Friday, March 29, 2024

Reviews

Podcast: SoundPEATS RunFree Lite

Check out episode 426 of the AndroidGuys Podcast where we discuss the SoundPEATS RunFree Lite.About the SoundPEATS RunFree LiteThe SoundPEATS RunFree Lite Sport Air Conduction Headphones are wireless headphones designed for sports and outdoor activities. They are lightweight, sweat-resistant, and have a unique open-ear design that allows you to hear your surroundings while still enjoying your music.Listen below using the embedded player or click here to check out the episode using your favorite media player.

Moto G Power 5G review: a $300 phone that gets the job done

The Moto G Power 5G is a solid smartphone for the price. However, it comes with a few compromises to consider.

vivo launches X Fold2 and X Flip, its first ever clamshell foldable phone

The next foldable phones from vivo are here and it’s clear they are challenging Samsung with the release of its latest smartphones. The X Fold2 and X Flip not only sound surprisingly similar to the Korean juggernaut’s flagship foldable phones, but vivo is also offering competition in the clamshell foldable market now.X Fold2The vivo X Fold2 is the follow-up to last year’s model and includes a reworked hinge mechanism, new cameras, 120W wired charging, and the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. The new droplet-style hinge has slimmed down the X Fold2 shaving off 1.5mm while also being lighter and more durable than last year’s X Fold and X Fold Plus. In fact, the X Fold2 has lost over 30 grams compared to its predecessor.As for displays, the X Fold2 sports an 8.03-inch E6 AMOLED display with a 2160 x 1916 resolution running at 120Hz when opened. When folded, the X Fold2 makes use of a 6.53-inch AMOLED panel with a 2520 x 1080 resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. Speaking of the displays, both feature a 16MP front-facing camera for selfies and ultrasonic fingerprint sensors for unlocking the device.There is a triple camera setup on the backside of the X Fold2, including a 50MP main shooter with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP 2x portrait lens. There’s also support for up to 20x digital zoom and the camera system is powered by vivo’s own V2 image chip for improved HDR and noise reduction in images and videos. Additionally, the X Fold2 is capable of recording videos in 8K at 30fps and offers a Zeiss Cinematic shooting mode.The X Fold2 runs Android 13 out of the box utilizing OriginOS 3 featuring several enhancements to take advantage of the larger screen space. For example, the adaptable UI kicks in for compatible apps when the hinge is folded, there’s a taskbar for multitasking, and a remote PC control feature. Powering all of this up is a 4,800mAh battery with support for 120W wired or 50W wireless charging.You’ll have two variants to choose from with the vivo X Fold2, the first is the 12GB/256GB model priced at CNY 8,999 ($1,308), and the second is the pricier 12GB/512GB model for CNY 9,999 ($1,453).X FlipThe X Flip is vivo’s first crack at a clamshell foldable, and any competition in this space is welcomed. As with the X Fold 2, the X Flip utilizes the waterdrop hinge mechanism in an effort to address the dreaded screen crease issue. However, unlike the X Fold2, the fingerprint sensor is located on the side with the X Flip.When unfolded, the X Flip’s main display is a 6.74-inch LTPO AMOLED with an FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. There is a cut-out in the display for the 32MP front-facing camera, and around the back is the same 50MP Sony sensor with OIS and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. Alongside the camera module, the X Flip sports a 3-inch AMOLED display for texting, social media, viewing maps, and more.Furthermore, vivo says it is actively working with developers to get as many apps as possible working on the cover display, thus preventing you from needing to open the phone to accomplish most tasks.Under the hood, the vivo X Flip is powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, 12GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of storage. Keeping it powered up through the day is a 4,400mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.Out of the box, the X Flip runs Android 13 with vivo’s Origin OS3 skin, and the phone will be able to operate while folded for taking hands-free selfies. You can even “flip” it around to use the rear-mounted camera for better quality.The vivo X Flip is available in three different colors and starts at CNY 5,999 ($872) for the 12GB/256GB model, or you can pick up the 12GB/512GB model for CNY 6,699 ($973).

Epson Home Cinema 2350 4K PRO-UHD Projector Review

In my spare time, there’s nothing I love more than watching movies, bingeing series, and doing a little gaming. That’s why I became a big fan of projectors when we were all stuck at home during the pandemic. There’s no more significant upgrade for your home theater than a good projector with a 100-inch or larger screen. It truly takes the experience to the next level.Plus, these days, projectors are becoming smarter and offering HDR at more affordable prices, making picking one up even more tempting. Thankfully, our friends over at Epson were nice enough to lend us one of its latest projectors, the Home Cinema 2350 for review.FeaturesThe Epson Home Cinema 2350 is a smart streaming projector with a 4K resolution utilizing PRO-UHD technology—which means it’s not native 4K—but instead uses pixel shifting to achieve a similar resolution.Inside of the Home Cinema 2350 is a bright bulb capable of outputting 2,800 lumens making it possible to watch content in HDR with support for HDR10 and HLG. This is paired with 3-chip 3LCD technology that provides fantastic colors and eliminates any sort of rainbowing effect.Additionally, the Epson Home Cinema 2350 has a vertical lens shift capability of up to 60% with a 1.6x optical zoom lens, making it easy to find a good spot for mounting.Now, for one of our favorite features, the Home Cinema 2350 comes with an Android TV dongle hidden inside and gives you access to most of your favorite streaming apps. Since there is a separate dongle, and Android TV isn’t baked into the projector itself, that also means it can be removed and replaced if you like. That also means the projector actually provides two HDMI ports, albeit with one hidden, and there’s even a separate remote for the dongle if you choose to move it to another device.While we’re on the topic of ports, there are two USB Type-A ports—if you count the one hidden—and a 3.5mm audio jack. Unfortunately, the exposed USB Type-A port is a service-only port. At least both of the HDMI ports are 2.0b/HDCP 2.3 compliant with CEC support though.User experienceThe Epson Home Cinema 2350 is quite large measuring at 10.8 x 13.1 x 4.8 inches and weighing 9 pounds. It includes a foot in the front to elevate it when placing it on a surface, but I found this to be a little wobbly due to the size and weight. Despite also having adjustable feet on the back, I still found it a little challenging to get the picture straight. However, at least the keystone correction worked well for fixing the offset.Having only one HDMI port can seem a little limiting, but with the built-in Android TV dongle covering most of your streaming needs, then it won’t feel too bad. It would be tough to connect multiple consoles or a dedicated Blu-ray player along with a console though.While I am a big fan of Android TV, I did come across an issue. The Apple TV app is not compatible with the dongle on the Home Cinema 2350. That’s a shame, because the Apple TV app is one of the apps with the highest streaming quality and Apple has some great original programming.Another issue that popped up was the error message I received when connecting my PlayStation 5. Regardless of using a compatible HDMI cable, the Epson Home Cinema 2350 cannot display the PS5 in 4K with HDR. Instead, you are given the choice of 1080p with HDR or 4K in SDR. That was a bummer, because I was looking forward to playing games in 4K HDR blown up at over 100 inches. It also meant I couldn’t watch the Apple TV app from my PS5 in 4K HDR.On the bright side, I never noticed any input lag that affected my gaming performance, and games still looked nice at 1080p in HDR.Even though the Epson Home Cinema 2350 has a bright 2,800-lumen bulb, it still wasn’t enough to enjoy content on a sunny day. You’ll definitely need a dark room to fully enjoy the Home Cinema 2350, and be warned that the fan is quite loud and this projector generates a lot of heat. Not so bad in the winter, but it’ll be a different story in the summer.Video qualityWhile it’s true the Epson Home Cinema 2350 lacks native 4K support, I was still quite impressed with the sharpness while watching 4K and 1080p content with it. I tested several movies and shows from various streaming services over the past few weeks, and not only was I satisfied with the sharpness, but also by the lack of rainbowing.If you’ve ever experienced rainbowing, then you know just how distracting it can be. It was such a relief to not have to worry about that with the Home Cinema 2350.One area I wasn’t that impressed with was the dynamic range. However, after some tweaking with the brightness levels, I was able to get much better results. I found the blacks to be on point, providing spectacular contrast in dark scenes and some great brightness in the highlights.While gaming on the Home Cinema 2350, I was more than satisfied with the video quality, even though it was running at 1080p so I could take advantage of HDR. I would have thought it was 4K if I hadn’t known any better, and this was even blown up at over 100 inches on the wall sitting around 10 feet back from the picture.I did try running games at 4K a couple of times but the increased resolution didn’t make as big of an impact as HDR, so I quickly changed back.Audio qualityThere is a 10W speaker inside of the Epson Home Cinema 2350 projector that left me underwhelmed. It has plenty of volume to override the considerable fan noise, but it lacked depth and bass. It works fine, but it doesn’t live up to the picture quality, and hopefully, if you purchase this projector you’ll have a better audio system to go with it.Bluetooth is built into the included Android TV dongle making that an option for external audio, however, it won’t work with any other HDMI devices you connect to the Home Cinema 2350.Final thoughtsThe Epson Home Cinema 2350 has a lot going for it. It offers a sharp faux 4K picture, uses a bright 2,800-lumen bulb with support for HDR, and features a 3-chip LCD system that prevents rainbowing.Regardless, it does have a few flaws, such as the lack of 4K with HDR support on the PlayStation 5, the speaker is mediocre, and the incompatibility with the Apple TV app when using the built-in Android TV stick. Depending on your needs, some of these might be a dealbreaker, while some might be easy to work around.If you only plan to watch movies and add your own streaming dongle, then the Home Cinema 2350 would make a fantastic addition to your home theater. It is even great for gaming with the PS5, as long as you’re ok with running them at 4K without HDR or 1080p with HDR. The Epson Home Cinema 2350 is currently available from Amazon for $1,090 or $1,300 from Epson’s website.Buy from Amazon Buy from Epson

T-Mobile announces Phone Freedom with its new Go5G plans, promises phone upgrades every two years

T-Mobile announced Phone Freedom today, which includes a new mobile plan and a limited time offer to try to tempt users into switching over to the Un-carrier. The new plan is entitled the Go5G, and T-Mobile refers to it as a “supercharged version of Magenta MAX.” That’s pretty accurate because it offers everything people love about Magenta MAX, including taxes and fees bundled into the price, Netflix and Apple TV+, 15GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico, 50GB of data for mobile hotspots, and more. There’s even a Go5G Plus for more demanding users.How T-Mobile hopes to lure over users from other carriers is with the promise of a new phone every two years with New In Two. This is instead of locking customers into a three-year contract, forcing them to wait an additional year to upgrade. Furthermore, the plan is available for all existing customers as well as newcomers.To sweeten the pot, T-Mobile is making it even easier to jump ship and switch to its network by paying off your phone, and will even allow you to trade-in your locked device to get a brand-new smartphone. The promo is called The Easy Unlock, and it will provide you with up to $650 via a prepaid Mastercard to pay off your current locked device before allowing you to trade it in for a new one on the T-Mobile network. It’s a limited time promotion though, so jump on it while you can if you’re interested in switching.Along with The Easy Unlock, T-Mobile is also giving customers an easy-out option with its Go Back Guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with the service, T-Mobile will allow you to switch back within the first 30 days, and give you $50 per voice line to cover the cost of your bill.Lastly, T-Mobile is lowering the price of its Essentials plan with prices starting as low as $25 a month per line when a family of four signs up. Otherwise, it will cost a single user $50 a month for 50GB of premium data with unlimited minutes, texts, and data.It’s also important to note that all of these plans come with Price Lock, which guarantees new accounts with qualifying service will keep their regular monthly rate plan price excluding taxes and fees. Phone Freedom officially launches on April 23, 2023, while The Easy Unlock and Essential Savings are available for a limited time.

ProScreenCast 4K Wireless Adapter review

The ProScreenCast SC01 Wireless Display Receiver Adapter allows you to wirelessly stream content from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to your TV or projector. It supports both iOS and Android devices and has a range of up to 10 meters. It also supports 1080p HD video and comes with an HDMI cable for easy setup.Read on to learn more or check out the podcast (also embedded below) to see what we thought of the ProScreenCast 4K Wireless Adapter.Noteworthy FeaturesWireless streaming: The adapter allows you to wirelessly stream content from your laptop, phone, or tablet to a larger display, such as a TV or monitor.Miracast technology: The adapter uses Miracast technology to establish a direct Wi-Fi connection between your device and the display, enabling you to mirror or extend your screen wirelessly.High-quality visuals and audio: The adapter supports Full HD resolution (1080p) and stereo sound, providing high-quality visuals and audio.Compatibility: The adapter is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.USB powered: The adapter can be powered through a USB port, making it easy to set up and use on the go.GalleryListen to the EpisodeThoughts and ConclusionThe SC01 Wireless Display Receiver Adapter is a device that allows you to wirelessly stream content from your laptop, phone, or tablet to a larger display, such as a TV or monitor. The adapter is compact and easy to use, making it a convenient solution for presentations, meetings, or entertainment purposes.The SC01 Wireless Display Receiver Adapter uses Miracast technology to establish a direct Wi-Fi connection between your device and the display, enabling you to mirror or extend your screen wirelessly. It supports Full HD resolution (1080p) and stereo sound, providing high-quality visuals and audio.The adapter is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It also supports multiple languages and has a user-friendly interface. The SC01 Wireless Display Receiver Adapter can be powered through a USB port, making it easy to set up and use on the go.The SC01 Wireless Display Receiver Adapter is a versatile and practical device that can enhance your viewing or presenting experience by enabling wireless streaming of content from your device to a larger display.We love how portable it is and will be quick to pack it for any upcoming travel or business needs.You can learn more about the ProScreenCast 4K Wireless Adapter and/or purchase yours for about $70.

Say goodbye to dropped calls and hello to better connections with mobile signal boosters!

If you’re tired of missing important calls and struggling with weak signal strength, a vodafone mobile signal booster can be the solution you’ve been looking for. Portable enhancers ensure a reliable communication channel even in areas with poor wave strength. This can be particularly useful in emergencies, where reliable communication can be a matter of life and death.The experience of UCtel suggests that in addition to providing a lifeline in emergencies, cell phone improvers offer a range of benefits for everyday use. By eliminating dropped calls and improving call quality, these devices can help you stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues, regardless of where you are. And with the growing reliance on mobile technology in our daily lives, having a strong and reliable signal is more significant than ever.Investing in a mobile sign booster is an investment in better connections in terms of communication and relationships. So, why wait? Say goodbye to dropped calls and hello to better relations today with a mobile wave booster.There are some general tips you can follow to improve your mobile signal strength without having to buy a booster:Move to a higher location.Wireless strength can be improved by moving to a more elevated location, such as a second-story room or rooftop.Use Wi-Fi calling.If you can access a reliable Wi-Fi network, use Wi-Fi calling to make calls and send texts.Open a window.If you are indoors, try opening a window or moving closer to the window. This can improve signal strength by allowing the wave to penetrate walls more easily.Remove obstructions.Thick walls, metal roofs, or other obstacles can obstruct wave strength. Try removing these obstructions or moving to a different location with a better line-of-sight to the cell tower.But if you are experiencing consistently poor signal strength, it may be worth investing in a certified cellular booster to improve your mobile communication experience.A Lifeboat in a Stormy SeaIf the tips above did not help you, mobile signal boosters act as a lifeboat in a stormy sea, allowing you to stay afloat and reach out for help when needed. These devices amplify weak signals and provide a reliable communication channel even in areas with poor cellular strength. This can be particularly useful in emergencies, such as natural disasters or medical emergencies, where reliable communication can be a matter of life and death.Understanding Signal StrengthBut before investing in a mobile signal booster, it is crucial to understand signal strength and the factors that can affect it. Building materials, geography, and other factors can all impact wireless power, making it essential to identify areas with poor signal strength and take steps to address the issue.Choosing the Right Mobile Signal BoosterChoosing the right mobile signal booster is also essential for achieving optimal results. Different mobile improvers are available, each with its features and capabilities. Some supporters are designed for vehicles, while others are intended for building use. Understanding the different types of boosters and their features is essential for deciding the suitable device to meet your needs.Mobile signal boosters offer a ray of hope during difficult times, providing a sense of comfort and security when people need it most. In emergencies, when power outages or other disruptions can occur, mobile signal boosters can help ensure that individuals remain connected and maintain a sense of normalcy. Vodafone is a leading provider of mobile signal booster, with a range of products that can be especially beneficial for vulnerable populations, including seniors and individuals with medical conditions that require constant monitoring. By investing in wireless reception boosters, individuals, and institutions can help ensure that they stay connected even in challenging circumstances.Causes of a Bad SignalMany factors can contribute to poor cellular strength, and identifying these factors can help you determine the best solution for your needs. Building materials are among the most common causes of poor cellular communication strength. For example, thick walls and metal roofs can block signals from reaching your device, leading to dropped calls and weak waves. Geography can also play a role, as areas with mountains or other natural barriers can interfere with wireless strength. In addition, distance from cell towers and network congestion can also impact the signal strength.List of factors that can affect signal strength:Building materials (thick walls, metal roofs)Geography (mountains, natural barriers)Distance from cell towers and acute angle of the walls to the signal sourceNetwork congestionHigh-frequency signals (challenging to amplify)Carrier coverage in the areaAlternative SolutionsWhile mobile boosters can be an effective solution for poor cellular communication strength, other alternatives should be considered. One option is Wi-Fi calling, which allows you to make calls and send texts over a Wi-Fi network rather than relying on cellular signals. This can be particularly useful in areas with poor wave strength, as long as you can access a reliable Wi-Fi network. According to the experience of users of devices from Vodafone, another option is switching to a carrier with better coverage in your area; that can be done even if you already use mobile signal boosters of a high level. Finally, researching and comparing coverage maps can help determine which carrier best fits your needs.ProspectsThe future of mobile signal-boosting technology looks bright, with advancements in the field continuing to improve the performance and reliability of these devices. One area of growth is in 5G boosters, which will become increasingly crucial as 5G networks become more widespread. These boosters will help to overcome the challenges of high-frequency signals, which can be more difficult to amplify than lower-frequency signals. In addition, advancements in AI technology may also play a role in improving the performance of cellular communication boosters, allowing them to adapt to changing cellular strength in real-time.ConclusionMobile signal boosters are effective for those struggling with poor cellular communication strength. These devices act as a lifeboat in a stormy sea by amplifying weak interaction and providing a reliable communication channel. It is essential to understand the causes of poor cellular strength and to choose the right mobile signal booster for your needs, for example — from UCtel. Consider investing in a mobile signal booster or researching alternative solutions such as Wi-Fi calling or switching to a carrier with better coverage. And with technological advancements, the future of cellular communication boosting looks promising. Keep poor wireless strength from continuing to disrupt your communication and potentially putting you at risk in emergencies. So invest in a mobile booster today and say goodbye to dropped calls and weak cellular communication for good.EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement

Samsung Galaxy F54 appears on Google Play Console; India Launch is Imminent

Samsung may be planning to launch its new F series smartphone in the Indian Market. Recently, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G smartphone has been spotted on the Google Play Console which hints the smartphone launch is imminent. Also, the listings reveal the key specifications and the design of the Galaxy F54 5G smartphone. Let’s have a look at it.Design-wise, the Galaxy F54 5G boasts the same design as the Galaxy M54. Furthermore, the listing suggests the Galaxy F54 sports a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate support. The device will feature a triple rear camera setup at back with a 108MP main sensor paired with an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro unit. It will feature a 32MP snapper at the front for Selfies. The Galaxy F54’s back camera module is similar to the brand’s latest flagship S23 smartphone.The Galaxy F54 5G is powered by Samsung’s in-house Exynos 1380 processor coupled with 8GB of RAM. The device boots Android 13 based on Samsung’s latest OneUI 5.1 out of the box. The smartphone is expected to feature a 6,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging tech and it will feature a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Samsung may launch the Galaxy F54 5G smartphone at the end of April.Source

OnePlus Pad India pricing revealed accidentally via Flipkart

Earlier this year, OnePlus unveiled its first-ever OnePlus Pad Android flagship tablet along with OnePlus 11 (review) smartphone. The tablet is official in India, pre-orders also started but the pricing is set to reveal on April 25 in India. India’s famous e-commerce site Flipkart accidentally reveals the OnePlus Pad pricing. Now Flipkart removes the listings from its website but the cache pages are still live which reveals the pricing and memory variants details for the Indian market. According to the Flipkart listings, The OnePlus Pad will come in two variant options in India- the base 8GB + 128GB variant will be priced at ₹37,999 (~$461), and the higher end 12GB + 256GB variant will cost ₹39,999 (~$486). The tablet will sell in a sole Halo Green Color option in India.  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.The 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.The 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.On paper, the tablet holds solid specs and it will be more interesting to see how it performs in real life. Check out the full details of the OnePlus Pad here.Source

Podcast: ProScreenCast 4K Wireless Adapter

Check out episode 405 of the AndroidGuys Podcast where we discuss the ProScreenCast 4K Wireless Adapter.About the ProScreenCast 4K Wireless AdapterThe ProScreenCast SC01 Wireless Display Receiver Adapter allows you to wirelessly stream content from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to your TV or projector. It supports both iOS and Android devices and has a range of up to 10 meters. It also supports 1080p HD video and comes with an HDMI cable for easy setup.Listen below using the embedded player or click here to check out the episode using your favorite media player.

Facer 7.0 introduces real-time 3D interactive animations for your smartwatch

If you own a smartwatch, you’ve most likely heard of Facer before. It’s easily one of the largest third-party watch face marketplaces for WearOS, and I’ve personally been using it since I first bought the Moto 360 years ago. And for those of you who have never used it before, you might want to after hearing about the latest feature.With the release of Facer 7.0, the team has now introduced real-time 3D watch faces on the platform. Designers will now have the freedom to create 3D effects that react to touches, time of day, and more. Here’s all you can expect from the latest feature as outlined in Facer’s announcement.Real-time 3D models, featuring high polygon count, high-resolution textures, and lifelike rendering.3D-based procedurally generated visual effectsInteractive 3D animationsDynamic lighting effectsParticle effectsTo give users and designers a preview of what’s possible, Facer Studios has released 15 watch faces along with Facer 7.0. They range from dancing 3D animals that react to touch interactions, to more minimalist faces with animated sequences or even a roaring fire.Those first 15 watch faces are only a small taste. Facer says to expect hundreds of new faces released from designers in its Facer Creator Partner program in the coming weeks. Plus, the Facer Creator app will soon enable these features and allow even more designers to start creating 3D interactive watch faces.To check these out for yourself, start off by downloading the Facer app from Google Play onto your WearOS smartwatch of choice. Then, you can browse the new 3D face collection and enjoy watching your smartwatch come to life on your wrist.

The new Asus Zenbook S 13 is like a MacBook, only better

Asus' updated Zenbook S 13 OLED comes with a spec bump, but there are a few changes elsewhere that make it a much more enticing laptop.

Casiris A6 Ultra Short Throw 4K Laser Projector review

One of the best ways to bring the theater experience into your home is with a projector, such as the Casiris A6 we were recently sent for review. If this is the first time you’ve heard of the brand Casiris, then you’re not alone. The brand was new to me as well, but don’t let that dissuade you because the A6 is an impressive ultra short throw 4K laser projector.FeaturesThe Casiris A6 is a 4K laser UST projector capable of screen sizes of up to 120-inches while only being around a foot away from the wall. It boasts a lifespan of 30,000 hours, which is enough to last you nearly 19 years if you only watch it for six hours each day.The ports on the Casiris A6 include two HDMI 2.0 ports, one with eARC capabilities and both support CEC controls. Additional ports include, the power port, two USB ports, a mini USB service port, an optical audio out port, and an Ethernet jack.SetupSetting up the Casiris A6 is a fairly easy affair, despite it being quite large at 20.5 x 13 x 6 inches and weighing in at nearly 20 lbs. Regardless, that’s still smaller and lighter than many large-screen TVs these days.One of the greatest benefits of the Casiris A6 is that it’s an ultra-short throw projector. That means you won’t need to ceiling mount it or stack it up several feet in the air while being 8-10ft. away from the wall or screen. Instead, you can place the Casiris A6 on a traditional TV stand around 12 inches away from the wall and adjust the feet on the bottom to set the angle. Not only is this convenient for setup, but it also means you won’t have to worry about people blocking the picture when walking through the room while using the projector.After plugging in the A6 and facing it towards the wall, it will automatically focus and correct for keystone errors using an eight-point system. However, I still noticed there was a large bulge in the center of the picture after I first powered it on. That was easy enough to rectify by entering the geometric picture settings and making a couple of adjustments. While you’re in the menu, you’ll also want to take a minute to open the Wi-Fi settings to connect and check for any software updates.The Casiris A6 runs on a heavily modified version of Android 9 that doesn’t feature the Play Store preinstalled. It does have a couple of apps bundled in for controlling the projector, but no streaming apps. When it comes to streaming, the A6 relies on a separate 4K capable Android TV dongle that has full access to the Play Store and supports every major streaming app. However, I did encounter a few issues.The first was the Netflix app crashing occasionally if I didn’t wait 15 minutes after powering on the projector. Another issue was the audio cutting out when switching between multiple apps which required a reboot to fix. Finally, the Vudu app only supports HD playback, although that’s something I’ve experienced on some other streaming devices as well. Overall, the streaming stick worked fine 80% of the time, but replacing it with one from Google or Nvidia will clear up some of these problems.One benefit of the included Android TV stick is that it can be powered by one of the available USB ports saving you from using another outlet. No matter what, you’re still losing one of your two HDMI ports making it difficult to connect additional devices such as multiple gaming consoles.Without a doubt, the Casiris A6 is the easiest projector I’ve ever set up, and after an update and a couple of tweaks I was able to jump into watching movies within minutes of unboxing it. The automatic focusing and keystone corrections, in particular, take care of some of the biggest pain points of setting up a new projector. Combine that with being able to place it so close to the wall and prevent people from blocking the picture and it’s a first-class experience.My only complaint would be that your picture size can be limited by the height of your TV stand. Since my stand is quite tall, that made it impossible for me to fill up the wall with the picture, because the further I moved it back, the higher the picture was projected until it began to creep up onto the ceiling. Regardless, I was still able to get a picture around 100-inches. Just be aware that the lower you can place the Casiris A6, the better.Video qualityThe Casiris A6 uses a triple laser system capable of producing 2200 lumens and 1.07 billion colors to create a gorgeous true 4K picture with support for HDR10 at up to 120-inches. Personally, I had the A6 set up to be around 100-inches on a blank white wall and it looked phenomenal. The contrast was good, the colors were rich and vibrant while also looking natural, and the 4K resolution made details in movies look nice and crisp.I was also satisfied with the amount of picture settings that were in the menus. The controls were very similar to many 4K TVs I’ve used, and just like those TVs, the A6 includes MEMC processing. Most commonly known as motion smoothing and responsible for the dreaded soap opera effect. The first thing I did was disable that and you’ll want to do the same if you aren’t a fan of motion smoothing effects.To enjoy the sharpest picture possible, I would suggest buying a screen for the Casiris A6. This is because of the steep angle the A6 projects light creating a relief map of the wall. Most walls are not 100% flat and have some texture to them which becomes very apparent once you shine a light at it from an angle. I didn’t notice this that much during live-action content because it added an almost film-like texture to the picture. However, it became more apparent with animated content.You can purchase a screen from the Casiris website, or you could also try a cheaper option such as the one I purchased a while back for using projectors outdoors. Whichever you choose, it will make a noticeable difference with a UST projector.One final thing to note, while 2200 lumens is a decent brightness for a dark room and viewing videos in HDR, it’s still not enough to combat the sun. On an overcast day, the picture looks slightly washed out but even with curtains on a bright sunny day, the contrast suffers. Like most other projectors, the Casiris A6 looks its best at night or in a blacked-out room.Audio qualityThe Casiris A6 uses two 10W speakers, along with DTS-HD or Dolby Atmos, to produce some of the best audio quality I’ve heard from a projector or TV. Movie scores sounded epic and voices were clear and audible.Additionally, the fan was one of the quietest I’ve heard from a projector, and that made it easier to hear movies without needing to crank up the volume to compete with a howling fan. It also helped that the A6 was so close to the wall and further away from where I was sitting.No matter how good the A6 speakers sound—and they sound very good—it could always sound better. That’s why the A6 provides you with an eARC HDMI port, optical port, and Bluetooth. With these options, you’ll be able to connect an external sound source such as a soundbar or AVR to take it to the next level.No worries if you don’t have any additional sound equipment though, because I was more than pleased with the speakers Casiris used in the A6.Final thoughtsI wasn’t sure what to expect from my first UST projector, and from a brand that was previously unknown to me. Fortunately, I was blown away by the Casiris A6. It is the easiest projector I’ve ever set up thanks to its built-in autofocusing and keystone correction.Furthermore, I was impressed by the stunning picture quality and fantastic speakers. The A6 would be a massive upgrade to any movie fan’s home theater setup. The only downside is when you step up to this level of projector, it gets a bit costly. The Casiris A6 UST 4K HDR Laser Projector can be purchased for just under $2000 from Amazon or directly from the Casiris website when using a coupon code.Buy from Amazon Buy from Casiris

Hako Mini Android TV Box review

The Hako Mini Android TV Box is a smart TV box that runs on the Android operating system. It has a quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage. It also has a built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The box can stream 4K video and supports HDR10. It also comes with a remote control that has voice control capabilities.Read on to learn more or check out the podcast (also embedded below) to see what we thought of the Hako Mini Android TV Box.Noteworthy FeaturesQuad-Core processor with 2GB of RAMRuns on Android 9.0 PieSupports 4K Ultra HD resolution, delivering sharp and clear visualsConnectivity includes HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi, allowing for easy and flexible connectivity with other devices.Compact and portable, making it easy to carry and set up anywhere.Supports multiple languages, making it accessible to a wider audienceGalleryListen to the EpisodeThoughts and ConclusionThe Hako Mini Android TV Box is a small, portable streaming device that allows users to access a wide variety of entertainment options on their television. Measuring just 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches and weighing less than half a pound, the Hako Mini can easily fit into a pocket or bag, making it a convenient option for travel or use in multiple rooms of a home.Equipped with the Android 9 operating system, the Hako Mini offers a user-friendly interface and access to popular streaming apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. The device is powered by a quad-core CPU and features 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with an external USB drive. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to easily connect wireless headphones or speakers.One standout feature of the Hako Mini is its support for 4K Ultra HD video and HDR (high dynamic range) content, which can deliver stunning picture quality on compatible televisions. The device also supports Dolby Audio for high-quality sound, and its compact size and easy setup make it a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their TV viewing experience without the hassle of a larger set-top box or smart TV.You can learn more about the Hako Mini Android TV Box and/or purchase yours for about $79.

Motorola Moto G Power 5G review: The price of power

There ain't nothing in this world for free.