxy A14 sports a 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. It has a 13MP front-facing camera for selfies and video chats. The smartphone houses a 50MP primary camera paired with a 5MP ultrawide shooter and 2MP macro camera. Powering the smartphone by Samsung’s in-house Exynos 850 chipset paired with eight cortex-A55 cores, 4GB of RAM, and up to 128GB of internal storage which is further expandable up to 1TB via micro-SD card. It boots Android 13 out of the box. The smartphone houses a big 5,000mAh battery with support for 15W wired charging.Samsung Galaxy A14 offers in three beautiful color options- Silver, LightGreen, and Black. The smartphone kicks off at ₹13,999 (~$168) and is now available through Amazon, Samsung’s website, and other retailers. 

Chinese leading smartphone manufacturer brand Huawei has introduced its new MatePad Air Android tablet in China. Huawei packs full power-packed features in its new tablet. Design-wise, the tablet boasts symmetrical bezels on all sides and a single camera setup at the back.The Huawei MatePadAir comes in two variant options- the base 8GB + 128GB model retails at 2,899 Yuan (~$412) while the 12GB + 512GB variant is priced at 4,499 Yuan (~$639). The tablet is now available for sale in China. The global availability hasn’t been confirmed yet for the MatePad Air. Huawei MatePad is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with Adreno 660 GPU, up to 12GB RAM, and 512GB internal storage. It packs a massive 8,300mAh battery with support for 40W fast charging tech. Also See- OnePlus Pad ReviewThe tablet features a 13MP single rear camera at the back and an 8MP front-facing camera. You’ll get quad speakers and microphones in the MatePad Air tablet. Huawei MatePad Air has a big 11.45-inch (2880 x 1840) resolution IPS display with a 144Hz variable refresh rate (varies between 30Hz and 144Hz), 270 ppi pixel density, and 87% screen-to-body ratio.Source

OnePlus unveiled its first-ever OnePlus Pad Android flagship tablet along with OnePlus 11 (review) smartphone earlier this year in February. Initially, the tablet was set to be released on April 28 in the Indian as well as European markets but later the brand only limited the tablet to Indian territory. Now, the firm has officially launched the OnePlus Pad in the European and UK markets. The brand’s first tablet comes with flagship features such as MediaTek’s Dimensity 9000 chipset, a unified metal body with a Cambered frame design, a 2.5D round edge, and whole much more.Check out our- OnePlus Pad ReviewThe OnePlus Pad comes in a sole 8GB of RAM + 128GB of storage option in both markets but in the Indian market, the OnePlus Pad is offered in two variant options. You’ll get a single Halo Green color option. In the UK, the OnePlus Pad is priced at £449 while in Europe it goes for €499. The tablet is already up for open sale via OnePlus’ official website and other retailers.The tablet sports an 11.61-inch IPS LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 500 nits of peak brightness, and a 144Hz touch sampling rate. In terms of optics, you get a single 13MP rear camera at the back and an 8MP selfie camera. Just like every premium segment tablet, the tablet also has a stylus and magnetic keyboard support.Andrew Allen/ AndroidGuysThe device is equipped with MediaTek’s Dimensity 9000 processor paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, under the hood. Unfortunately, there’s no SD card slot, so you can’t expand storage.Andrew Allen/ AndroidGuysThe tablet is backed by a massive 9,510mAh battery with support of 67W fast charging support. It runs on Andriod 13 based on OxygenOS 13.1 out of the box.

HP's Envy Inspire 7955e review has good specs at a low price, but we explore the design, performance, features, and software to find out if it's right for you.

One great thing about the world of Android is its choice. From manufacturers and cost, to form factors and specifications, there’s a plethora to choose from. A new option has emerged for foldables with a little-known company called Tecno. The Phantom V Fold intends to take on the Galaxy Z Fold and OPPO Fold N with a much more cost-efficient version — but all of which depends on whether it works in your region.DesignThe Tecno Phantom V Fold is an impressive device with a foldable design that opens up to reveal a large 7.85-inch AMOLED display. The display has a resolution of 1920 x 2480 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for watching videos and playing games. This really is the appeal of this type of device. Media content can immediately be made better by simply unfolding the Phantom V.When folded, it is compact and easy to carry around. The device has a premium look and feel, with a sleek and slim body that is made of glass and metal. The hinge mechanism is smooth and sturdy, making it easy to open and close the device. Again, XL size when you need it and pocketable when you don’t.The back panel is also interesting. Tecno has whipped this together out of recycled plastics for the Phantom V Fold. It makes for a unique texture with a mix of OnePlus sandstone and maybe parchment paper feel when you touch it. The back offers a look we’ve never seen and looks like it would still hold up to being in your pocket daily.PerformanceThe Tecno Phantom V Fold is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset, which is a powerful processor that can handle demanding tasks with ease. The phone has 12GB of RAM and 256/512GB of internal storage, providing ample space for storing files and applications.The phone runs on Android 13 with Tecno’s HiOS 13 skin on top. The skin adds useful features, such as a screen recorder, app lock, and gesture controls. However, it shows that Samsung has a few years’ worth of a headstart as well. There’s no fun way to have apps take up the top half of the screen when opening at a 90-degree angle for instance.Actually, one of the limitations in comparison is the Tecno struggles to hinge at any angle. You don’t have the overly stiff crease like on the Galaxy Z to help prop up the screen in several positions. With the Phantom V Fold, you’ll find the hinge much more flimsy and the weight will always tend to carry it fully open.To curb this, Tecno includes a nice shell case to go on the back that features a kickstand design. It’s coated in a carbon fiber design with a soft touch finish. It allows the phone to then be propped up in several orientations to consume media, take a call, or snap a selfie.The phone also has a fingerprint scanner and facial recognition for added security. I found the face unlock to be much more consistent than the side-mounted fingerprint reader.CameraThe Tecno Phantom V Fold has a triple-camera setup on the back, which includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 13MP telephoto lens on the main rear camera. The camera setup can capture high-quality photos with good detail and color accuracy.Tecno has tuned the main shooter to function far better than I expected. It takes consistent photos in good lighting day in and day out. The one spot I was even more surprised about was that I would put its low light performance up against any other competition from Apple, Samsung, or Google.The device also has a 16MP selfie camera, which is housed in a small notch on the front of the device. The selfie camera can capture good-quality photos with natural skin tones. As with most, you need it to just be social media functional, and again Tecno doesn’t disappoint with the Phantom V Fold’s front shooter.Battery lifeThe Tecno Phantom V Fold has a 5,000mAh battery, which is decent considering the size of the device. The battery can last for a full day of moderate usage, including browsing the web, streaming videos, and taking photos. The device also supports 45W fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0 to 100% in about an hour.Battery life is subjective and the Tecno Phantom V Fold falls into this same trope. When you aren’t over-taxing it with a ton of calls or video it should make it through a full day for most users. I’d have loved to have seen Qi charging onboard as well to help folks top off casually during the day.Network and availabilityThe Tecno Phantom V Fold will have a primary market in China with some European availability followed by India. There’s currently no plan to bring the V Fold into the US. I’ve been able to get some bands and services using T-Mobile but zero with Verizon.If you find a way to import this into the States, I think you have to be prepared for limited carrier services. The Phantom V Fold is meant to be an international device and our readers there should have much better luck.Closing thoughtsIn conclusion, the Tecno Phantom V Fold is an impressive device with a sleek design, powerful hardware, and a good camera setup. The device also offers decent battery life and fast charging support. However, it is worth noting that the device is only available in select markets, so it may not be easily accessible to everyone.Even with the limitation in our region, the Phantom Fold V is currently only $1100. This makes it one of the cheapest foldable you can get. And honestly, I think most users will be happy with this choice. It’s missing some of the maturity of the Galaxy Z series but does so many things right that at this price it’s still worth it.

CarPlay and Android Auto have become the new gold standard on how to interact with your phone while driving. Both platforms have created an extension that makes using media in your car safer and easier. Ottocast has allowed us some time with its latest adapter, the U2Air, to bring wireless CarPlay to those that may have a wired option but not factory wireless.DesignThe Ottocast U2Air is a square box about the size of a tin of Altoids. Where it really stands out is the geometric casing top. The sides and bottom are relatively flat, but the top shell has a very unique rolling design that almost mimics the topography of mountains.There are no other real standouts in the overall case. Around the back, you get a dedicated USB-C port for connecting to your car console. I do wish the cutout for this was either flush or the recess was larger. I understand that Ottocast wants you to use the cable included, but we lose things. I found that many of the other USB-C cords I have didn’t fit.SetupThe onboarding of the Ottocast U2Air is very similar to other CarPlay dongles. You plug in the USB-C port to your console and wait around 30 seconds for it to fully power up. After that uptime, you should be ready to search for U2Air in your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings.Once this connection is made, you should get a confirmation on your phone and then a splash screen on your infotainment screen. From here, the CarPlay should launch shortly. You now have wireless CarPlay thanks to the Ottocast U2Air.Daily useI found the Ottocast U2Air to be very consistent with its competition. There is a slight increase in latency when using any wireless CarPlay over a direct USB connection, but it’s very slight. Overall the performance of the U2Air was solid and you all but forget it’s there.One place it shines is with the auto-connection. This is the faster adapter I’ve used for wireless CarPlay. It’s on average less than 15 seconds from the time I start my car to the CarPlay interface. For comparison, most other options take at least 30 seconds and one I won’t name takes up to 90 seconds.ConclusionOttocast has a very compelling option for wireless CarPlay with U2Air adapter. From the quick connection time and the stable performance, you can easily add this to your car with no worries. It’s getting to be a crowded market, but the U2Air is a great option.The Ottocast U2Air will cost around $140 full retail, but the company’s site routinely has it discounted. Currently, it’s only $100 on Ottocast’s store. Hit the link below to check out this great device and snag one of your own.U2-AIR Wireless CarPlay Adapter