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MAINGEAR unveils new ML-17 laptop with powerful Intel i9 chipset

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Premium gaming laptop maker MAINGEAR has introduced its all-new ML-17 high-end gaming laptop. This machine is purely designed for gamers. It brings a larger screen compared to mainstream laptops without compromising on power and portability. MAINGEAR packs top-of-the-line features in the ML-17 laptop from sturdy build quality to a powerful processor and improved battery life. The brand has collaborated with CLEVO to forge this beast gaming machine. 

Let’s start with the processor, the MAINGEAR ML-17 is powered by Intel’s latest 14th Gen Core i9-14900HX processor paired with dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, up to 64GB DDR5 RAM, and 4TB M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD. The machine has an advanced cooling system with dual fans, four vents, and nine heat pipes, keeping the laptop cool even in heavy video editing and extended gaming sessions. 

The laptop boasts a sleek and durable full-metal body design. It features a large 17.3-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) display with 240Hz refresh rate and NVIDIA G-Sync support, ensuring vibrant visuals while gaming and watching high-res content. You get a full-size keyboard with customizable per-key-full-color RGB lighting. 

In terms of connectivity, MAINGEAR packs plenty of port options including Thunderbolt 5, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type A-Ports, HDMI output, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a 2.5GbE LAN port, and WiFi 7. All these ports support high-speed data transfers, dual 6K or single 8K monitors, and robust peripheral connectivity, MAINGEAR said in a release. 

Other features of the MAINGEAR ML-17 include powerful stereo speakers fine-tuned using Sound Blaster Studion PRO and a 99Whr massive lithium polymer battery for extended creative and productivity sessions. Buyers can also personalize the ML-17 laptop with custom artwork and designs on the laptop lids. 

The MAINGEAR ML-17 retails at $3,899 price point. The gaming laptop is now available for purchase through MAINGEAR’s official website. 

POCO F6 Deadpool Limited Edition announced with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip

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POCO has forged a POCO F6 Deadpool Limited edition smartphone in collaboration with Marvel Studios. The collaboration is happening just in the release time of Marvel’s new Deadpool and Wolverine movie. The smartphone has an entire Deadpool and Wolverine theme look. Finished in Deadpool’s signature Red and Black color, the smartphone has Deadpool and Wolverine characters images and the Deadpool logo carved on the back, which looks very striking. 

The POCO F6 Deadpool Limited Edition also comes with a unique Deadpool-inspired premium box. You’ll also get a charging brick printed with Deadpool stickers, and the Deadpool mask-shaped SIM ejector tool. However, POCO doesn’t offer custom-designed themes or wallpapers for this limited edition which is slightly disappointing. 

“Created with meticulous attention to detail special edition smartphone will include a striking custom design that pays homage to Deadpool and Wolverine,” said POCO.  Speaking of the features that are similar to the original POCO F6 which was launched in May 2024. 

The POCO F6 Deadpool Limited Edition boasts a 6.7-inch 1.5K (2712 x 1220px) 12-bit OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2400 nits peak brightness. The panel also has HDR10+ and  Dolby Vision support. There is a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection on top, protecting it from accidental falls and scratches. 

The device is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB UFS 4.0 storage. It runs on Xiaomi’s latest HyperOS based on Android 14 out of the box. 

It has a dual rear camera setup at the back, consisting of a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with OIS support, and an 8MP ultrawide shooter. On the front, there’s a 20MP selfie camera. POCO packs a 5,000mAh battery life with 90W fast charging support. 

The POCO F6 Deadpool Limited Edition remains an India-exclusive device and is priced at INR 29,999 ($358). The Limited Edition smartphone will go on sale from August 7 via Flipkart in limited stocks (3000 units only). 

Straight Talk Races Ahead with NASCAR: New Partnership Shifts into High Gear

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NASCAR and Straight Talk Wireless have announced a multi-year partnership making Straight Talk Wireless an Official Wireless Partner of NASCAR. The deal includes naming rights for the NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, now known as the Straight Talk Wireless 400, scheduled for October 27. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Beyond the racetrack, NASCAR and Straight Talk Wireless will collaborate on the “NASCAR on Tour” event series. This series will visit select Walmart parking lots in cities such as Daytona Beach, Darlington, Atlanta, Bentonville, Bristol, Kansas City, Talladega, Charlotte, Greenville, and Miami from August 21 to October 27.

Exclusive Offers and Promotions

Fans can look forward to racing-themed experiences, giveaways, driver appearances, exclusive offers, and more. Additionally, new customers at these events can take advantage of a special promotion: buy one month and get one month free on any unlimited plan.

Michelle Byron, NASCAR executive vice president and chief partnership and licensing officer, highlighted the alignment of values between the two brands. “Straight Talk Wireless is such a recognizable brand, and one that shares NASCAR’s priorities in providing tremendous value for its customers and their families. We are thrilled to have Straight Talk Wireless join the NASCAR family as an Official Partner, both at the league and track level.”

About Straight Talk

Straight Talk Wireless, available exclusively at Walmart and online at www.straighttalk.com, offers a variety of value-based plans, including flexible month-to-month options. As part of the Official Partnership, Straight Talk Wireless will be present at all NASCAR-owned events, with opportunities to engage with fans on-site and offer customized promotions.

The NASCAR Cup Series continues with the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, August 11, at 6 pm ET, broadcast on USA, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Campgrounds Get a Power Boost as EcoFlow Teams Up with Snow Peak and Harvest Hosts

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EcoFlow, a top provider of portable power and eco-friendly energy solutions, has announced new partnerships with Snow Peak Campfield and Harvest Hosts. This initiative is aimed at enhancing access to clean, portable energy for outdoor enthusiasts.

Snow Peak, a well-known Japanese camping gear and apparel brand, will offer EcoFlow River 2 (see our review) and Delta 2 portable power stations as rentals at its newly opened Snow Peak Long Beach Campfield on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula. This campground, located between Portland and Seattle, features a mix of field sites, tent suites, and Jyubako cabins, alongside a Japanese spa on a 25-acre site.

Snow Peak is throwing a huge Camp Giveaway. The lucky winner gets to chill in a Campfield Tent Suite for two nights, score a $1,000 Snow Peak gift card, and snag an EcoFlow Delta 2 with an EcoFlow Alternator Charger. This charger taps into your vehicle’s alternator to pump out 800W of speedy charging for certain EcoFlow power stations. Plus, EcoFlow is hooking up giveaway entrants with a cool 5% discount on its products. Ready to join in on the action? Hit up the Snow Peak website for all the deets and to throw your hat in the ring.

Harvest Hosts has been hooking up RVers with over 5,000 cool camping spots, and they’ve been running some sweet promos with EcoFlow for their members since 2022. Now they’ve taken things up a notch by making EcoFlow’s Delta Pro portable power stations available at certain Harvest Hosts locations.

West Clark, COO of Harvest Hosts, stated, “As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing member experiences, this pilot program will introduce EcoFlow’s innovative power solutions to select Harvest Hosts locations, enabling us to expand hookups and provide more convenient amenities for our members. We are constantly working to improve the Harvest Hosts program and supporting solutions at Host locations, like this partnership with Ecoflow, to ensure our members have amazing experiences.”

About EcoFlow

EcoFlow, founded in 2017, is a leading provider of eco-friendly energy solutions, aiming to become a reliable and trusted energy companion worldwide. With headquarters in the USA, Germany, and Japan, EcoFlow has empowered over 3 million users in more than 100 markets. For more information, visit EcoFlow.

About Snow Peak

Established in 1958 in Japan, Snow Peak has been catering to the needs of customers in the USA for over two decades. The brand specializes in Japanese-designed outdoor goods with a lifetime guarantee, with a focus on creating restorative experiences in nature. Snow Peak operates retail locations in Portland and New York City, as well as a restaurant in Portland. The inaugural campground, Snow Peak Long Beach Campfield, is scheduled to open its doors in 2024. Further details can be found at Snow Peak.

About Harvest Hosts

Harvest Hosts stands as the premier private RV camping network in North America, encompassing Boondockers Welcome, CampersCard, CampScanner, and Brit Stops, all dedicated to enhancing the road travel and camping experience. The company maintains a sharp focus on driving technological advancement and improving accessibility within the RVing and campground industry. For additional information, please visit Harvest Hosts.

Knock Knock, Who’s There? New Nest Doorbell and Cam Updates

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Google has announced new updates for Nest camera and doorbell users, now available in Public Preview. This update expands support for the first-gen wired Nest Doorbell, previously known as Nest Hello, in the Google Home app.

Expanded Support for First-Gen Wired Nest Doorbell

Google is expanding support for the original wired Nest Doorbell in the Home app. Following last year’s support for the first-gen Nest Cam Indoor and Nest Cam Outdoor, this update will roll out to Public Preview users with the first-gen wired Nest Doorbell over the next few weeks.

Users can now manage their doorbells alongside other devices in the Home app and try out features like the updated camera history experience. This includes quick switching between timeline and event list views to review history.

These features are accessible in both the Google Home app and Google Home for web, allowing users to provide feedback to improve the experience.

Monitor Your Garage Door with Advanced AI Detection

Google is enhancing security with advanced AI-powered image detection capabilities. Based on user feedback, garage door detection is now available for all compatible Nest Cam users in the Google Home app. This feature notifies users if their garage door is left open, without needing additional hardware or sensors.

To set up, users should place their cameras with a clear view of the garage door, either inside or outside. Garage door detection is available in the US and Canada for users with a Nest Aware subscription and a compatible Nest Cam (indoor, wired, 2nd gen) or a Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery) when wired for power.

Google continues to invest in its Public Preview program, encouraging users to try the latest releases and provide feedback to enhance the feature experiences.

Neakasa’s M1 Litter Box: The Cat’s Meow in Self-Cleaning Convenience

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Neakasa, a brand known for its innovative pet care solutions, has launched its M1 Open-Top Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box. This launch follows a successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, raising over $1 million from more than 3,000 backers between October 18 and December 9, 2023.

The M1 is now available on Amazon UK for £599.99, with discount coupons available, and on Amazon.com for $399 with a $100 discount (regular price $599). It can also be purchased via the Neakasa website.

The Neakasa M1 is designed to address common challenges faced by pet owners, such as litter scooping, discomfort from enclosed litter boxes, and poor odor control in traditional models. The M1 is crafted to fit feline behavior while making pet care more convenient.

Key features of the Neakasa M1 include:

  • Open-Top Design: This prevents cats from getting stuck and offers a secure, comfortable environment.
  • Spacious Interior: Suitable for large cats, up to 33 pounds.
  • Cat Health Insights: Allows tracking of bathroom habits for health monitoring.
  • Odorless Waste Disposal: A 3-second “pull and wrap” waste solution keeps the environment fresh.
  • 14-Day Full Care: The large waste bin capacity means less frequent maintenance, ideal for busy or traveling pet owners.
  • App-Remote Control: Monitor litter box activities easily via the app.
  • One-Button Litter Clearance: Replace litter with a single touch.
  • Detachable Design: Simplifies cleaning.
  • Easy Litter Refilling: Streamlines the process of adding litter.
  • Real-Time Litter Monitoring: Notifies when it’s time to replenish litter.

Monitoring cat health is a priority for many pet owners. Enclosed or semi-enclosed litter boxes often make it difficult to observe waste and behavior. The Neakasa M1’s open-top design addresses this issue, allowing easy observation of bathroom habits to help prevent health problems.

Its large-capacity waste bin and litter capacity enable a scoopless experience for up to 14 days, meeting the needs of busy cat parents and frequent travelers.

The Neakasa M1 is available on Amazon UK for £599.99 with discount coupons and on Amazon.com for $499 with a $100 discount (RRP $599). It is also available on the Neakasa website.

Withings Teams Up with Tide Ocean to Turn Trash into Wristband Treasure

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Withings, a global leader in connected health, has partnered with Tide Ocean, known for its innovative use of recycled ocean plastics, to launch a new series of wristbands. This collaboration introduces the #tide® wristbands, including the limited edition Tide Ocean Paris wristband, which features the colors of the French flag.

A Sustainable Fashion Statement

The new #Tide Ocean wristbands highlight both companies’ dedication to sustainability and innovation. Each wristband is made from recycled plastic, equivalent to a 25 cL bottle, demonstrating a commitment to reducing ocean waste. These wristbands are not just eco-friendly but also stylish and comfortable, serving as both a health accessory and a fashion statement.

Limited Edition Paris Wristband

The Tide Ocean Paris wristband, available in 18mm and 20mm sizes, celebrates French style and sustainability. This limited edition is available from July 26, 2024, to August 11, 2024, exclusively on Withings.com. Customers purchasing a ScanWatch Light, ScanWatch 2, or ScanWatch Nova during this period will receive a Tide Ocean Paris wristband as a complimentary gift.

Availability and Pricing

The new Tide Ocean wristbands are available on Withings.com for $44.50. Offered in blue/silver, green/silver, blue/rose gold, green/rose gold, and black/silver, these wristbands are designed to fit a variety of Withings watches. They are compatible with the following models:

  • 18mm: Activité, Acier, Withings Move, Move ECG, Steel HR 36mm, ScanWatch 38mm, ScanWatch 2 38mm, ScanWatch Light
  • 20mm: Steel HR 40mm, Steel HR Sport, ScanWatch 42mm, ScanWatch Horizon, ScanWatch 2 42mm, ScanWatch Nova

These wristbands join an existing collection that includes options made from metal, leather, FKM, and recycled woven P.E.T, offering something for every style and occasion.

Smart Measuring Goes Pocket-Sized with HOZO’s NeoRulerGO

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HOZO Design, renowned for its innovative design tools and accessories, has officially launched the NeoRulerGO. This compact, smart rolling ruler is designed to streamline everyday measurements with precision and efficiency. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, HOZO introduces this portable tool, promising unmatched accuracy and versatility in a small package.

The NeoRulerGO is now available at a reduced price of $59.00/£47.00 from its original RRP of $69.00/£55.00 on the HOZO website. For those seeking the NeoRulerGO Premium Combo, it’s offered at $130/£103.00, down from $169.00/£134.00.

Accurate, Mobile Measuring Made Easy

The NeoRulerGO, with its tagline “Carry Smaller, Measure Smarter,” is perfect for anyone needing precise measurements on the go. The ruler boasts an impressive accuracy of ±1mm (0.04 inches), making it a reliable tool for both simple and complex measurements. Its pocket-friendly design doesn’t compromise on functionality, allowing users to switch effortlessly between units like millimeters, centimeters, inches, feet, yards, miles, and kilometers.

Feature-Rich and User-Friendly

One of the standout features of the NeoRulerGO is its ability to measure any surface, from straight lines to curves. With over ninety-three built-in scales and customizable options, it caters to a wide range of measuring needs. This device isn’t just versatile; it’s also highly user-friendly, enhancing the ease and efficiency of daily tasks.

Intelligent Connectivity with MEAOZR App

The NeoRulerGO integrates seamlessly with the MEAOZR app, facilitating quick data transfer and storage. This smart connectivity allows users to save and retrieve measurements easily, streamlining workflows and boosting productivity.

Designed for Comfort and Efficiency

HOZO has crafted the NeoRulerGO with user comfort in mind. The accompanying NeoPencil case features an ergonomic design with adjustable grips, ensuring comfort during use. The kit also includes various tip selections and a unique NeoPencil, made from durable 7075 aluminum alloys. The NeoPencil comes with replaceable graphite nibs available in twelve colors, adding a touch of personalization and extending the life of traditional writing tools.

The NeoStand, a two-in-one accessory, complements the NeoPencil by acting as both a pencil holder and an eraser, adding convenience to the elegant design. Together, these components provide a blend of functionality and style, making them valuable additions to any workspace.

Availability and Pricing

The NeoRulerGO is available for purchase at a discounted price of $59.00/£47.00 on the HOZO website. The NeoRulerGO Premium Combo, which includes a NeoPencil Pro Kit, NeoStand Colorful and Classic sets, NeoRulerGO Leather Case, and supplementary measuring rubber tires, is available for $130/£103.00. Both products will be available on Amazon starting August 10th.

DREO’s BaristaMaker: Froth Like a Pro, Right at Home

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DREO, a leader in smart home innovation, has launched the DREO BaristaMaker, a professional-grade smart milk frother designed for creating latte art with all types of milk. This new device aims to enhance home coffee-making, delivering barista-quality microfoam with the simple press of a button.

Combining food science with barista expertise, DREO’s BaristaMaker allows coffee lovers to achieve perfect frothy milk at home effortlessly. Developed through extensive research and featuring a patented propeller technology, this frother replicates professional techniques, offering microfoam quality that rivals commercial coffee shops. The device is said to surpass most traditional home frothers in both froth quality and texture.

Availability

The DREO BaristaMaker will be available on Kickstarter from August 13th and for pre-order starting September 15th on dreo.com, Amazon, and other select retailers.

Microfoam Mastery

The DREO BaristaMaker produces 0.5mm micro-bubbles, resulting in silky, shiny, and dense microfoam akin to what you’d find in coffeehouses. The device features a patented impeller tip for precise flow control, ensuring consistent milk direction for continuous mixing. This process transforms larger bubbles into rich, dense microfoam through a multi-stage frothing process.

The multi-stage frothing program starts by heating the milk to the perfect temperature, then mixing air to create larger bubbles. It slows down to direct the milk to the center, meticulously transforming these bubbles into the desired microfoam.

Plant-Based Milk Compatibility

Recognizing the rise in popularity of plant-based milks, DREO developed BaristaMaker to work with both dairy and plant-based options. This includes almond, oat, soy, and coconut milk. Through detailed analysis of protein and fat content, DREO’s food scientists created an algorithm that adapts to different milk types, ensuring high-quality frothing performance.

Versatility in Frothing and Stirring

BaristaMaker offers settings for microfoam, thick foam, and cold foam, catering to various beverage preferences. This versatility means you can enjoy a wide range of coffee styles at home. Additionally, the device excels with powdered beverages like matcha and hot chocolate, enhancing their texture and flavor.

User-Friendly Design

The frother includes a professional stainless steel pitcher and is dishwasher safe, making it easy to use and clean. Its user-friendly features allow for a hassle-free coffee experience.

Kickstarter Launch and Exclusive Offer

DREO BaristaMaker Milk Frother will debut on Kickstarter on August 13th, with a Super Early Bird offer of up to 30% off the suggested retail price of $99. Pre-orders open to the public on September 15th. Joining the DREO community also offers a chance to win a grand prize valued at up to $3,200.

HMD just launched two new affordable smartphones to take on Nothing’s CMF Phone 1

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The Nokia phone maker HMD has announced two new Crest smartphones – the HMD Crest and Crest Max. HMD’s new affordable smartphone brings impressive features to the table including OLED panels, a decent processor, long-lasting battery life, and much more. Have a look at the detailed specs, pricing, and availability details. 

The HMD Crest and Crest Max features a stunning 6.67-inch FHD+ OLED panel with a standard 60Hz refresh rate and 20:9 aspect ratio. Both phones have Corning Gorilla Glass equivalent glass protection on top, protecting them from accidental falls and scratches. 

For lenses, the Crest has a 50MP primary sensor paired with a 2MP secondary sensor and a 50MP front camera for selfies and video chats. While the Crest Max features a triple rear camera setup, consisting of a 64MP main camera with Sony Sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide shooter, and a 2MP macro lens. There is a  50MP camera on the front for capturing stunning selfies. 

Under the hood, both phones are powered by a Unisoc T760 5G processor based on a 6nm process. The Crest comes with up to 6GB of RAM while the Crest Max offers an 8GB RAM option. The devices run on Android 14 based on HMD’s custom bloatware-free UI out of the box. HMD promises 2 years of security patch updates for both devices. However, there are no details about the major Android OS updates.

HMD packs a massive 5,000mAh battery cell with 33W fast charging support. Unlike other smartphones, HMD offers a 33W charging brick inside the box, which is great. HMD’s Crest and Crest Max come with a self-repairability design similar to the HMD Skyline which means you can easily self-replace several components of the smartphone at home- from swapping the battery to replacing the display and broken charging port. 

In terms of pricing, the HMD Crest retails at INR 14,500 ($175) for the base 6GB/128GB model, while the HMD Crest Max is priced at INR 16,500 ($195) for the 8GB/256GB variant. HMD Crest comes in Royal Pink, Lush Lilac, and Midnight Blue color options. On the other hand, the Crest Max is available in Deep Purple, Aqua Green, and Royal Pink color options. Open sales will begin on Amazon during the Amazon Great Freedom sale in August.