Reviews

Google may be gearing up for the launch of the Google Pixel 7a smartphone during its upcoming Google I/O 2023 event which will be held on 10th May in the US. The Pixel 7a design and color options surfaced online which gives us a first look.The leaked renders suggest that the Pixel 7a will come in Grey, White, and Blue color options. It will feature a dual rear camera setup at the back and a center-mounted punch-hole cut-out selfie camera. The Pixal 7a will look almost similar to its predecessor the Pixel 6a, design–wise there are no big upgrades but in terms of build quality, the Pixal 7a will likely feature a metal frame. Other expected specifications of the Pixel 7a include a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The phone will likely be powered by the in-house new Tensor G2 processor, under the hood. The device will run on Android 13 OS. Also Read:- Google Pixel 8 renders reveal changes over its predecessorFor optics, the Google Pixel 7a is expected to feature a 64MP Sony IMX787 primary camera paired with 12MP ultra-wide shooter. It is tipped to offer a 10.8MP selfie snapper.source

India’s smartphone brand Lava has officially unveiled the Lava Blaze 2 smartphone under the Blaze series. The latest Blaze 2 comes with decent features at an affordable price. The key specifications of the Lava Blaze 2 include the HD+ display, dual rear camera setup, glass back design, and whole much more. Have a look at the specifications and pricing of the Lava Blaze 2 smartphone. Lava Blaze 2 starts at ₹8,999 ($109) for 6GB RAM + 128GB internal storage. It comes in Glass Black, Glass orange, and Glass Blue color options. The smartphone will go for sale starting on April 18 via Amazon India. Lava Blaze 2 is powered by a Unisoc T616 octa-core chipset paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage which is further expandable up to 1TB. The device managed to score 255,298 AnTuTu Benchmark score and offers great performance. The Blaze 2 runs on Android 12 OS out of the box. Lava promises up to one major OS update (to Android 13) and two years of security updates. The smartphone sports a 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and 269 ppi pixel density. In terms of optics, the Blaz2 has a dual rear camera setup at back with a 13MP primary lens joined by a 2MP depth sensor. There is an 8MP snapper at the front for selfies and video chats. The device is backed by a 5,000mAH battery with support for fast charging. Connectivity options include WiFi, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS, 4G, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB type C for charging and data transfer. Other features of Blaze 2 include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and up to 5GB of virtual RAM support.

Spring is upon us and soon summer will be here, and while both seasons bring some beautiful weather, they also bring their fair share of storms. As someone who has been through a hurricane, and narrowly avoided a couple of tornados, I’ve experienced dozens of power outages through the years.Looking back, it would have been so helpful to have something more than a tiny power bank during all of these events. Sure, a power bank comes in handy for keeping your phone topped off, but it’s nothing compared to a power station featuring AC outlets and far more capacity.It’s fortunate that these devices are becoming more common and affordable these days, and you can even get some bundled with solar panels such as the Solar Generator 300 that our friends over at Powerness were nice enough to send out for review.Hiker 300There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a power station. You’ll want to look for one with a decent capacity, ample port options, multiple ways to recharge, an informative display, and more. The Powerness Hiker 300 included in the Solar Generator 300 package checks all of these boxes.CapacityIt has a 296Wh capacity that is capable of charging most phones up to a dozen times, as well as charging a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro up to 4.5 times. I’ve even used it to run a television and found it was possible to get close to seven hours of runtime with a 46-inch 1080p LCD TV.PortsWhile capacity is an important factor, the Hiker 300 also provides many ways to power your devices. You’ll be able to choose from two AC outlets, three USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port, two DC outputs, a car charger output, and wireless Qi charging.OutputJust as important as the number of ports is the output of those ports. The AC outlets on the Hiker 300 support up to 300W and there is a Quick Charge 3.0 capable USB Type-A port along with a USB Type-C port with Power Delivery up to 60W. This will ensure your devices get the power they need, and quickly.ChargingWhen it comes time to charge up the Hiker 300, there are multiple ways to fill it back up. The easiest and quickest way is by plugging it into an outlet in your house, which will take three hours to reach 80% and a little longer to charge it fully. You can speed this up by combining the AC charging with a USB Type-C charger to shave an hour off the charging time.A car charger can also be used, but that will take around six hours to reach 80%. My favorite way to charge the Hiker 300 is with the SolarX S80 solar panel included in the Solar Generator 300 package.In my experience, it takes a little over four hours to reach an 80% charge on a clear sunny day, and that’s 100% free power. It’s hard to beat free. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and readily available on most days.DisplayOne of my favorite features on the Hiker 300 is the display that shows you which ports are currently in use, the amount of watts being used, and how much time is remaining before the battery is drained. It’s extremely useful, and you can turn it on at any time by pressing any of the buttons on the front. It’s also important to note that any time you press one of the buttons it only enables the display and you’ll need to press it a second time to activate the selected output.SafetyThe Hiker 300 is protected by Powerness’s Battery Management System which monitors the current, voltage, and temperature in real-time. This helps in preventing issues with short circuits and other problems. Occasionally, you’ll hear the fan spin up to manage the temperature, and while it’s audible, it’s still quieter than something like my microwave.Additionally, there is an emergency light on the front that is handy for doing repairs during an outage or signaling cars with its SOS function.SolarX S80While the Hiker 300 is a fantastic power station, it’s only part of the equation. The SolarX S80 is the other half of the Solar Generator 300 kit. This bi-fold 80W capable portable solar panel makes charging up the Hiker 300 convenient and free.Some of its key features include, a display to visualize how much power is being generated, kickstands to hold the solar panels up, and a magnetic closure making it easy to fold up and transport. Furthermore, there is a USB Type-A port and two built-in cables for connecting devices to the SolarX S80. One of the built-in cables has three barrel-style plugs to choose from, and the other uses a USB Type-C connector providing you with plenty of charging options.As I mentioned above, in my experience, the SolarX S80 is able to fill the Hiker 300 up from 0 to 80% in a little over four hours on a sunny day thanks to its 23% conversion rate and 80w output. That’s when you’re using one of the built-in DC plugs, however, if you use the built-in USB Type-C cable or connect a USB Type-A cable then you’ll be limited to only 12W of charging power.One more thing the Powerness SolarX S80 has going for it is a rugged build. When I first picked it up I could tell it was a solid piece of equipment at nearly seven-and-a-half pounds. The SolarX S80 even comes with IP65 certification so it will be safe from any light showers or splashes out in the wild.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.Final thoughtsThe Solar Generator 300 from Powerness is the perfect kit to keep you powered up during an emergency or on your next camping trip. It would even make a fun tailgating companion thanks to its compact size, portable design, and variety of ways to power devices.The Solar Generator 300–which includes the SolarX S80, a $160 value, and the Hiker 300, a value of $210–is available for purchase now from Powerness’s website for $370 or from Amazon.Buy from Amazon Buy from Powerness

Motorola has officially launched the Moto G Power 5G smartphone in the US markets. The new member of the G Power family comes with notable improvements, like an improved display experience and extraordinary battery life. Have a look at the specifications, pricing, and availability of the Moto G Power 5G smartphone. The Moto G Power 5G is priced at $299.99 for the 6GB + 256GB variant and comes in Black and White color options. The smartphone will be available for sale starting on April 13 in the US through Amazon and Motorola’s official website. The smartphone will also be available at Spectrum Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, and Metro by T-Mobile in the upcoming months. Moto G Power 5G sports a 6.5-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate which is up from 60Hz in 2021’s model and a 20:9 aspect ratio. You’ll get a triple rear camera setup at the back with a 50MP primary camera which is joined by a 2MP depth camera and a 2MP macro lens. There is a 16MP snapper at the front for selfies and video chats. The Moto G Power 5G is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 930 octa-core processor paired with up to 6GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage which is further expandable up to 1TB via microSD. It runs on Android 13 based on MyUx UI out of the box. The smartphone is backed by a massive 5,000 battery just like its predecessor with support for 15W fast charging tech but it ships with 10W adapter in the retail box. The firm claims that the smartphone easily lasts two to three days on a single charge. 

After dipping my toes in the iOS ecosystem for the first time in decades, I’ve found many things I like. From the better overall performance to the more focused product lines, it’s been a bit of an eye-opener to see the other side of the two main forces in mobile. Even with this new perspective, I think Apple is behind Google in one key area of the home: smart displays.HomePod needs a ScreenI’ve come to rely on Nest Hubs throughout my house. I like having the visual keys and media options the smart display offers. I have one set up in my office and kitchen as a home automation control center and basically small TVs. Being able to quickly turn on a device, search the web, or watch Hulu while doing other tasks is great.This is where it surprises me that so far Apple has no answer for these devices. A HomePod with a screen seems like a natural addition to the company’s product line that just doesn’t exist.Better Yet the iPad Needs a HomePod DockTo take this one step further, I can’t believe that with all the unique options for iPads, it looks like Google will have a detachable tablet smart hub before Apple. This seems like an evolutionary accessory for the iPad that needs to happen. This would easily be had with the Smart Connector on most iPad models and a magnetic dock.With this pogo pin attachment and the MagSafe mounting system, I’d really like to see this happen. I love my Nest Hubs, but I would much rather have this be an extension of a device I already own. Especially in my kitchen. I’ve had the original Google Home Hub for a few years now, but I’ve had multiple instances where I wish I easily move it around the room.Having an iPad with a dedicated space for additional features like HomePod AirPlay capabilities, HomeKit dashboard, Siri, and maybe the weather would be a great addition to the Apple lineup. Google and Amazon have pushed this type of device further over recent years and Apple simply has fallen behind.It would be great to have similar functionality as my Nest Hubs while using the iOS ecosystem. Being able to quickly check my calendars and weather, or use HomeKit in a dedicated UI would be fantastic. I love what Google has done, but honestly being able to use this with AirPlay on a screen would be a huge win. Cast has become more and more inconsistent for my devices over the years and AirPlay has been rock solid.Already RumoredHomepod Show Concept (Image credit: Eric Huismann)Apple is supposedly already eyeing a dock of some sort to tackle the missing home features for iOS. Hopefully, this is simply just a dock that gives an iPad a larger speaker. If this doesn’t have a new way to interact with my home devices and have some sort of additional UI elements, it will be a miss in my mind.The fruit-logo company always seems to have a surprise up its sleeve, so I’m hoping this one comes to fruition sooner rather than later. What about you? Would you buy an additional dock that turned your iPad into a HomeKit Hub? Or a dedicated HomePod Show-type device?

The GravaStar Alpha65 GaN Fast Charger is a charger that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology to provide fast and efficient charging for your devices, up to three at once.Read on to learn more or check out the podcast (also embedded below) to see what we thought of the GravaStar Alpha 65.Noteworthy FeaturesGallium Nitride (GaN) technology65W maximum output powerUSB-C port supports USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 and Quick Charge (QC) 3.0 for fast and efficient chargingCompact and portable designEquipped with over-current protection, over-voltage protection, short-circuit protection, and over-temperature protection to keep your devices safe while they are charging.GalleryListen to the EpisodeThoughts and ConclusionThe charger is equipped with a USB-C port and has a maximum output power of 65W, making it capable of charging a wide range of devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other USB-C devices. It features USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 and Quick Charge (QC) 3.0, which are two fast charging technologies that enable faster charging times for compatible devices.One of the key features of this charger is its compact and portable design, which makes it easy to take with you on-the-go. The Alpha65 has a foldable plug, which helps to reduce its size even further, and it also comes with a carrying case for added convenience.The GravaStar Alpha65 GaN Fast Charger is also equipped with various safety features, including over-current protection, over-voltage protection, short-circuit protection, and over-temperature protection, which help to keep your devices safe while they are charging.If you’re looking for a fast and efficient charger that’s easy to take with you on-the-go, the GravaStar Alpha65 GaN Fast Charger could be a great option. It’s priced in line with other chargers of its type plus it looks really cool, too. It makes for a fun gift for that person who seems to have everything.You can learn more about the GravaStar Alpha 65 and/or purchase yours for about $60.

POCO usually launches all its entry-level smartphones under the C series. This time POCO launched the new POCO C51 smartphone in the Indian market. And guess what, yes it’s a rebadged version of Redmi A1 that was launched a month ago. POCO recently introduced the C55 smartphone which was also a rebranded version of the Redmi 12C. The smartphone offers decent specs at an affordable price tag. Let’s have a look at the specifications and pricing of the C51. The POCO C51 has a big 6.52-inch HD+ LCD display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate and, 20:9 aspect ratio, 400 nits of peak brightness, and a 120Hz touch sampling rate. The device is powered by a MediaTek Helio G36 processor built on a 12nm architecture paired with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB of eMMC 5.1 storage which is further expandable up to 1TB. It boots Android 13 GO Edition out of the box. In terms of lenses, the C51 features a dual rear camera setup with an 8MP primary camera joined by a depth sensor and there is a 5MP selfie shooter for selfies and video chats. The phone is backed by a large 5,000mAH battery with support for just 10W fast charging tech. Other highlights of the POCO C51 include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 3.5mm headphone jack, 4G connectivity, and up to 3GB virtual RAM. Also, POCO promises 2 years of security updates for the C51 device. POCO C51 comes in a sole 4GB + 64GB variant option and is priced at ₹8,499 (~$103). It will come in two beautiful color options- Royal Blue and Power Black. The smartphone will go on sale starting from 10th April at noon through Flipkart in India.

Motorola has recently announced the Motorola Edge 40 Pro smartphone in the global market but the brand hasn’t revealed the vanilla model i.e the Edge 40 alongside the Edge 40 Pro. According to the reports, the Edge 40 will soon launch globally though we don’t have an exact launch timeframe. A reliable tipster reveals the first look of the upcoming Edge 40 smartphone. The leaked renders suggest the Edge 40 smartphone will come in four color options- Viva Magenta, Nebula Green, Lunar Blue, and Eclipse Black. According to leaks, the upcoming Motorola Edge 40 will feature a 6.55-inch FHD+ OLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. For optics, the smartphone is expected to feature a 50MP Primary camera (with OIS support) paired with a 13MP Ultrawide shooter and a 2MP macro lens. It will come with a 32MP selfie snapper. It will be equipped with an under-display fingerprint sensor for faster access. The Edge 40 is reportedly to have a MediaTek Dimesity 8020 chipset coupled with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. It will boot the Android 13 operating system out of the box. The device is expected to come with a large 4,400mAH battery with support for 68W wired fast charging as well as 15W wireless charging. Both the acrylic and faux leather versions will have an IP68 water and dust resistance rating.  Leaks suggest that the Edge 40 will be priced at around €899 (~$980) in the European market. The brand hasn’t confirmed the details about when the Edge 40 will launch on the market.

Easter 2023 is just a few weeks away, BLUETTI Easter campaign will be in full swing as of April 6 with plenty of stand-out savings from home battery systems, portable power stations to a wide array of solar panels, providing multiple options for delivering Easter gifts and boosting every Easter celebration.    As the first 100% modular model of BLUETTI, AC300 has a flexible capacity of up to 12,288Wh by pairing with B300 expansion batteries, adding a 3,000W PSW inverter that meets most power needs for RV trips, DIY woodworking, and outdoor gardening, etc. What’s more, during the Easter Sale, any AC300+B300 purchase can add only C$99 to get a brand-new folding trolley for an easy transportation, or add C$599 to get PV350 solar panel and C$699 for PV420. Runtime for a AC300+B300 combo: DeviceOutput Power (W)Runtime (H)Microwave10002.6Refrigerator7003.7Washing Machine5005.2CPAP4065+*For reference ONLY. Versatile Solar System For Every NeedAC500 is another modular solar generator launched in Jan,2023. The capacity can be expanded from 3,072Wh to 18,432Wh by teaming up with its partner – B300S (3,072Wh per pack). Equipped with the latest LiFePO4 battery cell for secure operation and prolonged lifespan, AC500 features over 3500 life cycles before reaching 80% original capacity. Simply plug into AC outlets and solar panels simultaneously for a max 8,000 input rate, allowing a lightening fast charging speed that 0 to 80% SOC only takes within ONE HOUR! If planning a short-term spring camping or excursion, the UPS function of AC500 can let go of the worries about power failures at home since a constant power supply will always be on call to keep the essentials like refrigerator and fish tank running without interruption. Any AC500 + B300S order can add C$399 to get a PV350 solar panel.    Pint-sized Dimension, Out-sized CapabilityWhen it comes to portability, there’s no better option than EB3A due to its compact size and impressive capability. Designed for entry-level users, EB3A makes unlimited solar energy easily accessible while plugging with BLUETTI PV120/PV200. Plus, its 268Wh capacity, 600W output power, and versatile outputs that can juice up numerous devices on the go for hours, such as laptops, mini fridges, projectors, cameras, cookers, and more. Grab it at only C$299 with a coupon code – EB3A130 during Easter Sale.EB3A supports up to 430W dual charging via AC and PV, so it only takes about 30 minutes to charge it to 80% capacity, and 45 minutes to full. A convenient handle is also included for grab-and-go mobile power whenever and wherever power is in need. Reliable Mobile Power Source At Any TimeOther highly recommended portable power stations like BLUETTI EB55 and EB70S, have been long-loved by a large number of outdoor enthusiasts for years, and now has become more affordable than most competitors in the market. Featuring with 700W and 800W continuous output, respectively, EB55 and EB70S are widely used with solar panels as a solar system in various outdoor scenarios, including road trips, camping, picnic, fishing, etc. The sale price of EB70S will be C$649 with a coupon code EB70150.Complete Off-grid Lifestyle, AC200MAX MadeBeing one of the most popular power stations throughout the BLUETTI store, AC200MAX is an ideal option for those looking for a budget-saving solution to access energy storage batteries. For more power needs at home and in the wild, its capacity can be grown if necessary while working with B230 battery packs. With the innovative BLUETTI App, AC200MAX can be controlled and monitored in real-time through WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity. For AC200MAX orders during this Easter Sale, customers will have the options to add C$299 for a PV200, C$699 for a PV350, or C$799 for a PV420.   BLUETTI AC200P, a flagship model that has won a large group of backers since it was born, comes with a 2000Wh capacity and 2000W continuous power for versatile applications. It’s also stackable with B230 or B300 expansion batteries to enlarge the capacity for a step forward in energy self-sufficient. The easter sale price of AC200P will be C$1899 with a coupon code AC200P400      Where there’s sunlight there’s sustainable and free energy. Enjoy a solar lifestyle by hooking up with BLUETTI solar panels covering PV120, PV200, PV350, and PV420. They use monocrystalline solar cells and multi-layered ETFE to ensure better light transmittance, higher efficiency, and longer lifespan. Thanks to the 23.4% conversion rate of the solar panels, the energy storage systems can sip power from the sun at high speed and run most electronics for hours on end. Customers can enjoy 5% discount when buying two solar panels while 10% for three.About BLUETTI  From the very beginning, BLUETTI has tried to stay true to a sustainable future through green energy storage solutions for both indoor and outdoor use while delivering an exceptional eco-friendly experience for our homes and our world. That’s why BLUETTI makes its presence in 70+ countries and is trusted by millions of customers across the globe. For more information, please visit BLUETTI online at https://www.bluettipower.ca/ or follow BLUETTI on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluetti.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluetti_canada/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bluetti_incYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@BLUETTIOfficialEDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement

We tend to stick with Android and some iOS coverage, but occasionally we go out on a limb with Linux devices. I’ve been a Linux nerd for almost two decades now, and the opportunity to review a dedicated laptop made for my favorite desktop operating system was too much to pass up. Slimbook has allowed me a full month with the Executive 14 laptop and it’s been a blast.DesignThe Executive 14 laptop is a well-built and lightweight machine. The chassis is compromised of magnesium alloy that makes for a strong tensile strength while also keeping down the pounds. It will make you pause on how light the laptop is, but magnesium has a similar durability to aluminum. It strikes a great balance of weight and being able to take the beating of daily use.The right side of the Executive 14 houses a barrel charging port, HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C with power delivery and data. The left side is similarly equipped with another USB-C, USB-A, full-sized SD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone/mic combo.The bottom of the laptop seems to be made of the same magnesium alloy material as the rest of the laptop. You see a full-width grill above the branding and serial info that allows for ample heat dissipation. There are two more perforated spots on each side for the audio speakers. Last, you have four very sturdy and tacky rubber bumpers that work great to keep the Executive 14 steady while in use on a desk or table.ScreenPredictable with the name, the Executive 14 comes with a 14-inch matte display pushing a full 4K resolution and 400 nits. The antiglare 2880×1800 panel strikes the perfect balance of crisp colors and contrast without the glossy finish of some laptops always distracting you. It has a 90Hz refresh rate with a 1500:1 contrast rating.Just above the sensor is the camera array. This houses the webcam and IR sensors for facial recognition. Both are hidden well in the housing and work well. The webcam can be a little grainy in lower lighting, but it’s on par with other laptops.Keyboard and trackpadOne of the “keys” to a good laptop is the keyboard and trackpad performance. Slimbook has a very compelling build here that I found to be very good. The keys are spaced well, have good travel, and are easy to type on. I did have an issue wrapping my head around the alternate ISO English keyboard, but that’s not the fault of the company as they focus on European sales.I would love to see a more US-minded ANSI option for this laptop though to curb this. While your muscle memory will give in over a few days, having the left SHIFT key and right ENTER nowhere near most US-based laptops will throw you for a loop. I was easily able to adjust to the ENTER, but never got the hang of the SHIFT.The keyboard is also backlit for those nights on the couch. Finally, the Holy Grail of all Linux users: the Super Key. Yes, Slimbook has taken the initiative to make this Linux-friendly on the Executive 14 laptop. You get a cute little Tux key.The Slimbook’s trackpad is well done too. I had zero issues using this glass trackpad. You have a big surface to point, click, and swipe. The unit supports the latest gestures found in the Ubuntu-based software and performed just as you’d want a high-end trackpad to perform.SoftwareFor those outside the Linux world, you may have a bit of a learning curve with the Slimbook Executive 14. However, the Slimbook OS is very intuitive and similar enough that even a novice could get through the setup and use this device in no time. You will have familiar software like Firefox web browser, email clients, and office suites after you get going.Linux enthusiasts will be even more at home with the Slimbook. The company’s operating system is a lightly altered version of Ubuntu that I’d bet anyone in the Linux space has used and feels very comfortable with. Slimbook has added a few suites of additional software to the base Ubuntu builds.First, you get Slimbook Face. This allows you to have “Windows Hello” type login facial recognition on the Executive 14. There’s a dedicated app in the setup process that walks you through onboarding your scan and after this, you can simply log in and use elevated privileges with just your face in place of typing your passwords.Other tweaks include some performance tweaks and a great app to control the Intel CPU mode. This lives as an applet in the top panel but has a drop-down or full UI to manipulate how much power you are utilizing from the chipset. It’s a nice addition for power users to get to see and change how the machine performs.Other Linux variants are more than welcome as well. Slimbook has a great open-source history and I’ve been able to successfully run all my favorite distros with zero issues. I installed Fedora, Ubuntu proper, Arch, and openSUSE during my testing with little to no jarring disabilities compared to the default Slimbook OS.PerformanceSpeaking of performance… I found the Slimbook Executive a joy to use in daily tasks. The Intel i7 12700H  has 14 cores capable of 4.7GHz and cuts through anything I’ve thrown at this Executive 14. My review unit from Slimbook has an Iris X 4K graphics card engine, but the sibling 16-inch variant can be equipped with even more power from an NVIDIA RTX 3050Ti.It’s safe to say that anyone from casual web browsers to a full-on Linux power user will be fine with the performance of the Slimbook Executive 14. This laptop has ample power and allows the user to have it while it’s needed without destroying the portability of our next segment.Battery lifeOne of the lines off the spec sheet that immediately jumped out to me was the 99 Watt-hour battery pack. Just to put this in perspective, the HP Dev One we reviewed last year was only a 55Whr unit. This is an exceptionally large battery cell and I couldn’t wait to see how it compares.Not surprisingly, more battery equals less charging. The Slimbook Executive 14 consistently got me 10-plus hours of screen time. I’m not a power user by any means, but I’ve used this exclusively as my laptop during the testing and it outlasts anything in my house. I may have had one instance with long YouTube sessions it didn’t reach the double-digit hour mark.When you do need to charge it up, there are multiple ways to top off the battery banks. You can use the barrel charger in the box, but that’s so 2015. No, we live in the age of the USB-C era and Slimbook has included power delivery on both USB-C ports on the Executive.Charging maxes out at 90W with fast charge from the barrel charger or appropriate USB hardware. I found this method charges the laptop back to full power in about an hour. Using my older 65W Dell USB-C charger dropped this closer to two hours.ConclusionThe Slimbook Executive 14 is a laptop built with the Linux user in mind. The company has succeeded in providing that market with a truly high-end experience for their favorite operating system with limited compromise. You get a premium build quality, superb battery life, and a 4K screen packaged with the open-source awesomeness of knowing Linux runs perfectly.The last piece of the puzzle is pricing. The Slimbook starts at 1400 Euros which is roughly 1500 US dollars. This isn’t bad for the complete laptop package you’ll be purchasing. This makes the Executive more than compelling with the likes of any Dell XPS, Macbook, or Microsoft Surface. If you are in the market for a Linux-first laptop the Slimbook Executive 14 should be at the top of your list.Purchase the Slimbook Executive 14 from Slimbook.es

AI head tracking is the star of the show for the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro, and it's biggest downfall.

This is a battle between the needs of creative industries and everyday consumer listening.

The Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) with PopSockets Grip is a portable battery pack that can be attached to the back of your phone using magnets. It is designed to work seamlessly with PopSockets, a popular phone accessory that provides a comfortable grip and acts as a stand for your device.Read on to learn more or check out the podcast (also embedded below) to see what we thought of the Anker & Popsockets 622 Wireless Charger.Noteworthy FeaturesBuilt-in magnet that allows for easy attachment and detachment to your MagSafe-compatible device or casePopSockets grip provides a comfortable and secure hold on your phone, as well as acting as a stand for hands-free use5000mAh battery capacity, enough to charge most smartphones at least onceLED lights indicate the battery level and charging statusCompact and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you on-the-goGalleryListen to the EpisodeThoughts and ConclusionThe Anker 622 Magnetic Battery has a capacity of 5,000mAh, which is enough to charge most smartphones at least once. It features a USB-C port for charging the battery itself, as well as a USB-A port for charging your phone or other devices. It also has a LED light that shows the battery level and charging status.The MagGo is designed to attach to your phone using a magnetic PopSockets Grip. This allows you to easily attach and detach the battery pack from your phone, as well as use it as a stand when you’re watching videos or taking photos. The MagGo also supports wireless charging, so you can charge your phone wirelessly while it’s attached to the battery pack.The Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) with PopSockets Grip is a convenient and versatile portable battery pack that’s perfect for people who use PopSockets on their phone and want a portable charging solution that’s easy to attach and detach. And even though it’s best paired with an Apple device, you can still tap into the wireless charging with your Android phones, too. You’ll just lose that cool magnetic feature.You can learn more about the Anker & Popsockets 622 Wireless Charger and/or purchase yours for about $70.

Xiaomi recently launched the Redmi Note 12 series smartphones in the European Market and now the brand has introduced two new smartphones to the Note 12 series lineup in Europe.Xiaomi announced the Redmi Note 12S and Note 12 Pro 4G- Two new smartphones under the Note 12 series in Europe. The Note 12 Pro 4G smartphone was already launched in the Indonesian market a few weeks ago and now it goes official in Europe. The Redmi Note 12S kicks off at €289  and the Note 12 Pro 4G phone starts at €329. Both smartphones come in Onyx Black, Ice Blue, and Pearl Green Color options.Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G processor paired with an Adreno GPU, under the hood. It packs up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. The smartphone boots Android 12 based on MIUI13 out of the box.For Optics the Note 12 Pro has a quad rear camera setup with 108MP primary camera paired with 8MP ultrawide shooter, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 5MP macro lens. It has a 16MP snapper for selfies and video chats. The phone houses a 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast wired charging. The Note 12 Pro 4G has a beautiful 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate support.On the other hand, the Redmi Note 12S sports a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate.The Note 12S features a triple rear camera setup with 108MP main camera joined by a 2MP macro lens and an 8MP ultrawide shooter. There is a 16MP selfie snapper for selfies and video chats.The smartphone draws power from the MediaTek Helio G96 chipset coupled with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. It runs on Android 13 based on the latest MIUI14 out of the box. The device is backed by a 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging support. 

Vivo has officially confirmed the Vivo T2 series will launch in India on April 11 in the Indian market. The Vivo T2 series is comprised of Vivo T2 5G and Vivo T2x 5G. Vivo T2x was already launched in China last year in May month but the brand says the Indian models will be different from Chinese models. Talking about Vivo T2x (Chinese model) has a 6.58” 144Hz FHD+ LCD display, Dimensity 1300 processor, and 6000mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging. A dedicated microsite goes live on Flipkart which confirms the design, some key specs, and launch date of the smartphone, apart from that Vivo hasn’t revealed the specs sheet for the T2 and T2x (Indian models) smartphones.Furthermore, the Flipkart listings reveal that at least one smartphone (the listings haven’t confirmed the smartphone whether is T2 or T2x) will come with an FHD+ AMOLED display with 1300 nits of peak brightness, and a 360Hz touch sampling rate. The teaser poster shows that the T2 series will boast a dual rear camera setup and LED flash and it has a boxy design with slightly rounded corners. More details about the processor, camera, and battery will be revealed on April 7 and 9. Also Read:- Vivo X Fold 2 first look teased officially, Confirmed to launch in April 2023According to the leaks, The Vivo T2 will be equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695 processor while the T2x will be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor. Software-wise, the T2 series is likely to run on Android 13 out of the box. Moreover, it will pack up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage which is further expandable.

The FlexiSpot Comhar Pro Standing Desk Q8 is a high-quality standing desk that features a large working surface, wireless charging for your phone, a large drawer, and memory presets for height.Read on to learn more or check out the podcast (also embedded below) to see what we thought of the FlexiSpot Comhar Pro Q8 Standing Desk.Noteworthy FeaturesThe desk features a control panel with 4 memory presets and 2 charging ports (1 Type-A, 1 Type-C), allowing for easy customization and device charging.Enjoy ample workspace and increased storage with a larger desk drawer.Keep your power cords organized and safe with the built-in cable management system.The desk’s anti-collision system ensures safety and prevents damage to the desk or belongings.Effortlessly charge your devices with the built-in wireless charger.The desk’s stable and durable C-Leg structure maximizes leg room for users.GalleryListen to the EpisodeThoughts and ConclusionThe dual-motor lifting system and enhanced structure provide stability at maximum capacity and the highest setting, ensuring the security of your belongings.With a 3-stage design, the desk offers a wider height adjustment range of 24.0″ to 49.2″, making it compatible with most family members. Share a working space with other staff? You’ll have no issues with finding the right heights, whether sitting or standing.Experience cable-free convenience with wireless charging capabilities that work with most devices. The under-desk cable management tray keeps cords in one place, preventing tangles.An embedded 28.3” x 12.8” x 1.97” drawer provides extra storage space for office supplies, keeping them out of sight.Crafted with natural bamboo strip and an ergonomic design, the desk is twice as durable as ordinary wood and features a lacquer coating that resists scratches, water, and insects.The desk’s 55” x 28” working station offers ample space with a weight capacity of 220lbs, accommodating all your professional and entertainment equipment.Easily reach your preferred height setting with the desk’s programmable height presets, perfect for multiple users.With embedded USB charging ports (1 x USB Type-A, 1x Type-C), you can charge a wide variety of electronic devices, saving you from the mess and hassle of cords under your desk.The anti-collision system can detect collisions before they occur, preventing any damage to your property during descent.You can learn more about the FlexiSpot Comhar Pro Q8 Standing Desk and/or purchase yours for about $800.