Thursday, April 25, 2024

Reviews

The Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid Wellness Edition is health-focused but lacks focus

It's hard to nail down the right audience for this special edition device.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 revisited: The good and the bad, six months later

Should you still grab one of these in 2023, or wait for the inevitable Galaxy Z Fold 5?

Ugreen Nexode 100W and 65W USB-C Charging Station review

Whether you work from home or on the go, it seems you can never have enough chargers for all of your various devices – especially when it comes to a power-hungry laptop and its massive battery.There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a project outside of your office and seeing the low battery warning pop up. That’s why I’m a huge fan of having a couple of high-powered chargers around the house, as well as one in my bag for on-the-go.Luckily, there are some reputable manufacturers out there like Ugreen that make high-powered compact chargers featuring GaN technology. If you’re unfamiliar with GaN technology, then here’s a quick synopsis.GaN, or Gallium nitride, is a semiconductor material with increased efficiency that not only helps charge your devices faster, but also does so while staying cooler. That’s why it has become so popular in chargers over the past few years. It allows companies, like Ugreen and others, to create smaller and faster chargers to keep up with all of the latest high-capacity devices.All of this brings us to Ugreen’s latest GaN chargers, the Nexode 100W and Nexode 65W USB-C Charging Stations which the brand was nice enough to send out for review.Ugreen Nexode 100W USB-C Charging StationThe Nexode 100W USB-C Charging Station features a maximum charging rate of 100W, as the name suggests, it’s also compatible with Power Delivery 3.0 and Quick Charge 4+ charging protocols. What this means for you, is a desktop charger that is widely compatible with a variety of laptops, tablets, and smartphones.For example, the Nexode 100W USB-C Charging Station is compatible with the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell XPS, iPhone 12-14, iPad, Samsung Galaxy S21/S22, the Steam Deck, and more. In fact, it can safely charge the M2 MacBook Air to 100% in only 1.5 hours.On top of all of this power and compatibility, the Ugreen Nexode 100W USB-C Charging Station also provides three USB Type-C ports and one USB Type-A port making it flexible and capable of charging several devices at once. However, it’s worth noting that only two of the USB Type-C ports support the 100W charging rate, while the C3 USB Type-C port and USB Type-A port are limited to a maximum of 22.5W of output.Ugreen Nexode 65W USB-C Charging StationThe Nexode 65W USB-C Charging Station shares a similar design with its more powerful cousin albeit with some key differences. The most obvious difference is the lower 65W charging maximum which it is capable of outputting on the C1 and C2 Type-C USB ports. While the two USB Type-A ports are limited to a maximum output of 22.5W.Regardless of the Nexode 65W USB-C Charging Station’s lower output, it still features four total ports and is compatible with the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell XPS, iPhone 12-14, iPad, Samsung Galaxy S22/21, Steam Deck, and more.It will just take a little more time to charge depending on your device’s maximum charging rate and you may not be able to charge while actively using your laptop. That’s why the Nexode 65W USB-C Charging Station is more suited for mobile devices.Final thoughtsBoth the Ugreen Nexode 100W and 65W USB-C Charging Stations make a great companion when you’re looking to keep your various devices charged up. The Nexode 100W is more ideal for notebook computers but still offers the option to charge smaller mobile devices, while the Nexode 65W works best for tablets and smartphones.No matter which you choose, both Ugreen Nexode chargers won’t disappoint thanks to the compact size, variety of ports, and powerful output. My only criticism would be that neither come with any USB cables, and that would have been appreciated.Both of Ugreen’s Nexode Charging Stations are available from Amazon and Ugreen’s website at this time, with the Nexode 100W selling for $100 and the Nexode 65W retailing for $56.Currently, both charging stations are offering coupons for additional savings on Amazon, with the Nexode 100W dropping down to $75 after the discount, and the Nexode 65W selling for as low as $46. If you’re in the market for a high-powered GaN charger, then you’ll want to pick them up now while the coupons are still active.Ugreen Nexode 100W USB-C Charging StationBuy from Amazon Buy from UgreenUgreen Nexode 65W USB-C Charging StationBuy from Amazon Buy from Ugreen

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: the best, most complete Android phone yet

Looking for a phone that will last for years because it's so powerful? check out the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

What you need to know about company cell phones

Company cell phones can be one of the best investments that your business can make. This can be a great way to build your business, create stronger ties and help your employees to feel safer while they are working for you. However, there are also some risks that you need to evaluate before bringing company cells into your business, as they can be highly damaging to a company too. Here is a short primer on what you need to know about company cells. #1 Advantages of company phones There are a lot of advantages to having company phones within your business. They can:Help create a stronger tie of communication between managers, which can increase efficiencyIncrease site security so your employees are so much safer and authorities can be contacted fasterHelp when it comes to organizing meetings discreetly, so if there is a problem and you don’t want people to cause a fuss, you can send a quick message. It also means that you don’t have the risk of other workers seeing private information on a big computer monitor by accident. #2 Risks There are a lot of risks to having phones, too. This can be a shame, as they are such an important resource to your business. They can: Make you a larger target for cyberattacks as you have more equipment. You are more likely to get damaged by threats such as Ransomware which can easily destroy a business Distract some workers. This can mean that projects slow down, and your whole business suffersThey can also get broken or lost easily due to their size. This can get expensive if the phones are high quality or not under warranty. #3 Allocation of company cells You need to think carefully about the allocation of company cells. This is due to the fact that they can be a distraction, some employees might not use them correctly, and they can be expensive. You should make sure that you are only giving them to trusted employees, too, as company phones, in the wrong hands, can be a major security risk. You will find that by making sure only workers that need phones, such as HR, first-aid workers, and team managers, have them, they will be able to take full advantage of the pros of company cells without increasing the risks quite so much. To concludeYou will find that company cells are super useful and a great investment regardless of your business. On the one hand, this can be a great way to expand communication, boost safety, and keep employees’ privacy. However, on the other hand, you will find that it increases your risk of cyberattacks, can be a distraction, and might be expensive if not cared for. There are also other highly important factors, such as who gets phones and who doesn’t, as well as what models you get, how many you get, and the rules surrounding each cell phone and the user, to consider when providing company phones to workers. EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement

BLUETTI is gearing up for a romantic Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, lovebirds are racking their brains to find more creative gifts than traditional flowers or chocolate to express love. Luckily, BLUETTI has rolled out loads of savings on a wide selection of solar generators as of Feb. 6  to bolster the sweet celebration with someone special at home, outdoor entertainment, or RV trips on the road. BLUETTI AC500+B300S: Upgraded Modular Power at Earlybird PriceAC500+B300S : Starts at C$5199, C$800 off retail price C$5999AC500: Starts at C$2599, C$500 off retail price C$3099B300S: Starts at C$2599, C$200 off retail price C$2799As the most prominent model launched in 2022, the AC500 is sold at a favourable price now on the BLUETTI Canada website and Amazon store. With a powerful 5,000W inverter and an expandable capacity from 3,072Wh to 18,432Wh by teaming up with B300S LFP batteries, AC500 can help you get throught long blackouts or extended camping trips. The max. 8,000 input rate (PV+AC) allows a lightning charging speed, 0 to 80% capacity charging takes less than ONE HOUR. Earlybird prices will end on February 28. Don’t miss out on the best offers!BLUETTI AC300+B300 Combo: Expandable Power CenterAC300+B300 starts at C$3999 (was C$4598), Save C$599AC300 is another modular model that has established a distinct presence in the market. Boasting up to 12,288Wh capacity and a 3,000W PSW inverter for securely running high-load devices, it’s an ideal gift for both outdoor enthusiasts and DIYers.     BLUETTI AC200MAX: Versatile Power MonsterStarts at C$2199 (was C$2599), Save C$400It’s frustrating to lose power unexpectedly while spending quality time at home or in the wild. AC200MAX, one of the most popular models in BLUETTI Store, will never let you down. It adopts safe and reliable LifePO4 battery to provide 3500+ life cycles to 80% of the original capacity. It also has a 2,200W PSW inverter and 2,048Wh capacity to fulfill most power demand. Not enough? Then consider connecting with B230 or B300 expansion battery to extend the capacity for increasing power needs.    BLUETTI AC200P:Starts at C$1899  (was C$2299 ), Save C$400Coming with 2,000Wh capacity, 2,000W stable power and 17 different plug options, the AC200P is a powerful, long-lasting battery storage solution that can keep your appliances running in an outage, or power your electricity needs on an extended camping trip. And with available solar panel charging, up to 700W, it can keep you powered for several days in the wild. When combining the solar panel and the brick for 1,200W max Fast Dual charging, the solar generator can be ready for use at a moment’s notice.  BLUETTI EB3A/ EB55/ EB70S: Portable Solar Generator Lineup EB3A starts at C$299 (was C$429), save C$130Walk through the wonderland of nature, where there’s clean air, acres and acres of woods, and mountain streams flowing by. Carry along a portable power station such as BLUETTI EB3A, EB55, or EB70S to conveniently charge your cellphone, walkie-talkie, camera, coffee maker, mini fridge, and more. So you will always have enough power to stay connected, every precious moment together will be captured without delay. By connecting either with Bluetooth or WiFi, remote control, real-time monitor, and OTA firmware update can be done merely with clicks on the cellphone!BLUETTI PV68/ PV120/ PV200/ PV350: Easy Access to Solar Energy   PV200 starts at C$569 (was C$599), Save C$30Enjoy a solar lifestyle by hooking up with BLUETTI solar panels, covering from PV68, PV120, PV200, PV350. They use monocrystalline solar cells and multi-layered ETFE to ensure better light transmittance, higher efficiency, and longer lifespan. Simply set up the solar panel and adjust the tilt based on the sunlight intensity or angle to generate the optimal solar intake. Given up to 23.4% high conversion rate of the solar panel, your battery can sip power from the sun at high speed and run your electronics for hours on end. Achieving power self-sufficiency has never been easier!   In addition, BLUETTI will launch a BLUETTILOVE campaign during Valentine’s Day Sale. Participants can either upload photos and share the sweetest memory/ love story with their lovers or post anonymous SMS to express their affection. Free EB3A, PV68, and C$20 coupons are available to lucky winners. Click  https://www.bluettipower.ca/pages/valentines-day-sale to learn more. About BLUETTIWith over 10 years of industry experience, 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 everyone and the world. BLUETTI is making its presence in 70+ countries and is trusted by millions of customers across the globe. For more information, please visit https://www.bluettipower.ca/.EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement

Review: EDIFIER WH500 Wireless On-Ear Headphones (Podcast)

Headphones with a lightweight design, comfortable fit, good sound quality, and noise cancellation support are the features everyone wants in their headphones. In this latest episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, our experts Scott Webster and Luke Gaul talk about the  EDIFIER WH500 Wireless On-Ear Headphones. EDIFIER WH500 Wireless On-Ear Headphones offer a lightweight foldable design and tons of features and the main thing is, it comes in a very affordable price range. Are they worth purchasing, how do they perform, and what is the complete package? We put the EDIFIER WH500 Wireless On-Ear Headphones to the test to find it out. Listen to the podcast and see what our team says.What are the EDIFIER WH500 Wireless On-Ear HeadphonesThe EDIFIER WH500 are a pair of wireless headphones that cater to a younger demographic, one who may favor long-lasting battery over build quality. Priced to move at just $35, they sound surprisingly good and offer up to 40 hours of playback per charge.GalleryFeatures30mm dynamic driver2 hours fully charged for 40hours music playtimeFast charging: 6 hours playback in just 10 minutesCustomize EQ and select various music modes via Edifier Connect appDouble protection for safe hearing: volume

Boost Mobile tax day promo includes free phone when you switch

Tax time is almost here, and you know what that means, some of us are going to get hit with a big bill. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a brand-new shiny smartphone. To take the sting out of paying the tax man, Boost Mobile is running a promotion between now and tax day offering a free phone when you switch to Boost Mobile.The carrier isn’t offering just any smartphone though, but there is a pretty extensive list. Some of the stand outs include the 5G capable Samsung A13 5G, Samsung A14 5G, Moto G 5G, Moto G Stylus 5G, Celero 5G, and the TCL 30 XE 5G. If you haven’t jumped on the 5G train yet, now’s the perfect time to snag a new phone for free and check out what all the fuss is about.The rest of the selection includes the Samsung A02s, Samsung A03s, Samsung A23, RN Samsung S10, Moto G Play ’23, Moto G Power (Sim-Out), TCL 30 Z, TCL 30 XE, TCL 20 XE, Nokia C200, and Nokia G100. As you can see, there’s no shortage of phones to choose from giving you plenty of options if you’re looking to upgrade.Whether you end up getting money back or not, it’s hard to pass up a deal like this, and nothing relieves the stress of tax time like the low low price of free. Unfortunately, the deal isn’t available online, and you’ll need to head on down to your local Boost Mobile store and switch over in person if you want to snag one of these phones free of charge.

New tax time deals from AT&T offers free phone and more for prepaid customers

It’s tax season and that has all of us wondering if we’ll get a refund this year, and if we do, how much can we expect to get back? However, some of us are wondering how much we’ll end up owing the tax man. Lucky for you, AT&T has some great deals for prepaid customers running through April 20, including one for a free phone. So, whether you’re getting a big refund or none at all, there’s something to fit any budget.Let’s start with the free phone, because I know that’s what has everyone’s curiosity piqued. The Motorola G Pure features a 6.5-inch HD+ display and sports 13MP+2MP rear cameras. It is currently available for free when customers port their number and activate a new unlimited plan with AT&T. Alternatively, you can grab the Motorola G Pure for $29.99 when you activate a new line with any monthly plan with AutoPay enabled.That brings us to the rest of the deals, going in order by price, we have the Samsung A03s for $19.99 when you port in your number and sign up for an unlimited plan. Just like with the previous deal, if you choose to activate without porting in your number, it’ll set you back $39.99 with any monthly plan with AutoPay.Next up, is the Samsung A13 LTE and AT&T Radiant Max 5G, both of which are available for $49.99 when you port in your number and activate an unlimited prepaid plan. If you choose to not port in your number, then you’ll end up paying $69.99 for either of these smartphones when you activate a monthly plan with AutoPay.Finally, we have the Moto g 5G, which starts at $69.99 when you port in your number on an unlimited plan. The price jumps up to $99.99 when you sign up for a monthly plan with AutoPay enabled without porting your number.As I mentioned above, this promotion will only be available until April 20, 2023. That should still give you plenty of time to see what kind of refund or bill you can expect from the IRS before you commit to one of these deals.

Review: Redragon M910-K Gaming Mouse (Podcast)

The gaming mouse both wired and wireless has changed a lot in recent years in terms of ergonomics and features. There are lots of brands in the market, many that offer gaming mice with lower latency and great ergonomics.In this latest episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, our experts Scott Webster and Luke Gaul talk about the Redragon M910-K Gaming Mouse.Redragon M910-K Gaming Mouse has fully nine customizable programmable buttons and an ergonomically designed shape that offers a proper grip to your hand. The Redragon M910-K gaming mouse has a high response time and is ideal for gamers and casual users.What is the Redragon M910-K Gaming MouseThe Redragon M910-K is a wired gaming mouse designed for entry-level needs. With a fair amount of customization, it’s compatible with Windows and Mac systems, however only Windows users can get the full programming capabilities. The ergonomic design is comfortable, leading to longer gaming sessions.GalleryFeatures5 Adjustable DPI levels9 RGB backlit modes9 Programmable buttonsErgonomic contour for long-lasting comfortCompatible with Windows 2000/ME/XP/03/XP/VISTA/7/8/10/11 system and MacListen to the EpisodeBe sure to subscribe to the AndroidGuys podcast through your favorite platform or add the AndroidGuys Podcast RSS feed to enjoy!Google PodcastsiTunesSpotifyAmazon MusicTuneInParting ThoughtsSimilar to the Elise K615 keyboard, this is an entry-level product aimed at consumers getting started in the world of PC gaming. It’s priced low but features a fairly decent set of customization.I like the different color and lighting modes and adjustable DPI levels which make it so that it can work well in gaming and office environments. Those who use the mouse with a PC can dive deeper into customization using the drivers available at Redragonzone.As someone who only dabbles in the occasional PC gaming experience, I like the low cost of the M910-K. It provides a fairly robust suite of features without going overboard in price or capabilities.Where to buy Redragon M910-K Gaming MouseThe Redragon M910-K Gaming Mouse comes in Black color option and starts at $15.99. The gaming mouse is available for purchase via Amazon. 

POCO X5 Pro review

Roughly ten months after the debut of the POCO X4 Pro, the successor hits the streets in the form of the (you guessed it) POCO X5 Pro. Is it more evolution or revolution this time around? As it turns out, I’m happy to say it leans more toward the latter.The POCO X5 Pro, available in Blue, Black and the brand’s signature Yellow, dials things up in nearly all of the right places. It runs an Android 12-based MIUI 14 software experience and comes with a starting price of about $300 USD.As is to be expected, a standard version of the POCO X5 also makes its debut with a handful of differences. It launches with a $250 price; however, both come with early bird discounts of $50 each.DesignThe Poxo X5 is a snappy looking phone, at least in yellow, but it’s not overly flashy. Both the front and rear are flat with the backside offering a matte finish and a bit of glass around the left half of the camera module.Design-wise, it’s hard to do anything special to stand out and POCO plays it safe and familiar here with the X5 Pro. The right side has the volume buttons and a yellow power button that doubles as an always-on fingerprint reader.Along the top of the phone you’ll find a speaker, a 3.5mm audio jack, an IR blaster, and microphone. The bottom has a microphone, speaker, USB Type-C port, and the SIM tray. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 5.Generally speaking, the POCO X5 Pro looks and feels nice in hand, and comes across as evenly balanced. It has a reasonable amount of weight and size to it with it for a phone that provides a 6.67-inch screen.Speaking of which, the 6.67-inch AMOLED display has a 1,080 x 2,400 pixel resolution with up to 240Hz touch response and 120Hz refresh rate. The phone offers three preset color modes and a custom one for individual tuning, giving users plenty to work with in that area.The high refresh rate is visible in most places, including the overall UI and apps but it does appear to dial down to 60Hz when interacting with the camera app and playing/streaming video.The POCO X5 Pro houses a 5,000mAh battery with support up to 67W wired charging. Our review unit comes with a European charging plug so we were not able to test that out. That said, we did use a few chargers around the office and I found it to be incredibly efficient at replenishing. SoftwareThe POCO X5 Pro runs a custom MIUI 14 experience which is built atop Android 12. I’ve spent time with previous versions of MIUI and usually come away generally pleased with things. I tend to want my Android to be as close to stock as possible but I don’t mind if the right “extras” are added. One of the touches that I appreciate is the lighting effect for notifications. It’s a simple one in that it lights up the edges of the display but it helps catch catch the eye. I miss notification colors and LEDs so this is one of those additions that I like.Similarly, there are settings for split screens and floating windows for select apps. They’re not the sort of thing I use often, but I find them helpful for multitasking. Theming of Android phones has been around since day one; MIUI does a great job of curating customizable designs, with wallpapers, icons, ringtones, and other settings. It may require a little bit of tweaking on your end to get things precisely the way you want, but there are scores of options to get started.There are also settings for an Always-On Display which can help users more quickly see what’s happening, or has happened since they last glanced at their handset.Pulling down from the top of your phone results in two different outcomes. The left side will bring up your Notification Center while the right side reveals the Control Center for system settings and options. You can swipe left and right between them for quicker navigation and you can also disable the Control Center.As someone who has long used the app drawer for opening apps and games, I tend to default to that with custom builds. MIUI will sometimes give users the option to toggle between using app drawers and home screen icons but the POCO X5 Pro only gave me the former this time around.If you’re fond of the Google Discover page on your home screen you’ll be pleased to know that it’s an option here. You can disable it if you’d like and even replace it with Xiaomi’s App Vault widget pane with smart suggestions.As far as additional applications are concerned, our review unit comes with a few proprietary clients for music, videos, file management, photos, and a Mi Remote (IR blaster). There’s also a Security app for managing data and battery, free up memory, scan malware, and more.Memory Extension is active by default, and lets users choose between 2GB, 3GB, and 5GB storage to be reserved as RAM extension.Then comes the topic of so-called “bloatware”, or value-added apps and games. Our review unit came with quite a list of titles, all of which looked to be removable. That being said, you may find yourself with AliExpress, Amazon Shopping, Bubble Shooter, Crazy Juicer, Dust Settle, Facebook, Genshin Impact, Jewels Blast, LinkedIn, Mi Browser, Netflix, QEEQ, Solitaire, TikTok, Tile Fun, and WPS Office.PerformanceThe POCO X5 Pro is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778 5G chipset which features an octa-core processor at 2.4GHz. It’s paired with an Adreno 642L GPU and an X53 5G modem.In the area of memory and storage you have two options: a base configuration of 6GB LPDDR4X RAM with 128GB UFS 2.2 storage and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage. There is no microSD slot.It’s really hard to imagine wanting more from a phone at these prices. It’s well-balanced and offers fantastic performance, and acts like a handset that might cost another hundred dollars (or more).This is by no means a gaming phone or even a flagship device but I suspect most users would be hard-pressed to need more from a device as 2023 gets rolling.The fingerprint reader speed and accuracy delivers on expectations, and you can choose between a touch or a press. The latter makes it harder for errant and accidental reads, and feels more intentional to me. You can also choose to set up face unlocking as an option if that’s your preferred method. I found both to be easy to configure and snappy.The POCO X5 Pro speakers are loud and offer a little more bass than anticipated. The Dolby sound setting can be toggled off but I’d suggest keeping it on for a more rich and subtly layered sound.There are four total cameras on the POCO X5 Pro, three on the rear and one on the front in the hole punch cutout. Diving a little deeper, the back houses a 108-megapixel high-res primary, an 8-megapixel ultrawide and a 2-megapixel macro cameras. The selfie camera is a 16-megapixel shooter. The camera app is pretty straightforward and easy to figure out. I imagine it won’t take but a few times to understand how things are configured and how to navigate the menus and icons.If you’re the type who likes to open the app and snap a picture, you’ll be happy with things. Conversely, if you like to tinker a bit, using filters or shooting long exposures, time lapse shots and the like, there’s a lot hidden away. I think the Long Exposure mode is a cool one, personally, as it gives presets for neon trails, skies, star trails, and more.Indeed, you can also edit things to make it easier to hop into a specific feature. Of course there’s always Pro mode which gives you control all of the usual settings.The main camera captures good results without much tinkering; contrast and colors are excellent and there’s little noise. They look great on a phone and only get better if you spend some time with them in a nice editing app. Zooming in a bit or looking at them on a computer reveals some artifacts and noise but nothing that gave me concern. Using the AI and preset filters works well but occasionally ends up with a pic that seems manipulated or over-processed. The ultrawide pics are also good, with decent detail and colors but dynamic range and contrast will sometimes skew mediocre. Macro shots were the weakest of the bunch but they’re also the stuff I shoot the least of, anyhow.Low-light images fared reasonably well in my experience with the Auto Night mode kicking in to help when it deems necessary. More often than not I was glad to see it step in but I do like that I can turn that feature off if I am trying to capture a specific type of shot. And, just as a helpful rule, maybe stand still one extra moment after snapping the photo.Keeping in mind the price of the phone, I am more than pleased with the results. I’m quite amazed at what can be achieved by phones in this price range. I’ll revise this post with more camera samples over time so that you can get a good sense of things.ConclusionI’m a sucker for $300-$400 phones for a number of reasons. They’re easier on the wallet than flagships, yes, but they’re also still more than enough to satisfy my needs. Every so often you’ll encounter a phone that with a random specification or feature that doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the package. That’s not the case here; it’s a very balanced device.The POCO X5 Pro is a phone device with modern software that’s fully customizable. Moreover, it features enough memory, storage, and overall performance to keep me happy for another generation. I might have liked a microSD expansion card slot but, then again, I may not ever miss it with this much space and the aid of Google Photos. And while we’re on the subject of removed features, I should point out that the FM radio is gone, too.Those two features are not deal breakers for me, and the fact that there’s no wireless charging sits just fine with me. They may mean more to you, but it’s tough to ask for that at this cost.There is a lot on offer in the POCO X5 Pro and I’m more than happy to recommend it. It’s a worthy upgrade over its predecessor to be sure. The main problem this handset faces is that this price range begets a lot of stiff competition. There’s the Samsung Galaxy A53, Motorola G82, and Google Pixel 6a to contend with in the space. Each, I suggest, comes from a more reputable if not bigger name, for US consumers. And getting your hands on them may be easier, too.Competition aside, if you’re on the fence about the Poco X5 Pro, count me in as someone who suggests you grab it.What About the POCO X5?The POCO X5 offers a slightly different approach and comes with a lower price tag. Key differences here include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor and comes with a microSD expansion card slot. It has the same amount memory and storage but that external space could be a key differentiator for some.The screen size is the same at 6.67-inches, with the same 120Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution, but it’s an 8-bit panel protected by Gorilla Glass 3. The POCO X5 Pro has a 10-bit panel with the aforementioned Gorilla Glass 5.The camera configuration is made up with a 48-megapixel main camera, 8-megapixel ultrawide, 2-megapixel macro, and 13-megapixel front-facing shooter. Video capture is capped at 1080p whereas the POCO X5 Pro allows for 4K video.Although the same 5,000mAh battery is present, its charging speed taps out at 33W, which is still fast. I would suggest that unless you have strong need of a microSD card, spend the extra fifty bucks for the Pro model.AvailabilityThe POCO X5 Pro 5G will come in Black, Blue, and Yellow and will be available in two variants: 6GB with 128GB storage and 8GB with 256GB storage.The POCO X5 5G will come in Green, Blue, and Black and will be available in two variants: 6GB with 128GB storage and 8GB with 256GB storage.+128GB and 8GB+256GB.You can learn more about each device at POCO’s global website where it will hand you off for purchase if you’re inclined.

Dell UltraSharp 43 4K USB-C Hub Monitor review: massive is the word

The Dell UltraSharp 43 4K USB-C Hub Monitor is a massive display that produces good, but not great images.

OnePlus Featuring keyboard 81 Pro debuts

OnePlus has launched its first fully customizable mechanical keyboard. This device is equipped with Keychron technology, and it’s known as OnePlus Featuring Keyboard 81 Pro. This is the first product of its kind from the globally-acclaimed brand.What OnePlus Featuring keyboard 81 Pro doesThis keyboard breaks new grounds by being the first innovative marble-yellow keycaps, offering the ultimate typing experience for users. Users will bask in the high performing capacity of the keyboard, which delivers overall comfort, functionality, and durability. According to OnePlus, this product rewrites the rules.Co-created by OnePlus communityNo doubt, the best products are the ones in which users have input. The Keyboard 81 Pro is just that – bringing wonderful, powerful, co-created outcomes to users of OnePlus. Especially is this noted at the keyboard switches. The company gathered feedback and expectations from users before creating it.Also, OnePlus used the Keychron technology to craft versatile keyboard switches. The switches are intended to meet a user’s complex needs. This product really triumphs in delivering a comfortable and responsive experience for users.Furthermore, there’s also a specialized double gasket to ensure decreased sound when it is in use. It also offers all-day comfort, whether the user is working or gaming.See Also: OnePlus Buds Pro 2 reviewOnePlus Featuring keyboard 81 Pro stands outThe keyboard 81 Pro stands out as it carries the brand’s signature premium style. The alert slider is adapted from OnePlus smartphones, and this happens to be the first of its kind in the industry. Users can find the rotary knob function fascinating. It can be used to suit each user’s personal experience.The design of the keyboard shows that it was crafted with aluminum body, delivering a flawless experience. Notably, the ultra-precise CNC aluminum guarantees a fine matte feel that smooth to touch, looking sleek. Of course, the premium build quality extends to the crafted aerolite touch, and this provides a balanced experience that stays memorable in the user’s mind.AvailabilityOnePlus Featuring keyboard 81 Pro pre-order will start in April. Visit the link above to hit ‘Notify Me’ so you can receive alerts.

OnePlus Pad tablet announcement

OnePlus on Tuesday introduced its first-ever flagship tablet, the OnePlus Pad, at its Cloud 11 event. OnePlus showcases its entire device ecosystem which includes smartphones (OnePlus 11 5G, and 11R), TVs, tablets, and earbuds. OnePlus’ latest offering falls under the premium tablet segment with MediaTek’s Dimensity 9000 processor, 144Hz refresh rate, and whole much more. Let’s take a look at the detailed specifications of the OnePlus Pad.OnePlus Pad- the brand’s first flagship tabletOnePlus Pad comes with a very iconic elegant design bundled in a unified metal body incorporated with a 2.5D round edge treatment. OnePlus uses a cambered frame design in the OnePlus Pad that makes the tablet feel lighter and thinner.OnePlus Pad flaunts a big 11.61-inch IPS LCD display with a 7:5 aspect ratio, 2800 x 2000p resolution, and a variable refresh rate that goes up to 144Hz. The display offers up to 500 nits of peak brightness and 1400:1 contrast. OnePlus Pad has Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support which offers cutting-edge immersive audio and video experience. The pad has 6.54mm super slim bezels that allow for an 88% screen-to-body ratio.The tablet is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor based on 4nm architecture, paired with up to 12GB of RAM, and 128GB UFS3.1 storage, under the hood. The chipset boosts performance by 35% and power efficiency by 37%. It houses a 13MP single rear camera that can record videos in 4k and for the front, there’s an 8MP snapper for selfies and video chats.There is a massive 9510mAH battery in the OnePlus Pad that ensures up to 12.4 hours of Video watching, web surfing, and other casual work and 1-month standby life. The tablet has 67W SuperVOOC fast charging support and OnePlus claims the Pad charges 0 to 100% in just 80 minutes.Other highlights of the OnePlus Pad include quad speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos, OnePlus Stylo, and magnetic keyboard support, OnePlus’s self-developed Omni-bearing Sound Field technology, which automatically detects the screen direction and intelligently switches between right and left audio channels for a more immersive sound experience.The OnePlus Pad comes in a Halo Green color option. There is no word on the pricing of the OnePlus Pad and it will go on pre-order in North America and other markets (Europe, India) this April 2023.What are your thoughts on the OnePlus Pad Let us know in the comments?source

SimpliSafe announces new Smart Alarm Camera

I’m a big fan of SimpliSafe products. We’ve had it in our home for over 10 years and had zero issues. The company is expanding the coverage of your home with a new camera. The Smart Alarm Camera is one part motion sensor, one part indoor camera, and includes a new live guard protection system.We spoke to the SVP of Product at SimpliSafe, Hooman Shahidi, and his team helped layout that this new combination of protection is advancing how customers can expand their peace of mind.Smart Alarm CameraThe Smart Alarm Camera has a built-in motion sensor to actively monitor an area of your home. Once triggered, the camera will trigger an alarm on the SimpliSafe system and allow the monitoring team access to the feed if Live Guard is enabled.The Smart Alarm Camera is battery-powered and includes its own dedicated siren to add to an intruder’s anxiety. It also features artificial intelligence to help distinguish if motion is a threat or just your pets wandering around while you’re not home. There is a microphone array as well for voice communications.24/7 Live GuardThe Smart Alarm Camera is meant to be used in conjunction with 24/7 Live Guard protection. This new team of SimpliSafe agents has been created to offer real-time access to the Smart Alarm Camera feed to help triage the urgency of triggered alerts.The idea is by opting into this version of monitoring, you close the delay of the normal process of an agent receiving an alarm and then trying to make contact with the policyholder.  Instead, the team has instant access to verify a threat is real, capture potential evidence, enable priority dispatch, and lower the response times.Protection Focused with Privacy FowardSimpliSafe has always taken the extra time and steps to ensure privacy is considered in all its products. The Smart Alarm Camera and 24/7 Live Guard are no exceptions. The team has offered the below safeguards to make sure your peace of mind doesn’t cost you privacy.As far as safeguards around live viewing access:24/7 live guard protection is an opt-in feature.Smart Alarm Camera features a physical shutter that only opens when motion is detected.Agents do not have live viewing access outside of live guard protection alarm events.If an alarm is canceled, access ends immediately after the agent processes the alarm.If the alarm is not canceled, access expires after 20 minutes.As far as safeguards around video storage:The only time an agent can access recorded video is during an alarm event, and that is only for customers who opt-in to video verification or 24/7 live guard protection.Even then, agents only have access to video recorded during that alarm event and other alarm events that occurred within the hour before or the hour after the current alarm event.Furthermore, all SimpliSafe video recordings are automatically deleted from SimpliSafe systems after 30 days.The 24/7 Live Guard is currently in beta and the full retail availability of the Smart Alarm Camera is still under consideration. We hoped to get a full review in place once this happens and can report back on how this new addition to the SimpliSafe family performs.https://www.androidguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Live-Guard-Protection-Overview.mp4

Review: EDIFIER HECATE GX07 Wireless Gaming Earbuds (Podcast)

Edifier comes a long way, from the budget range to the premium one Edifier offers a variety of audio products that showcases design excellence and technological innovation. And the EDIFIER HECATE GX07 Wireless Gaming Earbuds’ latest product from audio specialists is no exception. In this latest episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, our experts Scott Webster and Luke Gaul talk about the EDIFIER HECATE GX07 Wireless Gaming Earbuds.EDIFIER HECATE GX07 Wireless Gaming Earbuds feature wing doors of the super GT-inspired eye grabbler design and offer H+ special game sound effects which take the gaming experience to the next level. What are its complete features, how do they perform, is it good for gaming or not, and is it worth purchasing? Listen to the podcast and see what our team says.What are the EDIFIER HECATE GX07 Wireless Gaming EarbudsThe Hecate GX07 Wireless Gaming Earbuds deliver clear high quality audio and look sweet doing it. Plus, these fit right in with your cyberpunk cosplay. You’ll hear every footstep and frag at zero delay thanks to Game Mode which delivers 60ms low latency. Paired with the Edifier Connect app you can dial in that perfect sound that will be as personal as the awesome streaming setup you have and the GX07’s even throw in RGB lighting.GalleryFeaturesUnique design with RGB lighting effects enhances your gaming vibeGame mode with specially tuned H+ sound effect and 60ms low latencyHybrid ANC technology (-38dB) with ambient sound modeDual-Mic ENC (Environmental noise cancellation) for clear phone callsInfrared in-ear detection: the music is automatically played/paused when earbuds inserted/removedTap control for easy operationPersonalize your settings and find more with the EDIFIER CONNECT APPErgonomic in-ear design with 3 pairs of ear tips ensures the comfort of long-time wearingIP54-rated dust and water resistance for outdoor scenariosListen to the EpisodeBe sure to subscribe to the AndroidGuys podcast through your favorite platform or add the AndroidGuys Podcast RSS feed to enjoy!Google PodcastsiTunesSpotifyAmazon MusicTuneInParting ThoughtsWhether you’re on the go IRL or just perusing the information superhighway the Edifier Hecate GX07 Earbuds will keep you cranking out tunes. Throw in Active Noise Cancelling and an IP54 rating and you’ll be gleaming the cube in no time flat. Solid across the board.Where to buy the EDIFIER HECATE GX07 Wireless Gaming EarbudsThe EDIFIER HECATE GX07 Wireless Gaming Earbuds start at $149.99 and come in two color options- Grey and Black. The earbuds are available for purchase from Amazon.