Your phone data is one of the most valuable things you own these days. Knowing that is secured during daily use via cloud backups and onboard storage is great, but what happens when you need an emergency deletion reversal? Tools like Stellar Android Data Recovery Tool hope to solve this issue with a desktop software suite.
What does it do?
Stellar is a desktop app for Windows PCs that allows you to scan your mobile devices for recoverable files. The file types include photos, messages, videos, audio, contacts, call history, and personal documents.
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Stellar uses proprietary algorithms to efficiently search all available memory on your devices to help recover as much data as possible. It’s compatible with all the major Android manufacturers as well. This includes OnePlus, Samsung, and Motorola running at least Android version 6.
How does it work?
Using Stellar Android Data Recovery is as simple as it gets. Once you get the .EXE file from Stellar’s website, you’re just a few clicks away from having the free trial of the desktop suite. This gives you a brief walkthrough of what to expect in the initial view.
From there, you will want to plug in your Android device and continue the steps in the desktop app. This will include a few extra steps on your phone like enabling developer options, USB debugging, and finally allowing the phone to act as a USB storage device.
After taking a few minutes to scan your phone’s internal memory, you’ll get a preview of all the photos, videos, audio, and documents available to be restored. Now, this is also where you’ll have to decide just how valuable this information is to your wallet. It will take at least the Standard user license of $30 to fully recover your data.
The good thing is that the Stellar scanning process found all my recently deleted files and you should be able to restore most user data. Each device is different, but the Stellar team has a great reputation and confidence in their product after our testing experience.
Conclusion
Data recovery is a niche market but can be invaluable in the right circumstances. Stellar Android Data Recovery is a great option for those looking to get those long-lost baby photos back from mistaken deletion. Finally, at just $30, it could be a steal to have that piece of mind and data back on your device in under an hour.
Hit the link below to get started with Stellar Android Data Recovery today with a quick download.
Take advantage of a deep discount and score Stellar Android Data Recovery Software for just $19 for up to three devices. That’s about $40 off the normal rate, which is quite the savings!
The realm of Augmented Reality (AR) is ever-enticing, and the unveiling of new AR/MR gadgets always piques my curiosity. Among the plethora of futuristic gadgets, AR smart glasses stand out as a premier device to delve into virtual realms.
XREAL (previously known as Nreal) has been at the forefront of the AR smart glasses arena, with its first-generation Xreal Air smart glasses making notable strides by amassing over 100,000 sales last year.
Not resting on its laurels, XREAL has enriched its Air series with the launch of the advanced Xreal Air 2 and Air 2 Pro AR smart glasses. These new entrants are touted as the zenith of AR smart glasses, offering an unparalleled virtual experience, be it listening to music, streaming media, handling calls, or diving into gaming realms with Xbox, PS5, or Nintendo.
Target User Demographic
The latest Air 2 series is a beckoning for anyone yearning to embark on an AR adventure. With its user-friendly interface and an array of features, it’s an enticing offer for both AR novices and aficionados alike. Comparatively, while Rokid’s newly unveiled next-gen Max AR glasses present a formidable competition, XREAL’s offerings edge ahead with superior performance, resolution, and an expansive virtual display.
Where to Learn More or Purchase
Eager customers can pre-order the Air 2 and Air 2 Pro in the US and UK through XREAL’s official website, Amazon, or other authorized resellers, with shipping set to commence in November 2023. The Air 2 is priced at $399/£399, a minor escalation from its predecessor, while the Pro version starts at $449/£449.
Initial Impressions
Upon the first encounter, the Air 2 series retains the aesthetic of its predecessor but brings a wave of ergonomic improvements, making them lighter and more comfortable. The innovative adjustable design, coupled with the new 3-stake adjustable Rake system, promises a snug fit for all head sizes. Moreover, the transition from a Sony 0.68 Micro-OLED to a 0.55 Micro-OLED display unveils a realm of crystal clear imagery with a 1920 x 1080p maximum resolution, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and a commendable peak brightness of 500 nits.
The auditory experience too has been revamped, boasting an improved cinematic sound system with open-ear-styled dual speakers. The user interface is intuitive with essential controls for screen and volume adjustments seamlessly integrated into the design.
Adding a cherry on top is the 3DoF (3 Degrees of Freedom) head-tracking ability, enriching interactions within the virtual environment, making the Air 2 series not just a gadget, but a portal to immersive virtual experiences.
The Air 2 series, priced at $399, is emerging as a worthy contender for anyone looking to venture into the AR domain without burning a hole in their pocket. As I delve deeper into testing these AR glasses, a comprehensive review will follow soon, so stay tuned.
Matter is the alliance between multiple smart home gatekeepers like Amazon, Apple, and Google to provide a protocol that works across software ecosystems. The new initiative was announced almost three years ago and consumers are finally starting to see options they can purchase.
I’ve been testing the new Matter Smart Plug Mini from Meross for a few weeks now and if this is how Matter works from other companies, I’m all in on the future of cross-platform smart home support.
Design
The Meross Matter Smart Plug Mini isn’t reinventing the wheel here. Honestly, you’d have a hard time picking it out from the rest of the mini-lineup. The real changes are all internal with the new hardware and firmware to support all the separate smart home ecosystems.
Otherwise, the Matter Smart Plug Mini is a single outlet connection with WiFi-enabled smart home support. The Matter logo is printed on the front to let you know it supports the new goodies and the left side houses an LED-lit manual power button.
Connecting to your home
I’ve successfully connected the Meross Matter Smart Plug Mini to both Apple’s and Google’s Home apps. The setup is pretty much the same as you would do any Apple Home product. You scan the QR code and essentially follow the instructions. One prerequisite for both seems to be you have to have a hub for this to work. For me, that meant a HomePod and Google Nest Mini speaker.
This QR setup is now also how you initially set up the Meross Matter Smart Plug Mini in Google’s Home app as well. The key difference in both apps is now when you want to share access to a different protocol like Apple, you have to allow access in a new menu option for Matter support.
Once this access is granted you’ll be given a new QR code to scan from within the app you originally used to integrate the Meross Matter device. I’ve tried this in both directions and it just works from either Google to Apple or Apple to Google. Each gives access and allows the second app to set up the Meross Matter Smart Plug Mini as a new device.
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Conclusion
As I mentioned in the opening, I feel like this is the future of smart home interoperability we’ve been promised coming to fruition. Meross made a new generation of a previous device that simply works across smart home ecosystems with minimal input from the user.
Even better, the new Meross Matter Smart Plug Mini is still cost-effective. You can snag a single for just $18 or a two-pack for only $35. This only adds a few dollars premium on the existing WiFi models from Meross. So, what are you waiting on? Hit the links below and use our discount code: androidguys10 for an extra 10% off via the Meross site.
TCL is a Chinese electronics company that is known for its TVs, displays, and smartphones. TCL smartphones are typically affordable and offer good value for money.
As of October 2023, TCL offers a variety of smartphones in different price ranges. Here is an overview of the key devices available from TCL today:
TCL 40XE 5G
The TCL 40XE 5G is the company’s entry-level 5G smartphone for 2023. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset and comes with a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor.
The TCL 40XE 5G is a good choice for users who want an affordable 5G smartphone with good performance and features. It is a good option for general users and gamers alike.
TCL 40 XL
The TCL 40 XL is a mid-range smartphone with a focus on photography. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset and comes with a 6.75-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor.
The TCL 40 XL is a good choice for users who want a mid-range smartphone with good photography capabilities. It is also a good choice for general users who want a mid-range smartphone with a high refresh rate display and a good camera system.
TCL 40 NXTPAPER
The TCL 40 NXTPAPER is a mid-range smartphone with a unique display that is designed to be easy on the eyes. It is powered by the MediaTek Helio G88 chipset and comes with a 6.6-inch NXTPAPER display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor.
The TCL 40 NXTPAPER is a good choice for users who want a mid-range smartphone with a display that is easy on the eyes. It is also a good choice for general users who want a mid-range smartphone with a high refresh rate display and a good camera system.
TCL 30 V 5G
The TCL 30 V 5G is a budget-friendly 5G smartphone with a large battery. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset and comes with a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor.
The TCL 30 V 5G is a good choice for users who want a budget-friendly 5G smartphone with a large battery. It is also a good choice for general users who want a budget-friendly smartphone with a high refresh rate display and a good camera system.
Who is the target user for each TCL device?
TCL 40XE 5G: Budget-minded users, general users who want an affordable 5G smartphone
TCL 40 XL: General users who want a mid-range smartphone with good photography capabilities
TCL 40 NXTPAPER: Users who want a mid-range smartphone with a display that is easy on the eyes
TCL 30 V 5G: Budget-minded users, general users who want a budget-friendly 5G smartphone with a large battery
One of the major advantages of Clamshell phones is- they are very compact and easy to handle. Just flip it and it easily slips into your pocket. Although the clamshell phone I’m talking about does not come from the brand that has maximum contribution in the foldable market, you know where I’m pointing.
You can say it is a trendsetter brand when it comes to the revolution of the clamshell foldable smartphone, forcing every foldable manufacturer to follow a large cover screen factor- I think you already traced the brand, if not it’s none other- the OPPO.
OPPO unveiled its third-generation clamshell foldable smartphone the Find N3 Flip to the global market which brings solid upgrades over the last year’s Find N2 Flip in terms of design, camera specs, and internal hardware.
Best camera setup I’ve seen on any clamshell foldable phone
OPPO’s design engineers are very open when it comes to trying new designs. And, the latest gen foldable phone cement that. OPPO packs a triple rear camera setup at the back in a very creative way that looks absolutely stunning. And yes, it is the first clamshell foldable phone to feature a triple camera kit, the highest on any clamshell-type phone.
You get a Sony’s IMX890 50MP main camera that comes with an OIS (optical Image Stabilization) support. The main unit is joined by a 48MP ultra-wide sensor with 115° field of view and a 32MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. On the front, there is a 32MP snapper for the selfies. OPPO is the first to offer a dedicated telephoto zoom lens on the clamshell phone.
New cover screen
Flexion Hinge offers a great flipping experience with almost an invisible crease when unfolded. Furthermore, the hinge allows one to hold the phone at different positions anywhere in 45°-120° degrees. OPPO claims that its hinge is very sturdy and flexible and can withstand up to 600,000 folds. Up front, you are welcome with a stunning 6.8-inch FHD+ OLED LTPO Pro-XDR display with a 1-120Hz refresh rate, 1440Hz PWM dimming, and 1600 nits of peak brightness. You get a fully functional 3.26-inch cover screen which allows you to use it as a standalone display and is capable enough to run every app on it.
Featuring MediaTek’s high-end Dimensity 9200 flagship processor at the helm which handles gaming and multitasking things flawlessly. It houses a 4,300mAh battery that easily offers a day-long juice on a single charge and a 44W fast wired charger fills the tank within minutes.
OPPO Find N3 Pricing and Availability
The Find N3 Flip is available for pre-order through OPPO’s website and comes in a sole 12GB + 256GB variant that costs $1089. OPPO offers three beautiful color options for the Find N3 Flip- Misty Pink, Sleek Black, and Cream Gold.
Xiaomi is a Chinese electronics company that is known for its affordable and high-quality smartphones. Xiaomi phones are typically popular among budget-minded consumers and tech enthusiasts alike.
As of October 2023, Xiaomi offers a variety of smartphones in different price ranges. Here is an overview of the key devices available from Xiaomi today:
Xiaomi 13
The Xiaomi 13 is the company’s flagship smartphone for 2023. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and comes with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 5MP telemacro sensor.
The Xiaomi 13 is a good choice for users who want a powerful and feature-rich smartphone at a competitive price. It is especially well-suited for gamers and mobile photographers.
Xiaomi 13 Pro
The Xiaomi 13 Pro is a slightly more expensive alternative to the Xiaomi 13. It shares many of the same features as the base model, but it has a slightly larger 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a quad-lens rear camera system with a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, a 5MP telemacro sensor, and a 5MP periscope telephoto sensor with 50x digital zoom.
The Xiaomi 13 Pro is a good choice for users who want the most powerful and feature-rich Xiaomi smartphone available. It is especially well-suited for gamers, mobile photographers, and users who need a smartphone with a powerful zoom camera.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the company’s ultra-premium flagship smartphone for 2023. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and comes with a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a quad-lens rear camera system with a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, a 5MP telemacro sensor, and a 5MP periscope telephoto sensor with 100x digital zoom.
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is a good choice for users who want the best possible smartphone camera experience. It is also a good choice for power users who need the most powerful and feature-rich Xiaomi smartphone available.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the company’s flagship smartphone for 2022. It is still a great option for users who want a powerful and feature-rich smartphone at a competitive price. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and comes with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP periscope telephoto sensor with 120x digital zoom.
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a good choice for users who want a powerful and feature-rich smartphone with a great camera system. It is also a good choice for power users who need the most powerful Xiaomi smartphone available.
Who is the target user for each Xiaomi device?
Xiaomi 13: Power users, gamers, mobile photographers
Xiaomi 13 Pro: Power users, gamers, mobile photographers, users who need a smartphone with a powerful zoom camera
Xiaomi 13 Ultra: Power users, mobile photographers, users who want the best possible smartphone camera experience
Xiaomi 12S Ultra: Power users, gamers, mobile photographers
To safeguard your valuable data housed on your Android phone it is imperative to fortify its security measures. Neglecting this could leave your data vulnerable to cyberattacks. While a multitude of Android phones come equipped with built-in security components like biometrics, it falls upon you to tailor your device settings to your specific privacy requirements. Here are the Android security features that you should apply.
Top Android security tips
#1 Enable 2FA
Android users can enhance their security with two-factor authentication, which involves a two-step verification process. This security measure is becoming standard across various platforms, not just limited to Android settings.
To protect your accounts, especially those with sensitive data, enable 2-factor authentication wherever possible. Here’s how you can get started:
Access the “Settings” on your Android device.
Choose “Google.”
Select “Manage my Google Accounts.”
Scroll down to your email and tap on “Security.”
Locate “2-Step Verification.”
Open your browser.
Choose “Get Started” and follow the provided instructions.
#2 Audit app permissions
When installing an app, it typically requests permission to access various hardware and system services like the microphone, camera, location, and more. It’s easy to mindlessly tap through these notifications, but some apps may collect and sell your location data to marketing firms, even if it’s unnecessary for their functionality. Fortunately, Android 11 onwards automatically resets permissions for unused apps. Nevertheless, it’s always beneficial to occasionally perform an audit of your app permissions.
To ensure apps only have access to necessary services, follow these steps:
Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager
Review each section to confirm no apps have access to unnecessary services.
If you’re running Android 12 or later, you can also check the Privacy Dashboard:
Go to Settings > Privacy > Privacy Dashboard
Get an overview of recent app access.
#3 Enable VPN
One of the key privacy tips for Android is VPN. It offers something that a default smartphone can’t do. It’s wise to figure out how to set up a VPN on Android. The principle is quite simple: install VeePN for Android and connect to remote servers. Specifically, VeePN protects your data, hides IP and DNS addresses, encrypts the channel, prevents DDoS attacks, and fights phishing and viruses.
#4 Activate automatic updates
To ensure the security and privacy of your device, it is important to keep both the operating system and downloaded apps up to date. You can enable automatic updates for apps by following these steps: open the Google Play Store app, tap Menu, go to Settings, select Network preferences, and enable Auto-update apps. The operating system, on the other hand, updates automatically by default, so there is no need to worry about that.
#5 Check the security of your Google account
Google collects a significant amount of data about your activities, some of which you may be uncomfortable with the company storing. While it’s nearly impossible to completely stop Google’s data collection on devices running an Android operating system, you can have some control over what is collected and how long it’s stored. These settings are tied to your Google account.
To manage your privacy settings, you can use Google’s Privacy Checkup feature or access each setting directly from your phone. Open Settings > Privacy > Activity controls to make the necessary changes.
Under the “Web and app activity” setting, Google collects various data, including Maps data, Search history, and Assistant usage. Enabling this setting allows Google to use factors like search history and location to provide you with specific results or ads. If you prefer to limit data retention, you can ask Google to delete the data every few months. Additionally, you can delete audio recordings if you use Google Assistant.
Google keeps a record of your location history using your phone. While this feature offers benefits like improved search results and event notifications on Google Calendar, most people can disable location history with little impact on using Google Maps or related apps.
For YouTube, your search and watch history is tracked. If you’re uncomfortable with this, you can pause the tracking. Other YouTube data, such as comments and survey answers, can be found on the “Other Google activity” page.
In the Google Photos settings, you don’t have many privacy options, but you can enable the “Remove geolocation in items shared by link” option to remove location information from your photos.
If you prefer not to see personalized ads on Google’s services, you can disable them in the ad settings.
On the “Other Google activity” page, you’ll find a collection of almost all the data you’ve provided across Google’s platforms. Consider deleting or reviewing items such as Place answers, news preferences, and product survey responses.
#6 Safe Browsing
The Android safe browsing feature alerts users when attempting to access a potentially harmful website or download a suspicious app.
To enable Safe Browsing:
Navigate to “Settings.”
Select “Privacy.”
Activate the checkbox beside “Safe Browsing.”
Additionally, be selective while choosing an internet browser for your Android device. This does not replace the need for a VPN. It is wise to use at least free VeePN for your Android device. Opt for privacy-oriented ones like DuckDuckGo that support private searches and browsing.
#7 Lock screen controls
To ensure device security, a passcode must be entered to gain access by enabling a lock screen. Having a lock screen provides greater security compared to not having one. Follow these steps to turn on or change your lock screen:
Access Settings.
Click on Lock Screen.
Enter your current passcode if activated.
Modify your Screen lock type.
#8 Block access to the camera or mic
On Android, you can easily control access to your camera and microphone on a per-app basis. However, sometimes you may prefer to have a clearer indication of when these functions are being used or to temporarily limit access overall. One way to achieve this is by accessing the Quick Settings menu and blocking the camera and microphone. This method proves handy especially when you wish to avoid navigating through various software options or simply require peace of mind during call interruptions.
Conclusion
Android offers a number of tools that focus on device security. However, most of us ignore them or do not use them to their full potential. This article offers a solution and instructions to make your Android device more resilient in the face of cyber attacks.
If you’ve ever watched the movie Predator and wished you had heat vision, then the P2 Pro is the product you’ve been searching for. Our friends over at InfiRay were nice enough to send one out for review and I’ve spent the last few weeks testing it out.
Features
The InfiRay P2 Pro is a compact and versatile thermal camera with a sensitivity of -4 degrees Fahrenheit to 1112 degrees Fahrenheit, also known as -20 degrees Celsius to 600 degrees Celsius in metric. It utilizes an infrared sensor with a resolution of 256 x 192 and is capable of producing detailed images that are 1.6 megapixels in size with an accuracy of ±2 degrees Celsius.
Speaking of size, the P2 Pro weighs in at only nine grams, making it so minuscule and lightweight that you can barely tell you have anything attached to your phone or tablet while using it. Packing the sensor and lens into this tiny metal body is an awe-inspiring feat, and it’s impressive that InfiRay was able to pull it off. Additionally, the compact size also makes it possible to get the P2 Pro into tight spaces when using it with the included USB extension cable.
The macro lens is another handy accessory found in the box, and it uses magnets to attach quickly and easily to the P2 Pro. With the macro lens, it is possible to get a close-up view of circuit boards and other small materials for a more precise temperature reading.
Finally, we can’t discuss the features without mentioning the P2 Pro app. This is where you’ll be able to view everything once the camera is connected to your mobile device. The app provides you with up to 11 different color palettes to choose from, as well as displaying the temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius. It also offers a photo and video mode that records in 25 frames per second for smooth playback.
User experience
Having used the InfiRay P2 Pro for the past few weeks, I can vouch that it is easy to use and convenient to carry with me everywhere I go. Once the app is installed, it will ask to launch each time you connect the P2 Pro to your phone. However, I’d caution against checking the box to make that happen by default because then the app wanted to launch for every USB Type-C device I connected to my smartphone.
I found the P2 Pro very useful for analyzing the temperature of everything around me. Whether it was checking the temp of my electronics and mobile devices, looking for where warm air is leaking into the house, or checking up on my hot water heater and the engine in the car. Overall, it became a great tool to have on hand, and it’s also a lot of fun to check the running temperature of everything around you.
For the most part, the app works well. It was easy to turn off the watermark that’s enabled by default and set the temperature to Fahrenheit. Afterward, I was able to start checking and photographing everything around the house. The P2 Pro app even has tools to help you pinpoint the exact areas you want temperature readings and it can output an analysis that can be saved and referenced later on.
Another useful feature is that the P2 Pro app allows you to use the back camera on your phone simultaneously with the attached camera. This makes it possible to see a normal and thermal view in a single photograph. Considering, it can be difficult to decipher what some items are in infrared view, having an image of both together can be invaluable.
One thing to note, photos were always saved as if they were taken in the portrait orientation, even though I used it exclusively in landscape view. This can be easily fixed by rotating the images manually, but it would have been nice if they were saved in the proper orientation to begin with.
Normal lens
Macro lens
Another minor issue I encountered was the app occasionally refused to connect with the camera if I had used it previously that day. Disconnecting the camera, swiping the app away from the overview menu, and plugging the camera back in fixed this.
Last but not least, the P2 Pro runs without draining a ton of power. InfiRay rates it for 5-7 hours of use with a Samsung phone. In my experience, I never used it for longer than an hour on any given day and I didn’t notice a significant impact on the battery.
Final thoughts
The P2 Pro from InfiRay can be an essential tool for many professionals and engineers, as well as being a lot of fun to play with for curious individuals like myself. It’s light, compact, uses a premium and rugged aluminum body, and has a feature-packed app with all the tools and settings you could ask for.
If you’re interested in picking one up for yourself the P2 Pro can be purchased from Amazon or InfiRay’s website for $299. At this time, there’s even a $50 off coupon available through Amazon dropping the price down to $249.
Roku, to me, has become the standard for smart TVs. While the company has seen multiple competitors, it’s still one of the most popular smart TV platforms around. Recently, Roku has taken its no-nonsense approach to your entertainment and applied similar logic to DIY home security.
I’ve been testing the majority of the Roku Home Security lineup for a few weeks now, and based on what I’ve seen, Roku has something here for the casual user.
Easy setup
If you’ve ever used a Roku TV you know these are dead simple to setup. The Roku Security system is the same. The app and included materials do a fantastic job walking you through the process.
It’s as simple as scanning a QR code on each device and following the app’s instructions. You start with the monitoring Hub and then move through the accessories. Our review package included a motion sensor, indoor and outdoor SE cameras, and two entry sensors.
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As mentioned, the app does a great job of keeping straightforward details of adding each new item to the system. Once the hub is set, you have a pairing sequence to add each new sensor. Each has good visual keys in the app to make sure you get it right.
Decent array of additions for first-generation
Even for an initial lineup of devices from Roku to enter the security market, the selection is pretty decent. You get the keypad, base station, two entry sensors, and a motion sensor with the default $99 bundle. It’s comparable to others in the segments and is a great starter kit.
Additional components can be added like indoor cameras, doorbells, and a new outdoor camera. That’s on top of extending the starter kit options. You can easily add another keypad or entry sensor as you see fit for your home. For our review, we were sent the starter kit with additional indoor and outdoor cameras.
As mentioned, I like the options Roku has in the lineup, but I do want to point out something that makes the cameras feel slightly dated. Both the indoor and outdoor cameras are wired via a micro-USB connection. It’s a small nitpick, but USB-C has been the universal standard for several years now.
Integration with Roku OS
We can’t go any further in this review without mentioning one of the best features if you already own a Roku OS device or Roku TV. With the full monitoring package, you can get alerts, and view your live camera feeds, directly on your television. This truly makes the Roku security system feel modern and seamlessly drops into your current setup with no additional hardware or services.
You can access these cameras on-demand as well as enable notifications on your Roku home screen. This allows you to drop into the camera feeds as alerts come in. It’s worth noting that notifications on the TV are only sent over if the system is set to armed for Home or Away.
Smartphone notifications
I’ve found the smartphone notification in the Roku Smart Home app to be solid. Logging into your account from a fully closed app is fast and seamless. Camera live feeds take a few seconds to load, but nowhere outside the norm for these types of systems.
The outdoor camera does a decent job of recognizing humans versus objects as well. I was concerned that my dog would set it off more often, but that hasn’t been the case. I’ve had a few false alerts from the trees in my yard that are close by, but otherwise no issues.
The app in general is very simple and well designed. Accessing all your controls, camera views, and remote monitoring is accomplished in an easy fashion. Apps can easily drag down and hinder home security monitoring in the DIY space, but Roku has avoided this.
Conclusion
Roku has always impressed with a no-nonsense approach to the smart TV and the company has brought this DNA to the smart home with its security bundle. With a competitive price and simple setup, you can have your home protected and professionally monitored, in under 30 minutes.
Finally, let’s talk pricing. The initial Roku Security bundle will cost you $99. This includes the base hub station, keypad, motion sensor, and two entry sensors. The additional indoor and outdoor cameras will set you back another $27 and $50 respectively. Hit the links below to snag any of this lineup.
Embracing the van and camper lifestyle is about choosing adventure over routine, and finding freedom in simplicity. It’s a growing movement that turns compact living into boundless experiences.
Our office recently became a hub for various products catering to this lifestyle. While not all are tech-savvy, each embodies the essence of this nomadic life: functionality with a dash of comfort.
Below, we’ve curated a list of essentials to enhance your journey, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out on this exciting path.
Yoshino B4000T SST Portable Power Station
Journey into the wilderness with the assurance of unwavering power supply, courtesy of the Yoshino B4000T SST Portable Power Station. This solid-state power depot is not just an epitome of modern technological refinement, but a testament to how far human ingenuity can stretch to make off-grid living a reality. With its remarkable storage capacity and a plethora of output options, it’s more than just a power station—it’s your ticket to unfettered exploration. $3,299
Ugreen 65W Nexode GaN 3-Port Charger
The Ugreen 65W Nexode GaN 3-Port Charger is not just a device, but a promise of unyielding connectivity. Crafted for the modern wanderer, this charger boasts a trifecta of ports, ready to resurrect your gadgets from the dead. Its compact design is a subtle nod to the nomadic lifestyle, ensuring you stay connected, no matter where your journey takes you. $40
ALLPOWERS S300 Portable Power Station
via ALLPOWERS
The ALLPOWERS S300 is a beacon of unyielding power, encapsulated in a sleek, portable design. This remarkable power station is engineered to fuel your adventures, ensuring your gadgets remain juiced up irrespective of where the road takes you. Its robust capacity and multiple output options manifest as a reliable power source, making it an indispensable companion for your van life exploits. $99
Gourmia FoodStation
The Gourmia FoodStation is a harbinger of culinary versatility in a compact form. This multi-functional marvel is a passport to a realm where every meal is a celebration, even when on the road. As you explore the unknown, the FoodStation ensures your culinary prowess travels with you, unfettered by the confines of a traditional kitchen. $100
Typhur Dome Air Fryer
The Typhur Dome Air Fryer is your gateway to a world where culinary excellence is not confined to the four walls of a conventional kitchen. This nifty appliance is a marvel of modern engineering, enabling you to whip up gourmet meals on the go. Its compact design is a perfect fit for the van life, and its efficient operation ensures you’re not trading convenience for quality. $500
Dreo CF714S Air Circulator Fan
The Dreo CF714S Air Circulator Fan is an ode to flawless engineering, designed to keep the breeze flowing, even in the compact confines of your van. Its meticulous design ensures optimal air circulation, keeping the environment within your mobile abode fresh and invigorating. As you chase the horizon, let the gentle breeze from this masterful fan keep your spirits soaring. $110
Brandless Fabulous Fryers
The Brandless Fabulous Fryers are a testimony to the fact that great meals can be conjured in compact spaces. Engineered for the nomad at heart, these fryers are a perfect blend of efficiency and compact design. As you traverse through unchartered territories, this culinary companion ensures your palate ventures on an exploratory journey of its own. $120
TOZO S3 Smart Watch
Embrace the epitome of technological finesse with the TOZO S3 Smart Watch. This wrist-bound marvel is more than a timepiece—it’s your personal assistant, fitness trainer, and wellness monitor, all rolled into a sleek, stylish design. As you explore the vistas in your van, let the TOZO S3 be your companion, ensuring you remain connected, healthy, and on schedule. $50
Gravastar Delta 35 GaN Fast Charger
In a world where time is of the essence, the Gravastar Delta 35 GaN Fast Charger emerges as a token of efficiency. Its compact form belies the immense charging power housed within, ready to propel your devices back to life in a fraction of the time. The road might be long, but with Delta 35 in your arsenal, charging downtimes will be the least of your concerns. $30
Monoprice Compact 20,000mAh Power Bank
Unfurl the wings of unbridled adventure with the assurance of relentless power supply, courtesy of the Monoprice Compact 20,000mAh Power Bank. This power behemoth is a silent guardian, ensuring your gadgets remain charged as you wander into the unknown. Its compact design is a testament to modern engineering—massive power encased in a pocket-friendly design. $30
Hisense C1 Laser Mini Projector
via Hisense
Transform the wilderness into a private theater with the Hisense C1 Laser Mini Projector. This compact projector is a window to a world of visual excellence, bringing your favorite films and shows to life under the starlit sky. As you lay back in your van, let the C1 Laser Mini Projector paint your adventure with shades of cinematic brilliance. $2,000
Dr. Plotka Mouthwatchers Toothbrush
Embrace the ritual of oral hygiene with a touch of innovation, courtesy of Dr. Plotka’s Mouthwatchers Toothbrush. This dental marvel boasts antimicrobial bristles ensuring a thorough clean, promoting oral health as you journey through the landscapes. Let each stroke of this toothbrush be a step towards holistic wellness, even on the road. $5
via Dreo
Dreo HM713S Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier
The Dreo HM713S Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier is a sentinel of comfort, ensuring the air you breathe is of pristine quality. This dual-function marvel battles the dryness and ensures a comfortable humidity level, making your van feel like home, no matter where it’s parked. The journey might be long, but with this humidifier, comfort is a constant companion. $80
Aer Gym Tote
The Aer Gym Tote is not just a bag, but a statement of organized, active living. Its ingenious design is a perfect blend of style and functionality, ensuring your gym essentials are always at arm’s reach. As you traverse the trails, let this gym tote be a testament to your commitment to fitness and style. $110
EcoFlow Glacier
The EcoFlow Glacier is a the fridge and freezer combo designed with modern-day convenience, ensuring your perishables stay fresh as you venture into the unknown. This portable refrigerator is a marvel of cooling technology, promising to be a steadfast companion in your van life journey. The EcoFlow Glacier transcends the traditional, bringing the comfort of a chilled beverage to the heart of the wilderness. $1,100
Sutera Lavender Zen Memory Foam Aromatherapy Cooling Pillow
As the day’s adventure morphs into night’s tranquility, lay your head on the Sutera Lavender Zen Pillow and drift into a serene slumber. Infused with the calming essence of lavender and designed for optimal comfort, this pillow is more than a cushion—it’s your passport to a realm of peaceful dreams amidst the wild. $75
Reencle Home Composter
Embrace sustainability on the go with the Reencle Home Composter. This ingenious device transforms food waste into usable compost, promoting a cycle of eco-conscious living even on the road. As you navigate through nature, let the Reencle Home Composter be a reminder of your pledge to a greener planet. $450
HOVERAir X1 Pocket-Sized Self-Flying Camera
Capture the essence of van life from vantage points hitherto unimagined with the HOVERAir X1 Self-Flying Camera. This airborne marvel is your eye in the sky, capturing breathtaking aerial shots as you revel in the beauty of nature. Compact yet capable, the HOVERAir X1 is a testament to how far the quest for perfect capture has come. $350
Wash Yo Self
Unveil a new dimension of cleanliness with Wash Yo Self, a product designed for the meticulous traveler. These face and body wipes are a breath of fresh air, promising a quick refresh whenever you need it. As you tread the paths less traveled, let Wash Yo Self be your companion in maintaining a pristine presence. $10
Wabi Whiffs
Venture into the wilderness with the assurance of freshness, courtesy of Wabi Whiffs. These toot sprays are a novel solution to keeping your van ambiance pleasant, no matter where the road takes you. A spray or two is all it takes to keep the journey as enjoyable as the destination, making Wabi Whiffs an indispensable companion in your van life adventure. $10
