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Hands-On: Proscenic L40 Smart Lock

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I’ve had the opportunity review Proscenic devices in the past and was looking forward to the opportunity to test out their L40 Smart Lock door handle. 

I recently moved into a new place without a garage and as such, I’ve had to carry a house key rather than rely on entering the house through the garage door.

Before I get into the review, let me first tell you about myself. I hate when things jingle in my pockets. I carry a minimalist wallet and whenever possible, I carry only the key fob to my car. I remove the valet or manual key from the key fob so there is no keyring to which to attach my house key. Occasionally, I’ve walked out my front door without my key fob or door key. Locked out! This is so 1980’s!

When I learned of the Proscenic L40 Smart Lock, I was eager to get my hands on a review unit. Let’s see if it met my expectations. 

via Proscenic

Build Quality 

The device appears to be made of reasonable quality materials. It is mostly metal but has plastic trim, number pad, and battery cover. The device is available only in black so if your décor features brass, stainless steel, or brushed nickel, this isn’t going to match from a color and finish perspective.

Since most of my house is outfitted with aged bronze hardware, the black finish of the L40 blends in quite well. The door handle consists of two primary parts (inside and outside) that are joined with wires that meet in the middle.  

Installation 

The Proscenic L40 comes with templates which allow you to drill a new door or in my case I used the appropriate template to mark the areas that I needed to drill additional holes to accommodate the aforementioned wires and bolts that hold the two halves together.

My biggest complaint with regards to installation is the additional drilling required to pass the relatively thin wires through the door. I understand that it might not be ideal to send these wires through the large door whole where the latch mechanism is connected but at the same time, there’s significant unused space that could have accommodated the wire without needing additional holes in the door. 

Additionally, the connectors are significantly larger than the wires themselves so you end up needing to drill a much bigger hole. There was also a considerable amount of slack in the wires after they were connected and there is nowhere to effectively store the extra cabling so I ended up needing to drill deeper recesses into my door.

To be fair, the template calls for an oval cut-out which would have probably made storing the excess wire easier, but I didn’t care to remove more of the door than absolutely necessary.  A minor gripe is that despite the hardware being black, the mounting screws were silver so they stand out more than necessary.  

My review unit came with a separate Wi-Fi module that simply needs to be plugged within vicinity and paired to the L40 Smart Lock. 

via Proscenic

Features 

Once installed, the Proscenic L40 features multiple unlocking modalities. 

  1. Biometric – through an integrated fingerprint reader 
  2. Numeric keypad – an 8 character numeric code is required to unlock 
  3. IC Card – It comes with two NFC cards that need to be registered via the app and assigned to an individual 
  4. Mechanical Key – a laser cut physical key 
  5. Smartphone Application 

Setup 

Setup of the door is not quite as intuitive as one would hope. Once the door handle is physically installed, you insert 4 AA batteries (not included) into the interior side of device. You must download the application and it connects via Bluetooth initially.  Unfortunately, this is a separate app from the one I use to control my robot vacuum.

You must create a Proscenic account in order to start using the app as well as the door lock. I was able to log in using my previous credentials. You can create family member profiles and non-family member profiles. Non-family members are able to unlock using biometric, pin code and IC card but not via app.  In order to add a user as a family member, they have to register a separate account with Proscenic. 

You separately have to plug-in and link the wifi module and add the door lock to the wifi module to use the device via Internet. 

The application is fairly limited in function allowing you to unlock the door remotely but holding the unlock button for several seconds, registering additional users, setting pin-codes, check battery status and viewing logs of door lock access.

Device settings are limited to setting the auto-lock feature duration and volume of the door announcements. These same settings can be accessed either through the door lock or the Wi-Fi module portion of the app. 

Performance 

The fingerprint reader is fairly fast and is engaged by simply placing your finger on the central pivot point of the door handle. However, if you do not orient your finger in a very similar way to when you registered, it will not unlock.

I’ve tried turning my finger 90-180 degrees and it fails. I don’t know how many degrees of variation it allows but it’s taken some muscle memory to get the door lock to unlock on the first try.

The door lock goes into “lock down” mode after five failed attempts allowing you to only unlock via the app or by waiting three minutes. Besides finger placement, any rain or sweat on your finger will also prevent the sensor accurately reading your fingerprint. 

Trust me when I say you will lock yourself out at some point or another and need to utilize the app. For guests or family members without the app, it is frustrating.  

Once you’ve unlocked the door, it will re-lock itself unless you hit #5 on the keypad leaving it in an unlocked state.  This cannot be done via app setting so if you are operating the door lock remotely, there is no way to leave it unlocked. In most situations this is probably a best practice so I can’t hate on it too badly. 

I won’t cover the other unlocking as I don’t think that most users would be purchasing this type of door lock for their home installation. If you are an AirBnB owner, I could see where the pin code access would be appealing as guests come and go. 

In summary, here is a rundown of my experience with the other modalities. 

  1. Numeric keypad – works well only after you are successful at tapping and holding a finger on the keypad just right to get it to illuminate. There is an “anti-snooping” feature that allows you to enter additional keypresses before entering the 8-digit pin. I’ve found this feature to be needed because more often than not, you are going to inadvertently hit numbers as you try to illuminate the keypad. 
  2. IC Card – this is a great option for people who aren’t technically savvy; however, you have to wave the card in front of the keypad first to activate the keypad and then to unlock the door. Not difficult but not intuitive for first time users. You have to register the IC cards to specific users within the app in order for them to work. According to the user manual, this lock supports up to 100 IC cards. 
  3. Mechanical key – works just like a regular key except this is inserted into the end of the door handle. The keys are laser cut so I don’t know how easily they could be duplicated or replaced if misplaced. 
  4. Smartphone application – once the application is launched, you simply press and hold the unlock button to unlock the door. This is done over bluetooth if you do not have the separate wifi module. This option is only available to family members that are able to use this feature. 

Warranty 

As with pretty much everything else you buy, the Proscenic L40 comes with a one year limited warranty. In the months that I’ve been using the door lock, I don’t have any concerns with the device failing 

Price 

The Proscenic L40 currently sells for about $130 on Amazon. This is aligned with most of competitors available aside from name brands such as Kwikset or Yale which you are more likely to find at a big box home improvement store. 

Conclusion 

Aside from the installation which requires drilling or cutting away more of the door than I would hope and the issue of tucking wires between the door and door lock; I am very pleased with the aesthetics and performance of the Proscenic L40.

This is my first and only biometric door lock so I don’t have anything to compare it against. My only other minor gripes are that 1) batteries aren’t included with the door kit and 2) the Wi-Fi module is not built into the door lock itself. 

Opinion: Google needs to avoid another rebrand it regrets with Fitbit

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Google has struggled for years with branding. The biggest sample size is the mess of messaging apps that have been killed, revived, renamed, and merged. We saw numerous iterations from Talk, Chat, Allo, and now Meet. The same has been true for multiple social experiments as well.

Fitbit Should Win

But when it comes to Fitbit, I can’t help but think that Google is about to repeat past tropes that we saw with Google Play Music. It took the brain trust far too long to realize that YouTube was its biggest presence and branding in music.

After several years of investing in the Play Music naming, the company turned face and embraced YouTube Music with an official rebrand. More recently, it seems Google Podcasts will also be absorbed inside the YouTube Music umbrella in a similar fashion.

I’m here to suggest that Google not make this same mistake again with Google Wear OS. Google needs to skip a few stumbles and jump to the conclusion that its wearable brand should be Fitbit. The Moutain View board saw the appeal of this brand and paid $2.1 billion to acquire one of the first wearable brands to ever exist.

You bought this trend-setting name in Fitbit because, to this day, it’s the most recognized option in wearables outside of the Apple Watch. Fitbits predate almost any other viable wearable. It beat the Apple Watch to market by eight years!

For those keeping notes, that means Fitbit came out in 2009, around eighteen months after the first iPhone. The Apple Watch and Wear OS literally exist because they needed a competitor to Fitbit. Google should fold this into its lineup as a first-party brand instead of trying to shoehorn it into Wear OS as fitness data.

Wear OS should be there in some capacity

I’m not saying that Wear OS has to die completely. I honestly think the easiest way to move forward is to find a middle ground where Google gets the underneath software but leverages the Fitbit name. I get that Android makes sense as the code running the system for numerous reasons like app consistency and porting from other Android devices.

However, what you call it also matters and if you polled a thousand people across multiple age groups, I’d guarantee you that Fitbit will be recognized by a larger percentage. The average consumer doesn’t care that it runs Android or Fitbit’s software under the hood. Just like many probably still don’t know that Galaxy phones run Android. They don’t care!

They just know the brand. Fitbit should be this brand for wearables. Google needs to get this right and not have to change course years later like YouTube Music. Convince me otherwise, but I stand by this logic.

OnePlus Nord 3 finally lands in the UK, starting at £499

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Recently, OnePlus introduced its latest Nord series smartphone in the market- the Nord 3. The successor to the OnePlus Nord 2T (which was launched last year) comes with notable improvements in terms of performance, camera upgrades, long-term software update support, and whole much more.

Due to some logistics issues, OnePlus Nord 3 wasn’t launched that time in the UK but now it seems that OnePlus resolved the issues as the brand’s upper midrange Nord 3 smartphone is listed on the OnePlus UK website. OnePlus Nord 3 retails at £499 for a sole 16GB RAM/256GB storage in the UK and comes in Tempest Gray color option. Open sales will commence on August 17 and those who pre-order the Nord 3 phone will get free pairs of OnePlus Nords Buds 2 earbuds.

OnePlus Nord 3 retails at €449 (~$490) for the base 8/128GB storage model while the 16/256GB model costs €549 (~598). For the Indian markets, the Nord 3 starts at Rs 33,999 for the base 8/128GB variant and the high-end 16/256GB retail at 37,999. It comes in Tempest Gray and Misty Green color options. 

OnePlus Nord 3 is already available in European markets and Indian markets via OnePlus’ official website and Amazon. It looks like OnePlus doesn’t have any plans to announce the Nord 3 device in the US market. In case, if you don’t know OnePlus releases the Nord series for limited markets only.

OnePlus Nord 3 debuts with Dimensity 9000 Chipset

The Nord 3 has a 6.74-inch 1.5K AMOLED flat display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Powering the smartphone by a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset configured with up to 16GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. The device runs on Oxygen OS 13.1 based on Android 13 out of the box. OnePlus promises three major Android updates and four years of security updates for the Nord 3 phone. 

Also Read:- OnePlus Nord N30 5G review

For optics, OnePlus packs the 50MP primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) in the Nord 3. It’s the same camera sensor OnePlus used in its recently launched OnePlus 11 (Review) flagship smartphone. The primary camera is paired with 8MP ultrawide shooter and 2MP macro unit and a 16MP front camera for selfies and video chats. 

OnePlus Nord 3 debuts with Dimensity 9000 Chipset

It packs a 5,000mAH battery with support for 80W fast charging tech which is claimed to charge the phone 0 to 60% in just 15 minutes. OnePlus also added its signature physical Alert Slider button on the right side of the smartphone. 

Why Your Business Needs LatitudeLearning: A Comprehensive Review

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In today’s highly competitive business world, companies are constantly looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve and ensure their employees have access to the best resources available. LatitudeLearning is a comprehensive learning management system (LMS) designed to help businesses create an engaging and effective learning experience for their employees. In this review, we’ll take a look at why your business needs LatitudeLearning and how it can help you improve employee engagement and overall productivity. 

What Is LatitudeLearning? 

LatitudeLearning is an enterprise-level LMS designed to make it easy for businesses to manage complex training programs while providing an engaging learning experience for their employees. The platform enables organizations of any size or complexity to quickly create courses, assign them to users, track progress, and analyze results. It also provides powerful tools for managing content such as quizzes, exams, surveys, multimedia files, documents, assessments and more. Additionally, LatitudeLearning offers advanced features like automated notifications when tasks are completed, or due dates are approaching, as well as reporting capabilities that give administrators insight into which courses are performing best. 

Benefits of Using Latitude Learning 

There are a number of benefits associated with using Latitude Learning in your organization. A few of these are as follows:

  • Increased Engagement – With interactive elements like quizzes and exams built into the platform, employees will be more engaged in their learning process, which leads to improved retention rates. Additionally, automated notifications ensure that deadlines don’t get missed or forgotten about so users stay on track with their coursework. 
  • Improved Productivity – By streamlining the creation and delivery of training materials through one centralized platform with detailed tracking capabilities, employers can easily identify areas where performance could be improved, allowing them to better allocate resources where they’re needed most. This helps increase overall productivity by ensuring that all team members are working efficiently towards common goals.
  • Cost Savings – By leveraging a single platform like Latitude Learning, employers can eliminate the need for multiple software systems dedicated solely to training purposes, thus reducing costs associated with purchasing multiple licenses or subscriptions from different vendors. Additionally, since all information is stored securely in one place, there’s no need for costly IT infrastructure upgrades, which further reduces overhead costs associated with running a business.  

Features Of Latitude Learning 

Latitude Learning offers several features that make it ideal for businesses looking to streamline their training processes, including:

  • Customizable Course Creation – Administrators have complete control over how each course looks, including text formatting options such as font size, style, and color, as well as adding images/video/audio clips directly within the course itself. This makes it easier than ever before to customize courses based on individual needs without having any technical knowledge required beforehand.
  • Automated Reporting & Analysis – Detailed reports allow administrators to track user progress throughout each course by providing valuable insights into areas where performance could use improvement while also helping identify high performers who may require additional challenges or recognition from time to time.
  • Easy Integration With Other Systems – The ability to integrate seamlessly with other internal systems (such as HRIS) makes it possible to send automated notifications when tasks are completed or due dates approach, so nothing gets lost in translation between departments. This also ensures data accuracy across various platforms leading to fewer errors down the line and resulting in higher efficiency overall operations!    

Conclusion 

Latitude Learning is an invaluable tool that can provide organizations of any size or complexity with an efficient way to manage complex training programs while creating an engaging learning environment for its users. This will undoubtedly lead to increased employee engagement and improved productivity levels in the long term. If you’re looking to improve upon outdated methods being used currently, then consider giving this powerful LMS solution a try today and see just how much of a difference it can make in your organization’s bottom-line success rate moving forward!

Google Pixel Fold review

Foldables have a new segment of the Android market. While Samsung is working on the 5th generation of the Galaxy Z Fold, Google has been sitting on the sidelines frustrating the Pixel faithful. Google has been rumored to be nearing a release for years, but we finally have the Pixel Fold in-house.

I’ve been using the Pixel Fold for a few weeks thanks to our friends at AT&T and have many thoughts in our full review.

Design

The Google Pixel is an engineering marvel even if it took them years to come to market against the competition. Long-term, I think this was a good move to adjust to feedback and Google’s own vision of what a foldable should be. This led to the Pixel being a much better phone than the Galaxy by design.

While it’s essentially the same idea of a dual-screen setup with one on the exterior and one double-sized on the interior, the Pixel Fold’s outer display is much wider and shorter aspect ratio than Samsung’s. I personally found myself to prefer this move. As mentioned, I never felt I fully utilized the Galaxy Z Fold’s smaller front display due to the tall/slender aspect ratio made it frustratingly cramped.

Alternative to the 6.2-inch with 21.6:9 aspect ratio of the Galaxy, Google equipped its Fold with a 17.4:9 aspect on a 5.8-inch screen. This leads to it being much easier to use, type, and navigate on the front display with the larger screen closed. Dimensionally, it’s very close to my iPhone 13’s display in functional spacing. It really hits the sweet spot of this type of device for me.

Conversely, I also prefer this “squatier” design when using the larger 7.6-inch display of the Pixel Fold. The same shorter ratio makes holding this and still reaching all corners much easier. To put it in perspective, if you have a passport laying around (the travel document, not the underrated BlackBerry device) the Fold is roughly the same size.

Both displays are crisp and bright. The folding inner screen is capable of 1450 nits with the outer pushing 1550 nits. The outer Pixel Fold display is made from Corning Gorilla Glass Invictus and has held up well in my testing. I don’t have any major blemishes.

Yes, the Pixel Fold’s inner display has a crease, you immediately will forget it in the first 30 minutes of usage like any other foldable. It’s also true that the ability to open it completely flat is debatable. You can kind of force it to, but it really wants to be more like 178 degrees open. I’m fine with that as it leads to less stress on the hinge. I can also only think the times you’d want this is on a table which is moot with the camera hump not allowing it to lay flat anyways.

Oh, and the last note on hardware is Google nailed the case. Just get it and thank me later. It has a smooth soft-feel texture and comfortably wraps the Pixel Fold in a silicone shield. There’s even a small strip of 3M adhesive to allow the case to stay in place around the hinge where it can’t physically wrap around the device.

Software

It’s easy to just say this is a Pixel with another larger screen, but that’s mostly the case. You get a smooth interface with all the Google stuff and a stock feel. The key differences are when you open the larger display. Taking in media, emails, and videos seems so much better here.

Google’s native apps highlight this option with tablet-like UI elements for the inside of the Pixel Fold. Gmail gets a split view that’s really nice for instance. Reading feels the closest to reading a paperback than any other device I’ve used as well.

Videos are a mixed bag. With the 17.4:9 aspect ratio, you get black bars at the top and bottom regardless of orientation. While this seems larger than turning your normal phone sideways, it’s physically very little increase over the used space of my Pixel 6.

Much like our previous review the Moto RAZR+, the Fold allows the dual displays to also act as a stand by splitting the UI of apps like YouTube and the Camera app. The viewfinder on the camera and the video box of videos stay on the top portion while still showing other UI elements on the lower half.

Overall, I like what Google did here on the software side, but I do have a couple of wants in the next generations. First, the internal screen simply mirrors the external and can’t be customized as a separate entity. Once you alter an icon or widget on either it’s mirrored on the other. I think this is the right move for the casual user, but should be a toggle to use them separately.

Second, Google needs a DeX competitor. For $1,800 the line between phone and computer should blur. I should be able to utilize this powerful device as my primary computer if I wanted. It’s a niche case now, but I think as younger generations get away from the traditional desktop or even laptop paradigm, this desktop mode needs to be there if plugged into a monitor and keyboard.

I think that’s the overall difference between the Pixel Fold line and the Galaxy Z Fold. Samsung seems to be positioning its Fold as an iPad competitor in some regards. This approach sees that this may be your only computing device and should have hardware and software to support that vision.

Battery

Battery life is one thing that foldables can still improve on and the Pixel Fold is no exception. The Fold is capable of getting you through a full day without consuming a ton of media on the inside screen. It’s a double-edged situation because it really encourages you to. I have found that most days with my usage getting to 11 PM after a 6 AM start was consistent.

I’ll note that I’m not a power user and only really used it to watch YouTube/Plex videos on my lunch break. Those with longer commutes on a subway or public transit will most likely deplete the power banks sooner.

Thankfully, Qi wireless charging is onboard, even if only at 7.5 Watts. This is nice for maintaining a power rate or overnight but can still struggle with performance usage. When you need an extra boost, you get 21 Watt wired charging via USB-C. Again, Google seems to compromise by not allowing the more common ranges of 30-plus Watts here, but my guess it’s they want to have more maturity around thermal management with the Tensor G2 SoC.

This brings me to my last performance/battery callout. This thing gets hot. On a recent road trip, I had it literally shut off Android Auto, and notified me that it needed a “cool down” before it could proceed. The G2 is a nice iterative bump over the G1 in my Pixel 6, but Google needs to find a better common ground with the Pixel lineup in the next generations. Snapdragons have over a decade head start and it really shines a negative light on the Pixel models right now.

Camera

The Pixel Fold will look very familiar in picture quality if you’ve ever owned a Pixel before. For me, this is a good thing. I find very little difference in my results from a Pixel 6 to the Fold. Sensor-wise, it seems most closely related to the Pixel 7a.

Images are very detailed, low light performance is great, and I just genuinely find Pixel photos my favorite post-processed option on smartphones. I do like the ability to use the external cameras on the back for selfies and somewhat as a tripod. It’s a nice touch to have flexibility of not only the cameras but how the viewfinder is situated.

Price

The price is the other muddling spec for the Pixel Fold. I think this is where the market needs the price to be right now with these devices, but it’s hard to justify at times. The engineering jump and investment most likely make the $1,800 price tag realistic, but I need Google to have more value-added via software updates or performance.

As mentioned under the software, this needs to be a more flexible device for the Fold to cost me more than a tablet and my smartphone. If the end goal is to replace those two devices, or even be my only computing device, I need more from it.

Google needs to bridge that gap to make it so blurry that I just buy the pocketable device for all my needs. It needs a desktop mode. It needs better battery life. It needs to not feel like it’s combustible. And I think the Fold will get there…eventually. For now, you need to weigh those pros and cons for yourself and your wallet.

Conclusion

I really liked my time with the Pixel Fold. Despite its shortcomings, I think it’s probably the correct step forward for the future of handsets. I also believe it’s in a weird limbo of devices much like the Microsoft Surface lineup. The Pixel Fold is another foldable proof of concept that’s pretty good at being both a tablet and a smartphone but not great at either at the same time.

At $1,800 it makes the choice even more murky, but thankfully our friends at AT&T can alleviate some of that. With an eligible trade-in and 36-month leasing, you can bring the price down to just $25 per month. Hit the link below if interested.

Purchase the Google Pixel Fold from AT&T.

10 Gadgets and Gifts for People Who Have It All

Finding the perfect gift for someone who seemingly has it all can be quite the challenge. What do you get for the person who already seems to have everything they need? If you’re tired of gifting the same old generic presents, it’s time to explore a realm of intriguing gadgets and novel finds that may have flown under their radar.

In this roundup, we’ve uncovered a collection of extraordinary products that cater to those with discerning tastes and a penchant for the unexpected. From cutting-edge tech innovations to eccentric yet delightful items, these gadgets and gifts are sure to capture the imagination of the person who thought they had seen it all.

Whether you’re seeking a conversation starter, a whimsical surprise, or a genuinely unique gift, our curated list is designed to inspire and delight even the most seasoned gift recipients.

Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights for Desks

These unique lights boast RGBIC technology, allowing users to enjoy dynamic lighting effects with various colors and modes. The rope lights are fully customizable through the Govee Home app, granting the flexibility to match their mood or create a vibrant ambiance to suit any occasion.

With an adhesive backing, they are easy to install and can be placed virtually anywhere on their desk, providing an enchanting and eye-catching backdrop. The included music mode syncs the lights to the rhythm of their favorite tunes, adding a touch of magic to their work or relaxation sessions. If you’re on the lookout for a gift that brings both style and functionality, the Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights for Desks are an ideal option for anyone on your list. $90

ESR HaloLock 3-in-1 Watch Wireless Charging Set

via ESR

This set includes a magnetic wireless charging pad designed to power up an Apple Watch, AirPods, and an iPhone simultaneously, all without the need for messy cables. The charging pad is equipped with ESR’s advanced HaloLock magnetic technology, ensuring a secure and efficient charging experience.

With a compact and sleek design, it fits seamlessly into any living space or workspace, decluttering their charging setup. The inclusion of multiple charging options in one set adds a touch of convenience and organization to their tech collection.

For those who appreciate the combination of functionality and aesthetics, the ESR HaloLock 3-in-1 Watch Wireless Charging Set is a standout addition to our roundup of unique gadgets and gifts for people who have it all. $80

Lovebox

via Lovebox

More than just a simple gadget, the Lovebox is a digital love note designed to spread joy and affection. Crafted with care, it consists of a wooden box with a digital screen that displays messages sent to it via a mobile app.

Users can send personalized texts, emojis, and even photos to their loved ones, instantly lighting up the heart on the front of the Lovebox when a new message arrives. The recipient can respond with a spinning heart on the box, acknowledging the receipt and sharing the love.

This enchanting and whimsical gadget is a beautiful way to stay connected and surprise someone special with heartfelt messages. $140

Armitron Wave

via Armitron

With its sleek and minimalist design, this timepiece is a true standout. The navy blue color adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, making it suitable for any occasion. But, if it were up to us, we’d grab a couple of these colors and bands to change up with our outfits. The Wave watch features a 40mm case size, striking the perfect balance between style and wearability.

Crafted with precision and durability in mind, it offers reliable Japanese quartz movement and is water-resistant up to 165 feet. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising someone else, the Armitron Wave watch is sure to impress with its blend of modern aesthetics and timeless functionality. Explore the possibilities and make a statement with this exceptional timepiece from Armitron.

Carved Live Edge Wood Case

via Carved

When it comes to finding a unique gadget or gift for someone who seems to have it all, the Carved Pixel 7 Pro Live Edge Wood Case is a true gem. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this phone case stands out with its stunning combination of wood and resin.

Each case features a live edge design, showcasing the natural beauty of the wood. The Madilyn Blue variant adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. Beyond its exquisite appearance, the case provides reliable protection for your Pixel 7 Pro or other device, safeguarding it from everyday bumps and scratches.

The precise cutouts ensure easy access to all ports and buttons. Gift someone special or treat yourself to the Carved Pixel 7 Pro Live Edge Wood Case and make a statement with this exceptional blend of artistry and functionality. $189

GravaStar Supernova

This extraordinary gadget is not just a Bluetooth speaker – it’s a visual and auditory marvel. The GravaStar Supernova features a futuristic design that is sure to catch everyone’s attention.

With its robust build and sci-fi-inspired aesthetics, it stands out from the crowd. But it’s not just about the looks; this speaker delivers impressive sound quality with its 25W high-performance source, providing rich and immersive audio. The Supernova features Bluetooth 5.3 technology, ensuring a seamless wireless connection with your devices. The built-in rechargeable battery offers up to nine hours of playtime, allowing for extended listening sessions.

The inclusion of the GravaStar Supernova in this roundup is a no-brainer, as it offers a distinctive and captivating gadget that combines both form and function. Whether it’s for a tech enthusiast or someone who appreciates unique design, the GravaStar Supernova is sure to impress. $180

Victrola Re-Spin

For the music lover who seemingly has it all, the Victrola Re-Spin presents a unique and sustainable gift option that blends classic charm with modern technology. This Bluetooth suitcase record player breathes new life into old vinyl records, allowing users to relish the warm and nostalgic sound of their favorite tunes.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the Re-Spin is made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice for the environmentally-conscious individual. Alongside its vintage appeal, the record player also features built-in Bluetooth, enabling wireless connectivity to speakers or headphones.

Its portable and compact design, complete with a carry handle, ensures music enthusiasts can enjoy their vinyl collection wherever they go. If you’re in search of a distinctive gift that embraces both classic elegance and eco-consciousness, the Victrola Re-Spin rises to the top of our list. $100

Star Wars Conversation Cards

The Star Wars Conversation Cards are a must-have addition for any fan, offering an engaging and fun way to explore the Star Wars universe with friends and family. The deck contains a wide range of 125 thought-provoking questions and prompts that spark lively discussions and nostalgic conversations about the iconic saga.

Whether you’re a seasoned Star Wars aficionado or a casual fan, these cards provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the lore, characters, and memorable moments of the galaxy far, far away.

Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or simply as a conversation starter, the Star Wars Conversation Cards offer a delightful blend of entertainment and shared experiences for fans of all ages. $26

Nanoleaf Lines

These unique modular LED light panels allow users to create their personalized masterpieces on the walls, adding a touch of ambiance and creativity to any space.

The Lines can be arranged in various patterns, thanks to their connectable design, giving users the freedom to craft captivating and ever-changing lighting displays. With dynamic color-changing capabilities, they can set the mood for any occasion, from cozy evenings to vibrant gatherings.

Nanoleaf’s innovative app controls enable effortless customization, and the lights can also be synchronized to music or paired with other products from the brand to create an immersive sensory experience. The Nanoleaf Lines fuse artistry, technology, and the joy of customization. $80

Waterfield Essential Crossbody

This sleek and modern crossbody bag is thoughtfully designed to carry all their essentials in style, whether they’re exploring the city or heading to the office. Constructed with premium materials, the Essential Crossbody features a water-resistant exterior to protect their belongings from unexpected showers.

The main compartment is spacious enough to fit a tablet or e-reader, while the front zipper pocket provides quick access to keys, phone, or small accessories. Its adjustable strap allows for comfortable wear in multiple ways, catering to different preferences. Choose from a variety of sizes and color accents. $140

Infinix unveiled its first affordable GT 10 Pro Gaming smartphone

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An emerging brand in the smartphone world Infinix has officially unleashed its first affordable gaming-focused smartphone- Infinix GT 10 Pro. With the launch of GT 10 Pro, Infinix embarked on their new GT series smartphone in the markets which is primarily focused on delivering a high-performance gaming experience combined with striking cyberpunk aesthetics, all at an affordable price. 

Infinix is pushing the boundaries of smartphone design with the new GT series. Infinix unveiled an out-of-the-world design for the GT 10 Pro making it a unique smartphone in the smartphone. Maybe, Infinix is slightly inspired by the “Nothing” to achieve this eye-catchy and striking design for the GT- series smartphone. With the increasing popularity of mobile gaming and limited options of budget-range smartphones that deliver a satisfactory gaming experience, Infinix fills the gap in the market by offering a reliable gaming experience at an accessible price point. 

Infinix GT 10 Pro Unboxing

The GT 10 Pro with Out of the World Design 

Infinix unveiled its first affordable GT 10 Pro Gaming smartphone

It is very rare to see an unmatchable aesthetic design in an affordable gaming smartphone. Inspired by the Cyberpunk Sci-fi sub-genre, Infinix designed an eye-grabbler design that redefines gaming aesthetics for the GT 10 Pro. It has a striking Cyberpunk-styled back cover with an interactive and customizable Mini-LED which allows you to set according to your taste. 

Even the smartphone box has a unique ability. After taking out the phone from the box, you can double the smartphone’s box into a music amplifier and charging holder, thanks to its unique packaging design.

Infinix GT 10 Pro sports a stunning 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED flexible display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 900 nits of peak brightness, 360Hz touch sampling rate, and 1920Hz high-frequency PWM dimming support. The panel has DCI-P3 wide color gamut color support that ensures vibrant colors, high brightness, and immersive viewing angles. 

Infinix unveiled its first affordable GT 10 Pro Gaming smartphone

The GT 10 Pro with Dimensity 8050 SoC- Delivers a Next-Level Gaming Experience

Infinix GT 10 Pro is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8050 Octa-Core processor based on 6nm architecture, paired with ARM Mali G77 GPU which boosts the gaming performance and delivers high frame rates, impressive visual quality, and lag-free gaming experience on demanding titles like PUBG, Free Fire, MLBB, COD, and Genshin Impact. It packs 8GB of RAM and 256GB of plenty of internal storage which is further expandable up to 1TB via Micro SD card. 

The GT 10 Pro has Vapor Chamber Liquid Cooling Technology that dissipated heat efficiently through high-performance components and keeps the device cool while gaming. It offers up to 8GB of Virtual RAM support that ensures effortless app switching and smooth gameplay. 

The device runs on the latest Android 13 based on Pure XOS out of the box. Infinix promised to offer a clean and streamlined software experience with fewer pre-installed apps and more controls on notifications. 

Infinix GT 10 Pro boasts an omni-directional sensing engine with 4D vibration technology that allows you to feel every bump and minute detail in the game while the 4D linear motor provides feedback with vibrations from different corners of the phone. 

Impressive 108MP Triple Rear Camera Setup

Infinix packs a triple rear camera setup at the back featuring a 108MP primary lens paired with a 2MP depth and 2MP macro shooters. It has a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies and video chats. The rear camera can records video up to 4K 30 FPS while the front offers 2K 30 FPS. 

Other Notable Features

The device houses a massive 5,000mAh battery with support for 45W fast charging tech. It uses a Bypass charging system which reduces heat buildup during gaming and the latest PD 3.0 charging standard provides reliable and worry-free charging. It comes with a bunch of connectivity options including 5G, 4G, WiFi 6, Bluetooth, a 3.5 headphone jack, NFC, and a USB Type C port for charging and data transfer. The smartphone has an In-display fingerprint sensor and weighs just 187 grams and is 8.1mm thick. 

Infinix unveiled its first affordable GT 10 Pro Gaming smartphone

Pricing and Availability

Infinix GT 10 Pro comes in the sole 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage option and retails at $250/ ₹19,999. The GT 10 Pro smartphone pre-orders start on August 3 through Flipkart in India. It comes in two eye-catchy color options- Cyber Black and Mirage Silver.

Stay tuned for our Infinix GT 10 Pro Review coming soon.

Introducing Anker’s latest GaN Prime Series

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Anker, a leading name in charging solutions, has been relatively quiet this year, but that is about to change with the launch of their exciting new Prime series. Comprising four power banks and four GaN chargers, the Prime series aims to cater to the ever-growing need to charge multiple devices simultaneously.

The Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank, the flagship of the power bank lineup, is an absolute beast in terms of capacity and versatility. Equipped with two USB-C ports capable of delivering up to 140W each and a single USB-A port, this power bank can deliver a staggering 205W when both USB-C ports are in use. It goes even further, hitting a remarkable 250W output when all three ports are active.

A standout feature of this power bank is its built-in screen, providing real-time charging statistics. The screen is a welcome addition for those who crave visibility into their charging status. What’s even more impressive is that this powerful device retails for just $179, making it a great value proposition.

For users seeking a slightly more compact option, Anker offers a 20,000mAh variant at $129, capable of reaching 200W with the same port configuration. For those looking for even more portability, the 12,000mAh model, priced at $89, boasts dual USB-C ports with a maximum output of 130W. All these power banks come with wireless charging capabilities, which is a delightful feature for users with compatible devices.

Anker is complementing this by releasing a 100W charging base at $69, equipped with pogo pins to dock the power banks, along with dual USB-C ports and an additional USB-A port for charging other devices simultaneously.

Turning our attention to the GaN chargers, the flagship Anker Prime 240W Charger is an impressive offering with three USB-C ports and a USB-A port. When all four ports are in use, it reaches a remarkable 240W output, with a maximum of 140W available via USB-C. Priced at $199, this charger comes with a convenient vertical stand. Anker also caters to users on the go with fold-out pin GaN chargers.

The Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger is another noteworthy product featuring dual USB-C ports and a USB-A port. Capable of delivering 100W over a single USB-C port or dividing the power across all three ports, it offers flexibility and convenience for charging multiple devices simultaneously. Retailing at $84 on Amazon, there’s also a budget-friendly 67W variant available for just $59.

Rounding off the GaN charger lineup is the Anker Prime 6-in-1 USB-C Charging Station, boasting dual USB-C, USB-A, and AC ports, with a combined output of 140W. This versatile charging station is currently available for $109.

All items in the series are available for pre-order or sale now, with deliveries set to begin in the last week of October.

Can Hackers Remotely Control Your Phone?

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From work to leisure, we use our phones for everything. It’s like we’re living two different lives. One is in the physical world, and one is online. And they’re connected through the small device that fits in your pocket.

What can a hacker discover about you if they remotely control your phone?

Your emails, passwords, bank information, friends, family members, and every conversation ever.

Sounds scary, right? That’s because it is.

Cybercriminals can remotely hack your phone and control it. Here’s how they do it and what you can do to protect it.

How can someone hack your phone?

Generally, we get a lot of knowledge from the movies. A classic hacker tale is some guy in a hoodie going to a computer, plugging in a USB, and stealing information. That might have been the case decades ago, but we live in a different world.

Hackers don’t need to touch your phone to hack it. Most of the time, they use two methods.

In the first method, they go out to restaurants, cafes, airports, or monuments and connect to free Wi-Fi or set up their own. Then they wait. Say goodbye to your data if you connect to a public network without a VPN. Hackers can latch onto your device in minutes and lead you to malicious websites.

The second method is trickier. Hackers don’t even need to be nearby. They can stay at home and send you phishing texts and emails. For example, they can email you that somebody tried to log in to your banking app or Instagram account. The email will look real, identical to what the company could send. When you click on the link, they can initiate a download in the background. Or, they will wait for you to enter your real information.

In both of these cases, you make one mistake, and it’s all over.

For example, Hook, a new type of Android malware, can perform a complete device takeover. It can initiate transactions, pull information, and it specifically targets financial apps. Cybercriminals can buy access to this virus for $7000 and wreak havoc as much as they like. ERMAC, BlackRock, Octo, and Hydra are some of the other versions of malware that can do the same thing.

How to avoid getting hacked?

Now that you know how easily hackers can infiltrate your phone, it’s time to protect it.

The first few things you need to do are technical. Install an antivirus and a mobile VPN. These two apps will keep your device safe. The antivirus will scan your device for malware. The VPN lets you browse the web securely, even on free Wi-Fi.

Additionally, enable a lock screen, use multi-factor authentication, and update all of your apps.

Next comes human errors you can make. You can’t install an app for mistakes.

It’s important to never click on a suspicious link. If your friend sends you a jumbled link out of nowhere, don’t click on it. Instead, ask them what’s going on or call them. Most people fall for phishing scams because they trust their friends and don’t think twice before opening websites. Always double-check before you click.

If you get an urgent email or SMS from a company or a service prompting you to click fast, don’t do it. It’s usually a scammer in disguise, and they want you to act emotionally. It’s usually malware waiting on the other side, disguised as an urgent offer.

Finally, don’t jailbreak your phone. Unless you want to experiment with learning more about cybersecurity, or it’s a burner phone, don’t go for it. Jailbreaking drops your phone’s defenses, and you can get hacked more easily. That’s especially true if you don’t know what you’re doing. iPhones lose their warranty when you jailbreak them, so be wary of it.

How to know if your phone is hacked?

There’s no warning sign flashing when your phone gets hacked. Cybercriminals are as stealthy as their methods. But there are a few ways to detect that your phone has been hacked.

One sign is getting loads of popups. This is tough to spot if you’re playing loads of games. The X button is small, and you often get redirected to a random page when you miss it. That’s one of the ways to get an adware infection.

Another sign is your phone battery suddenly gets drained. iPhones have the option to show you battery health. If everything seems normal, yet, you need to carry a charger everywhere you go, you might have been hacked. Check through all of your apps, uninstall them, and see if that fixes the problem. If not, install an antivirus and perform a checkup.

In the same manner, your phone could be heating up a lot. It’s normal for your smartphone to get hot while you’re playing a game, using it to edit videos or browse social media for an extended period of time. But if you leave it on the table for a while and it’s still hot, something’s not right. Malware can be the reason why it’s overheating.

Getting unrecognized calls and texts falls in the same category. Especially if you get them often. These types of hacks spread around easily because they send messages to your contacts list. Block and report those unrecognized numbers immediately, and don’t answer the phone unless you’re expecting a call.

Last but not least, you might see apps you don’t recognize on your device. Sometimes, when you make a system update, you’ll get two or three new apps. That’s normal. But if you get an app you’ve never seen before out of nowhere, it’s a sign of bloatware, and you should delete it.

Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex review

If you’re in search of a new pair of headphones to meet your work-from-home (WFH) or work-from-office (WFO) needs, look no further than the Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex. This portable wireless headset offers professional-grade features such as personalized active noise cancellation and customizable sound profiles, catering to individual preferences.

In this review, we’ll delve into its specifications, design and build, audio performance, call quality, battery life, and overall verdict.

Design

The Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex is an on-ear headset that weighs a mere 136g/4.8oz, ensuring comfort during extended wear. Its design prioritizes user comfort with Jabra’s Air Comfort technology, featuring ultra-soft perforated foam layers inside the cushioned headband and flexible, rotating ergonomic earcups.

This design not only provides a gentle cushioning effect but also alleviates pressure on the head. The only negative on the comfort is that during extended sessions I found the material used on the earcups to be pretty hot. I had to frequently give myself a rest to let things cool down.

The earcups host intuitive buttons for easy control, including power, active noise cancellation (ANC), volume adjustment, voice control, and music playback. The headset also includes a proximity sensor that automatically pauses music playback when the earcups are removed. Its portability is enhanced by a sleek carrying case, and the folding mechanism works smoothly without any construction issues.

Audio Performance and Call Quality

The sound quality of the Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex is impressive. It offers various customization options through the Jabra Sound+ app, including a personalized hearing test that adjusts the speaker output according to your hearing frequencies. The app also allows you to customize the level of ANC using a convenient slider, and a HearThrough mode enables you to hear external sounds through the headset’s microphones.

The app provides pre-set music profiles, and you can even create your own customized settings. The built-in microphone, positioned close to the mouth, ensures excellent sound quality for video calls and enhances the overall audio experience.

Battery Life

Jabra claims that the Evolve2 65 Flex has a battery life of up to 21 hours with ANC enabled during music playback. In testing, this estimate proves accurate, with the headset maintaining a 90% charge after two and a half days of occasional use involving music listening and phone calls.

The impressive battery life ensures long-lasting performance without the need for frequent recharging. Even more impressive is that the company includes a great wireless charger in the box for the Evolve2 65 Flex. The headset does a nice balancing act to be mounted on the charger that lets you know that Jabra had this in mind from the moment the design process began.

Pricing

Priced at $330, the Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex falls on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, it offers a stylish and professional-grade headset that guarantees clear communication and allows for an immersive experience free from background distractions. The ANC feature and high-quality audio drivers enhance the overall user experience, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking top-notch performance in their audio equipment.

Conclusion

The Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex proves to be a reliable and feature-rich wireless headset suitable for both hybrid workers and virtual meeting enthusiasts. Its personalized active noise cancellation, customizable sound profiles, comfortable design, excellent call quality, and impressive battery life make it a standout choice in the market. Though the price may be steep, the Evolve2 65 Flex’s performance justifies the investment for those seeking a high-quality audio experience in their professional and personal lives.