Weekend Recommender: Cool Gadgets and Essential Non-Tech Innovations

In this week’s “Weekend Recommender,” we’re excited to present a diverse range of gadgets and lifestyle products. Given the ever-changing technological landscape, it’s easy to overlook the many devices and gadgets that can enhance our lives, entertain us, or add efficiency to our daily routines.

Our hand-picked selection this week spans from the latest in tech products to a few non-technical items also deserving of a look. Whether you’re a hardcore tech adopter, a typical gadget geek, or simply looking for that next gift idea, our lineup is here to help. Dive into our carefully chosen list and uncover the extraordinary and inventive products awaiting you this weekend!

Baseus Eli Sport 1 Open-Ear TWS Earbuds

The Baseus Eli Sport 1 Open-Ear TWS Earbuds ($80) employ an open-ear design, using a guided air conduction driver to deliver your music without the discomfort of having something inside your ear canal. This feature is perfect for those who find traditional in-ear options painful or intrusive.

Notably, the Green earbuds are equipped with fluorescent ear hooks and offer innovative dual-wearing modes, ensuring they stay secure during any activity while adding a touch of style. They are IPX4 waterproof, making them suitable for workouts or jogs in light rain. With a large 16.2mm driver, the sound quality is rich and full, providing an immersive audio experience.

The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable, lag-free connection up to 10 meters away from your device. They offer about 7.5 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case extending total listening time to around 30 hours.

For those looking for a blend of style, comfort, and performance in their audio gear, the Baseus Eli Sport 1 offers a compelling option. Whether you’re an active person needing a secure fit during movements, or simply someone who enjoys listening to music without the discomfort of traditional earbuds, these open-ear TWS earbuds are worth considering.


Nomatic Access Sling

The Nomatic Access Sling ($60) is the perfect accessory for those who value both functionality and security in their daily hustle. This compact yet spacious sling offers versatility in wear, easily transitioning from a waist pack to a shoulder sling, catering to your comfort and style preferences. It’s designed with organization in mind, featuring internal mesh pockets that keep essentials like your phone, keys, and wallet neatly arranged and easily accessible.

One of the Access Sling’s standout features is the RFID safe pocket, ingeniously placed on the back to secure your credit cards and ID from electronic pickpocketing. Coupled with water-resistant materials and tamper-resistant zippers, this sling ensures your belongings are safeguarded against both digital and physical threats.

Available in five colors, the Nomatic Access Sling is not just about security; it’s also about enduring style and resilience. Whether you’re navigating the urban jungle or embarking on a casual outing, this sling is built to last, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable, stylish, and secure carrying solution for their daily essentials.


GameSir X2S Type-C Mobile Gaming Controller

Designed to accommodate the modern gamer’s needs, the GameSir X2S ($45) seamlessly integrates with a wide array of cloud gaming platforms such as Xbox/Shadow Cloud Gaming, Google Stadia, and Vortex, as well as supports popular native games like Fortnite and Modern Combat 5. Its durable stretch design allows the device to fit smartphones up to 168 mm in length and 1 cm in thickness, ensuring a wide range of compatibility.

A standout feature is the controller’s adjustable Type-C port, offering up to 51° of movement, which simplifies the connection process and minimizes wear on your phone’s port. Additionally, the X2S includes a convenient screenshot button, allowing you to capture and save your finest gaming moments with a single click. The controller’s design also promotes air circulation, preventing your phone from overheating during extended play sessions.

Operating without a battery, the GameSir X2S draws minimal power directly from the phone, alleviating concerns about excessive battery drainage. This controller is ideal for gamers looking to enhance their mobile gaming with a more traditional gaming feel, without compromising on device compatibility or gaming duration. And who doesn’t love that retro Super NES design?


Dreo Purifier Tower Fan MC710S

Transform your living space with DREO’s innovative purifier tower fan MC710S ($269), a standout in their new Multicomfort product series. This cutting-edge device merges the functionality of a high-velocity tower fan with a powerful air purifier, thanks to its pioneering dual-motor design. It’s an all-in-one solution designed for those who cherish both a cool breeze and a clean, healthy environment at home.

The MC710S not only circulates air with remarkable efficiency, thanks to its 2.3 times faster wind speed compared to traditional single motor fans but also purifies it, projecting clean and fresh air up to 40 feet away. This makes it perfect for any room size, providing customizable comfort for different scenarios, whether you’re looking to purify the air during winter or cool off in the summer heat.

DREO’s commitment to innovation doesn’t stop with performance. The MC710S is designed to operate quietly, ensuring that your peace and quiet are undisturbed. Moreover, its integration with the DREO APP allows you to monitor air quality, temperature, and the fan’s operational status conveniently from your smartphone, adding a layer of smart technology to your home’s air management system.


Aer Tech Pack 3

Meet the Aer Tech Pack 3 ($219), your ultimate companion for navigating the tech-centric world with ease and style. Designed with a keen eye on the needs of the modern professional, this backpack is more than just a storage solution; it’s a smart, sophisticated way to carry your essential gadgets and gear. Crafted from durable 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon, which is bluesign approved for its sustainable production processes, the Tech Pack 3 marries functionality with environmental consciousness.

Its structured design not only gives it a sleek, minimalist look but also ensures it stands upright, keeping your belongings easily accessible. The backpack features a spacious main compartment for your everyday items, alongside a quick-access, softly lined laptop pocket that can fit devices up to 16 inches. For tech enthusiasts, the smart organization system efficiently houses all tech essentials, while additional pockets, including a hidden one for a smart tracker, ensure that everything has its place.

Notably, the bag includes a water-resistant zipper for the laptop compartment and an exterior pocket for a water bottle, enhancing its practicality. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to a café for a change of scenery, or traveling, the Aer Tech Pack 3’s durability, thoughtful design, and smart features make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to keep their tech organized on the go.


Androids: The Team That Built the Android Operating System

We lived through the earliest days of Android, paying particularly close attention to it, so we appreciate when someone takes the time to chronicle the first few years.

Androids: The Team That Built the Android Operating System ($15) offers an unparalleled glimpse into the journey from a small duo struggling to attract investment for camera software to a powerhouse team within Google, now delivering an OS to over three billion devices globally.

This narrative, crafted from firsthand accounts, sheds light on the blend of passion, creativity, and perseverance required to scale software development to astronomical heights. The insights shared by Dave Burke, VP of Android Engineering, and Dianne Hackborn, Android Framework Engineer, among others, enrich the book’s exploration of the early challenges and triumphs of the Android team.

Highlighting the evolution of Android, this book is a must-read for tech enthusiasts, aspiring developers, and anyone curious about the making of a product that powers a vast majority of the world’s smartphones. Through the lens of those who navigated uncharted technological waters, readers will find a story of innovation, teamwork, and a relentless drive to create something groundbreaking.

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