Thursday, March 28, 2024

Reviews

Review: EKSA E900 Lords Mobile Edition Wired Stereo Gaming Headset (Podcast)

The gaming headset is the most important accessory when it comes to gaming. Gaming without a gaming headset is like eating bread without butter. In our latest episode of the AndroidGuys Podcast, Scott Webster and Luke Gaul chat about EKSA E900 Lords Mobile Edition Wired Stereo Gaming Headset.EKSA’s latest E900 Lords Mobile Edition wired stereo gaming headset sports a very simple and sleek design and offers a great sound experience that every gamer expects from a gaming headset. What is the complete package, is it offer a comfortable fit for a long time, and is it the best companion for gamers who are looking out for a gaming headset? Our experts have your every question’s answer. Listen to the podcast and see what our team says.What is the EKSA E900 Lords Mobile Edition Wired Stereo Gaming HeadsetThe EKSA E900 Gaming headset checks a lot of boxes for a product that typically carries a higher price. The comfort matched with industry standard features make it ready to take on extended gaming session. EKSA’s VoicePure technology gives the confidence that your friends will hear you in even the most tenuous of situations.In-line controls allow for ease of response to unexpected changes in your gaming environment. With the ability to handle whatever you platform you choose, the EKSA E900’s simplify your home setup by letting you go minimize to one comfortable headset for a variety of situations.GalleryFeaturesEKSA VoicePure Technology50mm DriverComfortable Soft EarmuffsIn-Line Audio Controls (Mute/Volume)Noise Cancelling MicMulti-platform Compatibility (Xbox, PC, Mobile, Switch, and PS4/5)Detachable mic, carrying pouchListen 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 ThoughtsFor the budget-conscious gamer, the EKSA E900 Gaming headset is a perfect mix of form and comfort. It has the ability to work with every major platform and performs well above it’s price tag. And if you’re a fan of Lords Mobile, you’ll get even more value for your money with all of the included game bonuses.Where to Buy EKSA E900 Lords Mobile Edition Wired Stereo Gaming HeadsetYou can purchase the EKSA E900 Lords Mobile Edition headset at EKSA’s website where it’s currently listed at just $32.99 for the purple accessory.

Best Ways to Solve the Chicken-and-Egg Problem for a Multi-Vendor Marketplace

The ecommerce industry is rapidly growing, and with it, the demand for multi-vendor marketplaces. A multi-vendor marketplace is an online platform that allows multiple sellers to sell their products to customers through a single website. How to build a multi vendor ecommerce website can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to dealing with the “chicken-and-egg problem”. In this article, we will explore the best ways to solve the chicken-and-egg problem for a multi-vendor marketplace.Definition of the multi-vendor marketplaceA multi-vendor marketplace is a platform that enables multiple sellers to sell their products to customers through a single website. The marketplace acts as an intermediary between the sellers and customers, providing an easy and convenient platform for both parties to interact. Examples of multi-vendor marketplaces include Amazon, Etsy, and eBay.Definition of the Chicken-and-Egg ProblemThe chicken-and-egg problem is a common challenge faced by multi-vendor marketplaces. It refers to the difficulty in attracting both sellers and customers to a new marketplace. Without sellers, there are no products for customers to buy, and without customers, there is no incentive for sellers to list their products.Best ways to solve the chicken-and-egg problem for a multi-vendor marketplaceFocus on a specific nicheFocusing on a specific niche is one of the best ways to solve the chicken-and-egg problem for a multi-vendor marketplace. By targeting a specific market segment, you can attract a group of sellers and customers who are already interested in your niche. This will make it easier to attract both sellers and customers to your marketplace.For example, if you focus on a niche such as organic and sustainable products, you can attract sellers who specialize in this area and customers who are interested in buying eco-friendly products. This niche focus will also make your marketplace stand out from other more general marketplaces.When focusing on a specific niche, it’s important to research and understand the market thoroughly. This includes understanding the target customers, their needs, and their buying habits. Additionally, it’s important to identify the key players in the niche and understand their strengths and weaknesses.Once you have a solid understanding of the niche, you can tailor your marketplace to meet the needs of your target audience. This includes marketing efforts, the design of your website, and the types of products and services offered.By focusing on a specific niche, you can create a unique and compelling marketplace that attracts both sellers and customers. This approach can help you to build a successful and sustainable multi-vendor marketplace.Attract the hardest side firstAttracting the hardest side first is another way to solve the chicken-and-egg problem for a multi-vendor marketplace. This approach involves focusing on attracting one side of the marketplace, either sellers or customers, first, before attempting to attract the other side.For example, if it is harder to attract sellers to your marketplace, you can focus on building a customer base first. Once you have a significant number of customers, sellers will be more inclined to list their products on your marketplace. This is because they will see that there is a ready market for their products, and they will be more likely to make sales.To attract customers first, you can use various marketing strategies such as social media marketing, content marketing, and email marketing. Additionally, you can offer promotions and discounts to attract new customers to your marketplace. Once you have a sizable customer base, you can then focus on attracting sellers to your marketplace.On the other hand, if it is harder to attract customers, you can focus on getting sellers to list their products on your marketplace first. This can be done by offering incentives such as reduced fees for sellers or by reaching out to potential sellers directly. Once you have a good selection of products, you can then focus on attracting customers to your marketplace.By focusing on the hardest side first, you can create a marketplace that is more attractive to the other side, helping to solve the chicken-and-egg problem.Partnership with influencersPartnership with influencers is another way to solve the chicken-and-egg problem for a multi-vendor marketplace. Influencers are individuals or groups with a significant following on social media or other platforms, who can help to increase brand awareness and trust in your marketplace.By partnering with influencers, you can access their large following and attract both sellers and customers to your marketplace. Influencers can help to promote your marketplace by sharing your content and products, and by giving their followers a glimpse into the buying experience on your platform.To find the right influencers for your marketplace, it is important to research and understand your target audience. Identify the influencers who have a following that aligns with your target audience, and then reach out to them to discuss potential partnerships.When working with influencers, it’s important to establish clear goals and objectives for the partnership, and to ensure that the influencer’s content aligns with your brand and values. Additionally, it’s important to have a clear compensation plan in place to ensure that the partnership is mutually beneficial.By partnering with influencers, you can increase brand awareness and trust in your marketplace, which can help to attract both sellers and customers to your platform. This can help to solve the chicken-and-egg problem and build a successful multi-vendor marketplace.ConclusionIn conclusion, the chicken-and-egg problem is a common challenge faced by multi-vendor marketplaces. By focusing on a specific niche, attracting the hardest side first, and partnering with influencers, you can solve the chicken-and-egg problem and build a successful multi seller online marketplace. With the right approach, you can create a thriving multi-vendor ecommerce platform that benefits both sellers and customers.EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement

TCL releases ION X smartphone – Latest feature-rich, striking visuals

TCL Mobile is releasing another stunning mobile smartphone today, a device with striking visuals. The phone will be available in the U.S today and it is presented by Metro by T-Mobile.This device is coming with latest features of Android 12, together with a stunning edge to edge display. For people who want to stay connected, search the web, share or view content in a vibrant and simple manner, the ION X is the right deal.What’s in ION X smartphone for users?Users of the ION X smartphone will enjoy high definition visuals, and they can make use of face unlock features to step up the device security, and enjoy power that lasts throughout the day.The device is striking in detail especially the 6-inch HD+ widescreen display. That comes with an impressive 85 percent screen–to-body ratio but that’s not all. Users can also enjoy the stunning clarity with a resolution of 1440 x 720 pixels at the display.See Also: TCL offers up economical Stylus 5G for T-Mobile and MetroThere’s also the 13MP rear camera that can capture great photos with AI scene detection. At the front for selfies is a 5MP shooter that lets users join video calls.The battery powers the phone throughout the day on a single charge. That’s made possible by a 3000mAh battery that allows users to stream for several hours on end. What makes the battery department to work most efficiently is the TCL Smart Manager and Battery Saver modes. The user can talk, text, and surf the internet for longer periods.According to TCL Mobile, this device is latest feature-rich, value-priced smartphone that all users will enjoy. It is now available for sale in the U.S.ION X comes in slim designThe smartphone boasts a slim design and that means it could be carried around in pockets and bags without being noticeable by others. Being slim also means the device isn’t heavy at all.

Leen Kawas lists her outsourcing best practices on Forbes

Life sciences is a niche industry with specific needs for talent that often go above and beyond what the existing talent pool has to offer. Current studies show that there are talent scarcity fears throughout the industry, with 67 percent of companies looking to avenues such as reskilling and/or upskilling existing employees in order to fill talent gaps. Entrepreneur, inventor, and biotech executive Leen Kawas recently weighed in on the subject in a Forbes Business Council article, where she explored best practices around another talent management tactic that executives can use to their advantage: outsourcing.Kawas noted that these leaders need to become more creative in the way that they approach their talent acquisition by looking outside the box. Openings for highly skilled professionals are leading the charge on the job market, but it is taking an average of 105 days to fill non-executive positions, resulting in operations challenges as well as revenue losses. Leen Kawas suggests that companies can take a more balanced approach to their talent management by incorporating outsourcing within their strategic plan.Outsourcing has long been held at bay by executives wary of losing control over the processes and procedures that are essential to their life sciences companies. In addition, outsourcing has made some leery that results will not be as high quality as those that could be attained by tenured full-time staff. Yet according to Leen Kawas, outsourcing strategically is a solution that can alleviate the strain of the talent shortage without placing too much value on outside resources. She shared that these leaders “build organizational structures that are adaptable and can withstand an environment where funding can be hard to access.” But what does sound and balanced talent outsourcing look like? In her article for Forbes, Leen Kawas shared three key strategies for building an organizational network that can support and take advantage of outsourcing as a true resource.To start with, organizational stability and clear delineation of requirements is vital to being able to incorporate outsourced talent. Gaps can exist within a talent pool, but understanding clearly the “workflows, key functions, stakeholder needs, budgets, timelines, and goals” for the organization can help leaders close those gaps more efficiently and effectively, according to Kawas. These requirements need to be understood throughout the organizational chain of leadership, with executives relying on managers who have well-defined needs to assess exactly what kind of talent is required to fulfill them. Kawas noted that there are a variety of different outsourcing options that can be chosen from, including everything from individual freelance talent to entire full-service providers. A direct assessment of departmental needs can help leaders choose the right solutions on a case-by-case basis. “Leaders need to ask themselves which outsourcing model is the best fit for their corporate structure and stage,” said Kawas. “Understanding stakeholder needs, timelines and goals can also help you decide whether you should go with a full-service organization or target specialized groups that can handle parts of the workflow.” Leaders may discover that they can achieve their goals by onboarding anything from specialized boutique organizations to large full-service vendors. The difference will be the individual needs of the team and how best to manage them. Kawas noted the difference between working with larger organizations versus boutique firms from a life sciences perspective. “I’ve found that full-service providers can be good options for smaller teams or large companies… However, working with specialized boutique organizations has benefits. They often provide a sponsor a transparency, and companies might find this option more cost-efficient as well.”Second on Kawas’ list of strategies is the importance of designing a matrix with clear escalation plans. Companies that attempt to outsource without having a firm organizational structure with defined communication plans may find it much more challenging to integrate outsourced assistance effectively. “Outsourcing goes beyond initial logistics and financial factors; significant planning needs to be applied before outsourcing can be leveraged effectively,” explained Kawas. By working from the top down to define departmental and team needs, leaders can define exactly which tasks or measures need to be supplemented with outside help. From there, the right resources can be sought after and integrated successfully. Outsourced talent should be cohesively brought on board to work as part of a greater team with an eye to a responsibility matrix as well as reporting structures. This will help ensure accountability throughout the working relationships of everyone involved. “Your workflow should be proactive, not reactive. To ensure this, create critical escalation plans so any issues can be identified and addressed quickly and efficiently.” This will also help lower and middle management have a solid understanding of what requires or warrants escalation and keep everyone accountable throughout the duration of any contract with outsourced talent. Third, Leen Kawas encourages executive leaders to take the time to know external partners before committing to a contract. Due diligence can take many forms, but aligning services and talents with exact needs within a matrix environment can go a long way to ensuring that the right talent is onboarded for the right reasons. Oftentimes, leaders make the mistake of treating external talent as external, when in reality they can play as essential a role as a full-time employee. These key players who are being trusted to fill vital talent gaps should be treated as part of the core team at a company, rather than as outsiders. “They need to understand your mission and vision. They need to feel that they are seen and valued. You also need to make sure they’re a cultural fit,” Kawas explained.Outsourcing can bring optimal value to a life sciences team looking to stave off delays or gaps due to talent pool issues. Bringing in an outside team can often bolster operations more quickly and effectively than running through the new hire process with countless individuals. It can also develop cost savings for an organization when implemented correctly, but Kawas warns that outsourcing should not be used solely as an excuse to try to cut corners. “Creating a flow for how to select and establish a relationship with a vendor will not only support a single project but also help with a dynamic framework for outsourcing,” shared Kawas. This, in turn, will lead organizations to a powerful tool that can further their business even in times of economic unrest.EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement

Sensibo Elements Smart Wi-Fi Air Quality Monitor review

Between the pandemic and working from home, my family and I have spent a lot more time in the house these past couple of years. That naturally made me more curious about the air we’re all breathing. I’ve already added an air purifier to the house, but I’m someone who likes to see numbers and data.That’s why when I saw the Sensibo Elements Smart Wi-Fi Air Quality Monitor, I got excited at the prospect of seeing real-time data about our indoor air quality. Thankfully, the company was nice enough to send one out for review.DesignThe Sensibo Elements consists of the main unit with all the sensors, a cradle to hold it vertically, and the power brick with USB Type-A to Type-C cable. While I found the cable to be a little on the short side, it’s easy to replace given that it’s a standardized cable. However, I would have loved to see a six-foot cable included in the box.The main unit in the cradle measures 4.5 x 5.7 x 2.5 inches so it has a rather small footprint and fits in well on a shelf out of the way. Additionally, there’s a mount on the back that makes it possible to mount it on the wall as well.On the front of the Sensibo Elements is an LED light in the shape of the Sensibo logo. This light changes colors to give you a quick way to see how your current air quality rates. There are three different colors on the scale, including green, orange, and red. As you may have guessed, red is the worst while green says you’re all clear. While I personally love the LED light on the front, rest assured that it can be disabled if you’d rather rely on the app for the current status.User experienceSetting up the Sensibo Elements was quick and painless. It only took me a few minutes to hook up the device and get it connected to the Wi-Fi and app. You’ll also have to create an account which is something I’m not a huge fan of, but it’s most likely required because there is an option to upgrade to a subscription service. More on that later.The Sensibo Elements includes sensors for temperature, humidity, CO2, TVOC, ethanol, and a PM2.5 sensor. This makes it capable of tracking and analyzing the indoor air quality of your home and condensing that down to one overall score and color rating.While the LED light on the Sensibo Elements gives you a quick and easy way to check the overall indoor air quality with a glance, the app provides a more detailed look. By using the Sensibo app, you can check and monitor each of the individual sensors, along with viewing graphs that provide a view for the past 24 hours.The app is clean and lays out everything very well. However, I do wish it provided more information about what the sensors detect and how it affects the air quality. To be fair, each reading does have an explanation, but I found it a little lacking. Especially with the TVOC sensor that was consistently going into the moderate area a few times each day. It had me so concerned about what it could be and how harmful it was that I had to start researching TVOC and what exactly it was. All of that could have been avoided with a couple more paragraphs explaining TVOC in the app.Besides that one nitpick, I really enjoy the app and it’s a big selling point for the Sensibo Elements. Speaking of selling points, the app is also capable of providing weekly and monthly graphs for everything it monitors, as well as the weather and air pollution conditions outside. That does require a subscription to Sensibo Plus for $4.99 a month or $2.49 a month for yearly subscriptions.Personally, I would love to see all of those stats but I didn’t find it necessary enough to subscribe. So, don’t worry, it’s still entirely possible to use the Sensibo Elements without signing up for a subscription and to get some value from it.Final thoughtsAfter using the Sensibo Elements for the past few weeks and trying it in various rooms of the house, I am very satisfied with it. I was happy to see that my home stays in the green the majority of the time, and when it does creep up into the moderate category, there’s always a reasonable excuse. Such as when I’m cooking or when there are multiple people in the room producing more particles in the air.The notifications aren’t always the most helpful though, like suggesting we open the windows to let in fresh air when it’s 40 degrees outside. Yet, it has made me more conscious of my air quality when cooking. I’ve found myself using the exhaust fan more often to keep the TVOC levels lower, and I’m definitely going to try opening the windows more often once it warms up.The Sensibo Elements is currently available on Amazon and Sensibo’s website for $179. It also works with Sensibo’s air purifier and Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa.Buy from Amazon Buy from Sensibo

Review: SOUNDPEATS Air3 Pro Wireless Earbuds (Podcast)

It’s a win-for-win moment when you get wireless earbuds with high-quality sound, ANC support, and importantly at an affordable price range. In this latest episode of the AndroidGuys Podcast, our experts Scott Webster and Luke Gaul talk about the SOUNDPEATS Air3 Pro Wireless Earbuds.SOUNDPEATS Air3 Pro Wireless Earbuds offer high-definition audio and it has hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) (up to 35dB) support ensuring crystal clear audio in noisy environments. Thanks to the lightweight ergonomics offer a comfortable fit all day long. What is the complete package, how do they perform, and is it worth purchasing at this price range? Read our take and listen to the podcast.What are the SOUNDPEATS Air3 Pro Wireless EarbudsThe SOUNDPEATS Air3 Pro earbuds are a perfect option for the budget conscious user who spends a lot of time on the go. The hybrid active noise cancelling will cancel up to 35dB so you can hear your music no matter what environment you find yourself in.The 12mm drivers deliver clear highs and deep lows so no matter what you’re listening to you hear it how it’s supposed to sound. The 6 hour batter life gives you plenty of charge for your needs plus the added charging case gives up to 24 hours for extended use.GalleryFeaturesHybrid ANC 35dBAdaptive Bluetooth 5.2 w/ aptX12mm Dynamic DriverCVC 8.0 Noise Reduction Tech6 Hrs Single Listening Time / 24Hrs & USB-C ChargeListen 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 ThoughtsThe SOUNDPEATS Air3 Pro earbuds have all the features you expect from a modern earbud at a price tag that will make your jaw drop. Crystal clear audio and battery life gives peace of mind on the go.Where to buy the Soundpeats Air3 Pro Wireless EarbudsThe Soundpeats Air3 Pro Wireless Earbuds come in a sole Black color option and retails at $79.99. The earbuds are available for purchase from the manufacturer’s official website.

Attorney Robert McKenna shares his insights on the hybrid workplace

The pandemic forced employers to introduce strategies into the workplace never before seen. Leaders like Robert L. McKenna III had to implement changes to help businesses thrive during the pandemic and in the aftermath. One of the most critical changes to business operations was the introduction of a hybrid work schedule.As a founding partner of the California-based Kjar, McKenna, & Stockalper, Robert McKenna felt an early responsibility to keep his employees safe as word of the pandemic began to spread in 2020. Having connections in the biomedical field alerted him to the seriousness of the coronavirus early on. McKenna began to plan for the potential of office closures before shutdowns were mandated nationwide. Before closing the office, McKenna had strategies in mind to continue operations during the pandemic by having staff perform most duties offsite. Having a cloud-based business model already in place helped streamline the hybrid office process for McKenna’s law office. The preparation by McKenna and his team ahead of time reduced employee turnover while competitors began to lose staff in droves.     Benefits of a flexible officeRobert McKenna quickly noted the benefits of creating a hybrid workplace environment. As a medical malpractice attorney, McKenna’s law firm was predisposed to succeeding in a hybrid setup. During the pandemic, productivity didn’t go down, and there was no decline in employee performance. According to McKenna, he witnessed the opposite result and found that hybrid workplaces gave staff a chance to prove their value. McKenna says, “People can manage their time and work.”However, not everyone found virtual offices ideal for their workloads. McKenna recognized the challenge for some and advocated for the option to work from home or return to the office. As a compromise between virtual and in-person, McKenna’s law firm determined a hybrid approach worked best. Administrative staff members work twice weekly in person, with the rest of the duties performed at home during standard business hours. With a schedule in place for in-person and virtual hours, staff have more flexibility without losing the support of management. McKenna points out that face-to-face interactions are still needed, but not for employees to remain in the office for forty-hour to fifty-hour workweeks.Hybrid models offer more than just safety to employees. The staff has more freedom in geography and can save money by eliminating their daily commute. Employees can relocate to areas with a lower average cost of living while still working at their city jobs. Hybrid work schedules also help teams achieve a better work-life balance. Maintaining flexible schedules in a post-COVID landscape has improved overall employee satisfaction for McKenna’s legal staff.Management experiences the benefits of a hybrid workplace as much as the rest of the team. McKenna has pointed out, “Trying to get five people from across the country to meet in Chicago on a Thursday or a Friday was almost impossible, and now you could probably line that meeting up within a week. You could just find a time slot for everybody to get on a Zoom call.”Planning for a hybrid office modelRobert McKenna would never say developing a hybrid office strategy is easy. It takes more than simply stating that workers will only go into the office part-time. His biggest takeaway from developing a hybrid plan was to divide work into groups. One group features in-office duties, while the other consists of at-home tasks. By breaking down the tasks, managers can easily decide who must remain in the office and at what times.Planning out a hybrid model that works isn’t achievable overnight. As per McKenna, “I spent two or three weeks looking at the business to determine what needs to be done in person. I realized all we needed was one person in each office to pick up the mail, scan it, and send it off to whoever needed it. We also needed the same person or a different person to come back in the afternoon to print, address, and send outgoing mail for that day.”  Once management knows who will work from home and during what hours, the company must evaluate the supply needs of remote staff. McKenna believes a common mistake is employers requiring staff to provide their personal equipment for work. Build employee trust by purchasing any supplies needed to complete tasks at home. Providing laptops, tablets, and other office equipment makes it easier for all to perform onsite and offsite tasks.Employers need to communicate with employees to confirm they have a space within their homes to work. The area should be free of distractions and feel like an office space. Businesses can offer training on how to create a productive workspace offsite.  Managers and employees need to understand the importance of boundaries for a hybrid office to succeed. Remote work has made clients more demanding, and the expectation is for immediate response times. Although many feel remote work offers more free personal time, the opposite can occur. Employees could feel burned out by extended hours and increased client demands. McKenna advises staff to lose the mentality of taking work with them everywhere. Instead, he insists on employees answering calls and emails during a set timeframe and logging off work devices at the end of their scheduled hours. McKenna’s law staff are encouraged to be comfortable letting clients and coworkers know when they won’t be available due to vacations or personal time off.Each employee’s schedule may look vastly different. Every office must evaluate its needs and implement flexible scheduling that works best for operational purposes. Some offices have all staff report on specific days to the workplace, while others stagger schedules.   Retaining best remote work practicesRobert McKenna urges businesses to implement cloud servers if they haven’t yet made the switch. Since McKenna’s law firm was already operating on cloud servers when the pandemic occurred, staff could still sign in anywhere in the world. Since the team was comfortable with cloud servers, the administration didn’t require extensive training to get up and going once remote.Instead of going back to a traditional work model, McKenna plans to continue operating on a hybrid schedule. The law firm attracts top personnel and has solid retention rates due to its commitment to flexible scheduling. McKenna has used hybrid scheduling to make onboarding packages more attractive to prospective employees. According to McKenna, “If you got 20 hours back every week that you did not spend in traffic, you’re a happy person. This worked out very well for a lot of people that, because of the economic climate, live far away.”  About Robert L. McKenna IIIWith decades of experience, Robert L. McKenna III has worked on countless court cases, specializing in malpractice lawsuits involving pharmacies, dental practices, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and more. A long-time California resident, McKenna attended both UCLA and Loyola Law School. He began practicing law in 1993 and has bar admissions in California and Nevada. As an award-winning attorney, McKenna has affiliations with numerous professional organizations, including the California Hospital Association, California Medical-Legal Committee, California Medical Malpractice Defense Professionals, California State Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association, American Society for Healthcare Risk Management, Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, Nevada Hospital Association, and the Nevada State Bar Association.EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement

OnePlus Nord N300 5G review

OnePlus has been around for almost a decade now, having started out making “flagship killer” phones at low cost. Having transitioned over the last few generations, its premium models now take on the likes of Samsung and Google and other high-end phones.This doesn’t mean it’s lost the budget roots. Indeed, the new OnePlus Nord N300 squarely is aimed at the bargain consumer. How does it stack up in the current market?DesignThe industrial build of the OnePlus Nord N300 is both impressive and disappointing. Its crisp edges and thin footprint look great on opening the box. However, as you hold the phone in your hand it comes off feeling somewhat cheap. I can’t put my fingers on it, but it’s there.Otherwise, you get the usual design you’d expect from an Android phone. The right side has a lone power button that doubles as a fingerprint reader. This is another miss by OnePlus. I have only been able to successfully unlock the N300 about every 4th attempt with this sensor. I’ve never found side-mounted sensors as reliable, but OnePlus struggles even more than usual here.Around the other side are the volume rocker and the SIM tray slot. To the bottom of the Nord N300 you’ll find the USB-C port, speaker grill, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The top of the unit is devoid of any ports or buttons short of a microphone cutout.Internally, the OnePlus N300 houses a MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. It’s also worth noting that the SIM tray also has a slot for a microSD card to expand this up to 1TB.PerformanceThis combination of internal hardware makes for pretty decent performance. It’s not going to run circles around any of the high-end chips, but 4GB and the MediaTek 810 hold their own for any normal tasks. Transitions are fairly snappy, and multitasking works well.Even casual gaming performs as you’d expect. I never felt like the general day-to-day was hindered by the silicone and components of the Nord N300. Any non-heavy gamer or multitasker should be fine here.SoftwareAlthough it’s not my cup of tea, the same can be said for the software. Honestly, if you’ve used the most recent Samsungs you might find this familiar. I can’t help but think this is what OnePlus is going for with the latest version of OxygenOS. The home screen is a themed version of Android with the Google Now panel on the far left side.It’s when you dig into the menus and settings I struggle with the vision of OnePlus’s Android. It’s way too layered, and normal settings are more hidden than they have to be. Android’s settings are one of the most minimal you’ll find on mobile operating systems, yet Samsung has made it popular to bury these features.But, honestly, this is all preference. If you’ve never used a Pixel or Moto phone, and instead owned LG or Samsung beforehand, then you most likely won’t take issue with the software. Otherwise, it runs Android. All your favorite apps are here and ready to go from the Play Store.CameraThe camera is another area I find the OnePlus Nord N300 struggles. In perfect lighting, you could possibly snag a good shot. Any other time you have to just hope. As soon as the environment offers any resistance the photos simply come out less than great.I hate that this is still an issue on OnePlus phones. The Achilles heel for years on the flagship was cameras and the latest generations have gotten much better. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with the 48MP and 2MP depth cameras here.It’s a better result from both the selfie camera and portrait modes on both shooters. The 16MP front-facing unit takes decent snappy photos and seems to handle portrait mode well. The one plus of the main shooter is portraits too. It’s one option that outperforms the general results.Battery lifeOnePlus does not hold back on the battery. This phone packs a 5,000mAh battery cell and lasts well past most other phones. I could get more than a full day out of this consistently while carrying the Nord N300.And when you do need to top it off, you get full 33Watt charging. Even better, OnePlus packs the appropriate charger and cable for this magic to work. This allows you to fully recharge in under an hour which is fantastic for any phone, but phenomenal for a budget device.ConclusionI get why OnePlus made the Nord N300 5G. It’s an updated version of the budget model to sell to those just needing an Android phone in T-Mobile for less than $10 per month. I struggle with if it holds up to the competition from Samsung’s A-series and Moto’s G lineup.The latest Moto G 5G and the Samsung A13/23 are in direct contention and you could argue they get better performance and consistent cameras for similar price tags. Even at full retail of $230, the Nord N300 is a hard sell in my opinion. And if you can spare another $100, the Pixel 6a blows all these options out of the water.  All of those options also work on ATT and Verizon as well.If you do want to give the OnePlus Nord N300 a shot, you can snag one at T-Mobile from the link below.Purchase the OnePlus Nord N300 5G from T-Mobile

Roborock’s Dyad Pro is a smart vac and mop without robot prices

It's not perfect, but it's a fraction of the cost of equivalent robot vacs.

Review: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Portable Power Station (Podcast)

A portable power station has a great advantage in emergency situations. It not only holds a decent amount of charge but is also small in size and easy to use. Our latest podcast episode on the Ecoflow River 2 portable power station where our experts Scott Webster and Luke Gaul discussed it thoroughly.The EcoFlow River 2 Portable power station comes with a fair amount of power and is efficient enough to charge phones, laptops, and other small appliances. But there are questions, such as how many devices it can charge, how much battery it holds, and whether it’s worth the purchase. Read our take and listen to the podcast.What is the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Portable Power StationThe EcoFlow RIVER2 is a portable power station designed for outdoorsy types or those who may need power in a pinch. With four ways to charge it up, it can be fully replenished in one hour’s time. At just 7.7lbs it’s light and the built-in handle makes it convenient to carry around.GalleryFeaturesBuilt-in handleWeighs just 7.7lbsFour ways to charge up (AC, vehicle, solar, USB-C)Charge up in one hourAC output of 300W (X-Boost Mode provides up to 600W)Two AC ports, DC output, two USB, and one USB-C portBattery rated at 3,000 uses (approximately 10 years)30ms EPS auto-switchingMobile app for monitoring and controlling5-year warrantyListen to the PodcastBe sure to subscribe to the AndroidGuys podcast through your favorite platform or add the AndroidGuys Podcast RSS feed to enjoy!Google PodcastsiTunesSpotifyAmazon MusicTuneInParting ThoughtsThe EcoFlow RIVER 2 is a great solution for consumers who may want a fair amount of power when on the go or in the event of an emergency situation. If you’re camping or waiting out a power outage you may be able to charge your phone upwards of twenty times.We’re fond of the multiple ways we can use the RIVER 2 at once but we’re equally impressed with the four ways in which we can charge the portable station up. It’s the sort of product we might keep with us in the car for weekend getaways, a day at the beach, or a night under the stars.We especially like the fact that when plugged into a wall, the device can act as an uninterruptable power supply. That is to say that if power goes out, the RIVER 2 automatically switches (

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Google plans AirTag clone, report indicates

Google is soon to be the latest tech giant to manufacture a Bluetooth tracker. The company is following in the steps of other tech giants like Tile, Apple, and Samsung.Tile Bluetooth trackers are often used to track car keys, luggage, and other valuables that often get lost. Tile has been doing great in the space for around 10 years, but when Apple’s AirTags found big success, other big tech establishments became interested.Naturally, both Samsung and Google decided to jump into the market. Google, for its part, has a secret weapon which could quickly make it the number one or two Bluetooth tracker product worldwide. That assistant? The power of billions of smartphones to help locate the trackers.Introducing GroguExperts like Kuba Wojciechowski reported spotting code for a Google first-party Bluetooth tracker codenamed “Grogu.” He found references that check almost all major box anyone would want in a Bluetooth tracker. This device has a speaker, UWB compatibility, and it supports Bluetooth LE. It is also being reported that the product is built by the Nest team.In case the user doesn’t want to tracker to play a ringtone in order to reveal its location, the Ultra Wide Band (UWB), a radio technology can physically locate the item. UWB needs to be built into the user’s phone. It can successfully find nearby device via a compass-like interface in this way. Some smartphones such as the Pixel 6 Pro, 7 Pro, and high-end Android devices have UWB built into them.See Also: Google is working on a seamless way to transfer Spotify tracks between your devicesLocator Tag OptionEsper’s Mishaal Rahman is another Android expert, who recently revealed information about what he called a locator tag option landing in Google’s Fast Pair developer console. Fast Pair API is the means Google is using to detect and pair to nearby Bluetooth devices. This one shows a pop-up on the screen rather having users go through the hassles of Settings menu.Of course, AirTags have their advantages and disadvantages. It has been used for spying and stalking but let’s hope there will be major improvements when Google finally releases its AirTag.

Review: SOUNDPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS (Podcast)

Wireless earbuds completely edge out wired headphones when it comes to features and portability. In this latest episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, our experts Scott Webster and Luke Gaul talk about the SOUNDPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS wireless earbuds. The earbuds ships with great features at an affordable price. What is the complete package, how do they perform, and is it worth purchasing at this price range? Listen to the podcast and see what our team says.What are the SOUNDPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS wireless earbuds?The Air3 Deluxe HS are a pair of wireless earbuds with a stem design. They offer up to five hours of playback per charge with touch controls on both earpieces. The carrying case provides another 15 hours of playback for a total of 20 hours.The earbuds are water resistant, support Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and can be minimally configured via a mobile app.GalleryFeaturesBluetooth 5.2Five hours playback per charge20 hours playback total, including caseIPX4 water resistantMobile app for EQ settingsHi-Res Audio and LDAC supportUSB Type-C ChargingGame mode for 60ms low-latencyGoogle Assistant supportListen to the PodcastBe sure to subscribe to the AndroidGuys podcast through your favorite platform or add the AndroidGuys Podcast RSS feed to enjoy!Google PodcastsiTunesSpotifyAmazon MusicTuneInParting ThoughtsFor roughly $50 we really like the package offered up in the SOUNDPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS. They’re not overly powerful and don’t boast a ton of playback per charge, but they deliver on expectations. These are a great value for a first-time buyer or for someone who doesn’t demand a lot from their wireless audio.We appreciate being able to adjust the various EQ settings but more often than not the default option perfectly suited our needs. Sound is fairly evenly distributed for the most part with only the occasional flat experience.These work well as a pair or individually, but to get the best controls you’ll want to have both in at the same time. The ‘buttons’ take a little bit of time to figure out as they don’t click or provide tactile feedback but once you get them squared away you’ll be alright.Where to Buy the SOUNDPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS earbudsThe SOUNDPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS True wireless earbuds are priced at $50 and come in sole Black color option. The earbuds are available for purchase from SOUNDPEAT’s official website.

Roku Express (2022) review: All aboard the Roku Express?

If you only need a portable streaming player on the cheap, the Roku Express will just about do the job.