Saturday, April 20, 2024

Reviews

Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti review: not the GPU you’re looking for

Nvidia's RTX 4070 Ti has a more fitting name and price, but performance is still lacking.

GE Profile Smart Mixer launches exclusively at Crate and Barrel with a hefty price

The stand mixer is a staple for any baking enthusiast or wannabe baker out there. However, there are several challenges when it comes to baking. Many of these begin with the mixing process, such as overmixing, undermixing, and precise measurements.The GE Profile Smart Mixer looks to address these pain points and turn even the most inexperienced of home chefs into a baker. It all starts with the Auto Sense technology built into the GE Profile Smart Mixer, which is able to monitor for changes in texture or viscosity in real-time through motor torque feedback. This ensures that you’ll never over-mix or under-mix again, as the GE Profile Smart Mixer will automatically shut down once the proper consistency is reached.Another way the GE Profile Smart Mixer looks to simplify baking is with the included smart scale. No more breaking out an additional gadget when you can measure everything in the mixing bowl itself. Granted, that seems a little confusing to me, because since everything ends up in the mixing bowl anyways, how are you to measure your ingredients out separately?HighResJPGIf you’ve tried your hand at baking previously, then you know it’s a messy business. Flour, eggs, sugar, and more can end up all over the counter and yourself. You’re also oftentimes working on a batch in the mixer with another going in the oven. How can the GE Profile Smart Mixer help with this you may ask? With the addition of voice controls. Now, you’ll have total control over your mixer even when your hands are deep into kneading some dough or you’re in and out of the oven.Finally, what would a smart device be without an app, and you guessed it, the GE Profile Smart Mixer integrates with the SmartHQ app with over a dozen guided recipes offering detailed instructions to walk users through the entire process. GE also plans to update the app with new recipes in the future and over-the-air updates to the mixer.Beyond smart features, the GE Profile Smart Mixer also boasts that it is the first smart mixer in the US to use an advanced digital brushless DC motor system. This advanced motor ensures that the GE Profile Smart Mixer will run at lower temperatures while still having the power to work through “tough batches and stiff doughs without overheating or stalling.”The GE Profile Smart Mixer comes in black, silver, or white, and is currently available exclusively from Crate and Barrel for $1000 with free shipping.

Haylou Solar Plus RT3 review

I got my first watch in the third grade, and it was super cool. It not only told time digitally, but also – and this was the cool part – had a digital timer. I strutted around the grade school hallways completely unaware that my new watch would be all but archaic in a mere ten years. Modern smartwatches have evolved to include countless apps and features. With their Solar Plus RT3 smartwatch, Haylou packs as many of these features as possible into one modern-looking, affordable smartwatch. After spending a couple weeks with this smartwatch around my wrist, I came away with several key takeaways.DesignThe physical design of the Solar Plus RT3 smartwatch is very elegant. The circular, touch-screen face of the watch coupled with the black rubber watch band is appealingly minimalistic. The digital face of the smartwatch in customizable, with dozens of downloadable watch face designs available for free in the Haylou app. The app layout on the smartwatch is very reminiscent of the layout on an Apple Watch but is effective. Learning to navigate to different apps on the Haylou smartwatch was intuitive. The animations when navigating between apps was a little clunky but did not affect performance. I primarily used the touch screen to navigate on the watch. The two buttons on the side of the watch can take the user anywhere on the watch they need to go, but I found using the watch in this way to be inefficient.While the digital design of the Solar Plus RT3 was slightly lacking, the physical design was exactly what I was hoping for.  Overall, I was satisfied with the design of this smartwatch.FeaturesThe number of apps and features on the Haylou Solar Plus RT3 smartwatch is too many to go over each one in detail, so I will talk about the ones that I used the most often.First is the heartrate monitor. A heartrate sensor is standard on most modern smartwatches, and the Solar Plus RT3 is no exception. I found the sensor to be accurate and reliable. I think it is important to note that this is one of the only features on the smartwatch that is constantly running. I like this because looking at my heartrate over time is something that I find useful. Most other applications (stress, body oxygen) need to be opened and left to run before seeing a result.The feature on this watch that I was the most impressed by is the phone. The Solar Plus RT3 smartwatch allows the user to pick up and take calls entirely through the watch itself. This feature is only available when the user’s phone is within Bluetooth range. This is something that I do not expect every smartwatch to have and put to great use. The only difficulty I had with this feature is that if the user gets a call on the smartwatch, but wants to answer it on the phone, they have to answer the call on the phone and then manually switch the call from Bluetooth to the phone.The workout app is very extensive. Every imaginable sport or workout seems to be included in the list of recordable workout options. Swimming is the only option I could think of that is not available, which makes sense as the watch is not waterproof. My only complaint when using the workout app was when I was on the treadmill. Recording an activity for indoor running gives the user a result for time, distance, and pace. Unfortunately, after when I got done with my workout, these three things did not align. The amount of time at the recorded pace was computed to way longer than the recorded mileage. Upon realizing this, I stopped using the watch for indoor runs, and relied on the mileage shown on the treadmill.  Overall, the apps featured on the smartwatch met my expectations for a budget smartwatch. Some features underperformed, and others were slightly better. Battery LifeThe battery life was my biggest concern with this smartwatch. When setting up the smartwatch with the Haylou app, there are distinct instructions on how to change the settings on the user’s phone to maximize the battery life of the smartwatch. I made sure to follow these steps to try to attain the seven-day battery life claim on the box. The first day, the watch died before I went to bed. I gave it a full charge overnight and tried again the next day. The second day, the watch was at 55% by noon, but then lasted until the next morning. I made sure to adjust the settings on the watch to the minimum screen blackout time and turning off the lift to wake up feature. Then the battery on the watch lasted two days before dying. From my first time using the watch, I have managed to lengthen the battery life to two or three days. But this is a far cry from the seven-day battery life I was expecting, especially running on minimum features. If the battery lasted a few more days with regular use, I would be much more satisfied.OverallThe Haylou Solar Plus RT3 smartwatch looks very nice on any user’s wrist. In this regard it is comparable to any top-of-the-line smartwatch. The number of features on the smartwatch are numerous, but their functionality varies. If there were more standout features such as the hands-free calling, I would be much more impressed. Unfortunately, the battery life, for me, was slightly lackluster. Charging the battery every other night makes it very difficult to put the sleep tracking feature to good use. Improvements on a few of these features could make this smartwatch quite the force to be reckoned with, but for now I would label it as a competitive budget smartwatch.

Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller review

While I’m a huge fan of Android controllers that use the same layout as the Nintendo Switch, such as the Atom from Turtle Beach, there are times that’s not always best. For example, if you want to charge your phone while playing or if you play games on your Android-powered TV or tablet.That’s when something like the Recon Cloud Controller from Turtle Beach comes in handy. Thankfully, the company was kind enough to send one out to us for review.DesignIf you’ve used an Xbox controller, then the Recon Cloud Controller will be very familiar. It shares much of the same layout, with the analog sticks, buttons, and triggers all in the same positions. What makes the Recon Cloud Controller stand out is all of the extra buttons, functions, and stylish design.For starters, there are buttons to choose which mode you will connect in—Bluetooth or wired—and if you choose wired, then Turtle Beach includes a generous 10-foot-long cable for use with an Xbox or Windows PC. However, the quick action buttons located on the underside of the Recon Cloud are the ones you’ll be most excited about.These two buttons are programmable using the mode and select buttons located at the top and can greatly improve efficiency while playing games. Furthermore, holding in the quick action button on the right will reduce the sensitivity of the right analog stick enacting the “Pro-Aim” mode. I found this invaluable while lining up shots.There are also buttons to manage audio settings when using the Recon Cloud in wired mode with headphones connected via the 3.5mm audio jack. This will give you the ability to adjust the chat or mic volume, change the EQ, and more.Finally, the Recon Cloud comes with a phone mount which also doubles as a stand when it’s not attached to the controller.User experienceI’m not a fan of mounting my phone to the top of a controller while gaming. It always feels unbalanced and awkward to me, which is why I generally gravitate toward controllers that mount the phone in the middle. Although, I have to admit that it’s still entirely feasible to use the phone mount on the Recon Cloud Controller.I spent the past few weeks playing games with the Recon Cloud Controller for hours on end utilizing the included mount and found it worked perfectly. I was especially impressed that I could attach a large 6.8-inch phone without removing the case, and the textured grips on the controller made it comfortable to hold.What surprised me most wasn’t the mount though, it was the customizable quick-action buttons and pro-aim features. After programming the quick-action buttons, I found it almost impossible to game without them. By using the two customizable buttons, it required me to take my thumb off the right analog stick less often. Additionally, the Pro-Aim feature also came in handy as I began to rely on it to line up my shots more accurately. With both of these features combined, gaming just feels easier and more natural. I wish all controllers included options like this.Furthermore, Turtle Beach also has an Android app that can be used to calibrate and test out the analog sticks and triggers. This helps ensure that the controller is functioning properly and will stay accurate, something all gamers can appreciate.While the Recon Cloud Controller includes a host of audio features from Turtle Beach, I wasn’t able to test them out, as they only work with an Xbox or Windows PC over a wired connection. My PC is a little out of date for gaming, and I don’t own an Xbox. That also means I wasn’t able to experience the vibration either, but rest assured, these features are all present and only add value to this versatile controller.Turtle Beach rates the Recon Cloud Controller battery life at 30 hours. I’ve put in a number of long gaming sessions using my phone and Android TV over the past few weeks, and the Recon Cloud has certainly lived up to its battery claims. I’ve rarely had to recharge the Recon Cloud Controller, and it usually lasts me through the week with a single charge.Final thoughtsThe Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller is jam-packed with buttons and features. It would be the perfect gaming companion if you have a phone, tablet, or phone running Android 8.0 or above. Plus, it’ll even work with Xbox and Windows PCs.Additionally, the extra features such as the quick action buttons, audio settings, and Pro-Aim will help give you an edge while gaming. I’ve honestly had a tough time switching back over to controllers that lack these features after getting used to them.The Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller comes in Black and Blue Magma. The MSRP price is $100 but it can currently be picked up from Amazon or Turtle Beach’s website for $70 making it a steal of a deal.Buy from Amazon Buy from Turtle Beach

Whoop 4.0 review: more whimper than whoop

The Whoop 4.0 isn't a smartwatch or a Fitbit; it's something quite different, right down to the way you pay to own it. Is it a better device for it?

Tech innovations in software testing & test automation you need to know about

Software testing and test automation have become integral parts of the software development process. As technology advances, so too have the software testing and test automation tools available to businesses. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at five of the most exciting tech innovations in software testing and test automation that you need to know about. These innovations are sure to make your software testing process faster, more efficient, and more reliable. Get ready to learn about the latest and greatest advancements in software testing and test automation.AI for Test Case GenerationAI testing tools are an exciting development in the field of software testing and test automation. By leveraging the power of machine learning, these tools allow testers to easily build robust end-to-end test cases, reducing manual effort and increasing test coverage.Virtual Reality for User Experience TestingIn recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has become increasingly accessible and widely adopted, opening up new possibilities for software testing. For user experience testing, VR provides a powerful tool for simulating real-world usage scenarios in order to identify and address usability issues.Using VR, developers can create virtual environments that closely match those experienced by users. This allows them to better evaluate the user experience from the user’s perspective. VR also helps with validating visual design elements such as layouts, fonts, and colours to ensure an optimal experience for users.Blockchain for Security TestingThe software testing industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovations changing the way that software is tested. One of the most promising new technologies to come out of this evolution is blockchain, which can provide a much more secure and reliable environment for security testing. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology (DLT) that allows multiple parties to securely record and store data in a secure, decentralized network. It offers unparalleled security by using cryptographic keys, which are designed to make it extremely difficult to tamper with data without being detected. Additionally, because blockchain is distributed across many different computers, it’s much more difficult for a single user to gain access to all the data stored on the network. In terms of security testing, blockchain can be used to create a trustless environment where testers can verify the authenticity of their test results without relying on any third party.The Internet of Things for Performance TestingPerformance testing with IoT offers the potential for end-to-end, distributed testing across multiple physical devices in real-world conditions. This allows testers to evaluate how an application behaves when exposed to different usage scenarios and under different stress levels. By using actual devices in these tests, testers can gain more accurate results than with emulated environments.Machine Learning for Predictive AnalyticsMachine learning (ML) technologies have opened up a range of possibilities for leveraging predictive analytics in software testing. ML-powered predictive analytics allow developers to set criteria and parameters that identify signs of application failure before it occurs. This type of pre-testing can be used to determine the robustness of an application and ensure it is fit for purpose. By understanding how an application behaves under different conditions, developers can tailor their tests to focus on areas that require more attention or may be prone to failure.EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsementPhoto by Zan on Unsplash

Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C and F100 Light Sticks compared

Zhiyun recently released the Fiveray F100 Light Stick that we had the opportunity to review for the site. Considering this is an extremely similar design to the previous Fiveray FR100C Light Stick, you may be wondering, what’s the difference and which one should I buy?Fortunately, we got our hands on both models to give you a comparison between both of Zhiyun’s light stick offerings.DesignWhen it comes to the overall design, both the F100 and FR100C light sticks are nearly identical. The biggest change to the design is on the scroll wheel. Zhiyun has gone with less click buttons on the latest F100. Additionally, the F100 also has a new shortcut where double pressing the power button will cycle through changing the currently selected value to 0%, 50%, and 100%. This is quite helpful when dealing with brightness levels or changing colors in HSI mode.Besides that, nothing else has changed in the design of the light sticks themselves. However, the Fiveray F100 has received a massive upgrade due to the fact that it now includes a range of light modifiers. The new barn doors, diffuser, and grid attachments make the F100 light stick far more versatile than the previous FR100C. This right here makes a strong case as to why you would want the latest model and more than makes up for the price difference.Zhiyun also now includes a premium case with the F100 model to help carry all of the additional accessories that now come with the light. It would be great if the FR100C came with a carrying case as well, but this is another reason why the F100 now costs more.PerformanceZhiyun Fiveray FR100C Light Stick with no modifiersBoth lights have the same peak power output of 100W, same color temperature range of 2700K – 6200K, same CRI value of 96, and same TLCI of 97. Meaning, you have nothing to gain for typical lighting setups if you don’t plan on using modifiers.Where the F100 sets itself apart is by nearly doubling the RGB intensity from 16W to 30W, and adding a host of video effects such as SOS, Fire, TV, Candle, and more.Zhiyun Fiveray F100 with diffuserPlus, as I mentioned above, the included light modifiers make a monumental difference in your ability to control the light in your scenes. Once I tried using the F100 with the soft box, grid, and barn doors—there was no way I could go back to using just the base light stick.BatteryWhile both the FR100C and F100 light sticks include six 2600mAh batteries for power, the F100 still saw a big upgrade when it comes to charging. The previous FR100C was limited to charging at a maximum of 28W but the F100 is now capable of charging at 100W through the USB Type-C port and that’s nearly four times as fast as its predecessor.Final thoughtsAt first glance, without the accessories, you might not even notice a difference between the Fiveray FR100C and F100. However, the F100 is a substantial upgrade, offering nearly double the power in RGB mode and almost four times the charging speed. Then, once you add in the invaluable light modifiers and video effects, it becomes clear that the Zhiyun Fiveray F100 is the superior light stick.That doesn’t mean the Fiveray FR100C is a bad light stick though. It’s still a very capable light, albeit less versatile than Zhiyun’s latest offering. It would be perfect to use as a second or third light in your setups, but I’d always choose the F100 if I could for being a more versatile lighting solution.If you’d like a more in-depth review to see what the Zhiyun Fiveray F100 Light Stick is capable of, check out our full review. Otherwise, both the Fiveray FR100C and F100 can be purchased from Amazon or Zhiyun’s website.Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C Light StickBuy from Amazon Buy from ZhiyunZhiyun Fiveray F100 Light StickBuy from Amazon Buy from Zhiyun

Tronsmart Bang SE review

Tronsmart is at it yet again, expanding the Bang portable speaker lineup. We’ve recently taken an extended look at the Bang Mini and now the company has given us the opportunity to try out the smallest Bang SE speaker.DesignIt’s easy to recognize the similarities between the Bang SE and the rest of the family. It shares the same industrial design language with the size being the main difference. Another addition to the smaller footprint is two hook anchors on each side of the handle for the included carrying strap.To the top, you have the same layout we’ve seen on all the Bang speakers. You have the familiar power, SoundPulse, volume up and down, play/pause, speaker stereo sync, and LED controls. All these buttons are encased in a firm, soft-touch covering that gives it a premium feel that’s easy to navigate.Behind the large, front-facing Tronsmart logo live the party powering the Bang SE. Under the canvas, weave are two full-range drivers capable of full stereo sound. Around each side are two subwoofers to add to the sound with lower bass audio.The rugged outer casing and IPX6 water resistance should have the Bang SE ready for almost any environment. I’d have zero issues having this at home, out by the pool, or even camping. Add the optional should strap, and you literally can take this almost anywhere.SoundI’ve been really surprised by the sound of the Tronsmart Bang SE. It’s on the same level, if not better than its most recent sibling Bang Mini. I know that doesn’t make much sense but to my ears, the balance of the stereo sound is slightly better on the SE.The mix of highs and mids is fantastic for a speaker this size and never seems like it’s flexing too hard even at high volumes. The bass is punchy as well without overpowering the rest of the audio.My one complaint would be the Tronsmart app doesn’t support this model yet. Having more granular controls to your taste is a nice touch that the largest Bang supports and I wish both the Mini and SE had this as well.Charging and ExpansionThe Tronsmart Bang SE has a good selection of ports on the back of the speaker. Behind the waterproof flap, you’ll find USB-A, USB-C charging, a 3.5mm auxiliary port, and a microSD slot. This gives the Bang SE a solid array of options for charging external devices as well as charging via the USB ports and expansion to other media inputs with the headphone jack and SD card.Tronsmart rates the battery life at 24 hours with the volume set at around 50%. I’d estimate this to be fairly accurate. I was able to have this play in the background near these audio levels for around three full workdays at my home office.ConclusionTronsmart might have the best Bang for the buck in the Bang SE. This smaller variant still packs great sound, above-average battery life, and a sturdy travel footprint. The Bang SE might be the best option in the lineup for most users.Full retail for the Bang SE will be $70 and I think that’s more than reasonable for the features here. Need a little more incentive? How about for the global launch the Bang SE is just $55. That’s hard to beat at the link below.Purchase the Tronsmart Bang SE speaker

Motorola announces more holiday savings for last-minute shoppers

If you were undecided regarding Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals from Motorola, you don’t need to wait till 2023 to take another chance on discounts from the smartphone manufacturer.According to latest release, the company has shared more holiday savings that last-minute shoppers can enjoy as the year moves to an end.Holiday shoppers can take advantage of free-with-new line holiday savings on multiple Motorola devices. In addition, they can get up to $800 off Moto devices from Verizon.But the free-with-new line deals are occurring at T-Mobile and Metro on select devices from Motorola. Read on to see the breakdown.Free with new line at T-MobileMotorola makes this offer available for those who are interested in the following devices:Motorola Edge – 2022Moto G Stylus 5G – 2022Moto G 5GMoto G PureFree with new line at MetroMoto G Stylus 5G – 2022Moto G 5GMoto G PureFurthermore, Verizon has different deals including the free with new line offers found on Metro and T-Mobile.See Also: Motorola’s third generation Moto Edge is packed but not priceyMotorola deals from VerizonMotorola Edge+ 2022: BOGO $800 off with select unlimited plansMotorola Edge – 2022: $10 per month with select unlimited plansMoto G Stylus 5G – 2022: Free with new line and select unlimited plansIndeed, those who have experienced the power and performance of Motorola devices over the years can testify that the smartphone maker truly has amazing phone deals that are also pretty cheap.Android Headlines reports that this firm is now the third largest smartphone maker in North America, only behind Apple and Samsung. It got there after LG left the smartphone market. It was easy to take that spot as it offers pretty decent phones in various price range with cool features that astute phone users love.At the present moment, Motorola fans are finding features such as large screen, stylus, powerful cameras, and other cool specs attractive.

Blackview unveils brand-new flagship rugged phone BV9200 with a 6.6-inch display, Arcsoft cameras, Harman AudioEFX Sound, 5000mAh battery with 66W wired & 30W...

Blackview is a thriving technology brand that specializes in rugged outdoor phones to support rugged lifestyles and survive tough and challenging environments. With a strong focus on quality and experience, all Blackview products undergo rigorous standards and quality testing processes to ensure a superb user experience. Through long experience and critical learning, Blackview has relentlessly pursued the perfect synergy of functional satisfaction and innovative technology in rugged phones, as evidenced by the latest released Blackview BV9200.Here comes some basic selling points of Blackview BV9200.Recently,  Blackview confirms that the brand new flagship rugged phone BV9200 will be on debut soon, which is on an extremely impressive streak of releasing the Doke 3.1 update on it. Blackview BV9200  is designed to reinvent the rugged phone with 5 big upgrades including entertainment, battery life, efficiency, personality, and practicality.5 Big Upgrades in Blackview BV9200NO.1 Entertainment Upgrades: 6.6-inch Display & Harman AudioEFX Sound & ArcSoft  Camera6.6-inch Display: 120 Hz high refresh rate & 2.4 K high-resolution Blackview BV9200  flaunts an eye-catching display with a 6.6-inch large screen that supports 120Hz high refresh rate and 2.4K high resolution,  providing a vivid viewing experience without boundaries. It also brings skillfully crafted design to users with a 310g lightweight and 13.66 mm slim body in three color options black, orange, and green. For users to fully enjoy the eye-friendly experience, BV9200’s display is certificated by TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light, which helps reduce harmful blue light without compromising visual image quality. Besides, Its Tough CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS 5 display acts as a sturdy screen protector against scratches and 1.2-meter drops.Harman AudioEFX  Sound:  Harman AudioEFX   & Dual smart-PA BOX Speakers Youtube Video Link:Blackview BV9200  is supported by  Harman AudioEFX for the first time, which is a significant step in driving forward the sound system in rugged phones. Through this cooperation, Blackview BV9200 expresses the same positive attitude to accompany users in any joyful moments. When you are listening to music, watching movies, playing games, or having calls, it catered to your needs by smart, music, movie, games, and voice modes. Blackview BV9200 brings the BWM and Mercedes-Benz-like premium audio enjoyment to the smartphone successfully. When it is the smart mode, all the sound quality is universally optimized; music mode intensifies music rhythm; movie mode provides live stereo sound; game mode helps the game sound effect real, and voice mode perfectly eliminates call noise. In addition, another complement to its sound is dual smart-PA BOX speakers, providing incredibly high-quality voice with maximum volume.ArcSoft Camera: 16MP front camera & 50 MP with  8MP Rear CamerasWhen it comes to the camera, Blackview BV9200 demonstrates the breakthroughs made in its camera performance by achieving a 30%  improvement in color reproduction.  BV9200 is equipped with 50MP Samsung® JN1 rear camera as the primary camera, which is making great upgrades in the image color fidelity while taking pictures of people, subjects, and scenery. The ancillary camera is an 8MP Rear Camera that supports 120° ultra-wide and up to 1 cm ultra-macro. As a result, you’ll get a stunning architectural image with a 120° ultra-wide shooter, as well as amazing close-up images of the tiny universe with a 1 cm ultra-macro shooter. Furthermore, there is a 16MP front-facing snapper,  which enables true-tone photography regardless of age, gender, and race, providing high accuracy of skin.Blackview BV9200 is powered by Arcsoft technology, which boosts photography performance by 15%, escorting you to capture exciting moments at any time. Thanks to Arcsoft technology, BV9200 upgrades the photo modes to the third generation with HDR Mode 3.0, Beauty  Mode 3.0,  Portrait  Mode 3.0, and  Panorama Mode 3.0.  HDR Mode 3.0 makes lifelike images in high-contrast situations; Beauty  Mode 3.0 automatically adjusts your portrait to create a visually pleasing photo;  Portrait  Mode 3.0  lets you take sharp-focused photos against the blurred background; Panorama Mode 3.0 helps you take images with elongated fields of view. Apart from that, Blackview BV9200 comes with other splendid camera modes, including super night mode, 2K 30fps video recording with beauty, and underwater mode.NO.2 Battery Life Upgrades: 5000mAh Large Battery & 66W Fast Charge &30W Wireless Charge & 5W Reverse ChargeThe larger frame of the BV9200 enables a larger battery capacity of 5000mAh, which supports up to 500 hrs standby, 37.5 hrs calling, 19.5 hrs music, 12.5 hrs web browsing, and 8.5 hrs game playing. It also lends itself to a faster wired charging speed of 66 watts, allowing its massive battery to be replenished to 20% in just five minutes. What’s more, Blackview BV9200 is bringing its revamped wireless charge to rugged phones this time with 30W wireless charging, freeing up your hands while charging. To further facilitate users, Blackview BV9200 delivers an enhanced level of charging experience with 5W Reverse Charge which is an ideal solution for quickly powering up your everyday accessories especially outdoors. With Coulometer, users can benefit from advanced battery accuracy and control charging status at all times. For security, Blackview BV9200 carried out charging protection with intelligent and customized modes for over-charging protection. If it is intelligent charging protection, the phone will stop charging until the battery is up to  80%, whereas customized charging protection is free to set the charging zone from 70% to 90%.NO. 3 Efficiency Upgrades: MediaTek Helio G96 & 8GB RAM +6GB Expansion & 256GB ROM +1TB TF ExpansionBlackview BV9200 is powered by Octa-core MediaTek Helio G96, which boosts energy efficiency and latency of processing, delivering a leap in the smooth, fast, and multitask connectivity experiences for users. It has 8GB of RAM onboard, which can be expanded virtually up to  14 GB with the 6GB RAM Plus feature, backing you up to run different kinds of tasks simultaneously without any lags. Storage capacity is offered up to 256GB with a 1TB expandable option via TF card, providing plenty of storage space and saving the hassle of another cloud storage. Another selling point is the integrated cooling system, which increases the cooling capacity by 15% and reduces the CPU temperature by 10°C, keeping your phone cooled off.No.4  Personality Upgrades: Doke OS 3.1 Based on Android 12Blackview BV9200  becomes the first device to receive the new Doke 3.1 update,  which marks a new stage in software development. Thanks to the tremendous effort of the team, users can enjoy a fully optimized operating experience with convenience and simplicity. It focuses on unleashing unprecedented performance by Low Memory killers,  delivering autonomic management of memory to make process-killing decisions. That’s no doubt that it brings some new apps such as New Focus Mode App and New Health App. The new focus mode app contains five modes including No-play Mode, Meditation Mode, Work & Sport & Read Mode, helping you maintain your focus by limiting the usage of selected apps. It’s fresh to pack with Health App which is served as the digital well-being feature with sports and health metric recording. Speaking of games, Blackview BV9200 takes full advantage of game modes to unlock next-level gaming experience with power saving mode, normal mode, and performance mode. Additionally,  Pre-Loading improves the average app-launching speed by 10% and saves your time waiting for the App-loading. NO.5 Practicality Upgrade: MIL-STD-810H &IP68 & IP69K&1.2m Death Broke CamerasBlackview BV9200 boasts a MIL-STD-810H-certified body that’s drop-proof up to 1.2m high combined with Leading IP68 & IP69K Rated Waterproofness that’s waterproof up to 1.5m deep for 30 mins, which can survive extreme weather and environments. Along with those regular ratings for resistance, it features a sturdy frame with Aluminium alloy sides and thickened rubber around the corners for a stronger grip and better shock absorption. Even for the camera, It’s making a  significant advancement in camera ruggedness with its drop-proof performance withstanding a 1.2m death broke.Other highlights:Blackview BV9200, as an eligible rugged phone, is no less astounding in terms of practical performance. The 4-in-1 navigation system ensures your safety by providing accurate location, and the glove mode satisfies your need to work with gloves with enhanced touch sensitivity. With Multi-function NFC, It’s convenient for the contactless transfer of payments and data. It also includes some basic but important features such as  Customized Shortcut Button, Multi-touch with 10 points, and a Fingerprint sensor & power button 2-in-1 key. Especially for digital tools, there are a bunch of professional apps to help you get the job done, including Compass, HeightMeasure,  Torch, SoundMeter, and so on.Price & AvailabilityThe world premiere of Blackview BV9200 starts from January 9th to 13th, 2023 PST at only $199.99 (down from $399.99) with 50% off! Want to buy it? Click here for more information.

Notable strategies to enhance your LinkedIn sales outcomes

Every sales campaign initiated seeks to catch new clients and retain old ones for optimal sales returns with high profits. However, the evolution of social media marketing platforms such as LinkedIn requires equal robustness and innovativeness in the sales department. The discussion herein reflects upon some of the notable LinkedIn sales strategies that will help reach phenomenal outreach and conversion levels. The following are LinkedIn headlines for sales managers examples indicating the most effective strategies:Appealing LinkedIn Sales BioThe LinkedIn account receives constant traffic by implementing professional strategies that attract client attention. However, additional effort to improve the client’s first perception of your profile outlook makes your account an interesting destination for buyers. The bio should be one attractive summary of your business services to capture client interest instantly. You should focus on outdoing any competitor bios in the same niche as your business to the majority of the customers on the market.    Short Product-Centered Profile DescriptionYour profile description should be wholesome, informative, and pleasing to read. It should capture the basics of your business objective while promoting the product as the main point of focus. Every visitor visiting the page must leave with interest to discover more about the product from the captivating qualities and benefits listed. However, you should be frank with the description, making it brief yet informative to the audience reading it online.Priority Ranking for Product DetailsThe product details you upload should aim to answer several client questions whenever they encounter your marketing page. For example, you can acknowledge the consumer need and detail specific product qualities that solve those needs. You can also detail the additional qualities, including environment friendliness, shelf life, and cost or offers. The most important thing is prioritizing the most crucial product information for potential buyers to gain interest at first sight. The price and beneficial product qualities will make your sales experience worthwhile because clients want to see such details.   Optimization via Relatable KeywordsKeyword optimization will also make you a top LinkedIn account with a huge client base interacting with your sales content. However, having profound product marketing content will not do the trick of attracting optimal traffic to your account. The best strategy in this scenario is to optimize your content by including relatable keywords and buzzwords. Focus on including words and phrases that receive regular search traffic to convert such numbers into leads that become consumers.Providing Contact Details for Clients to Reach OutConstant engagement with customers at a personal level allows the establishment of a rapport between the sales team and the audience. It is thus advisable to include your contact details on the LinkedIn page for easier availability whenever a prospect needs extra details. The details include phone numbers and email addresses providing access to the help desk.   ConclusionLinkedIn’s role in creating favorable sales marketing conditions for a business is undeniable when handled with expertise. The platform has several software integrations that efficiently deliver unmatched sales outcomes. The points above elaborate on the best practice when creating a professional LinkedIn profile in anticipation of capturing and keeping consumers. A clear bio and description with optimized keywords urge clients to discover more via contact details included on the page.EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement

Verizon offers 5G Home Internet for as low as $25

In a bid to grow its home internet base, Verizon has expanded its offer to drop the price of its 5G Home Internet and 4G LTE home internet options to as low as $25 per month.The Vice President of Marketing strategy and segment planning at Verizon said that with this offer, the carrier is seeking “to just make sure that they get a little bit of extra savings, plus a little bit extra holiday cheer this year.”The carrier’s move seems to be a plan to tackle rival T-Mobile who earlier this month gave its customers a similar deal.What’s in it for subscribers?Of course, this offer is for a limited time and those who desire to get Verizon Home Internet, including 5G Home, LTE Home and Fios can start by paying just $25 with any Verizon unlimited plan. Those who have an account with at least one line may start at $30 per month or more.Other customers who may benefit include the ones on postpaid shared data plans, legacy unlimited plans, and the newest unlimited plans.See Also: Verizon is adopting RCS and Google Messages beginning 2022Something for all in the familyFor those already on the family plan in situations where not everyone in the family lives in the same place, they could sign up for multiple 5G Home or 4G LTE home internet options – all at discounted rates.Although the offer is already ongoing, Fios should commence this week. It will be available for users who live in areas where Fios is available. The carrier hopes to include the wired broadband option.According to a release published by Verizon, its customers can take advantage of all the promos available, including the 10-Year-Price Guarantee.To start enjoying these benefits, customers can visit Verizon website, add their addresses, and sign up.Verizon is doing its best to service over 40 million households with wireless home internet. If you haven’t been enjoying this service, you may need to check your address on its website. That should let you know if this service is available where you live.

A guide to inviting people to follow your LinkedIn page

LinkedIn is a popular social media platform for professionals and businesses of all sizes. It can build relationships, promote products or services, share news and updates, and more. One way to make your presence on LinkedIn even more effective is by automatically inviting people to follow your page. Here are some tips on inviting more people to follow your page. Create an Engaging Profile The first step in getting people interested in following your page is creating a profile that stands out from the rest. Ensure the profile includes detailed information about yourself, such as what you do professionally, what industry you are in, any awards or recognitions you may have received, etc. This ensures that the potential followers will know who they are dealing with before deciding whether they want to follow your page. Moreover, add relevant keywords throughout the profile, so users searching within those topics will find yours easier than they will find others. Identifying the Target Audience Once your profile is set up, it is time to start identifying who would be interested in following your company on LinkedIn. Do some research into who already follows similar pages to get an idea of the types of people you should target. You can also use LinkedIn’s Audience Insights tool to understand better who is in your target market and where they are located.Invite Connections Another great way to get people interested in following your page is by sending them personalized invitations through their connections list on LinkedIn. This allows you to target specific individuals—such as peers who work in the same field as yourself—and allows potential followers to understand better who you are and what your page is about. Post Engaging Content Once you have created an engaging profile and invited connections to follow your page, it is important to post content that will keep them coming back for more. Try posting industry-relevant news stories and original content, such as blog articles or videos related to the topics you cover on your page. This helps build trust with followers while providing them with valuable information they can use in their professional lives. Utilize Automation Tools Finally, automation tools allow users to set up automated messages inviting potential followers to check out their LinkedIn page. These tools make it easier to reach out and connect with people without having to send individual invitations each time manually. Many of these tools offer analytics so you can track how successful the campaigns are and adjust accordingly if needed. Conclusion Inviting people to follow your LinkedIn page automatically is a great way for businesses or professionals looking for greater online visibility on this platform. By creating an engaging profile, sending personalized invitations through connection lists, posting relevant content regularly, and utilizing automation tools where applicable, you can always ensure that your presence on LinkedIn remains strong and that as many people as possible see your page.EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement

Get Verizon Home Internet available for only $25 per month

Verizon is making things easier for those on the 5G network as regards unlimited internet, effective immediately. The Plan, known as Welcome Unlimited plan, published on the carrier’s website offers unlimited talk, text, and data for subscribers.Why Welcome Unlimited plan?Verizon explains this as a commitment to enable consumers save without sacrifice in 2023. However, this offer is only for a limited time. This offer runs for three-year duration that excludes taxes and fees. What this means for consumers is saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality when it comes to owning a device.Quick look at the plansTaking a look at Verizon’s best plan ever, subscribers can get their 5G fully loaded, meaning they can get more especially when it comes to music. Subscribers can enjoy this plan with $55 for one line per month. Users enjoy unlimited 5G Ultra Wideband. This is beneficial, for 5G network is ten times faster than 4G.See Also: Verizon announces +play entertainment hubConsumers also get unlimited high-speed data that won’t slow down no matter what they do. High quality video streaming is also available. Furthermore, the most attractive part to the plan is the Verizon Home Internet available for only $25 per month.That’s getting 50 percent off the normal Verizon 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plan. On the other hand, interested consumers may get Fios internet and save with the Mobile + Home Discount both as low as $25.Other plans offering similar perks include the 5G Play More, 5G Do More, 5G start, and the only plan meant for iPhone – One Unlimited for iPhone. All plans attract the Verizon Home Internet for only $25 per month.Better yet, the $25 per line per month on Verizon’s 5G Nationwide network is locked for three years. Consumers will be able to test and see just how powerful 5G is, especially when it comes to enjoying full blast entertainment.

Zhiyun Fiveray F100 Light Stick Review

One of the most important tools in photography or videography is not the camera, it’s lighting. Even a bad camera can take a good photo or video with the proper lighting. Photographers use light to sculpt a subject in the same way a painter uses a brush and paint.For that reason, I’m always on the lookout for new lighting tools to use. Over the years, I’ve experimented with big studio strobes, small camera flashes, various hot lights, and now LED lights such as Zhiyun’s Fiveray F100 Light Stick.Zhiyun is more widely known for its lineup of popular camera and smartphone stabilizers, but the company began dipping its toes into lighting with the Fiveray FR100C earlier this year. Now, Zhiyun is back with an upgraded pro version dubbed the Fiveray F100.Luckily, we were able to get our hands on one from Zhiyun for this review.DesignLike many other light sticks, the Fiveray F100 uses a slender design measuring nearly 20-inches in length, is almost two-inches wide, and weighs in at a little over two pounds. It has a handle at the bottom with a rubberized grip to make it easier to hold with a small display, scroll wheel, and power button on the back used for controlling the light.The back is lined with six fans for cooling, and there is a 1/4-inch threaded hole on the bottom that perfectly fits a tripod or most light stands. On the side, there is a USB Type-C and barrel connector hidden under a flap that is used for charging the six built-in 2600mAh batteries that power up the F100.Along with the F100 Light Stick, there is a padded case and a few light modifiers which helps set it apart from the previous FR100C model. The case feels fantastic and has plenty of space for the F100, the included modifiers, and more. There’s even a handle to make carrying it around easier.Speaking of modifiers, the Fiveray F100 comes with all the basic attachments you’d need to shape light. There’s a bracket that snaps onto the unit with barn doors attached that allows you to slide on a softbox or grid.User experienceUsing the Zhiyun Fiveray F100 is fairly simple. After powering on the light stick, you can use the power button to swap between options on the display, while the scroll wheel will adjust the value you have selected.Pressing the top button will cycle you through the three different modes on the F100, including standard lighting for photos and videos, an HSI mode for RGB lighting, and a video effects mode.All of these modes work remarkably well, with the standard lighting mode giving you the ability to change the color temp between 2700K-6200K, as well as being able to adjust the intensity. The HSI mode gives you access to a wide range of colors and has controls for Hue, Saturation, and Intensity of the light. While the video effects mode is very useful for filmmakers featuring standards such as candlelight, flickering TV, lightning, and more.Navigating and adjusting the different values works well, and bonus tip, double pressing the power button will quickly jump you to the first value, the middle, or the end. That makes it much quicker to change the brightness, color, or other settings without having to scroll the wheel for days.PerformanceThe Zhiyun Fiveray F100 is quite small and dimmer than the lights I normally use coming in at only 100W or 20708 lux. However, I soon found that it was not quite as dim as I thought, it was just a more tightly focused beam of light than I’m used to working with.Regardless, I still needed to bump my ISO up to 400 or 800 instead of the usual 200 that I typically shoot at. That’s still workable for most cameras these days, and even though I lost some intensity, I gained more freedom and creative choices with my lighting using the F100.Usually, I’m lugging around heavy lights with big modifiers searching for plugs to power them, running extension cords, or charging tons of batteries to power up pocket strobes. Not so with the Zhiyun Fiveray F100. This compact light stick and all of its modifiers are lightweight and ultra-portable.They can be used attached to light stands or tripods using the mounting screw on the bottom or handheld. Although, I’d feel a little uneasy about mounting it sideways putting all that stress on the screw mount, and despite how lightweight the F100 is, holding it handheld can get a little tiring after a bit. Still, I found a variety of ways to mount and handhold the F100 while shooting.Zhiyun F100 with diffuser and reflectorThat gave me a lot of freedom to play with different setups and I found the modifiers to be invaluable. The bare light of the F100 was a little harsh in my opinion. Although, it’s still useable–especially if you feather it to the side–but adding the included diffuser is ideal. It does a lot to soften up your shadows and give a broader more even light to the scene.I also loved playing with the barn doors and the grid when using it as a second or third light in my setup. Additionally, the HSI mode makes it so much easier and fun to play with colors while lighting. It’s way more convenient than messing around with gels on your lights.Taken with two Zhiyun Light SticksFor example, I was able to use the Zhiyun light stick to add a pop of blue backlighting to the photo I’ve posted above of the Lego Spider-Man bust. It really adds a lot to the feel of the image, and that shot was lit entirely with Zhiyun light sticks. I also used my smartphone to take all the photos in these examples, to show that you don’t need a DSLR to take nice pictures as long as you have proper lighting. The fixed f/1.8 aperture also helped me keep the ISO low for these images.Zhiyun F100 used with a reflectorSpecial note to all of you videographers and streamers, the fans on the F100 run while using the light. It doesn’t seem to kick on that often unless you’re working at high intensities or you’ve had it on for a long period of time. Thankfully, in my experience, the fans were barely audible, even when running it at full brightness.Video effectsSpeaking of videographers, the Zhiyun Fiveray F100 offers a variety of effects lighting for video. These include, SOS, Fire, TV, Flash, Faulty bulb, and Candle. I tested these out a bit and found that they all worked well and some can be essential for creating a mood while filming. However, I was disappointed that there was not a police light setting, as this is a commonly used effect while filming.Additionally, it would have been ideal if there was a way to adjust the speed of the effect, because most of these are just strobing lights of one color or another. Having control over the timing of the flashing would really take this light stick to another level.Battery lifeOne of my biggest concerns with the Fiveray F100 was the battery life. Zhiyun rates it for only 30 minutes of continuous use at 100% brightness. That’s not a whole lot of time and when you’re trying to keep your ISO as low as possible, you’re usually going to want to shoot at 100% brightness.To get around this, I found myself setting up shots at a lower brightness and then cranking it to 100% and adjusting settings for the final photo. There’s also a high-speed charger you can purchase from Zhiyun that allows you to run it at high outputs consistently without worrying about battery life. I didn’t have one of those to test, but it would be worth investing in if you do a lot of videography.If you shoot a lot of still life, you can also use a tripod and longer exposure time to compensate and keep the brightness lower. That will allow you to shoot for hours, as the F100 is rated for a little over five and a half hours when set to 10W.On the bright side, when it comes time to charge up, the Fiveray F100 supports 100W charging through the USB Type-C port and that makes topping it off much quicker.Final thoughtsOver the past few weeks, I’ve really fallen in love with the Zhiyun Fiveray F100 light stick. It’s not perfect, but the F100 excels at being a compact versatile lighting tool with all of its various modes and modifiers. It only lacks a little in intensity and battery life, but more than makes up for those shortcomings by offering tons of controls and freedom when lighting up your scene.My biggest problem now is that I want more of them. One F100 and a reflector can do a decent job lighting up a single subject, but with a few of them, you’d be able to tackle much larger projects.Furthermore, I wish there was a bracket that allowed for the F100 to be mounted horizontally. I often preferred the look of the light when horizontal vs. vertical, but it puts a lot of strain on a light stand due to the weight. A tripod mount built into the barn door bracket would have been perfect.The Zhiyun Fiveray F100 Light Stick is currently available in black or white from Amazon and Zhiyun’s website for $249.Buy from Amazon Buy from Zhiyun

Motorola offers amazing deals on flagship smartphones this holiday season

Motorola has started sharing information on deals available for the rest of 2022. Especially in December, customers have many opportunities for discounts and gift ideas. Buyers who love Motorola devices will also have the opportunity to get coming soon deals for January 2023.Available Motorola dealsMotorola Edge: Buyers can enjoy this holiday season with $250 off the Motorola Edge, now selling at $349.99 because the deal is still on. When a buyer exchanges the older phone, they can benefit from Moto trade-in and get a new device with as low $1. The edge retail price is $599.99. It arrives with 256GB internal storage option.Motorola Edge+: Designed to unleash game-changing performance, customers can get up to $100 extra-discount with trade-in. They have the opportunity to choose between two colors of cosmos blue and stardust white. The internal storage is great at 512GB. Buyers can get up to $500 off when they purchase at the price of $499.99. Moto G 5G: This device could be owned with as low as $14 per month. The retail price is $399.99 but for this holiday season, buyers can get it for as low as $249.99. It comes in moonlight gray color and has 256GB internal storage.Moto G Stylus 5G: Interested buyers can get up to $50 extra-discount with trade-in. The device sells for $499.99 at the retail price but for this holiday season, buyers can get it for as low as $299.99. Enjoy either steel blue or seafoam green colors when you buy. The internal storage is 512GB.See Also: Motorola MA1 reviewMotorola Razr: Buyers will get up to &800 off the iconic Motorola Razr. Get it now for only $599.99. This device is powerful, and it comes with a beautiful flappable design. It comes in three colors of liquid mercury, polished graphite, and blush gold. The internal storage is 256GB.Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: This one is all the rave now, and you could start the New Year in style in Pantone Color of the Year Viva Magenta. Get it for only $799.99 with the Moto BUDS 600 ANC. Buyers can also get it in Neptune blue color. The internal storage is 256GB. According to a previous statement, Motorola wants users to find inspiration for everyday adventures.Coming soonBy January 12, 2023, buyers will be able to unlock the new Moto G Play at the price of $169.99. At that time, it will be available universally unlocked.