UGREEN, a prominent name in consumer electronics, and a brand we’ve highlighted a few times, has officially announced its entry into the Network Attached Storage (NAS) market with the debut of its NASync series.
This new series is set to launch on March 26 through a Kickstarter campaign, targeting users in the United States and Germany. An enticing early bird discount of 40% is on offer, making the starting price an affordable USD239.99. For those interested, visiting Kickstarter.com will grant early access to what UGREEN promises to be a groundbreaking series.
The NASync series includes a variety of models tailored to different user needs. For personal and home users, the series offers the NASync DXP2800, NASync DXP4800, and DXP4800 Plus. The lineup expands to cater to power users and businesses with the NASync DXP6800 Pro and NASync DXP8800 Plus. Additionally, the NASync DXP480T Plus is designed specifically for creative and media professionals, addressing their unique storage needs.
Central to the NASync series is its use of the 12th Gen Intel Processor, with options up to Intel Core i7, ensuring high performance across all models. The DXP6800 Pro, DXP8800 Plus, and DXP480T Plus models boast a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 Processor, enhancing responsiveness, data processing, and multitasking capabilities. This setup is particularly beneficial for business and professional users, streamlining operations and improving media file playback through efficient multimedia processing and transcoding.
A standout feature in select models is the inclusion of dual Thunderbolt 4 Ports, facilitating connections to various storage devices and enabling high-speed data transmission of up to 40Gbps. The DXP6800 Pro and DXP8800 Plus models further enhance connectivity with dual 10GbE network ports, offering combined bandwidths of 20GbE and impressive theoretical download speeds of up to 2500MB/s. This feature ensures efficient data transmission and load balancing across networks.
Memory is another area where the NASync series excels, with each model equipped with expandable 8GB DDR5 Memory. This represents a significant advancement over DDR4 memory, offering 2-3 times faster speeds and a notable boost in system performance. For models capable of expanding memory up to 64GB, tasks requiring high resources, including AI recognition and video transcoding, become more manageable, ensuring efficient multitasking and data processing.
In contrast to cloud drives, the UGREEN NASync series provides a secure solution for storing large amounts of personal data locally, significantly reducing the risks associated with information leakage and surveillance. With professional data security features like multiple protection layers and high-strength encryption, users can trust in the safety and privacy of their data. The series also emphasizes secure data transmission with SSL/TLS protocols and SHA256 encryption, further protecting user account information and ensuring password confidentiality.
Price and Availability
UGREEN is offering the NASync series at a Super Early Bird Discount of 40% off. Here’s a quick look at the pricing:
DXP2800: $239 (MSRP $399.99)
DXP4800: $359 (MSRP $599.99)
DXP4800 Plus: $419 (MSRP $699.99)
DXP6800 Pro: $599 (MSRP $999.99)
DXP8800 Plus: $899 (MSRP $1499.99)
DXP480T Plus: $479 (MSRP $799.99)
For more information on the campaign and to take advantage of the early bird discount, visit Kickstarter.
T-Mobile is kicking off the baseball season with a gift for its customers and a fun twist for the office environment. Starting March 26, T-Mobile customers can claim a free year-long subscription to MLB.TV, valued at $149.99, through T-Mobile Tuesdays in the T Life app. This offer is available until April 1, ensuring fans won’t miss out on Opening Day festivities.
In addition to free access to MLB.TV, T-Mobile introduces the Secret Baseball Button, a novel gadget designed to let fans stealthily enjoy baseball games at work. This Bluetooth-enabled device connects to a PC and allows users to swiftly switch between a baseball game and a faux work-related screen with just a click. The Secret Baseball Button sweepstakes is open to everyone, not just T-Mobile customers, with entries accepted through March 31 at SecretBaseballButton.com.
For the Love of the Game
Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Strategy, and Products at T-Mobile, emphasized the brand’s commitment to enriching customer experiences, stating, “T-Mobile customers love baseball—they streamed a record high of 52 million hours of MLB.TV last season!” This new initiative not only celebrates the return of baseball but also amplifies the range of perks available to T-Mobile customers, including free subscriptions to Apple TV+, Hulu, Netflix, and more.
How the Secret Baseball Button Works
The Secret Baseball Button is designed for discretion and convenience. With a simple Bluetooth connection to a laptop or PC, users can effortlessly alternate between viewing MLB.TV and a browser tab that mimics a video call, ensuring privacy and uninterrupted enjoyment of baseball games during work hours.
Claim Your MLB.TV Subscription
T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Home Internet, and Small Business customers are eligible for the free MLB.TV offer. MLB.TV provides comprehensive coverage of the baseball season, featuring live and on-demand broadcasts of out-of-market regular season games, DVR controls, and HD streaming across various devices.
Enjoy More with Magenta Status
Beyond the thrill of MLB.TV, T-Mobile customers benefit from Magenta Status, offering exclusive discounts and experiences with notable brands like Hilton, Hertz, and Dollar. T-Mobile’s value-packed plans offer substantial savings and benefits, including the best entertainment bundle in wireless, free in-flight Wi-Fi, international data, and more, affirming T-Mobile’s dedication to rewarding its customers.
BOYA, a leader in audio technology, has just unveiled its latest product, BOYAMIC. This all-in-one wireless microphone system doesn’t only promise to deliver high-quality audio; it’s designed to be a complete solution for content creators, combining ease of use with unparalleled sound quality and recording capabilities.
3-in-1 Capability for Universal Compatibility
At its core, BOYAMIC offers a 3-in-1 capability, making it a highly versatile tool compatible with almost every type of shooting device. This feature ensures content creators can effortlessly connect the microphone to various recording equipment without needing multiple devices.
Whether you’re using a camera, a smartphone, or a tablet, BOYAMIC simplifies your setup, offering a straightforward solution that’s ready to capture quality audio in any setting.
Extended On-Board Recording Capacity
Moving beyond basic functionality, BOYAMIC impresses with an 8GB onboard memory, supporting up to 15 hours of high-quality, on-board recording. This eliminates concerns over audio dropouts or missing critical moments during recording sessions. Creators can now enjoy extended recording times without the need for constant data transfer, thanks to BOYAMIC’s substantial storage capability.
Unmatched Audio Quality
BOYAMIC sets a high benchmark for sound quality with its enhanced audio specifications. Offering a sampling rate of 48kHz, a bit depth of 24-bit, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 90 dB, and a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 120 dB, it ensures that every recording captures the full range of audio with exceptional clarity and depth.
This level of detail supports the creation of content with professional-grade sound quality, suitable for everything from interviews and podcasts to cinematic productions.
If you’re aiming to elevate your content with superior sound quality, BOYAMIC puts forth an inviting option.
Dive into this week’s “Weekend Recommender” for a treasure trove of standout products that promise to enhance your lifestyle, work, and play in ways you hadn’t imagined.
From audio gadgets that redefine your listening experience to innovative solutions for family connectivity, portable energy alternatives, and ergonomic office furniture, our selection is meticulously curated with your diverse needs in mind.
Whether it’s the thrill of discovering a tech gadget that perfectly fits into your dynamic life, a device that brings your family closer through the magic of digital creativity, an eco-friendly companion for your adventures, or an office chair that reimagines comfort and productivity, we’ve got something for everyone.
Join us as we explore these unique finds, each recommended for its ability to offer something truly special to your daily routine. Let’s get started on this journey of discovery and see which of these gems will make it into your life this weekend!
Tribit MoveBuds H1 Wireless Earbuds
What are the Tribit MoveBuds H1 Wireless Earbuds?
The Tribit MoveBuds H1 Wireless Earbuds ($90) are a set of reliable, budget-friendly earbuds designed for those who are always on the move and need a dependable audio solution. They feature Bluetooth 5.2 technology for a stable and seamless connection, and the earbuds themselves offer up to 15 hours of playtime on a single charge, with an additional 50 hours provided by the compact charging case.
The earbuds are also rated IPX8 waterproof, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. They have touch controls for easy operation, and the ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit for extended use. The MoveBuds H1 are compatible with voice assistants and boast support for multiple audio codecs.
Why do we recommend them?
For those in need of a reliable and budget-friendly audio solution, the Tribit MoveBuds H1 Wireless Earbuds offer great value. With features such as long battery life, waterproof rating, touch controls, and compatibility with voice assistants, these earbuds provide a hassle-free and enjoyable listening experience. Whether you’re working out, commuting, or just relaxing at home, the MoveBuds H1 are a versatile choice for anyone in search of high-quality wireless earbuds at an affordable price.
myFirst Frame Doodle
What is the myFirst Frame Doodle?
The myFirst Frame Doodle ($129) is a digital frame designed to enhance family connections by displaying content shared through the myFirst ecosystem. It syncs with other myFirst devices and allows for personalized feeds from loved ones.
The frame also features a special doodling area for kids to express their creativity directly on the device, making it a unique gift option for family members. It includes anti-glare, matte finishing for realistic art display, an elegant design, and an advanced motion sensor for energy conservation.
Why do we recommend it?
For families looking to blend technology with heartfelt connection, the myFirst Frame Doodle is a standout recommendation. This digital frame not only showcases precious memories but also invites kids to doodle directly on it, fostering creativity and personal expression.
Its sophisticated design, complete with an anti-glare screen and motion sensor for energy efficiency, makes it a seamless addition to any home. Ideal for keeping loved ones close, it’s a thoughtful gift that bridges the gap between digital innovation and meaningful interaction.
Lion Energy 10W Solar Panel
What is the Lion Energy 10W Solar Panel?
The Lion Energy 10W Solar Panel ($24) is a portable and efficient solution for charging your devices on the go. With a compact size and lightweight design, this solar panel is easy to carry and use while camping, hiking, or traveling.
It features a USB-A output, allowing you to charge smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other USB-compatible devices directly from the sun. The high-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells ensure fast and reliable charging, even in less-than-ideal sunlight conditions.
Why do we recommend it?
We recommend the Lion Energy 10W Solar Panel for its convenience, portability, and reliability. Whether you’re off the grid or just looking to use clean, renewable energy, this solar panel is a practical and sustainable choice.
It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, emergency preparedness, or anyone looking to reduce their reliance on traditional power sources. Plus, with its durable construction and weather-resistant design, you can count on it to perform when you need it most.
FlexiSpot C7 Ergonomic Office Chair with Foot Rest
What is the Flexispot C7 Ergonomic Office Chair with Foot Rest?
The FlexiSpot C7 ($389) is an office chair designed for comfort and support during long hours of work. It features an adjustable headrest and a footrest that can be pulled out when needed. The chair is made with high-quality, breathable mesh fabric and is equipped with a lumbar support system to promote good posture.
The sliding seat and adjustable armrests make it customizable to fit various body types and work preferences. The chair also has a 360-degree swivel and smooth-rolling casters for easy mobility.
Why do we recommend it?
We recommend the FlexiSpot C7 for its ergonomic design and functionality. The adjustable headrest and footrest provide additional comfort during extended periods of sitting. The lumbar support system and customizable features make it suitable for a range of body types and work habits.
The chair’s high-quality construction ensures durability, while the 360-degree swivel and smooth-rolling casters offer flexibility and easy movement. The FlexiSpot C7 is a practical and comfortable option for anyone in need of a supportive office chair.
For a limited time you can save on chairs, desks, and other FlexiSpot products as part of the company’s Brand Day sale. Don’t miss out on your chance to knock hundreds of dollars off of your purchase!
One of the side products of adopting the iPhone over a year ago is the array of great accessories I’ve been able to try out thanks to the move. With so many companies entering the market around Apple’s new MagSafe protocol, Torras, though not as well-known, is definitely worth considering.
Torras has given me the opportunity to test their two new MagSafe Power Banks for the past few weeks, and I want to highlight the quality and innovation of their products.
Design
Torras sent over two sizes of the MagSafe power bank. One is 5000mAh and the other is double that at 10000mAh. Both are pretty standard affairs for power banks. You get a rectangular brick with an USB-C charging power on one side with a power button. This allows for recharging the banks when depleted.
On the back of the devices, are the MagSafe magic rings. These magnetic rings are the dual action protocol that gives the Torras the ability to wireless charge your phones. The ring makes perfectly aligning your wireless charging each time with zero effort.
Real world usage
I have zero complaints about the day to day with the Torras power banks. As mentioned, the MagSafe inputs make wirelessly charging your iPhone seamless. The magnets are powerful and snap to the phone with a secure lock. You have to make a real effort to remove these, so having this fall off in use isn’t an issue.
The same is true for the flip-out extra ring that acts as a stand on both Torras power banks. These neat kickstands offer an additional option to use the power bank to consume media or take a video call while on the go. I like how Torras has positioned the kickstand to allow for several orientations and positions.
Battery life
The Torras MagSafe power banks are about extended battery life. The two pack are rated for 5000mAh and 10000mAh adding several life cycles back to your phone while on the go. Most iPhones have an internal battery of, 4500mAh or less. This should make the smaller of the MagSafe bank from Torras recharge a near empty iPhone without any issues and the larger to extend the full battery at least twice.
I’ve found this to be pretty close estimates. I’ve used both to recharge my iPhone 13 with a 3227mAh internal battery numerous times over the last few weeks. Likewise, I found the smaller Torras MagSafe to get me almost two full recharges from 10% on my iPhone each time. With the larger model, I’ve been able to tweak out three full recharges with a single charge on the external battery pack from that same 10% mark.
When you do need to recharge each Torras power bank, you only need a USB-C charging cable included in the box. This allows you to fuel both power banks back to full strength in around an hour or less. A side note, this USB-C port is a two way channel. You can also use this to recharge non-MagSafe devices.
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.
Conclusion
Torras may be a brand you may not recognize, but in my testing its one that you can trust. These two MagSafe power banks are great devices and the perfect way to add endurance to your phone while away from a wall outlet. Both of these models offer exceptional build quality, battery, and multipurpose ring for using it as a stand or Popsocket-type holder.
You can snag the new Torras MagSafe power banks via the Amazon links below. The 5000mAh version will set you back $60 while the larger, 10000mAh is just $20 more. Each is available in both black and white. So, what are you waiting for? Get one now!
The SUUNTO Sonic was just announced on March 7, 2024 as the lighter, less featured, and less expensive sibling of the SUUNTO Wing. The Sonic weighs in at 31g versus the Wing’s 33g. That is likely due to the absence of the LED safety lights and motion control accelerometers.
Because safety is the primary feature for which athletes choose bone conducting headphones, I won’t compare the SUUNTO Sonic against typical headphones. These do not feature Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) or passive isolation. The point is to be able to hear what’s going on around you, such as traffic or passing bicyclists on a trail.
I had the opportunity to review the OpenRock S by OneOdio last year and while they aren’t true bone conducting headphones, they are similar in that they leave your ears somewhat open to hearing noises around you.
Read on if you want to know if these are worth the $150 asking price.
Included in the box
Headphones
Charging cable
Cloth carry case
Paper: Getting started, warranty, and safety disclosure
Design
The SUUNTO Sonic is made of titanium and silicone. They feature a soft rubbery feel all around. They are available in fluorescent yellow or black. Physical buttons are limited to a multifunction button on the left side “speaker” and a volume rocker that sits behind your right ear. They also feature a microphone so you can use your headphones to talk as well as listen. Unlike the IP67 rating of the SUUNTO Wing, the Sonic is limited to IP55 (limited water and dust resistance).
Set-up and Usage
Press and hold volume (+) for 3 seconds and the SUUNTO Sonic come alive with a series of beeps. The headphones enter pairing mode the first time they are powered on. Unlike most recent Bluetooth headphones, the SUUNTO Sonic does not have simplified step-by-step set-up. That means you must open Bluetooth settings and discover the device.
Once you are connected to your device, you can control volume, play/pause, replay, skip, answer/hang-up calls from the headphones themselves. This is nice if you are like me and carry your phone inside a pouch or pocket while running or exercising.
The volume buttons control volume up and down as well as turning on and off the headphones. One of the few gripes I have with these headphones is adjusting the volume up or down requires multiple clicks rather than pressing and holding. Of course, if you press and hold the (+) button, it turns the device off.
The multifunction button does the following based on the number of taps.
1 – Answer/hang-up call
1 – Play/pause music
2 – Skip track forward
3 – Skip track backward
In practice, I can never get the number of clicks down correctly when trying to skip or replay tracks while running. Fortunately, I don’t have to do this frequently.
Audio quality
My most recent audio addiction is “103” by The Kills. This track features a front forward kick drum, pulsing bass and synthesizer track and haunting guitar riffs, framing Allison Mosshart’s mezzo-soprano vocals. Since I’ve been enjoying this song recently through different speakers and headphones, I was able to tell immediately how well I would like the sound quality of the SUUNTO Sonic headphones. I wasn’t blown away, but I wasn’t disappointed either. It was lacking in bass but overall clear.
My next track needed to test bass performance, so I went to deep into my catalog and played Public Enemy’s “Bring Tha Noise.” The lower notes were absent, but the headphones weren’t straining to produce low frequencies either. It took me back to my childhood listening through a cheap Magnavox portable mini cassette player. It wasn’t until the late 80’s and early 90’s that I would appreciate feeling and hearing deep bass through 12” subwoofers.
For my first run, I decided to listen to a podcast and found the SUUNTO Sonic’s sweet spot. The audio was clear, every word was clear and sounded as though I was sitting in the recording studio. Being outside, I also was able to appreciate the openness of bone conducting headphones. Unlike other headphones that fail to make a tight seal, wind noise wasn’t ever an issue. I strained to hear my surroundings with audio playing but the point was I could still hear.
Later, I took a conference call which was just as clear as the podcast. I noticed that volume control did not seem to change much between fully off and fully on. I assume that because your skull is essentially the speaker, it is difficult to manage volume and would vary widely from one user to the next. This got me thinking if a bigger or smaller head would produce better audio or wider differential between volume steps.
Comfort
Since moving to in-ear monitor type earbuds, I have not found any over the ear or behind the neck type headphones to be comfortable. They are generally more uncomfortable when wearing glasses or a hat. The SUUNTO Sonics, on the other hand were always comfortable.
Even while running, the headphones maintained proper contact with my temples, and I never had the need to adjust. I logged just under 15 miles while wearing the headphones and I could certainly see these being great for marathons or distance bike rides.
Battery life
The battery is rated for 10 hours and fully charges in less than one hour. A 15-minute charge claims three hours of audio. During my testing, I logged about two hours of use, and the battery level fell to 79%. This seems to support their 10-hour claim.
Unlike the SUUNTO Wing, the Sonic does not ship with a charging dock. Unless you want to use a separate battery charger, you are limited to the onboard battery. Not a significant issue in my opinion.
App
There isn’t a separate SUUNTO app for its audio headphones. Instead, the audio preferences are buried in the settings of their primary activities application and is very limited in functionality for the Sonic.
Sound Mode: allows you to switch between “normal” and “outdoor” sound profiles. In my testing, I didn’t notice a significant different when using one mode or the other.
Dual Device Connection: This allows you to pair the SUUNTO Sonic to two devices simultaneously. I can see myself connecting this to both my laptop and phone to take meetings between steps on the treadmill and vice versa.
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.
Overall impressions
If you are an avid runner, biker, or adventurer; you should consider the SUUNTO Sonic bone conducting headphones. There are not a lot of choices that cater to this niche. Shokz offers a wider range of bone conducting headphones but current users of SUUNTO’s watches may appreciate the SUUNTO app integration.
The only gripes that I have with the SUUNTO Sonic headphones are the proprietary charging cable and lack of color options. Otherwise, they are comfortable to wear during rigorous activities and are excellent for podcasts and audiobooks.
Qualcomm on Thursday introduced the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 Mobile Platform, the latest addition to the Snapdragon 7 series. This new Mobile Platform brings on-device generative AI capabilities, a 15% boost in CPU performance, and a 45% improvement in GPU performance, showcasing an impressive advancement in the series.
New Features and Capabilities
The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 Mobile Platform is the first in the 7-series to support Wi-Fi 7 with HBS (High Band Simultaneous) Multi-Link, ensuring unparalleled connectivity. It also supports a wide range of AI models, including large language models (LLMs) such as Baichuan-7B, Llama 2, and Gemini Nano, fostering extraordinary entertainment capabilities.
Additionally, the platform features new select Snapdragon Elite Gaming features, such as the Game Post Processing Accelerator and Adreno Frame Motion Engine 2, enhancing gaming effects and upscaling gaming content for desktop-level visuals. Furthermore, it offers outstanding photography features with the industry-leading 18-bit cognitive ISP.
Adoption by Key OEMs
Several key OEMs, including OnePlus, realme, and SHARP, are set to adopt the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 Mobile Platform. The first commercial devices featuring this platform are expected to be announced in the coming months, showcasing the technological advancements in the industry.
Statements from Qualcomm and OnePlus
Chris Patrick, senior vice president and general manager of mobile handsets at Qualcomm Technologies, expressed excitement about integrating next-generation technologies into the Snapdragon 7 series to create new levels of entertainment for consumers. Louis Li, President of OnePlus China, also expressed enthusiasm about adopting the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 Mobile Platform, emphasizing the exceptional on-device intelligence, gaming experiences, and photography capabilities it brings to their customers.
For More Information
For more details about the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 Mobile Platform, visit Qualcomm’s product brief or website. Stay tuned for further announcements from OnePlus and other key OEMs regarding their commercial devices featuring this advanced platform.
Miofive on Thursday introduced the S1 4K Dash Cam, a state-of-the-art device engineered to provide top-notch performance and unrivaled features. Packed with advanced technologies, the Miofive S1 is available for purchase at $119.99/£119.99 from Amazon and Amazon UK, with a promotional introductory price..
True 4K UHD Recording and 3-inch IPS Screen
The Miofive S1 features true 4K UHD recording, offering crystal-clear and high-resolution footage with its 8-megapixel sensor. The larger 3-inch display with IPS technology provides superior viewing angles, enhanced color reproduction, and improved contrast, ensuring a super-clear viewing experience with rich colors.
Cutting-Edge Technologies for Enhanced Safety and Security
Equipped with innovative technologies such as DAG HDR and FPPI, the S1 resolves movement and noise problems, delivering enhanced night vision quality. With built-in 5G, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth pairing, the dash cam seamlessly connects to mobile devices and provides instant access to recordings, high-speed downloads, and easy social media sharing.
Comprehensive Monitoring and Enhanced Safety Features
The Miofive S1 offers multiple parking modes, including a 24-hour parking mode and collision detection enable, enhancing safety and security on the road. Additionally, the dash cam is backed by an 18-month manufacturer’s warranty and premium customer service, ensuring complete peace of mind for users.
Availability and Pricing
The Miofive S1 is currently available for purchase at Amazon and Amazon UK for an RRP of $119.99/£119.99, with an introductory promotional price of $79.99/£79.99 using a $40/£40 discount coupon.
It’s been almost exactly a year since we tested out the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser from Anker’s entertainment sub-brand. March 2024 has brought a more budget friendly offering in the Nebula Capsule 3. That’s right, no lasers. We’ve been testing this model for a month and want to share with our readers just how much compromise was made to cut $250 in this release.
Design
Nebula has an established design language with the Capsule series. The new Capsule 3 continues this bringing back the tallboy soda can look. With the Capsule 3 also featuring internal 8W speakers featuring Dolby Audio, the entire shell has grill holes to allow for sound and heat dissipation.
Other internals are the power bank, capable of portable movie watching for up to 2.5 hours. This is powered by the Capsule 3’s 52Wh battery. Hardware isn’t lacking all around with a quad-core ARM chipset, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of eMMC storage.
The star of the design all lives on the front of the Nebula Capsule 3. Here you find the display tech and depth sensors. The lens is capable of throwing a full 1080p images ranging from 40 to 120 inches wide. Pushing this out at 200 ANSI Lumens means that the brightness is no issue at all.
Inputs and remote
Around the rear of the Capsule 3 cylinder an HDMI 2.0 port, USB-A, a 3.5mm auxiliary port, and a USB-C port. The USB-C can be used for charging or data inputs. There’s also a dedicated Bluetooth pairing button for when you simply want to use the Capsule as a portable speaker, or add external audio while watching films.
The last rear facing input you’ll find is an IR sensor. This is purposely there to feature the updated remote included in the box. While it wanders from the previous design, it’s still a very good hardware controller. You have dedicated button for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video (more on them later). Otherwise, if you’ve used a Google TV or Android TV remote in the last couple of years, this will be right at home.
Finally, if you don’t have the remote handy, the Nebula Capsule 3 has you covered. The top of the casing is embossed with a capacitive area that replaces many of the remote functions. You have dots that create a D-pad for general navigation. Flanking these are inputs for volume controls, a home button, and back button.
Software
The Nebula Capsule 3 is running Google’s latest OS for television, Google TV. It’s not a stark difference from the previous Android TV versions on Nebula devices, but I find the layout and design slight faster and more visually appealing. Otherwise, there’s not much to talk about here.
The one bullet point worth a mention, is this device is certified for the official Netflix app. This hasn’t always been true with previous generation of Nebula projectors. Netflix is very particular on streaming devices that get its blessings and many portable units like the Capsule series don’t get the validation. It’s another fantastic addition to see this certification finally arrive for Anker’s sub-brand.
Battery life
Anker projects that the Nebula Capsule 3 can last upwards of 2.5 hours per charge with general video playback. I’ve found this to be fairly accurate. You can easily make it through a few epsisodes of your favorite sitcom, but a full theatrical masterpiece of three hours plus isn’t going to happen.
I wish Anker would consider adding a few more cells into the Capsule series to lengthen this compromise. This is the 3rd generation of the Capsule and the battery life is in a rut. If the comapny can find a way to add another 45 minutes to an hour, it would easily cover a much larger percentage of movies per charge.
Thankfully, Anker includes PowerIQ and quick charge via USB-C with the Capsule 3 projector. This makes it easy to charge it in under a couple of hours. You can also do like I do, and add an external power bank to enjoy longer viewing sessions. I’ve found it very handy to hook up an Anker power bank either under the Capsule on a table or attached to a tripod to extend the battery life.
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.
Conclusion
The Nebula Capsule 3 projector is another fantastic entry to the market from Anker. It adds a bit of polish to the existing models as well as the update to Google TV. Add the addition of the Netflix certification and this marks a worthy upgrade from the previous generations.
You can snag the new Nebula Capsule 3 projector for $550 in the normal retail markets for Anker. This includes Amazon and the company’s direct Nebula website. Both links are below, and currently has this discounted $110 to help mark the launch of this great new option in portable streaming.
It’s a new year and Anker never disappoints with new products. The company has announced multiple Qi2 charging accessories to add to its already great MagGo lineup. These MagSafe-style chargers are a go-to addition to anyone’s travel bag or desk.
We’ve gotten a hands-on with three of these new Qi2 wireless chargers for a few weeks now: the MagGo 8-in-1 Charging Station, the MagGo Power Bank travel charger, and the MagGo wireless charging pad. Each offers easy ways to add magnetic wireless charging to your devices.
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.
This is the big boy on the list. This monster charger is definitely meant for home use and features a ton of ports, including the main MagGo charger on the front. This Qi2 charging pad is capable of perfectly aligning via magnets and charging at a rate of 15W for devices that support it.
The magnets are strong and the charging of the MagGo 8-in-1 station are consistent. My iPhone registers it gets the same 15W output of power just like those official ones from Apple. This should get you around 30% battery in 30 minutes, using Anker’s PowerIQ tech to ramp up to the full wattage.
Around the back of the MagGo 8-in-1 is an array of additional output ports. This includes three full-sized AC plugs, two USB-C, and two USB-A ports. The USB-C ports are capable of a massive 67W of output when a single device is plugged. Anker’s PowerIQ system offers dynamic power distribution that allows the Anker MagGo station and your devices to communicate on which one needs the most power. This allows for multiple devices to all charge simultaneously, but the one with the lowest battery reserves gets the largest share of the wattage.
The MagGo 8-in-1 Charging Station is available in two colors on both Anker.com and Amazon. For $100, you can purchase this great travel pack in either Shell White or Black Stone. Our unit is the Black Stone and the neutral color should blend in with anyone’s workspace.
This is Anker’s bread and butter. The company made its name by giving folks cables and travel power banks for you favorite phone. The new MagGo Power Bank is the natural evolution of this ethos.The MagGo Power Bank has a 6600mAh capacity in two 3300mAh cells running in series. This offers you a nice on-the-go solution for your iPhone or Android with a MagSafe case attached. And you get those nice Qi2 charging rates of 15W with your iPhone and other devices that allow for those input levels.
Qi2 isn’t the only option with the MagGo Power Bank as it offers some versatility. You can use the magnetic mounting mechanism as a stand as the bank has a power hinged system allow it to fold open to a perfect viewing angle. This makes it great as a nightstand alarm or media consumption while commuting.
Lastly, the USB-C port is dual channel, allowing for both charging the MagGo Power Bank directly and using it as a charger for devices that may not have wireless charging. This output maxes at 20W, which should top off most of your devices in no time.
The MagGo Power Bank is available in two colors on both Anker.com and Amazon. For $70, you can purchase this great travel pack in the same Shell White or Black Stone. Our unit is the Shell White, and it has a modern white paint job with a more stone colored matte finish around the magnetic charging mount. If purchased through Amazon, you get an additional color option of Blue.
The final member of this trio is the Anker MagGo Qi2 Wireless Charging Pad. Look, this one is simple. The Charging Pad with Qi2 is Anker’s direct alternative to the official Apple MagSafe charger. Where Anker looks to compete here is more on price rather than innovation. At almost half the price, you can add a wired MagSafe charging solution for just $22.
As I said, the design is very similar to the first party MagSafe charger from Apple. Anker has rounded the bottom of the MagGo Qi2 Charging Pad a bit instead of being completely flat on both sides. I thought this was curious at first, but I’ve found it makes it become somewhat of a help when you want to still use your phone while charging. The small curves make the charger sit in your hand and support the devices.
Otherwise, the Anker MagGo Charging Pad is powered via USB-C and capable of the full 15W charging found in MagSafe units. Paired with a capable charging brick like the Anker Nano, and you have the perfect combination for your Qi2 smartphones.
