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Meet the Droyd Weeler: The electric bike built for kids

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In today’s increasingly digital and sedentary world, finding ways to keep children active, engaged, and environmentally conscious is more important than ever. Electric bikes have emerged as an innovative solution, capturing the attention of kids and parents alike.

By blending the thrill of cycling with the ease and assistance of electric power, electric bikes provide an exciting and accessible mode of transportation for children. With their ability to promote physical activity, independence, and a sense of adventure, electric bikes have become a compelling choice for parents looking to inspire their kids to explore, stay active, and embrace sustainable mobility.

Introducing the Droyd Weeler, a remarkable personal transportation device designed specifically with smaller users in mind. With its compact size and lightweight frame, this electric bike provides a fun and efficient mode of transportation for kids who are looking to explore their surroundings with style and ease.

The Droyd Weeler showcases a sleek and modern design that appeals to young riders. Its compact frame and somewhat lightweight build (40lbs) make it incredibly maneuverable, allowing kids to navigate through tight spaces effortlessly.

Although the Droyd Weeler’s maximum weight capacity is 132 pounds (60 kilograms), the overall frame size is best suited for smaller users, such as kids. It features a powerful electric motor that enables speeds of up to 10 miles per hour (16 kilometers per hour), allowing children to zip around the neighborhood with excitement. The Weeler’s long-lasting battery ensures hours of uninterrupted playtime, covering a range of up to eight miles (12.9 kilometers) on a single charge.

Target User: The Droyd Weeler is specifically designed for kids and younger riders who seek a safe, fun, and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Here are a few scenarios where the Weeler shines:

  • Neighborhood Explorers: The Weeler allows children to independently explore their neighborhood or local parks, providing them with a sense of freedom and adventure.
  • Commuting to School: Ideal for kids living in urban areas, the Weeler provides a convenient and efficient way to commute to school, avoiding traffic and long walks.
  • Outdoor Family Adventures: Families can enjoy outdoor activities together while their kids ride the Weeler, making outings more enjoyable and engaging.
  • Developing Balance and Coordination: The Weeler serves as an excellent tool for children to develop balance, coordination, and motor skills in a fun and engaging manner.
  • Eco-Conscious Families: By choosing the Weeler, families encourage eco-friendly practices and instill sustainable values in their children from an early age.

While the Droyd Weeler electric bike may have its merits, there are a few reasons why a parent might hesitate to consider it as an option for their child, none of which are exclusive to this model.

  • Weight and Size Limitations: If your child exceeds the weight limit or is taller than the recommended size, the Droyd Weeler may not be suitable for them.
  • Safety Concerns: Parents may worry about their child’s ability to handle the speed and maneuverability of the Weeler, especially if they are inexperienced riders or lack proper safety gear.
  • Cost: Electric bikes, including the Droyd Weeler ($349), tend to have a higher price point compared to traditional bicycles.
  • Maintenance and Repair: Electric bikes typically require additional maintenance and occasional repairs compared to regular bicycles.
  • Local Regulations: Some areas may have age restrictions, speed limits, or specific requirements for riding electric bikes, which could impact the feasibility of owning a Droyd Weeler.

Ultimately, parents should carefully consider their child’s age, physical abilities, and their own preferences and concerns before deciding whether the Droyd Weeler or any electric bike is the right choice for their family. Prioritizing safety, suitability, and practicality will help ensure a well-informed decision regarding their child’s mode of transportation.

With those things in mind, the Droyd Weeler has been a huge hit for my sister and nephew. At six years old he took to the bike with no issues and was zipping around a parking lot in a matter of minutes.

There’s some peace of mind in the second key which controls the low/high speed setting. We call it the “mom key” and she’ll decide when it’s time to let him open things up a little more.

Other features worth pointing out include the built-in kickstand, LED headlight, rear disc brake, and battery level indicator.

As much as we like that teal blue paint job, we know it’s just a matter of time before he lays the bike down and scratches it up. That might be a tough pill to swallow for some parents; the scrapes and scuffs will certainly stick out.

You can learn more about the Droyd Weeler at its website where you can purchase it in blue or white. It’s currently priced about $350 with options to split it up over four payments or finance it for $31.50 per month.

Innovative health and wellness devices for self-care and hygiene

In a world where personal well-being is becoming an increasingly important priority, the intersection of technology and healthcare has given rise to an impressive array of innovative devices that empower individuals to take charge of their own health and hygiene.

From smart wearables that track our vital signs to cutting-edge gadgets that enhance our daily self-care routines, these advancements have revolutionized the way we approach wellness.

In this roundup, we explore some of the latest breakthroughs in health and wellness devices in an effort to support our journey towards a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Whether you are seeking to optimize your fitness routine, bolster your hygiene practices, or simply gain a deeper understanding of your overall well-being, these are worthy of your attention.

While this roundup showcases a selection of productivity essentials for remote work and study, it’s important to note that it is not an exhaustive or definitive list. Our team has personally tested and experienced these products over the past few months, and we believe they can lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun

This compact and powerful massage gun is designed to provide targeted relief for muscle tension and soreness. With its ultra-quiet motor, the Q2 Mini delivers deep percussive therapy that helps promote relaxation and faster recovery.

Its portable size makes it perfect for on-the-go use, whether at the gym, office, or while traveling. The massage gun features multiple intensity levels and interchangeable massage heads, allowing users to customize their experience to suit their needs. Additionally, the long-lasting battery ensures extended usage without the need for frequent charging. $70

Eli & Elm Cooling Pillow

This exceptional pillow is a game-changer for your health and well-being. Its standout feature lies in the cooling technology that ensures a blissfully cool and comfortable sleep, even during warm summer nights.

via Eli & Elm

The adaptive memory foam filling contours to your unique shape, providing optimal support for your head, neck, and shoulders. This not only enhances your comfort but also alleviates any tension or stress, enabling a deeper sense of relaxation and tranquility.

Encased in a hypoallergenic and breathable cover, this pillow fosters a clean and healthy sleep environment. Elevate your self-care routine and embrace peaceful slumber with the Eli & Elm Cooling Pillow – a must-have for those seeking ultimate comfort and rejuvenation. $104

Soocas Neos Electric Toothbrush

This 2-in-1 brushing and flossing electric toothbrush combines convenience and effectiveness to elevate your oral hygiene routine. The Soocas Neos features a high-frequency sonic motor, ensuring a thorough and gentle cleaning experience. With its unique water flossing attachment, it allows for effortless interdental cleaning, reaching areas that traditional brushing may miss.

The toothbrush also boasts smart sensors that provide real-time feedback on brushing technique and duration, helping users improve their oral care habits. Additionally, the long-lasting battery life and portable design make it ideal for travel. With the Soocas Neos, you can achieve a comprehensive dental cleaning routine, promoting healthier gums and brighter smiles. $135

SpaLife Beauty – Men’s Hand, Foot, Face 12 Piece Spa Set

Indulge in the ultimate self-care and mindfulness experience with the SpaLife Beauty Men’s Hand, Foot, Face 12 Piece Spa Set. Available on Amazon, this comprehensive collection is specifically designed for men, offering a range of spa essentials to help you relax and rejuvenate.

From cooling gel socks and gloves to a revitalizing facial mask, each item is carefully crafted to provide optimal comfort and nourishment. With its cooling and moisturizing properties, this spa set soothes tired hands and feet while promoting soft and supple skin.

Treat yourself to the luxurious repair creams and cuticle oils included, tailored to address men’s unique skincare needs. Take a mindful pause and pamper yourself with the SpaLife Beauty Men’s Hand, Foot, Face 12 Piece Spa Set, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to conquer the world. $20

Morphée Zen

The Morphée Zen combines ancient meditation techniques with modern technology to create a unique and immersive experience. With its sleek and portable design, it fits perfectly into your self-care routine, whether at home or on the go.

The device offers a variety of guided meditation sessions, carefully crafted to help you unwind, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being. It features soothing sounds, calming visuals, and gentle vibrations that synchronize with your breath, creating a harmonious environment for deep relaxation.

The Morphée Zen is user-friendly, allowing you to choose from different programs based on your needs and preferences. Its built-in rechargeable battery ensures long-lasting usage, while its intuitive controls make it easy to navigate through the sessions. $80

Dreo Macro Max S Air Purifier

The Dreo Macro Max S Air Purifier is a sleek and efficient air purifier designed to create a clean and fresh environment in your living space. Equipped with a True HEPA filter, it captures up to 99.97% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke, promoting healthier indoor air quality.

The Dreo Macro Max S features a powerful three-stage filtration system, including a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter, ensuring thorough purification. With its smart sensor technology, the air purifier automatically detects and adjusts the fan speed based on the air quality, providing real-time feedback through its display. Additionally, it operates silently, allowing you to enjoy cleaner air without any disruption. $220

Honeydew Sleep Pillows

Designed with comfort and quality in mind, these pillows are specifically crafted to enhance your sleep experience. The Honeydew Sleep Pillows feature a unique blend of memory foam and cooling gel-infused fibers, providing optimal support and temperature regulation throughout the night.

via Honeydew Sleep

The scrumptious side pillow, in particular, offers a specialized contoured design that aligns with the natural curves of your neck and shoulders, reducing pressure points and promoting proper spinal alignment. With its hypoallergenic and dust mite-resistant properties, it is ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities. $130

Withings ScanWatch Horizon

The ScanWatch Horizon is a hybrid smartwatch that seamlessly blends style and functionality. It boasts an array of features designed to monitor and improve your well-being.

With its built-in ECG and SpO2 sensors, it provides accurate heart rate monitoring, detects irregular heartbeats, and measures blood oxygen levels. This invaluable data allows you to track your cardiovascular health and make informed decisions about your fitness routine.

The ScanWatch Horizon also includes advanced sleep tracking, offering detailed insights into your sleep quality, duration, and disturbances. It even detects and analyzes breathing disturbances, such as sleep apnea. Moreover, the watch tracks your steps, calories burned, and offers personalized coaching for activity goals. With its long battery life and water-resistant design, you can wear it throughout your day, including workouts and water activities. $499

DNA Vibe

Stay active and embrace a healthier lifestyle this summer with the DNA Vibe. This innovative fitness and wellness gadget is a game-changer for those seeking to optimize their well-being. Using advanced technology, the DNA Vibe offers personalized vibration therapy that targets specific muscle groups, promoting faster recovery and enhancing performance.

Its compact and portable design allows you to bring this powerful device with you wherever you go, making it perfect for on-the-go fitness enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to relieve muscle tension, improve flexibility, or boost circulation, the DNA Vibe has got you covered. $160

iLive White Noise Machine with Night Light

The iLive White Noise Machine with Night Light is a multifunctional device that offers a perfect solution for those seeking better sleep and relaxation. The iLive White Noise Machine features a variety of soothing sounds, including white noise, nature sounds, and lullabies, helping mask disruptive noises and create a calming atmosphere.

The built-in night light offers a gentle glow, promoting a serene bedtime environment. With its compact design, it is suitable for home, office, or travel use. The machine also includes a timer function, allowing you to set it to automatically turn off after a certain duration. $35

Sensate

The Sensate combines sound therapy, vibration, and biofeedback to create a unique sensory experience that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. By utilizing gentle vibrations and soothing sounds, the Sensate activates the body’s natural relaxation response, helping users unwind and restore balance.

Sensate device and box

The device is accompanied by an app that provides guided meditation sessions and tracks progress. With its user-friendly interface and sleek design, it is a convenient tool for self-care, allowing individuals to manage stress and cultivate a greater sense of well-being. $299

Nothing introduced Ear 2 Black Edition and it looks fantastic

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The most anticipated Nothing’s Ear 2 true wireless earbuds were launched in the market earlier this year, and now Nothing unveiled the Ear 2 Black Edition in India. The Ear 2 Black edition is listed on Flipkart at a price of Rs 9,999 (~$120) and will be available for sale along with the Nothing Phone 2 which is set to launch on July 11. The new Ear 2 Black edition looks very fantastic and it offers the same premium feel and immersive sound experience just like the original white variant. 

Nothing Ear 2 is not a big upgrade over its predecessor but it comes with notable improvements which make it great wireless earbuds. Speaking about the design, the Ear 2 comes with its signature and eye-catchy transparent design. Nothing’s new dual chamber design enhances the overall sound experience with smoother airflow. It offers an IP55 rating for the case while the earbuds come with an IP54 water and dust resistance rating.

Nothing Ear 2 has Hi-Res audio and LHDC 5.0 Codec support and the 11.6mm custom sound driver offers crystal clear sound and deep and powerful bass. Furthermore, Ear 2 comes with Dual connections feature which allows you to connect two devices (smartphones/laptops) simultaneously. 

The earphone case houses a 485mAh battery and the earbud packs a 33mAh battery in each bud. It offers up to 36 hours of listening time on a single charge without ANC. The earbuds have fast charging via USB Type C and wireless charging at 2.5W as well as reverse wireless charging support. Nothing claims that the earbuds offer 8 hours of music time with just a 10 min of charge. 

Nothing Ear 2 launched with improved ANC

The earbuds have personalized active noise cancellation support with noise reduction of up to 40dB that offers crystal clear sound quality in noisy surroundings. For the clearest calls, it has crowd-proof and wind-proof sound clear voice technology and the adaptive mode automatically adjusts the sound based on your surroundings. Nothing Ear 2 has press controls to change the music, adjust the volume, and much more. 

Also Read:- Nothing Ear Stick Review

Nothing Ear 2 launched with improved ANC

The Ear 2 buds support Google Fast pair for Android devices and Microsoft swift for Windows devices. The wireless earbuds have Bluetooth v5.3 connectivity that ensures the fastest pairing to the devices. You can fully customize the equalizer levels, switches between different modes, create a personalized sound profile, and much more via the Nothing X app which is available for both Android and iOS devices. 

 

Use Quartiles To Visualize Marketing Trends & Draw Accurate Conclusions

Are you looking to analyze marketing trends accurately? Then you may want to consider Quartile, a software solution that helps marketers make well-informed decisions with workflow background information. With Quartile’s intuitive visualizations and reporting capabilities, you can quickly and easily identify the real-time changes in your market data to understand better what is happening in your industry. Additionally, it gives users an efficient way of mapping out historical data points to compare current results with past performance and draw accurate conclusions.

Understand Your Target Audience and How They Engage with the Data:

Understanding your target audience is essential in any business or marketing endeavor. One helpful tool for analyzing your audience is Quartile analysis. By dividing the audience into four equal parts based on engagement levels, Quartile analysis can help you identify which individuals are most interested in your data and which may need more persuasion. Additionally, you can use this information to tailor your messaging and approach to connect with each audience segment effectively. With Quartile analysis, you can better understand your target audience, leading to more successful and impactful interactions with them.

Use Graphs to Find Patterns and Make Predictions:

Quartile graphs are essential for analyzing data and identifying patterns within it. They help determine the spread of data and outliers, allowing for better predictions to be made. By dividing the data into four equal parts, Quartile graphs provide a clearer picture of the range and distribution of the data. These graphs can be used in various fields, from finance and economics to healthcare and education. Using Quartile graphs, researchers and analysts can identify crucial trends and make informed decisions based on the data. So, whether you’re a data analyst or simply someone who wants to make informed decisions, Quartile graphs are a valuable tool to have in your arsenal.

Analyze and Interpret the Data to Detect Trends in Market Conditions:

In order to truly understand the current state of a market and detect potential trends, analyzing and interpreting Quartile pricing or any other data is essential. This data can give insights into the distribution of particular variables and help us identify patterns or changes over time. By breaking the data into quarters, we can see how different market segments are performing and whether any outliers or anomalies need to be addressed. It’s important to remember that quartile data isn’t just about identifying trends; it can also inform decision-making and strategy development. With a deep understanding of quartile data and its implications, businesses can make informed choices to help them thrive in today’s dynamic and competitive marketplace.

Visualizations to Illustrate Results and Gain Insight:

In today’s data-driven world, the pressure to make informed decisions is more critical than ever. This is where Quartile Visualizations can come in handy. By dividing data into four equal parts, quartile visualizations offer a clearer picture of how data is distributed, allowing for a better interpretation of results. This method is beneficial when analyzing large data sets as it can identify patterns that may not be apparent in raw numbers alone. By utilizing quartile visualizations, businesses can gain valuable insight into their operations, allowing them to make more informed decisions and improve overall performance.

Exploring New Possibilities with Automated Reporting:

Companies need quick and efficient ways to analyze data and make informed business decisions in today’s fast-paced world. That’s where Quartile comes in with their automated reporting software. With Quartile, exploring new possibilities and uncovering hidden insights is easier than ever. The software provides intuitive visualizations of data, making it easy for non-technical teams to understand complex data sets. And with the ability to automate reporting, companies can save valuable time and focus on other essential tasks. Quartile’s advanced algorithms can also analyze data in real time, providing up-to-date insights as soon as they become available. With Quartile, businesses can stay ahead of the competition and make data-driven decisions that drive success.

Applying Machine Learning Techniques to Enhance Decision-Making:

In today’s data-driven world, the role of Quartile analysis is becoming increasingly important in understanding and interpreting complex data sets. By applying machine learning techniques to enhance decision-making, businesses, and organizations can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, market trends, and operational efficiencies. With the ability to process vast amounts of data in real time, machine learning algorithms can quickly identify patterns, anomalies, and outliers, providing decision-makers with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying trends and risks. As machine learning technology advances, the potential applications for quartile analysis are virtually limitless, making it an indispensable tool for businesses and organizations looking to stay ahead of the curve.

In conclusion, Quartile offers many benefits for any marketer seeking to view and analyze marketing trends. It allows marketers to target their audience better, find patterns, make predictions, and gain insight. With automated reporting and machine learning techniques, opportunities are endless for detecting trends early in the process and making informed decisions by visualizing data. Using Quartile can help marketers draw accurate conclusions and pave the path for potential marketing successes, whether used to recognize a trend or accurately predict future outcomes quickly.

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro Review

NVIDIA sent us the SHIELD Android TV Pro a few weeks ago for review. It’s the brand’s $200 flagship Android TV box, and I’m sure you’re wondering, why would you pay that much for an Android TV box when there are so many cheaper alternatives?

For starters, it has been discovered that many of those cheap boxes are running malware. That’s why it’s important to buy an Android TV box from a reputable brand such as NVIDIA or Google. So, why spend $200 when the Chromecast with Google TV can be had for much less? I’ll be covering that and more in this review.

Features

A couple of years ago I reviewed the Chromecast with Google TV here at the site, and while I liked Google’s Android TV box, I found I outgrew it over time.

One of the biggest complaints amongst users is the lack of storage space. It is extremely easy to overwhelm Google’s streaming box with apps due to the limited storage space.

I’ve personally had to remove and reinstall apps as I shuffle through streaming services and it’s a tedious routine that no one should have to endure.

The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro comes with double the storage space of the Chromecast with Google TV and an additional gigabyte of RAM. This provides you with better performance and plenty of space to load it up with streaming apps.

Additionally, there are two USB Type-A 3.0 ports making it quick and easy to add more storage and a dedicated Ethernet port. If you’re a fan of local media, then this is perfect for running Kodi or Plex.

Speaking of Plex, the SHIELD TV Pro is capable of running a Plex server. No longer will you need to keep a PC up and running just to access your Plex files on your TV or other devices. All of this makes the SHIELD TV Pro a game-changer for fans of Plex.

When it comes to updates, it’s worth noting that NVIDIA has a good track record. The SHIELD TV Pro was released in 2019 and it is currently running Android TV 11. That puts it one version behind the Chromecast with Google TV, and while there’s no word on when or if version 12 is coming to the SHIELD TV Pro, NVIDIA has been known to skip a version like when it went straight from 9 to 11.

Fortunately, all the apps I tried work without issue and that’s more than I can say for my aging Android TV that hasn’t seen an update in years and now requires an external box to run most apps.

One of the SHIELD TV Pro’s standout features is its AI-powered upscaling. I tested this out with a few different videos and apps, and I must say, there is a substantial difference between turning it off and on.

Videos were clearly sharper and displayed more clarity. It works great for enhancing HD content that you own or stream, but it appears to be disabled with most 4K content because it is unnecessary. Pictures don’t do it justice, so you’ll just have to believe me when I say there’s a noticeable difference when it’s enabled.

While I spent most of my time testing out the SHIELD TV Pro with the Casiris A6 projector I recently reviewed, I also tried it out with my TV to test out Dolby Vision support, and it looked stunning.

With Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, you’ll get superb audio and video quality with streaming sources that support it. However, the SHIELD TV lacks HDR10+ compatibility. Thankfully, not many services use HDR10+, but Amazon Prime is one of the big ones that chooses to use HDR10+ over Dolby Vision for the majority of its titles. It’s important to know you’ll only have access to HDR10 without the benefits of HDR10+ with the SHIELD TV Pro.

Remote

The SHIELD TV Pro comes with the most uniquely shaped remote I’ve ever seen. I wasn’t sure how it would feel, but the triangle-shaped remote fits in your hand perfectly, and there’s a decent amount of heft to it which makes it feel great to hold.

I’ve come to enjoy using it a lot more than the remote that comes with the Chromecast with Google TV, which I initially liked, but soon found it far too light and slippery. I cannot count the number of times it has fallen off of the armrest or slipped out of my hand. I’ve had no such problems with the remote for the SHIELD TV Pro.

Besides the ergonomics, the SHIELD TV Pro remote offers backlit buttons and a microphone for use with Google Assistant. The backlight was a welcomed feature for all of the late-night binge-watching, and my only complaint would be the lack of a mute button.

There’s also an IR blaster built into the remote for controlling other devices in your media center, however, I found that the CEC controls worked well enough for my needs. Regardless, it’s still nice to know you have options.

Final thoughts

The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro is a premium Android streaming box that delivers on almost every front. It provides snappy performance, plenty of storage space for all the streaming apps, expandable storage options, built-in Plex support, AI-enhanced upscaling, and a remote with a backlight.

The only drawbacks I could find was the lack of HDR10+ support and its one version behind on the Android TV software. These won’t be dealbreakers for many, and they certainly wouldn’t be for me, but these may bother some given the $200 price point.

Despite these minor qualms, the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro stands out as one of the most feature-rich Android TV streaming boxes in the market.

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OnePlus Nord 3 debuts with Dimensity 9000 Chipset; Promises three major Android updates

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OnePlus is expanding its Nord series portfolio with the launch of its new Nord 3 smartphone. 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.   

OnePlus Nord 3 is up for pre-orders in European markets and the open sales will commence on July 12th. For Indian markets, the smartphone will available from July 15 via OnePlus India’s official website and Amazon. It looks like OnePlus doesn’t have any plans to announce the Nord 3 device in the US markets and that’s not even surprising, OnePlus released the Nord series for limited markets only. The UK availability is still under wrap although the phone is already listed as coming soon on the OnePlus UK site at a price of £499 for the 16GB RAM variant. 

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 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. 

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 main 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. 

iQOO unveils TWS 1 wireless earbuds in China

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iQOO has introduced its new TWS 1 wireless earbuds in China along with the iQOO 11S smartphone. iQOO’s new TWS 1 is nothing but a rebranded version of its parent company’s Vivo TWS 3 Pro with some minor changes. Have a look at the specs, features, and pricing of the TWS 1 earbuds.

iQOO TWS 1 retails at CNY 399 (~$55) in China and sales will commence on July 10th through the brand’s official online store and other retailers. It comes in two attractive color options Legendary Editon (BMW’s M badge color scheme) and the track version (a gray color with yellow shades). 

The TWS 1 earbuds have an in-ear design and it looks very similar to the Apple AirPods Pro. The 12.2mm dynamic sound driver tuned by Golden Ears Acoustic Lab produces immersive sound while listening and the intelligent active noise cancellation of up to 49dB offers a crystal clear sound quality in noisy environments. The buds offer 3D panoramic audio with support for 3D binaural recording and a 420mAh battery which is claimed to last up to 42 hours with a charging case on a single charge. It has a game mode that reduces latency to 52ms. 

Also Read:- Acefast Crystal (2) T8 Earbuds review

Certified with IP54 water and dust resistance rating usable in any environmental conditions. The fast Bluetooth v5.3 tech ensures a seamless pairing experience and it can be paired with two devices (Phone + Laptop) simultaneously thanks to the dual connection feature. The device has a find my earbuds feature and end-to-end aptX lossless transmission support. 

iQOO TWS 1 In a Nutshell

  • 12.2mm dynamic driver tuned by Golden Ears Acoustic labs
  • Game mode with 52ms latency
  • Active Noise Cancellation support up to 49dB
  • 4.98 grams each earbud weight
  • Offers up to 42 hours of battery life with case on a single charge
  • Gestures Support
  • Multi-device connectivity and Bluetooth v5.3 tech
  • Starts at CNY 399 (~$55)

iQOO Neo 7 Pro launched with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset

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Established and known as a popular gaming smartphone manufacturer brand iQOO brings its latest mid-range rockstar- the iQOO Neo 7 Pro to the Indian markets. The Neo 7 Pro comes with noteworthy features at a budget range pricing. iQOO relaunched the same Neo 7 Pro phone as an iQOO Neo 7 Racing edition for iQOO’s global fans. While the smartphone is advertised to offer ultimate gaming performance without any jitter or lags. Have a look at the detailed specs, price, and availability of the iQOO Neo 7 Pro smartphone. 

iQOO Neo 7 Pro is available in two variant options- the 8/128GB costs Rs 34,999 (~$425/€390) while the 12/256GB retails at Rs 37,999 ($465/€425) and comes in Fearless Flame (leather back) and Dark Storm (plastic Back) color options. Open sales begin on July 15 and are now up for pre-orders via iQOO’s official website and Amazon India (only for prime users).

iQOO Neo 7 Pro launched with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset

Speaking about hardware, the iQOO Neo 7 Pro draws power from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset paired with a dedicated gaming chip (to boost gaming performance), up to 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage. It features a triple rear camera setup at the back with a 50MP primary lens with a Samsung GN5 sensor coupled with 8MP ultrawide shooter and 2MP macro unit. It has a 16MP selfie snapper for video chats and selfies, of course. 

Also Read- Motorola Razr 40 Ultra goes official in India; Starts at Rs 89,999 (~$1098)

It got a great battery number- a 5,000mAH battery is enough to offer a day-long juice on a single charge but it depends on your usage. Although the 120W fast charging tech charges the phone within minutes which is what iQOO claimed 0-50% in just 8 minutes. 

You’ll get a big 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits of peak brightness. The panel is HDR10+ certified means you can enjoy gaming/shows with more vibrant and realistic colors. 

How does GeForce NOW fare in 2023?

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I was one of the few people who mourned the shutdown of Stadia. There were dozens of us, I swear. That day was a huge loss for cloud gaming, regardless, there are still some viable alternatives in the market.

One of the most popular is Xbox Game Pass, and another one I’ve been trying out recently is GeForce NOW.

What is GeForce NOW?

For those who are unfamiliar, GeForce NOW is the cloud gaming service run by the folks at NVIDIA, and it differs from Xbox Game Pass and Stadia in some key ways.

For starters, GeForce NOW is essentially renting you a high-powered gaming computer to stream games you already own from third-party game stores, such as Steam, Epic, Ubisoft, EA Play, and more.

This approach provides a lot of benefits. Firstly, you don’t have to purchase or repurchase games from a new storefront that could go belly up at any point like Stadia.

If something were to ever happen and the GeForce NOW service shut down, you’d still own all of your games and could access them some other way. It’s nice to have that security when cloud gaming’s future is still uncertain.

Secondly, you have immediate access to a library of games you already own and can pick up right where you left off. It was amazing to me that I could boot up a game I hadn’t played in years and I didn’t have to start over.

Instead, I was able to jump back into my last quest with all of my items and XP intact. I loved that I didn’t have to start all over and work my way back to that point where I left off years ago.

What is the experience like?

I’ve spent the last few weeks getting familiar with GeForce NOW, using it on an NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro, Chromecast with Google TV, the Logitech G Cloud, my smartphone, and a Chromebook. It’s stunning to me that I can have access to games I own from various shops on so many devices.

I’ve had so much fun hopping from device to device being able to play through all the games I own no matter what room I’m in while keeping my progress synced with every device I’m playing on. It is such a fun experience to play games with this sort of freedom without being tied down to one device or location.

As someone who is primarily a console gamer, this was a new experience for me. Plus, it’s provided me with much of the frictionless cloud gaming experience that I enjoy. There’s no downloading and installing to do with the games. No managing your storage to ensure you have enough space. No waiting for updates to download when you’re short on time and want to jump right into a game.

All it takes is about 20-40 seconds for a rig to become available, and then you’re ready to load up the game and get started. The only hurdles to deal with are linking your various accounts from Steam, Epic, Ubisoft, EA Play, etc. That, and I noticed some dialogue boxes in Steam can be tiny and hard to read at times when playing on the TV.

Another reason I’m loving the service is that it allows me to play multiplayer games with all of my PC gaming friends. Using my PlayStation 5 as my primary gaming rig has isolated me from a lot of my friends who prefer playing on a PC. This is a great alternative for games that don’t offer cross-play, and GeForce NOW has support for many popular multiplayer titles, such as Destiny 2, League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Apex Legends, and many more.

What’s not to love?

There were only a couple of downsides I found while using GeForce NOW, and these are common among all cloud gaming services. The first one is game selection. While GeForce NOW has a healthy library of over 1600 games currently, and is consistently adding more, it’s never going to have every game available from the various stores it supports.

For example, Hogwarts Legacy and Star Wars Jedi Survivor are a couple of the largest game launches of the year and neither are currently on the service. However, that doesn’t mean GeForce NOW doesn’t add new games. The recently launched Gollum game is available, although probably not the best example.

There are also some older games you might want to play, such as God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, the Batman Arkham games, or Red Dead Redemption 2 that are also not supported. Still, there are many popular games like Death Stranding, Control, and Witcher 3 on the service. Plus, GeForce NOW offers a way to request games to be added. Long story short, don’t expect the latest hit titles immediately or your favorite games to be available, and check beforehand if the games you want to play are supported.

The other drawback has to do with your connection and whether or not you have a data cap like I do. A data cap can really put a limit on your playing time. That’s not the fault of NVIDIA though but of my choice of ISP or lack thereof.

The final thing you should know is that some games are not available on every platform. Genshin Impact is one of those titles that is excluded from playing on Android TV boxes. I’m sure there are others, but this was the one that stuck out to me while every other game I tried was available on every device.

How is the performance?

GeForce NOW offers three different tiers and which one you choose will impact how well your games play in more ways than one. I was using the service’s highest tier known as Ultimate, and was blown away by the performance on all accounts.

The Ultimate tier provides you with a GeForce RTX 3080, or 4080 when available, for a beefy rig capable of ray tracing. On top of ray tracing, it also supports resolutions up to 4K and up to 120FPS. Furthermore, you get longer gaming sessions of eight hours in length and access to the fastest servers. As you can see, the Ultimate tier really lives up to its name.

During the past few weeks, I’ve had no trouble playing games with ray tracing on multiple devices. It’s been amazing to see that level of graphics quality with real-time reflections and running at up to 4K on various devices. Ray tracing makes a huge difference and it is difficult to go back once you’ve experienced it.

The only issue was a few rare stutters but it was a 99% smooth experience. Of course, your experience could differ depending on your location, ISP, and which tier you subscribe to.

Price

As I mentioned, there are three different tiers to choose from, and amazingly, one of them is free. That’s right, the base tier is free but it limits you to one-hour sessions with a basic rig. Still, free is free, and it’s a great way to try the service out.

The next level is the Priority tier which will set you back $9.99/month and gives you access to a premium rig with ray tracing, priority server access, and six-hour sessions.

Last but not least, is the Ultimate tier which includes a GeForce RTX 3080–or 4080 rig when available–with support for ray tracing, resolutions up to 4K, and frame rates of up to 120FPS. You’ll also have access to the quickest servers and eight-hour sessions. All of that will set you back $20 a month though.

If you know you’re going to be subscribing for a while, then it’s possible to save some money by purchasing six months at a time. A Priority membership will run you $50 for a six month subscription which is $8.33/month while the Ultimate tier goes for $100 for six months which comes out to $16.67/month.

Final thoughts

Stadia may be dead but cloud gaming is here to stay. GeForce NOW gives you a way to dip your toes in and try it out with games you already own and access to games you won’t be able to play anywhere else.

I had a blast using it these past few weeks and will continue using it. In fact, it inspired me to pick up a couple of new games and I can’t wait to see them with ray tracing and settings at max without needing to spend a couple of thousand dollars on a new PC.

AT&T launches new 20% Veteran’s discount for Prepaid Unlimited plan

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AT&T has recently introduced a special discount for veterans, providing them with an opportunity to save on the popular AT&T Prepaid Unlimited Plan. This new offer allows veterans to enjoy a 20% discount on the plan, reducing the monthly cost from $65 to as low as $37 when AutoPay is added. With this discount, veterans can take advantage of unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data, including access to 5G connectivity.

By providing substantial savings and a comprehensive plan, AT&T aims to cater to the communication needs of veterans while acknowledging their service to the nation. The launch of this discount highlights AT&T’s commitment to customer satisfaction and inclusivity.

Who is the News For?

The target demographic for this offer is veterans who are looking for an affordable and feature-rich mobile plan. This discount can particularly benefit veterans who prefer the flexibility of prepaid plans and desire unlimited talk, text, and data connectivity. By offering a significant reduction in monthly costs, AT&T is likely to attract veterans who value budget-friendly options without compromising on the quality and features of their mobile service.

To qualify for the discount, veterans need to register through Veteran’s Advantage, a platform dedicated to providing exclusive offers and benefits to veterans. By verifying their eligibility, veterans will receive a link that grants them access to the discounted price on the AT&T PREPAID website. From there, they can select the AT&T PREPAID Unlimited plan at the reduced rate. It’s important to note that the discount is available online only.

In addition to the unlimited talk, text, and data, AT&T PREPAID’s Unlimited Plan also includes several valuable features. Customers can enjoy 5GB of mobile hotspot data, allowing them to connect their devices and access the internet on the go.

Moreover, the plan offers unlimited texting from the U.S. to over 230 countries, enabling easy communication with friends and family abroad. There is also unlimited talk, text, and data available between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada (with a 25GB limit in Canada), making it convenient for those who frequently travel within North America.

To enhance the user experience, AT&T has implemented ActiveArmor fraud call blocking and spam alerts. This feature helps protect users from unwanted calls and potential scams, ensuring a safer communication environment.

For additional context and information, readers can visit the AT&T Prepaid Plans website at att.com/prepaid/plans. To register for the discount through Veteran’s Advantage, veterans can visit veteransadvantage.com. Furthermore, AT&T Prepaid has also made other updates, such as adding 5GB of mobile hotspot data to its Unlimited Plan, and launching an International Travel Sweepstakes with exciting prizes. To learn more about these updates and participate in the sweepstakes, interested individuals can visit att.com/prepaidinternational.