Google Cloud Next recently announced a significant leap forward with over a thousand product improvements in Google Cloud and Workspace, expanding its global infrastructure to 40 regions and investing in new subsea cables for better worldwide connectivity. The event showcased the rapid advancement in generative AI technologies, with Google Cloud at the forefront, offering new models like Gemini to developers and enterprises.
The tech giant has been acknowledged for its leadership in the industry, receiving recognition in 20 top industry analyst evaluations. The rapid adoption of generative AI technologies by startups and unicorns alike highlights a transformative shift in business technologies, with many leveraging Google Cloud’s robust infrastructure.
New partnerships with companies such as Bayer and Mercedes Benz reflect the increasing integration of generative AI across various sectors. More than 300 Google Cloud customers and partners are sharing their success stories at Next, demonstrating the practical impact of these technologies.
The spotlight on AI agents by Google Cloud highlights their ability to process complex information, learn dynamically, and manage transactions, showcasing customer benefits like those seen by Best Buy and ING Bank.
Noteworthy announcements include the introduction of custom silicon technologies, TPU v5p, Google Axion, and the preview of Gemini 1.5 Pro. These initiatives are set to enhance Google Cloud’s offerings across AI computing, foundational models, cybersecurity, and more.
With the AI Hypercomputer, Google Cloud is emphasizing its commitment to providing a comprehensive architecture for efficient AI model training and application. This includes new GPU instances and the general availability of TPU v5p, reinforcing Google Cloud’s position in AI infrastructure.
Google Cloud is expanding its capabilities to more environments through Google Distributed Cloud, allowing AI deployment in various configurations to meet organizational needs, even in regulated environments.
Vertex AI remains a key component of Google Cloud’s strategy, offering a platform for managing gen AI models with updates like Gemini 1.5 Pro and expanded model access, giving customers a wide range of options for model customization.
Google Cloud continues to focus on making AI technologies accessible and beneficial worldwide, aiming to transform business operations and improve global living standards. The announcements from Google Cloud Next signify a continued commitment to innovation, customer success, and shaping a future powered by cloud and AI technologies.
Nubia on Tuesday introduced the nubia Flip 5G, marking a significant innovation in foldable smartphone technology. This latest offering from nubia, known for its contributions to smartphone advancement, presents a blend of sophisticated design and powerful features, targeting the younger generation.
The nubia Flip 5G stands out with its vinyl record-inspired exterior, a design choice that mixes retro style with contemporary elegance. This approach is not just about aesthetics; the phone’s foldable nature means it can switch between a compact form and a larger display area. The device features a 6.9-inch Ultra-High-Definition flexible screen, with a pixel density of 443 PPI and a 120Hz refresh rate, making for clear, smooth visuals.
The external display adds value by allowing access to functions and notifications without unfolding the device. This screen, along with the unique addition of 3D virtual pets, offers users convenience and a touch of fun.
The nubia Flip 5G remains slim and light, a feat achieved through the use of Waterdrop Hinges, dual-rail suspension, and aerospace-grade steel, proving that the device does not compromise on durability or usability.
The phone is available in several colors, including Cosmic Black, Sunshine Gold, and Flowing Lilac, giving users options to match their style. For photography enthusiasts, the nubia Flip 5G boasts a 50-megapixel dual rear camera and a 16-megapixel front camera, along with a variety of creative modes for capturing detailed photos and videos.
nubia has announced the availability of the nubia Flip 5G for pre-order, with the official sale starting on April 23, 2024. It comes at $499 for the 8+256GB version and $699 for the 12+512GB version, available through nubia’s official website in selected countries.
In addition to the Flip 5G, nubia hints at the upcoming release of the nubia Z60 Ultra Photographer Edition, promising further advancements in mobile photography.
Since its foundation in October 2012, nubia aims to offer innovative smartphones to users eager for new experiences and improved quality of life. With the nubia Flip 5G, the company continues to advance in mobile technology, providing a device that combines innovative design, functionality, and a nod to nostalgia.
Samsung is not just about smartphones, the brand is more than that. Samsung announced the AI-powered Bespoke 4-door Flex Family Hub refrigerator. The company’s new Bespoke home appliances lineup showcases Samsung’s dedication to making everyday life easier with new advanced AI-powered technology.
Beautiful design and innovative features set the company’s home appliances different from its competitors. Samsung introduced its first Bespoke lineup in the US three years ago now there is a huge demand for these futuristic home appliances products in the US market.
Imagine a refrigerator giving you suggestions for preparing your next meal depending on the ingredients inside the fridge, isn’t that cool? This is the crazy thing I saw in 2024.
Samsung’s new Bespoke refrigerators are constantly improving and getting smarter each year, and the latest innovative Bespoke 4-Door Flex models are no exception. The impressive thing about this model is the 32-inch massive fully functional touch screen and the enhanced AI capabilities that make every tech enthusiast fall in love with these home appliances.
A Refrigerator that streams music, videos, and more
Samsung introduced two new models in the Bespoke 4-Door Flex refrigerators – The Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub and the Bespoke 4-Door Flex with Beverage Zone.
Bespoke’s sturdy build and signature modern design with premium finishes elevate every kitchen aesthetic. Samsung offers full freedom to customize the fridge that suits your kitchen style with over 11 colors, two finishes for interchangeable door panels, and stainless steel or White glass materials to choose from.
Samsung incorporated a stunning 32-inch LCD display in the Bespoke Flex refrigerator’s door. The display runs on Samsung’s in-house OneUI interface, giving you access to an array of apps including YouTube, Spotify, Samsung Food, Samsung TV, TikTok, and more, making it easy for consumers to watch their favorite shows, food recipes, and even consumer can order groceries from Amazon essentials, right from the refrigerator screen.
The screen lets you pin widgets, view and share photos, and also doubles as a whiteboard so that you can use it to leave notes and draw pictures. Now, let’s talk about the main AI vision Inside technology that makes this fridge smarter.
Samsung’s Bespoke 4-Door Flex with AI Family Hub variant features advanced AI Vision Inside technology with a built-in AI Vision Camera that sees everything inside your fridge. The AI camera not just only keeps track of what goes in and out of the fridge but also recognizes up to 33 types of food items. The AI technology plans meals, makes a shopping list, and even informs you of which food items in the fridge will expire soon.
You can also access recommendations for recipes by using ingredients, shopping lists, and more directly from your phone via the SmartThings companion app. The app also allows you to check the food items remotely right from your phone and also makes ingredient lists automatically with the help of AI. Both models come with Energy Star certifications which Samsung claims uses less power without sacrificing performance and functionality.
It’s safe to say that Samsung’s Bespoke 4-Door Flex with AI Family Hub is more than just a traditional fridge that lets you scroll social media, stream multimedia, and even order groceries right from the fridge screen and the built-in AI Vision Inside technology with AI vision camera offers great meals recommendations and also curates a list of groceries automatically.
If you are looking for a smart fridge for your modern kitchen, Samsung’s new Bespoke 4-Door Flex fridge with AI Family Hub is an excellent choice. Starting at $3,799 price, the fridge is now available for pre-order via Samsung’s official website.
We are big fans of mobile tech and how it can help us travel. One of the great things about some of the current offerings for Apple users are MagSafe and Find My Device tracking. Journey Official is quickly becoming one of my favorite partners in this space and the company has shared some amazing devices to help us while vacationing and home or abroad.
Level Up is where we explore the gear that actually makes a difference, whether that’s in how you live, work, or unwind. Each edition brings together standout products, whether tied by brand or by theme, that turn the everyday into something a little more exceptional.
Charging on the go with the SWIV 3-in-1 Foldable
Journey has invested heavily in the Apple ecosystem, and we recently reviewed its desk trio charger. Now the company is back with a SWIV travel variant of the same concepts. This new addition is a sleek, foldable charger capable of keeping your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all powered up to full strength.
I love the design of this charger. Yes, it folds up like other 3-in-1 chargers we’ve featured. Journey has amped this up with giving this an elegant charm, with the main charger for your phone being in a vegan leather “flap” that allows it to magnetically close onto the watch charger when not in use.
Most of the travel options like the Journey SWIV look more like a clunky trifold wallet. Having something that’s more modern and cleaner really resonates with me. This looks way more like a finish product rather than a proof of concept like competitors.
Looks mean nothing if it doesn’t perform, and the Journey SWIV doesn’t disappoint here either. The travel charger makes easy work of recharging all your must-have devices while on the go. I had zero issues with any of the charging stations. It’s also impressive that, even in this compact unit, you still get 15W power output for your phone and 3W each for your earbuds and watch.
Keep your documents safe with LOC8 Passport Wallet
We have our devices all charged up, but you don’t want to leave any pertinent documents left behind either. The thought of losing my Passport and other identification on a trip abroad gives me anxiety just thinking about it. Thankfully, Journey Official and Apple Find My Device have partnered to alleviate that worry.
The LOC8 Passport Wallet is perfectly setup to carry your Passport book as well as other IDs or credit cards while traveling. This alone makes it a great minimalist carry, but the true killer feature is the internal tracker provided. Having the ability to track this with Apple’s Find My Device service could turn a nightmare into a true technology success story.
Add the unit to Find My Device is pretty straightforward. If you’ve ever used this with your AirPods or AirTag, the process is almost identical. You launch the iPhone settings for Find My and press a button on the LOC8 Passport Wallet. From there, you are just a few steps away from ensuring that the fear of losing your Passport internationally in an alley isn’t an issue.
Journey estimates battery life to last upwards to six months on the LOC8 Passport Wallet (this is the same for one of our next accessories as well). The box includes a magnetic POGO pin charging cable and the connection can be found behind one of the card slots. This should give you plenty of juice on any trip abroad to get back home with tracking enabled.
Docs are safe, but what if I’m just traveling domestic?
Journey has two great options for domestic travel as well, or just a daily carry wallet. The MagSafe wallet and LOC8 Wallet both offer a unique way to carry your payments and IDs securely attached to your iPhone. Here you get a standard EZMO MagSafe Wallet and the trackable LOC8 MagSafe Wallet.
These siblings share a ton of DNA when you first open the boxes. Each has a slim, minimalistic bi-fold design with a MagSafe magnetic array on the back. They both offer storage for up to five cards comfortably. This includes three on the outside pouch and two slots on the inside of each wallet. A handy added bonus is the hinge is stiff enough that you can use the wallets as stands for taking a call or consuming media.
The feel of the leather matches any other traditional wallet and the overall quality of the Journey Official wallets is fantastic. Down to the stitching, these show that quality control is a huge deal to the company. One note on the build difference is while the EZMO has a slot on each side of the opened wallet, the LOC8 has both internal card slots on the left, but we cover the reason for this in the next paragraph.
Where the LOC8 really pulls away, is that in basically the same package with just a slight additional heft, you get the same Find My Device tracking as the LOC8 Passport Wallet. Again, having the first party suppor ton iOS is a real game changer for those trying to drop carrying an additional wallet. As mentioned, this is the reason for moving the card slots. The tracking tech lives under the “bottom” half of the wallet along with the MagSafe module on the back of the same side.
The ability to snap these onto a iPhone and condense your pocket space is appealing. And any fears of these dropping off the back from weak magnets should be expelled immediately. The EZMO and LOC8 MagSafe Wallets snap to the back of your phone with a snap and hold without issues.
You’ll also be surprised on how well they don’t odd bulk to your pockets. Even the slightly larger LOC8 Wallet is only 25mm thick. Popping these on the phone adds very little difference while giving you all your most important payment and ID cards on the go. Lastly, both wallets have RFID blocking to make sure scanner devices can’t skim your cards as well.
Travel with ease and Security with Journey Official
Journey has proven multiple times now that the company makes high-quality accessories for mobile devices. The addition of the SWIV trio charger, MagSafe Wallets, and the LOC8 Passport Wallet really make this lineup compelling for anyone that regularly travels.
The SWIV is one of the most compact and elegant options for charging all your Apple devices I’ve sampled. The LOC8 Passport Wallet is a niche carry option but the tracking built into it and the LOC8 MagSafe Wallet, add a level of piece of mind that’s unmatched. Add in the MagSafe EZMO Wallet and even the daily, minimalist carry is at your disposal as well.
Hit the links below if you’re interested in any of these great travel options from our friends at Journey Official.
Spotify has unveiled a new feature for its Premium subscribers: the AI Playlist, currently in beta. This tool lets users effortlessly create personalized playlists by simply entering a unique prompt. Available to Android and iOS users in the United Kingdom and Australia, AI Playlist marks a new direction in how users curate and enjoy music.
To create a playlist, users type a prompt into the chat. Whether looking for “an indie folk playlist to give my brain a big warm hug,” “relaxing music for allergy season,” or “a playlist that makes me feel like the main character,” AI Playlist caters to a wide array of musical tastes and moods. It can handle prompts related to genres, moods, artists, decades, and more, encouraging users to be specific for the best results.
Spotify acknowledges that AI Playlist is in its early stages and anticipates making improvements based on user feedback. The tool is designed for music-related prompts and is programmed to reject anything considered offensive.
How to Use AI Playlist:
Navigate to “Your Library” in the Spotify app.
Select the “+” button and choose “AI Playlist.”
Enter a prompt of your choice or pick from suggested ones. Details matter here!
Spotify suggests tracks based on your prompt. Users can listen to previews, remove unwanted tracks, and adjust the playlist by providing feedback like “more pop” or “less upbeat.”
Tap “Create” to save the playlist to Your Library.
With AI Playlist, Spotify enhances its music discovery and curation capabilities, offering Premium subscribers in the U.K. and Australia a novel way to experience music. This feature uses AI to connect users with music that fits their preferences, reinforcing Spotify’s role in the music listening experience. As the feature evolves, users can anticipate more innovative updates from Spotify.
iGulu, a pioneer in home brewing technology, has just released its latest product: the iGulu F1. This all-in-one smart brewing machine is designed to change the way we think about home brewing by combining fermentation, cooling, and dispensing in one device. The iGulu F1 promises an unmatched level of convenience and quality for home brewers. Available in Black, Creamy White, and Mint Green, it can be purchased directly from the iGulu website for $699.
The iGulu F1 makes the brewing process easier with its automated technology, enabling users to make high-quality craft beers at home. It supports various ingredients and flavors, giving beer enthusiasts the freedom to experiment with their own recipes. Current ingredient kits from iGulu include options for Pale Ale, Bavarian Wheat, Amber Lager, and a Stout kit that’s coming soon.
This machine offers three key functionalities:
Fermentation: It can produce beer, cider, wine, kombucha, and more.
Refrigeration Preservation: Its rapid cooling technology keeps your brew fresh for up to two weeks.
Dispensing: Comes with a dual pneumatic gas engine and a special tap handler for easy beer dispensing.
Equipped with a smart touchscreen and mobile app, the iGulu F1 gives users intuitive control over the brewing process. It features advanced sensors that continuously monitor the brewing and fermentation temperatures, ensuring optimal conditions.
The device uses PiD technology for accurate fermentation temperature control, reducing the production of unwanted fusel alcohols. An automatic pressure management system is in place for safety, maintaining a consistent fermentation pressure.
The iGulu F1 also keeps beer fresh for up to 30 days with a CO2 gas cylinder tank, improving carbonation and mouthfeel while reducing waste and carbon footprint.
Key Features of the iGulu F1:
Automated Brewing: Simplifies the brewing process with accurate temperature and pressure control.
Customized Recipes: Supports a wide range of ingredients for personal recipe creation.
Smart Control: Features an intuitive touchscreen and mobile app for easy operation.
High-Quality Ingredients: Uses natural ingredients from around the world.
Instant Drinking: Compatible with most 3L-5L beer kegs, including Heineken.
Eco-Friendly: Made with Tritan material, ensuring a BPA-free and environmentally friendly design.
Easy Maintenance: Designed for simple cleaning with a detachable structure.
David Zhang, CEO of iGulu, shares his excitement about the new product: “At iGulu, we’re driven by our passion for brewing and innovation. The iGulu F1 represents creativity, authenticity, and the pleasure of making personal drinks. Our goal with the iGulu F1 is to allow our customers to easily create a wide variety of personalized beverages.”
For those interested in improving their home brewing, the iGulu F1 offers technology, convenience, and creativity. Available now in Black, Creamy White, and Mint Green for $699 on the iGulu website.
OnePlus introduced its first foldable smartphone OnePlus Open last year in the markets. OnePlus packed top-tier specifications in its first-generation foldable, making it an impressive foldable phone that challenges Samsung who rules the foldable market. The slim and sleek design and stiff flexion hinge make the fold/unfold smooth and fast.
It has some of the best camera specs which is hard to find on any foldable available in the market. The Hasselblad-tuned triple rear camera setup at the back features a 48MP Sony LYTIA OIS-enabled main camera paired with a 64MP telephoto lens and a 48MP ultra-wide lens. Flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset ensures smooth multitasking and gaming experience.
The OnePlus Open has a massive 4,805mAh battery with 67W fast wired charging support. Read on to find out whether the OnePlus Open supports wireless charging.
Does the OnePlus Open have wireless charging support?
Unfortunately, the OnePlus Open doesn’t have a wireless charging support. You only get a 67W fast wired charging option which is the reason why OnePlus has opted not to include a wireless charging option. However, having a wireless charging option brings great convenience. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and other foldable phones that support wireless charging have the edge over the OnePlus Open. Hopefully, we will see a wireless charging option in its second-generation foldable smartphones.
Foldable phones with wireless charging
Motorola’s Razr 40 lineup, Samsung Galaxy Z Fllip 5 and Z Fold 5, and Google Pixel Fold have support for Qi wireless charging. Except for the OnePlus Open, almost every foldable phone on the market has wireless charging support.
Impressive Foldable from OnePlus
In our OnePlus Open review, we praised the foldable phone for its slim and lightweight design and the camera performance. The battery life on the OnePlus Open is amazing, in our testing, we found the device offers a day-long juice on a single charge. Software is the best thing on the OnePlus Open. The latest ColorOS 13.2 for foldable is extremely smooth and responsive and feature additions like window management allow you to open up to three apps simultaneously.
We hope OnePlus won’t settle with a second-generation foldable smartphone without adding a wireless charging feature.
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.
ESR Gear has a growing presence in the mobile market for making quality accessories. This includes chargers, cases, and stands for Apple and Android devices. We’ve been testing the new ESR Gear Qi2 3-in-1 Charging Stand. This is a follow-up to the previous generation and we’ve come away with another positive experience from ESR.
Design
As mentioned, this could easily be confused for the previous generation ESR HaloLock Stand we reviews last year. You have a MagSafe capable charger coupled with addition cradles for your AirPods and Apple Watch. Overall, the design is very similar. You get a stand with all three wireless charging mechanisms built into the unit.
The latest update is Qi2 certification. The major feature to this is that is support full 15W wireless charing via the magnetic mount. This brings it to parity with Apple’s first party MagSafe offerings as well as future-proofing this charger for incoming Qi2 Android devices we’ve all been promised will arrive in 2024.
The bottom of the stand also functions as the earbuds charger. While the ESR docs point to AirPods, you can use any earbuds case with wireless charging. Around the back of the base is also the USB-C input that the company recommends be at least 30W.
My favorite part of this stand is the Apple Watch charger. It’s a familiar modular design, but ESR Gear has added a little tweak that I love. The cap when you take out of the box is magnetic. That was when you have cap off it magnetically clasps the back of the module. This makes sure you alway have the cap handy and you don’t immediately lose it like others we’ve tested. It’s small, but a nice feature.
Performance
Using the ESR Gear Qi2 Charging Stand has been great. The iPhone charger offers the full 15W input and the magnets are strong without also being hard to take off the mount. The Apple Watch and AirPod stations are capable of 5W of power and function as you’d expect.
I like the modularity of the Watch charger more than I thought I would. Even at 5W, my Apple Watch Ultra still needs more time after my morning shower to get me through the days it needs a top-off in the power capacity. Being able to just throw throw the entire charger off the ESR and then plug into my work docking station via USB-C has been a real positive addition to my morning routines.
Conclusion
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.
ESR Gear is quickly becoming one of my favorite vendors for mobile accessories. The Qi2 3-in-1 Charging Stand offers another quality option in its portfolio that offers fast charging for your MagSafe iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch. This is a fantastic combination for any nightstand.
The Qi2 Charging Stand is available in two colors: white and black. The entire trio charger will set you back $90 full retail, but I think it’s more than worth this value. Hit the links below to snag the ESR Gear Qi2 3-in-1 for you desk or nightstand now.
BIGBIG WON, a leader in the gaming accessories sector, has unveiled the Gale Wireless Gaming Controller, an innovative solution designed to improve gaming experiences across a variety of platforms.
This controller, which combines the latest technology with an affordable price point, is compatible with Windows PC, Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch. It comes in two colors, black and white, and is priced at $39.99 on Amazon with an optional combo that includes a charging dock for $59.99. For UK customers, it’s available for £49.99 on Amazon UK and £59.99 as a combo.
The Gale boasts a comprehensive suite of advanced features aimed at both hardcore and casual gamers. Through the BIGBIG WON ‘Elite’ App, users can make real-time adjustments to motion control settings, joystick sensitivity, trigger functions, button configurations, and Macro settings. The app also allows for customization of RGB lighting effects, tailoring the gaming atmosphere to individual preferences.
Gale with Optional Charging Dock
Functionality is a key focus of the Gale, featuring two back buttons and two additional top buttons that can be remapped as needed, Dual Motor Vibration with 256 levels of intensity adjustment for an engaging gaming experience, and interchangeable thumb-sticks and D-Pads to optimize performance across different game genres.
Featuring ‘GYROCON+’ technology, the Gale delivers exceptional motion aiming capabilities, particularly for PC gamers. Its joystick is designed with zero dead-zone and offers a 12-bit, 2000+ axis resolution for precise and responsive gameplay. The Hall-effect trigger adds another layer of precision, enabling optimal control for a variety of gaming genres.
The Gale is engineered for seamless compatibility with popular gaming platforms without the need for extra drivers, boasting features like a 1000Hz ultra-high polling rate ideal for FPS and esports games, a 6-Axis Gyro, 4x remappable buttons, app customization, vibration, and turbo controls.
With three connectivity options — wired via the included Type-C cable, wireless Bluetooth, and the provided USB adapter — the Gale offers unparalleled flexibility for gamers. It is equipped with a 1000mAh rechargeable battery capable of up to 10 hours of continuous gameplay on a full charge.
Designed with an anti-slip textured surface for comfortable use during extended gaming sessions, the controller is not only functional but also stylish, available in two sleek color options.
