TECNO continues to push the boundaries of smartphone innovation with the introduction of two new models: the PHANTOM V Fold2 5G and the PHANTOM V Flip2 5G. These second-generation foldable smartphones cater to both productivity enthusiasts and style aficionados, blending advanced technology with elegant design.
The PHANTOM V Fold2 5G is designed for those who crave a large screen without sacrificing portability. Featuring a dual-display setup, it boasts a 6.42-inch outer screen and a sprawling 7.85-inch main display, both running at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate with LTPO technology. This setup is perfect for multitasking, whether you’re drafting emails or diving into creative projects. Powering the device is a hefty 5750mAh Aircell battery paired with 70W fast charging, ensuring you stay connected throughout the day. The Ultra-Clear Five Camera Imaging System and the new PHANTOM V Pen stylus add layers of functionality, making it a versatile tool for both work and play.
On the flip side, the PHANTOM V Flip2 5G caters to those who appreciate a blend of style and smart features in a compact form. Its standout feature is the infinity pool-inspired ThruPool cover screen, a 3.64-inch display that integrates seamlessly into the phone’s sleek, curved body. This cover screen supports over 2,000 apps, allowing users to manage tasks without unfolding the phone—perfect for quick updates or a discreet glance at notifications. Underneath its chic exterior lies TECNO’s latest AI suite, including the Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant, AI Artboard, and AI Writing tools, ensuring that intelligence is always at your fingertips.
Smart Features Meet Elegant Design
Both models are equipped with TECNO’s advanced AI suite, enhancing user experience through intelligent assistance and creative tools. The Ella AI Assistant handles everything from setting wallpapers to answering queries, while AI Artboard and AI Wallpaper let users transform simple sketches into stunning artworks or create personalized backgrounds from text descriptions. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the sophisticated camera systems: the Fold2 5G offers three 50MP cameras for versatile shooting, and the Flip2 5G features a 50MP main camera with optical-grade lossless zoom for picture-perfect moments.
The Fold2 5G’s dual screens provide ample space for multitasking, supported by aerospace-grade hinges that ensure durability with up to 400,000 folds. Meanwhile, the Flip2 5G’s ThruPool cover screen not only adds a touch of elegance but also offers practical functionality with its high-resolution display and quick access to apps. Both devices emphasize user convenience with long-lasting batteries and rapid charging capabilities—50% charge in under 20 minutes for the Fold2 and even quicker 50% in 15 minutes for the Flip2.
Battery Life That Keeps Up with You
Battery anxiety becomes a thing of the past with TECNO’s latest offerings. The Fold2 5G’s 5750mAh battery powers through up to 9.22 hours of TikTok scrolling and 19.03 hours of Facebook browsing. The Flip2 5G isn’t far behind with its 4720mAh Super Battery, ensuring you stay powered during your busiest days. Both models feature fast charging technologies—70W Ultra Charge for the Fold2 and a swift 15W Fast Wireless Charge for the Flip2—so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time enjoying your device.
Stylish and Sustainable
Design doesn’t take a backseat in TECNO’s latest releases. The Fold2 5G comes in Karst Green and Rippling Blue, featuring a marble-patterned fiberglass and pleated leather texture that exudes luxury. The Flip2 5G’s Rippling Blue edition, developed in partnership with LOEWE, arrives in an eco-friendly box made from plant fibers and recycled materials, reflecting TECNO’s dedication to sustainability without compromising on style.
PHANTOM V Pen: A Handy Companion
Enhancing the Fold2 5G’s functionality is the PHANTOM V Pen, a lightweight stylus that makes navigating tasks effortless. With two buttons for quick access to AI functions and various controls, the pen supports precise actions like screenshot annotation and handwriting recognition. Its 80mAh battery ensures it’s ready to assist you whenever needed, lasting up to two hours daily for two weeks.
A Camera for Every Occasion
Both smartphones feature advanced camera systems tailored to different needs. The Fold2 5G’s Ultra-Clear Five Camera Imaging System includes three 50MP cameras for versatile photography, while the Flip2 5G’s impressive setup ensures every shot is crisp and clear. Features like hands-free selfies, timelapse, and long exposure shots take advantage of the foldable designs, allowing for creative and stable photography without extra equipment.
Conclusion
With the PHANTOM V Fold2 5G and Flip2 5G, TECNO delivers two standout options in the foldable smartphone market. Whether you prioritize a large, versatile display or a stylish, compact design, TECNO has crafted devices that blend intelligence with elegance. These smartphones are poised to meet the diverse needs of modern users, proving that you don’t have to choose between functionality and style.
Earlier this year, OSCAL, one of the fastest growing energy technology startups, introduced its PowerMax 3600 as the world’s first rugged power station with huge success in the market, then promised more options were coming soon. Recently, OSCAL announced a new home power system, PowerMax6000 with more watts at 6000W and a new 120V/240V dual voltage output system (US version only) to power all high-powered devices with ease at home. Whether for home emergencies, outdoor activities, or industrial applications, PowerMax 6000 brings the comfort of home everywhere!
The PowerMax 6000 is a powerful home backup solution renowned for its 57.6kWh enlarged battery capacity and 6000W high power output, capable of supporting nearly all high-power devices from refrigerators to air conditioning units and more. Unlike competitors limited to 10 battery packs, it innovatively supports up to 15, expanding capacity from 3.6 kWh to an impressive 57.6 kWh, ensuring up to 30 days of continuous home backup power. Designed for versatility, the PowerMax 6000 features dual-voltage (120V/240V) AC output up to 6000W, accommodating 99% of essential devices—from drills and chainsaws to air conditioners and refrigerators. With up to 14 output ports, it effortlessly powers multiple devices for any scenario. Its charging prowess is equally impressive, delivering a maximum input of 3000W to reach 80% charge in just 69 minutes. Unlike traditional NCM/NCA batteries, it utilizes EV-grade LiFePo4 batteries with a lifespan of up to 25 years—five times longer. Technologically advanced, the PowerMax 6000 ensures uninterrupted power with an ultra-fast UPS switchover of 5-8ms, which is crucial for devices like CPAP machines. Enhanced user interaction is facilitated by TI chips, offering a 10% faster button response for a smoother operation. For convenience, it supports remote management via a smart app, enabling effortless control from anywhere.
Drawing from extensive experience in producing rugged phones, Blackview is making a revolutionary move by integrating the durable features of rugged phones into rugged power stations. Concerns about accidental drops when handling the Blackview OSCAL PowerMax 6000, such as removing it from the car or carrying it up the stairs, are mitigated by its reinforced ABS+PC material construction, making it tough enough to endure up to 0.8m vertical drops. It can be used in various environments, from fishing by wet lake edges to working at dusty construction sites, as it effectively prevents the ingress of solid particles and vertical water splashes. Whether exploring Alaska’s glaciers or traversing the vast Sahara deserts, the Blackview OSCAL PowerMax 6000 remains operational in extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C (optimal performance from -10°C to 45°C). Even during desert expeditions, the PowerMax 6000’s Anti-UV feature protects it from fading and aging due to prolonged sun exposure, while its UL94V-0 flame-retardant casing ensures safety by preventing fire hazards caused by heat generation.
The PowerMax 6000, similar to numerous power stations, provides five LED light modes to illuminate activities such as setting up tents, cooking, or reading maps at night. What sets it apart is its ability to convey additional information by adjusting brightness and flashing patterns using Morse code. This feature proves invaluable for signaling distress if users become separated from their companions in signal-free wilderness areas during exploration.
Enlarged Capacity for Any Occasion, Home Emergency, or Outdoor Backup
-Expandable Capacity From 3.6kWh to 57.6 kWh
Whether it’s portable power for outdoor camping or RVs, or home backup power for short-term outages due to severe weather or long-term energy crises, the challenge of inadequate battery capacity has long plagued users. Unlike most competitors with fixed capacities, the Blackview OSCAL PowerMax 6000 arrives with a massive 3.6 kWh capacity that can be expanded up to 57.6 kWh with battery packs. This modular model can accommodate up to 15 additional battery packs (each 3.6 kWh), maximizing its versatility for any scenario. For outdoor activities like camping or tailgating, 3.6 kWh provides sufficient power for a day. In professional fields such as disaster relief or street businesses, 28.8 kWh ensures continuous operation for up to seven days. For whole-house backup during prolonged power cuts, 57.6 kWh provides ample power for up to 30 days, assuming an average daily usage of 2 kWh. Despite its substantial capacity, the Blackview OSCAL PowerMax 6000 simplifies mobility with a luggage-like design featuring easy-pull handles and smooth-rolling wheels. This design not only eases transportation but also enhances comfort during beach trips or mountain vacations, which is especially beneficial for elderly users.
Dual-voltage for Any Appliance, High-powered or Low-powered
-6000W Power with Dual Voltage Output Plugs at 120V and 240V
If you thought the PowerMax 3600 at 3600W was big, you’d love the new PowerMax 6000 at 6000W. Its mind-boggling 6000W AC output represents a 30% increase in rated power compared to other products on the market rated at 2000W. That means that’s enough power to keep a house running with all its appliances, including a washer, dryer, heater, refrigerator, and more. And yes, when a product claims to be a home backup power, it should be able to deal with your entire home, including larger 240V appliances. Some portable power stations support only max. 120V AC output in the USA. Others may need two units and a hub or adapter to run a 240V appliance in the USA. The built-in 120V/240V dual voltage power system in the PowerMax 6000(US version only) enables a single unit to deliver both 120V and 240V output directly, ensuring that any appliance can find its match with this device. During unexpected power outages, the PowerMax 6000 ensures all your charging needs are met with its array of 14 outlets: four AC ports for appliances like electric grills, refrigerators, coffee makers, and sound systems; one Anderson port for drones; two DC5521 ports for camping lights; six USB ports for phones, tablets, and more; and one cigarette lighter port for in-vehicle devices.
Super-safe System for Any Risk, Long-Lasting Battery Life for Any Adventure
Advanced LiFePO4 Battery+Eightfold Safety Protection BMS+24/7 UPS with 5-8ms Switch
Users prioritize safety and durability when selecting a power station. Unlike many stations on the market that use ternary lithium batteries, the OSCALPowerMax6000 features EV-gradeLiFePO4batterycells that are known for their extended lifespan. It retains 80% of its capacity after 3,500 cycles, equivalent to 25 years of use if used every other day, which is 4-6 times longer than NCM batteries. Safety is paramount with an advanced eightfold protection Battery Management System (BMS) that promptly addresses potential issues such as overheating, overload discharges, and over-voltage occurrences. Plus the cooling system is enhanced with four 38mm smart temperature-activated fans that facilitate efficient heat dissipation by up to 40 ℃. What’s more, the high-temperature warning will be triggered at 55°C and the high-temperature overload protection will be activated at 58°C, protecting the device from damage by high temperature.
Like PowerMax 3600, PowerMax 6000 doubles as a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) with a switchover of less than 10ms, making it perfect for powering critical equipment like CPAP machines. If a power outage occurs while users are watching TV, preparing dinner, or working from home, the 24/7 UPS function of the OSCAL PowerMax 6000ensures users won’t be left in the dark searching for a flashlight. With a switchover time as fast as 5ms—nearly 80% quicker than competitors’ 20-30ms—it swiftly transitions to emergency backup power, minimizing disruptions such as brief light flickers. This ensures constant power to safeguard users’ computers from data loss and maintain uninterrupted operation of essential devices like fish tanks, refrigerators, and CPAP machines.
Zero-cost and Green Energy! Super-fast Recharging! Fuel up to 80% in Just 69 mins
Users often face challenges when recharging their power stations, particularly with limited charging options and slow charging speeds. Unlike conventional methods used by most power stations, such as AC, solar, car, and dual charging, the PowerMax 6000 is designed to accommodate more charging options. It includes compatibility with EV charging stations, gas generators, and lead-acid batteries. Recognizing the rising costs of gas and electricity, the PowerMax 6000 not only supports zero-cost energy sources like solar power but also facilitates charging from wind turbines and hydroelectric sources.
How can the Blackview OSCAL PowerMax 6000 help offset rising energy costs? Consider solar charging as an example. By connecting to solar panels with a maximum 2400W input, it efficiently captures and converts sunlight into usable energy within just 1.5 hours. This stored energy can be used during peak utility hours to save electricity bills. When combined with PV and AC inputs, it charges from 0% to 80% state of charge (SOC) at 3000W in only 69 minutes, ensuring it can be fully charged while packing for the next trip without delay. Additionally, Blackview OSCAL offers solar panels PM100/PM200/PM400, renowned for their exceptional transformation efficiency of 21.7% to 23%, providing a steady output of 100W, 200W, or 400W to replenish the battery. With a fold-and-go design, users can easily transport them for camping or any adventure.
User-friendly Control with Smart App+Eco-friendly Operation without Fumes & Noise
Users of power stations, particularly elderly ones, often encounter difficulties due to complex operations. The OSCAL PowerMax 6000 addresses this with an oversized LCD display featuring easy-to-read fonts, complemented by thumb-sized buttons for intuitive control. Operating the device is effortless thanks to the built-in TI chip, which offers a 10% faster button response compared to devices using Etron chips. What’s even better is the inclusion of a Smart app for remote control, where users can access to monitor and control remotely for ongoing management. Unlike gas generators, it operates silently at a maximum of 50dB (fully loaded) without emitting toxic fumes, ensuring suitability even in confined spaces.
CRKD has made a splash by launching a new lineup of licensed Rocket League gaming collectibles, available for pre-order now. With only 10,000 units per item set to be released worldwide, these products are expected to fly off the shelves. After they’re gone, there will be no restocks.
Nitro Deck+ Rocket League Gold Edition with Carry Case
NEO S Rocket League Gold Edition with Charging Dock
Each item is designed to not only serve as a high-performance controller but also to showcase stunning artwork inspired by the popular game.
Details on the Rocket League Collection
Nitro Deck Rocket League Silver Edition
This controller caters to Nintendo Switch fans eager to enhance their handheld gaming. With Hall Effect thumbsticks to combat joystick drift and programmable back buttons for customizable commands, comfort and endurance are at the forefront. It’s ideal for both couch gaming and portability, all for the price of $59.99 / €69.99 / £59.99.
Nitro Deck+ Rocket League Gold Edition with Carry Case
This upgraded version features a symmetrical thumbstick layout and additional programmable ‘Sidekick’ buttons for an improved gaming experience. HDMI compatibility allows for seamless TV play, which is essential for fast-paced Rocket League action. Supporting Bluetooth connectivity and firmware updates, this controller comes with a handy carry case as well, retailing at $89.99 / €99.99 / £89.99.
NEO S Rocket League Gold Edition with Charging Dock
For those who enjoy retro aesthetics combined with modern functionality, the NEO S is a strong contender. It features Hall Effect thumbsticks and wireless capability, catering to various devices, from Nintendo Switch to mobile or PC. It even includes a themed charging dock to keep the controller ready for action, available for $59.99 / €69.99 / £59.99.
Collector’s New Hub: The True Collection System
CRKD has introduced the ‘True Collection System,’ a complimentary app for iOS and Android that allows users to register their Rocket League collectibles. This app provides product tracking, rarity data, and a platform for bragging rights. Users can also adjust their controller settings via the CRKD CTRL feature, which works through Bluetooth connectivity.
Pre-Order Information
Pre-orders are currently live for the Rocket League Collection:
Samsung has expanded its M-series portfolio by launching a new Samsung Galaxy M05 entry-level smartphone. Samsung’s M series devices offer a long-lasting battery life, decent camera capabilities, and a great viewing experience. Samsung packs a decent set of features in its latest budget-range smartphone. Let’s take a look at the detailed specs and pricing.
The Samsung Galaxy M05 has a 6.7-inch HD+ display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate support. Its larger screen makes it perfect for binge-watching shows, scrolling through social media, or multitasking, offering an immersive viewing experience with crystal-clear visuals.
Samsung went with the MediaTek processor for its entry-level smartphone. The Galaxy M05 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 processor paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which effortlessly handles day-to-day tasks and casual gaming. The processor is power-efficient enough to handle multitasking, enabling users to run multiple apps without any lag or stutter.
For lenses, there’s a dual camera setup at the back, consisting of a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a LED flash. On the front, it has an 8MP shooter for capturing selfies and video chats. It houses a massive 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast wired charging support.
The device runs on the latest Android 14 based on One UI Core 6.0 out of the box. Samsung promises 2 major updates (up to Android 16) and four years of security patches for the entry-level Galaxy M05 smartphone, which is impressive.
The Samsung Galaxy M05 is priced at INR 7,000 (roughly $95) for a single 4GB + 64GB variant. It comes in a single Mint Green color option. Speaking of availability, the Galaxy M05 will soon be available via Samsung’s official website, Amazon, and other authorized retailers.
Acer has launched three new gaming PCs in its Nitro and Predator portfolio – the Predator Orion 7000 desktop, the Nitro V14, and the Nitro V16 gaming laptop. Acer’s new gaming PCs boast high-performance features, making them well-balanced and versatile devices for college students, gamers, and casual users. Here’s everything you need to know about the Acer’s latest gaming PCs.
Acer Nitro V14 and Nitro V16
Acer’s latest Nitro V14 is powered by AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor paired with Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. It packs up to 32GB DDR5 RAM and up to 2TB PCle Gen 4 NVMe SSD. The AMD’s Ryzen 8040 series processor aims to deliver reliable performance and incredible battery life. Acer also incorporated an AI-powered DLSS 3.5 technology into the latest Nitro V14, ensuring stunning visuals at high frame rates.
The Nitro V14 features a stunning 14.5-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600px) resolution display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 16:10 aspect ratio, 3ms response time, and 100% sRGB color gamut support, offering a crystal clear visual experience during gaming and creative work. The laptop also has a dedicated MUX (multiplexer) switch, allowing users to manually enable or disable the iGPU for an increase in graphics performance while playing AAA titles.
On the other hand, the Nitro V16 comes with an Intel chipset. Powered by an Intel Core i7-14650HX processor paired with Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, effortlessly handles all types of productivity tasks and AAA titles without any lags or stuttering. The laptop ships with up to 32GB of RAM and up to 2TB PCle Gen 4 NVMe SSD. There is a dual-fan cooling system inside with a quad-intake and quad-exhaust system that draws cold air from the top keyboard and button cover and expels heat through side and rear vents, keeping the device cool under heavy load conditions.
You get a larger 16-inch WQXGA (2500 x 1600) resolution panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 3ms response time. The Nitro V16 is an ideal laptop for photo/video editing, color-grading, gaming, and other fast-paced content, says Acer in its press release. Both devices run on the latest Windows 11 out of the box.
Acer Predator Orion 7000
Acer’s Predator Orion 7000 gaming monster is designed with die-hard gamers in mind. Acer packs Intel’s next-gen processors coupled with Nvidia’s top-of-the-line Geforce RTX 4090 GPU with AI-powered DLSS, ensuring a smooth and reliable gaming experience without lags or delays.
The Predator Orion 7000 comes with an advanced Predator CycloneX 360 cooling system and CPU liquid cooler which keeps the PC cool while performing heavy tasks. The CycloneX 360 utilizes a 3-in-1 fan setup and a uniquely designed flow channel to effectively dissipate heat from critical zones with maximized airflow volume and static pressure. Acer claims the cooling system boosts the desktop’s cooling efficiency by 15% while lowering the motherboard by 9°C.
As for connectivity, Acer offers plenty of standard options including lightning-fast Thunderbolt 4, the latest WiFi 7 which delivers speeds of 40 to 46 Gbps. It offers storage options of up to 4TB HDD, and 6TB PCle M.2 VVMe SSD, and SSD swap slot for further expanding the storage.
Price and Availability
The Acer Nitro V14 starts at $1,099, while the Acer Nitro V16 model is priced at $1,299. Speaking of availability, the Nitro V14 will be available in North America in October, and the Nitro V16 in September.
In what feels like a weekly occurrence lately, CUKTECH has rolled out a new product. This time around it’s the CP253L 45W Power Bank, a gadget that might just become every tech-savvy traveler’s best friend.
This portable powerhouse is all about providing a reliable energy boost for those on the go—be it long journeys, busy workdays, or simply trying to keep multiple devices charged at once. With a robust 20,000mAh battery, the CP253L is primed to recharge everything from smartphones to lightweight laptops.
Price-wise, this power bank is easy on the wallet. It can be found on Amazon UK for £26.95, complete with a 20% discount voucher, making it a steal for bargain hunters. On the other side of the Atlantic, it’s listed at $29.99 for the black version and $32.99 for the white on Amazon US, both of which come with their own promotional deals.
So what makes the CP253L tick? For anyone juggling a smartphone, tablet, or even a MacBook, this power bank is versatile enough to tackle them all. CUKTECH highlights that it can charge an iPhone 15 nearly four times (3.9 to be exact), almost three charges for a Samsung S24 Ultra, and even a complete recharge for a MacBook Air with some juice to spare. With a speedy 45W output, it can take your iPhone 15 from zero to 60% in just around half an hour. Recharging the power bank itself doesn’t require an all-night vigil—topping up to 43% in just an hour with its fast 40W input is a real treat.
The built-in USB-C cable is a stylish touch, eliminating the hassle of rummaging through bags for that elusive charging cord. No more tangles, just pure practicality for those busy moments when time is of the essence. Whether it’s iPhones, Samsungs, Google Pixels, or even your trusty AirPods, the CP253L is equipped to handle all the gadgets you throw at it.
For those who like to be informed, the power bank features a smart LED display for real-time battery tracking—no more guesswork about whether there’s enough juice left for one last charge. CUKTECH has also taken care to emphasize safety, ensuring that the CP253L meets all modern safety standards, putting users’ minds at ease when charging their favorite devices.
For those eager to snag one, the CUKTECH CP253L is available via Amazon UK for £26.95 with that extra 20% off. In the US, the black version retails for $29.99 and the white for $32.99, both sporting promotional codes and discounts.
In short, this power bank is a solid companion for anyone looking to keep their devices powered up without a hitch—perfect for anyone needing reliable battery life and fast charging on demand, all at a price that won’t make your wallet weep.
After weeks of teasing, the Chinese brand Huawei has finally unveiled the world’s first tri-fold smartphone- the Mate XT Ultimate Design. Huawei’s dual-hinged triple-screen foldable phone has an incredibly thin design, measuring just 3.6mm thin when unfolded, and weighs 298 grams. These numbers are truly impressive and set high standards for the other competitors.
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate boasts a stunning 10.2-inch (3184 x 2232px) OLED main screen, and the cover screen measures 6.4 inches. You can also use the smartphone as a standard foldable as well by folding the left section behind, which leaves you a 7.9-inch configuration. The tri-fold smartphone supports a maximum 120Hz refresh rate and 10 billion colors. Huawei claims its latest tri-fold uses AI computing to further enhance the image quality on display.
The Mate XT Ultimate trifold smartphone features an inverse dual-hinge design that allows the smartphone for external and internal bending by using dual tracks to ensure zero-gap folding.
Huawei packs a triple rear camera setup at the back, consisting of a 50MP primary sensor with PDAF and OIS support, a 12MP telephoto lens with 5.5x optical zoom, a 12MP ultrawide shooter, and a laser autofocus module. There is an 8MP punch-hole front camera for capturing stunning selfies.
Huawei hasn’t revealed the chipset details. However, the smartphone comes with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage. The device runs on HarmonyOS 4.2 based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP), meaning you won’t get any Google services. It houses a massive 5,600mAh battery with 66W wired, 50W wireless, and 7.5W reverse wireless charging support.
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design starts at 19,999 Yuan (roughly $2,809) for the base 16GB + 256GB storage model – that’s equal to two brand new iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB variant). The 16GB RAM + 512GB model retails at 21,999 Yuan (roughly $3,089), and 23,999 Yuan (roughly $3,370) for the high-end 16GB + 1TB model.
Speaking of availability, there is no word on international availability from Huawei.
As the last days of summer seem to drift away, there’s still time to squeeze in a few more backyard barbecues, beach bonfires, or impromptu park gatherings. The weather might be a little bit finnicky as it dances between summer and fall, but we’re just getting started on football season here in the US.
If this is your favorite time of the year, listen up. The SOUNDBOKS Go Bluetooth speaker is ready to make its presence felt at tailgates, under the Friday Night Lights, or wherever your team spirit takes you. It’s big, bold, and powerful, and likely set to take center stage at your next party.
This speaker isn’t for filling your living room with sound. Heck, it’s more ambitious than backyard pool parties. Indeed, it’s the perfect companion for those rowdy pre-game rallies, whether you’re firing up the grill in the parking lot or bringing the noise to the bleachers.
It’s worth acknowledging that this isn’t your typical Bluetooth speaker purchase. Priced at $699, it sits well above what most people are accustomed to spending on portable audio gear. For many, the days of picking up a decent speaker for a fraction of that cost are still fresh in mind.
The SOUNDBOKS Go Bluetooth speaker is ready to make its presence felt at tailgates, under the Friday Night Lights, or wherever your team spirit takes you.
The SOUNDBOKS Go is a considerable investment, aimed at those who value power, durability, and volume over more budget-friendly options. It’s a speaker designed to go beyond casual listening, delivering a level of performance that justifies its heftier price tag.
Let’s dive into it, shall we?
Design and Build Quality
If you’re like me, you are very precious about your tech and do your best to keep things in pristine condition. But, once the patina sets in, or the initial scuff shows up, all bets are off, especially if it’s designed to withstand the elements. Might as well have some fun with it, right?
The SOUNDBOKS Go is built like a tank, but a very stylish one. The casing is a blend of ABS and polycarbonate, with silicone rubber bumpers to help it survive those inevitable bumps and scrapes. This speaker doesn’t just laugh in the face of splashes and dust—it practically invites them over for a party. The design is all about utility, with a TPE handle on top that makes it feel like you’re carrying a 20-pound briefcase filled with fun. And once you “add a little character to it”, the speaker gets more fun.
Features and Setup
This speaker keeps it simple, focusing on what really matters: cranking out loud, clear sound. The large volume knob doubles as the power button, making it easy to dial up the volume when your favorite song comes on. The TeamUp button is a nice touch, allowing you to wirelessly connect up to five SOUNDBOKS speakers for those times when one just isn’t enough. I cannot imagine very many scenarios where you’ll need or want more than one, but there ya go.
Bluetooth 5.0 and a 3.5mm AUX input keep your connection options straightforward, though the lack of more advanced inputs means you won’t be plugging in any microphones or instruments directly. That’s fine by me, because most of the situations where you’ll have this speaker are more about pairing for a playlist in the wild – not under a desk or with a turntable.
If you want to customize your sound, the SOUNDBOKS app offers a 6-band EQ and preset DSP modes, making it easy to tweak the audio to fit your environment.
Audio Performance
The SOUNDBOKS Go is all about delivering sound that can fill a backyard, a campsite, or pretty much any outdoor space where you need to make your presence known. With a 10-inch woofer and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, this speaker isn’t just loud—it’s almost embarrassingly loud. It can hit a maximum volume of 121 dB, which is enough to ensure that the entire neighborhood knows you’re having a party.
I typically don’t mind testing speakers in the home or out back on the deck, but when I started to dial this up I was reluctant to see just how loud it got. I would be the obnoxious guy out in his back yard “doing too much”. In other words, I need the comfort of friends to put me at ease if I am going to push this speaker.
The SOUNDBOKS Go excels when you crank up the volume. It’s designed to shine in wide-open spaces, and it doesn’t disappoint. Indoors, the bass can be a bit much, but the Indoor preset helps dial it back a notch. The sound is aggressive, and the bass is strong enough to rattle windows, so if subtlety is what you’re after, this might not be your speaker.
All this is to say if you showed up at the next tailgate party with one of these, you your speaker would be the center of attention.
Battery Life
The SOUNDBOKS Go has staying power, thanks to its removable 99.84 watt-hour battery. It offers up to 40 hours of playback at moderate volume, but if you decide to go all out with the volume cranked and Bass+ mode activated, expect closer to 10 hours. The removable battery is a great feature—you can swap in a fully charged battery if you’re planning to keep the party going all night.
Charging the battery takes a bit of getting used to, as you need to remove it from the speaker and connect it to a charger. And no, you can’t just leave the charger plugged in while using the speaker, so there’s a little bit of juggling involved. But the fact that you can replace the battery means this speaker is likely to stick around for the long haul.
The SOUNDBOKS Go isn’t for filling your living room with sound. Heck, it’s more ambitious than backyard pool parties.
Value and Conclusion
The SOUNDBOKS Go is built for those who want a speaker that can make some serious noise, especially outdoors. It’s rugged, loud, and designed to take a beating. If you’re looking for a speaker to use at home in place of your living room stereo, this might not be your best bet. But if you need something to dominate an outdoor event, the SOUNDBOKS Go is tough to beat.
Awarded to products with an average rating of 3.75 stars or higher, the AndroidGuys Smart Pick recognizes a balance of quality, performance, and value.
Products with this distinction deserve to be on your short list of purchase candidates.
With its robust build, long battery life, and replaceable battery, this speaker is ready for whatever adventure you have planned. It’s not trying to be subtle, refined, or compact—it’s here to bring the party, and it does that very, very well.
I previously held the position that I was fine buying budget earphones or products and replacing them every so often. Rather, it was tough for me to justify spending the money. That was until I experienced what you’d get in a premium device. Fast forward and I now have headphones that are priced north of $300 instead of a drawer full of $50 models. The adage of “getting what you pay for” rings true.
As it pertains to speakers like the SOUNDBOKS Go, it’s hard for me to say whether or not you should spend that money. I can definitely suggest that you consider it, and I am certainly happy to recommend it – but you have to qualify and weigh it. In looking around, I find a lot of happy SOUNDBOKS consumers so I feel like its ends are justified by the means. But $50 or so off would go a really long way.
IFA 2024 brought plenty of exciting tech to the table, and it’s clear that innovation is still in full swing across the board. From practical everyday gadgets to impressive smart home gear and cutting-edge entertainment, this year’s lineup didn’t disappoint. As we sifted through the announcements and products on display, a few items stood out for their clever design, practical use, and sometimes just sheer fun.
In this roundup, we’ll take a look at some of the highlights that grabbed our attention—from a power bank that goes above and beyond to a modular smartphone that gives you more control over your device’s features. If you’re looking for smart upgrades or simply curious about what’s coming next, these products are some of the most exciting things to put on your radar.
SwitchBot Air Purifier Table
Air Purifier
The SwitchBot Air Purifier Table is a clever 2-in-1 device that blends functionality with style. Acting as both a smart air purifier and a sleek table, it fits seamlessly into any room, from living areas to bedrooms. Equipped with a powerful three-layer filtration system, it removes up to 99.97% of airborne irritants and odors, leaving your home feeling fresh and clean.
But it doesn’t stop there—this table is also a wireless charging station for your phone, adding convenience to your daily routine. With the added touch of ambient lighting and a built-in fragrance diffuser, the Air Purifier Table turns a functional piece of furniture into a subtle home upgrade. Perfect for those who love multitasking gadgets with a touch of style.
UGREEN Nexode Series
We’ve been a fan of UGREEN for more than a few years now, but we love it when a company keeps iterating and pushing forward. When it comes to charging banks, things don’t seem to be all that sexy or change too often, but that’s not the case for IFA this year. The new Nexode series of products are right up our alley and scratch itches we didn’t know we had.
The UGREEN Nexode series focuses on delivering practical charging solutions with high power and smart functionality. Leading the pack is the Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 145W, which is designed for those who need serious charging capability on the go. This power bank offers four ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously, and it’s equipped with a 100W USB-C port that can quickly charge laptops, tablets, and phones. The HD TFT smart display provides real-time updates on power usage and charging status, eliminating guesswork.
The Nexode series also includes a magnetic wireless charging pad that integrates seamlessly into your workspace. It’s handy for phone users who appreciate a clean, cable-free setup. With its compact size and versatile charging features, the Nexode line is ideal for those who need fast, reliable charging without sacrificing desk space or portability. This series is all about balancing power with practicality.
HMD Fusion
The HMD Fusion brings a fresh twist to smartphones with its modular “Smart Outfits.” These swappable attachments let you customize your phone’s look and function—whether you want a built-in ring light for perfect selfies or a gaming console for downtime. With six smart pins, snapping on these attachments is a breeze, instantly unlocking new features.
On the hardware side, the Fusion packs a 108MP rear camera and a 50MP selfie cam, loaded with fun features like Selfie Gestures and Selfie Slow-Mo. For the clumsy or adventurous, the Rugged Outfit offers dust and water protection, wireless charging, and even an emergency button.
Designed for customization, the phone is also repair-friendly, letting you swap out parts like the screen or battery. Developers can get creative with HMD’s open-source kit, making the Fusion not just a phone, but a canvas for innovation.
After a few less-than-stellar attempts at the concept, we’re more excited about modular phones than ever before.
XGIMI MoGo 3
The XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro brings portable entertainment to the next level, offering a compact projector with a stunning 1080p display and native Netflix support—all for under $500. With a sleek, canister-like design and an easy-to-use Google TV interface, it’s perfect for taking movie nights on the go or setting up impromptu presentations without sacrificing quality. The MoGo 3 Pro shines with its sharp, contrast-rich image and HDR10 support, even though it’s not a cinema projector. The LED-lit DLP projection delivers crisp visuals, whether you’re watching Netflix or casting content via Chromecast or AirPlay.
What really sets this model apart is its portability. At just 2.43 pounds, it’s light and easy to carry, but it still packs a punch with a 40-200 inch image size and 562.5 ANSI lumens brightness. The included PowerBase tripod stand adds extra portability with a built-in 20,000mAh battery that powers the projector for up to 2.5 hours, making it ideal for camping trips or outdoor movie nights. Plus, its Harman Kardon speakers ensure the sound quality matches the visuals.
Roborock QRevo Curv
The Roborock QRevo Curv brings a whole new level of intelligence to home cleaning with features designed to make vacuuming easier and more efficient. Its Dual Anti-Tangle System is a lifesaver for homes with pets or long-haired family members, using the DuoDivide Main Brush and FlexiArm Arc Side Brush to handle hair without clogging up the works. Powered by an impressive 18,500Pa of HyperForce suction, this vacuum makes quick work of dirt, dust, and debris across a variety of surfaces.
Its AdaptiLift Chassis lets it adjust to different floor types and even hop over thresholds up to 4cm high, ensuring it cleans wherever you need it. Paired with the Multifunctional Dock 3.0, which features 75°C hot mop washing, the QRevo Curv not only sweeps and vacuums but sanitizes by removing over 99.99% of bacteria. It’s like having a robot ninja that cleans your floors and keeps them spotless, making it a must-have for those who want a powerful, hands-free cleaning experience.
Casetify Ultra Bounce Case
As Android faithful, this one has us a bit jealous because it’s launching specifically for the iPhone 16, at least for now. The Ultra Bounce Case is designed to take iPhone protection to new heights—literally. Available in Clear, Black, and Purple, this case is built for serious durability. With its Tesselock construction, the case features compression ribs and air cavities along the top and bottom edges to provide extra cushioning for those vulnerable parts of your phone.
What sets this case apart is its rating: it’s tested to withstand drops of up to 10 meters, or 32.8 feet, making it one of the toughest cases on the market. With a MIL-STD 810G rating that means it can handle plenty of abuse while keeping your iPhone safe.
Launched with the case, the Ultra Bounce Carabiner and Ultra Bounce Keychain as handy add-ons. The carabiner lets you easily hook your phone to a bag or lanyard, while the keychain comes with beaded charm details and silicone-dipped ends, giving it a premium, stylish finish.
The case might have a slightly unconventional appearance, but we can’t wait to see it roll out to Pixel phones and other Android devices.
DJI Neo
The DJI Neo, priced at an affordable $199, offers a lot of bang for your buck as DJI’s most compact and lightest drone yet. Weighing just 135 grams, it’s perfect for vloggers, content creators, or anyone looking to dip their toes into drone photography. The Neo supports voice commands and can be controlled via the DJI Fly app, allowing for easy use up to 50 meters. Pair it with DJI’s other accessories like the RC Motion 3 or DJI Goggles 3, and you can increase the range up to an impressive 10 km.
Despite its budget price, the Neo comes with advanced features like a return-to-home (RTH) function, bringing it back to your palm after shooting. Equipped with a 12MP 1/2″ sensor, it can capture stabilized 4K videos at 30fps, storing up to 40 minutes of footage on its 22GB internal storage. While it has a single-axis gimbal and lacks obstacle avoidance, its AI object tracking keeps your subject in focus even during dynamic activities like hiking or cycling.
With QuickShots, you can capture shots using six fun patterns such as Circle, Dronie, and Boomerang. The only downside? A flight time of up to 18 minutes, but the combo model includes extra batteries to keep you flying longer. The DJI Neo offers a compact, fun, and capable flying experience at a fantastic price.
Govee AI Sync Box 2
The Govee AI Sync Box 2 redefines immersive gaming with advanced AI-driven lighting. Powered by CogniGlow AI recognition, this system syncs dynamic lighting effects with in-game actions, enhancing every gaming moment. It supports resolutions up to 8K and offers seamless 4K at 120Hz, ensuring smooth gameplay while creating a vibrant, interactive lighting experience. Compatible with Govee Home, Alexa, and Google Assistant, the Sync Box 2 allows easy control, and with an upcoming Matter-compatible update, it’s ready for future smart home integration.
Perfect for gamers, the AI Sync Box 2 customizes lighting based on what’s happening on screen, turning your entire setup into a responsive and visually engaging space. Whether you’re in the middle of an intense battle or exploring a virtual world, the lighting adjusts in real-time to enhance the atmosphere. It’s a must-have for those looking to elevate their gaming experience.
Amazfit T-Rex 3
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is built for those who love adventure, offering a rugged design and plenty of features to keep up with active lifestyles. With up to 27 days of battery life on typical use—or a staggering 180 hours with continuous GPS—it’s ready for long hikes, camping trips, or just keeping you connected for days without needing a recharge. The 1.5″ HD AMOLED display, protected by Gorilla Glass and a stainless steel bezel, ensures durability, while its 2000-nit brightness means you’ll have no trouble reading it in any lighting condition.
The T-Rex 3 is packed with over 170 sports modes, ranging from running and cycling to more extreme activities like free diving and skydiving. Fitness fans will appreciate the new fitness training templates and Zepp Flow AI assistant, which acts like a digital coach for all your workouts. Dual-band GPS and offline maps make sure you won’t get lost, even in the wild, while night adventurers can take advantage of the built-in red light flashlight and screen dimming settings.
The watch doesn’t just track your workouts but also helps you recover, using Zepp Readiness to analyze factors like heart rate and breathing quality, offering personalized advice for rest and recovery. The T-Rex 3 is also compatible with the Amazfit Helio Smart Ring, adding more flexibility for health tracking. Available in Black, Cangshan Green, and Red Rock for $299, this watch is an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor adventures.
Reolink Atlas PT Ultra
The Reolink Altas PT Ultra debuts as the first 4K UHD continuous recording battery-powered camera. Yeah, that’s a pretty big deal. With an 8MP sensor capturing ultra-clear footage day and night, this camera is a step ahead of the competition and should be considered by anyone serious about keeping their home safe.
The massive 20,000mAh battery means you can forget about constant charging—it can run for 12 hours a day and last up to eight days on a single charge, making it one of the most reliable options out there.
But what really sets the Altas PT Ultra apart is its ColorX technology, which delivers full-color night vision. Gone are the days of blurry, black-and-white nighttime footage. With a wide F1.0 aperture that lets in four times more light than traditional infrared cameras, it captures vibrant, detailed footage even in near darkness—perfect for catching that raccoon raiding your trash bins at 3 a.m.
This camera is also packed with practical features. It can rotate 360° horizontally and vertically, giving you complete coverage of your property. Smart detection ensures you only get alerts for things that matter—whether it’s a person, vehicle, or your mischievous dog sneaking out. And the best part? No monthly subscription fees to worry about. You get all the core features without hidden costs.
TCL 50 Pro NXTPaper 5G
TCL is stepping up the game with its new Nxtpaper phones, the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G and 50 Nxtpaper 5G, both featuring matte displays designed to be gentle on your eyes. What sets these phones apart is the “Max Ink Mode,” activated by a nifty two-stage slider that switches the display to a monochrome, E Ink-style mode perfect for reading. Max Ink Mode not only silences notifications and changes app icons to a wireframe style but also boosts battery life, promising up to seven days of reading time—basically turning your phone into a pocket-sized e-reader.
Beyond the eye-friendly mode, both models pack a 6.8-inch 1080p screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a 108MP main rear camera for sharp photos. The Pro version takes things up a notch with a 32MP selfie camera, 512GB of storage, and optional accessories like a flip case and stylus, while the non-Pro version offers 256GB of storage and an 8MP selfie cam.
Nanoleaf Blocks
Nanoleaf’s new Blocks are a fresh addition to their smart lighting lineup, designed to blend aesthetic appeal with practical function. These modular LED panels bring edge-to-edge illumination, eliminating those pesky hot spots and dark edges found in older models. Each panel delivers a smooth, even glow that flows across your walls, creating a cozy atmosphere that instantly brightens any room.
What makes the Blocks especially fun is their modular design—available in two square sizes that you can mix and match. Nanoleaf offers customization options with pegboards, shelves, and textured panels, letting you turn your wall into both a light show and a display for your favorite trinkets. Whether you’re showing off collectibles or sprucing up a plain wall, the Blocks make your space both functional and stylish.
The lighting is smarter than ever, too. Nanoleaf Blocks integrate with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings, with Matter compatibility on the horizon for dynamic lighting scenes. For hands-on control, the physical controller adjusts power, brightness, and lighting modes with ease.
It seems like it’s too early to tell whether the rise of the dumbphone is a short-term fad or has the potential to enact a significant shift in our relationship with smartphones. That’s not to dismiss its potential to awaken the possibility of a change in design and marketing strategies—forward-thinking companies are the ones who can write off ideas as fads or identify ones that have the potential to change the world.
How The Internet Changed Gaming
It’s wild to think that the internet was once written off as a fad—some experts believed it wouldn’t have the capability, speed, or security to become a force in society. Obviously, the benefit of hindsight has made these people feel very foolish, but it is often much easier to look back in time and ridicule them than to look at them through the prism of society at the time.
The internet is a disruptive innovation that has transformed the gaming world forever. Those who initially dismissed its potential were left dumbfounded by how quickly it has become such an integral force in our lives.
Companies within the gaming industry that gambled on its becoming so widespread and adopted massively could cash in. The gambling industry was one of the first to explore this route successfully, moving from localized markets to global enterprises.
Although helped along by a growing number of trends, such as cheaper internet and more accessible access via smartphones, which meant that those who gamble online were able to access the services much more quickly, online gambling showed just how much potential there was for those gaming companies that were able to harness the online interest and provide a route for online gamblers to access their services.
We’re not going to be too reductive and say that the enormous success of online gambling simply sprung up because the internet was cheaper and not an amalgamation of factors that ultimately made gambling online much more viable – but for those gambling companies who were able to channel this digital big bang, the potential became apparent very quickly.
Where Do Dumbphones Enter The Equation?
Back in the 2000s, it was all about which technological development could make our phones the most convenient—the only device we needed to do anything and everything.
The modern smartphone has so much capability that it’s rendered a whole range of individual devices surplus to requirements. GPS has replaced road maps. Calculators are on our phones. We no longer have to carry digital cameras—unless you’re doing it to look quirky on Instagram now and again. That’s despite the astonishing quality of smartphone cameras in the modern age.
Dumbphones mark a positive development, as it’s starting to show that smartphone technological innovations have hit a ceiling. People spend, on average, 4.8 hours a day on their phones, which is nearly a third of their waking day. It’s an astonishing statistic, and if a digital detox is something you want to explore, the dumbphone is tailor-made as a test device to help you keep your mobile for essentials.
More people are waking up to the idea that this amount of time looking at a smartphone for such vast periods of the day is necessarily a good idea, which is why dumbphones are starting to surge in popularity again. It’s also important to remember that dumbphones aren’t a new invention but a reinvention of old ideas from the early 2000s.
How Will Gaming Companies React?
Gaming companies adapt to market changes; they’re led by consumer demand. So, they will be monitoring the dumbphone’s growth to ascertain whether they are a fad or whether they’ll need to reshape their approach to how the market and design their gaming ideas.
The market will reach $10 billion by the end of 2024. However, comparatively, the smartphone industry is worth about 50 times that figure. I will say that the only places I’ve heard about people who have dumbphones are people who have posted that they have them on their social media channels. So, while they might not be doom-scrolling as often, they’re still seeking social media platforms via other routes.
Another critical factor to weigh up is that dumbphones might be able to detach us from the constant buzz of our smartphones and everything they offer, but if you can’t receive pictures, you can’t access your online banking to send quick payments, you can’t take a photo to show somewhere where you are, or send a GPS ping if you’re lost, you can’t track the phone if you lose it like you can with a find my iPhone feature.
So, while it might be a bit edgy and different to have a dumbphone, its practicality, especially in 2024, gives us the impression that it’s just a fad. At most, it will not become a big enough part of the industry for the gaming industry to make any serious changes.
EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement
