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Vivo T2 and Vivo T2x 5G debuts in India

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Vivo has officially introduced the Vivo T2 series in the Indian market. The Vivo T2 series is comprised of Vivo T2 5G and Vivo T2x 5G. Vivo T2x was already launched in China last year in May month but the brand says the Indian models will be different from Chinese models. Talking about Vivo T2x (Chinese model) has a 6.58” 144Hz FHD+ LCD display, Dimensity 1300 processor, and 6000mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging. 

Vivo T2 5G

Vivo T2 has a 6.38-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 1,300 nits of peak brightness, and a 360Hz touch sampling rate. It features a 16MP snapper at the front for selfies and video chats.

Under the hood, the smartphone is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor coupled with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage which is further expandable up to 1TB via microSD. It runs on Android 13 based on Funtouch OS 13 out of the box.

Also Read:- Vivo X Fold 2 first look teased officially, Confirmed to launch in April 2023

You’ll get a dual rear camera setup at back with a 64MP primary camera with OIS support joined by a 2MP depth sensor. The device houses a 4,500mAH battery with support for 44W fast charging tech. Vivo claims that the device charges 0 to 50% in 25 min. 

Vivo T2x 5G

Vivo T2x is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6020 processor coupled with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage which is further expandable up to 1TB via microSD. It runs on Android 13 based on Funtouch OS 13 out of the box. The device sports a 6.58-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate. It has an 8MP snapper at the front for selfies and video chats. 

The Vivo T2x features a dual rear camera setup at back with a 50MP primary camera paired with a 2MP depth sensor. The device houses a 5,000mAH battery with support for 18W fast charging tech. The rest of the highlights of the Vivo T2x include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated with a power button, and a USB type C port for charging and data transfer. The phone weighs 184 grams and is just 8.15mm thick.

Vivo T2x 5G comes in three variant options- the 4GB/128GB variant retails at ₹12,999 (~$160), the 6GB/128GB model starts at ₹13,999 (~$170) and the higher 8GB/128GB variant costs ₹15,999 (~$195). The smartphone comes in Glimmer Black, Marine Blue, and Aurora Gold color options. It will go for sale starting on April 21 in India through Vivo’s website and Flipkart. 

On the other hand, the Vivo T2 5G starts at ₹18,999 (~$230) for the 6GB/128GB version while the 8GB/128GB variant is priced at ₹20,999 (~$255). The smartphone will be available for sale from April 18 in India through Flipkart and Vivo India’s official website.

GravaStar Supernova

The GravaStar Supernova is a unique and innovative Bluetooth speaker designed to resemble a spacecraft. It boasts a sleek and futuristic design, with a solid build quality and high-quality sound output.

Read on to learn more or check out the podcast (also embedded below) to see what we thought of the GravaStar Supernova.

Noteworthy Features

  • Weighs 2.2lbs
  • Available in black and white color options
  • Customizable LED light effects
  • Constructed from metallic and zinc
  • Mecha robot design with slight articulation in legs

Gallery

Listen to the Episode

Thoughts and Conclusion

The GravaStar Supernova is a unique and visually striking Bluetooth speaker that stands out with its futuristic design. It features an all-metal shell with a sleek, polished finish and a geometric design that resembles a mini spaceship. The Supernova has a powerful sound quality with a 20W dual driver, delivering crisp and clear audio even at high volumes. It also has a built-in passive bass radiator, providing a full-bodied sound experience.

The speaker comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, ensuring a stable and efficient connection to your device. The Supernova has a long-lasting battery life, providing up to 15 hours of playtime on a single charge. It also has a built-in microphone, allowing for hands-free calling and voice assistant activation.

In addition to its sound quality, the GravaStar Supernova doubles as a cool decorative piece for your home or office. The unique design and LED lighting options make it an attention-grabbing centerpiece. The Supernova features adjustable LED lighting, allowing you to customize the color and intensity of the light to fit your mood or environment.

The GravaStar Supernova Bluetooth speaker is a great choice for those looking for a powerful and visually impressive speaker with a unique design. Its combination of excellent sound quality, long battery life, and cool LED lighting make it a standout option for any music lover or sci-fi fan.

You’ll pay a little more for this one if you’re only concerned about sound and specs, but we think it’s worth the extra money for killer visuals.

You can learn more about the GravaStar Supernova and/or purchase yours for about $180.

Powerness Solar Generator 300 review

Spring is upon us and soon summer will be here, and while both seasons bring some beautiful weather, they also bring their fair share of storms. As someone who has been through a hurricane, and narrowly avoided a couple of tornados, I’ve experienced dozens of power outages through the years.

Looking back, it would have been so helpful to have something more than a tiny power bank during all of these events. Sure, a power bank comes in handy for keeping your phone topped off, but it’s nothing compared to a power station featuring AC outlets and far more capacity.

It’s fortunate that these devices are becoming more common and affordable these days, and you can even get some bundled with solar panels such as the Solar Generator 300 that our friends over at Powerness were nice enough to send out for review.

Hiker 300

There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a power station. You’ll want to look for one with a decent capacity, ample port options, multiple ways to recharge, an informative display, and more. The Powerness Hiker 300 included in the Solar Generator 300 package checks all of these boxes.

Capacity

It has a 296Wh capacity that is capable of charging most phones up to a dozen times, as well as charging a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro up to 4.5 times. I’ve even used it to run a television and found it was possible to get close to seven hours of runtime with a 46-inch 1080p LCD TV.

Ports

While capacity is an important factor, the Hiker 300 also provides many ways to power your devices. You’ll be able to choose from two AC outlets, three USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port, two DC outputs, a car charger output, and wireless Qi charging.

Output

Just as important as the number of ports is the output of those ports. The AC outlets on the Hiker 300 support up to 300W and there is a Quick Charge 3.0 capable USB Type-A port along with a USB Type-C port with Power Delivery up to 60W. This will ensure your devices get the power they need, and quickly.

Charging

When it comes time to charge up the Hiker 300, there are multiple ways to fill it back up. The easiest and quickest way is by plugging it into an outlet in your house, which will take three hours to reach 80% and a little longer to charge it fully. You can speed this up by combining the AC charging with a USB Type-C charger to shave an hour off the charging time.

A car charger can also be used, but that will take around six hours to reach 80%. My favorite way to charge the Hiker 300 is with the SolarX S80 solar panel included in the Solar Generator 300 package.

In my experience, it takes a little over four hours to reach an 80% charge on a clear sunny day, and that’s 100% free power. It’s hard to beat free. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and readily available on most days.

Display

One of my favorite features on the Hiker 300 is the display that shows you which ports are currently in use, the amount of watts being used, and how much time is remaining before the battery is drained. It’s extremely useful, and you can turn it on at any time by pressing any of the buttons on the front. It’s also important to note that any time you press one of the buttons it only enables the display and you’ll need to press it a second time to activate the selected output.

Safety

The Hiker 300 is protected by Powerness’s Battery Management System which monitors the current, voltage, and temperature in real-time. This helps in preventing issues with short circuits and other problems. Occasionally, you’ll hear the fan spin up to manage the temperature, and while it’s audible, it’s still quieter than something like my microwave.

Additionally, there is an emergency light on the front that is handy for doing repairs during an outage or signaling cars with its SOS function.

SolarX S80

While the Hiker 300 is a fantastic power station, it’s only part of the equation. The SolarX S80 is the other half of the Solar Generator 300 kit. This bi-fold 80W capable portable solar panel makes charging up the Hiker 300 convenient and free.

Some of its key features include, a display to visualize how much power is being generated, kickstands to hold the solar panels up, and a magnetic closure making it easy to fold up and transport. Furthermore, there is a USB Type-A port and two built-in cables for connecting devices to the SolarX S80. One of the built-in cables has three barrel-style plugs to choose from, and the other uses a USB Type-C connector providing you with plenty of charging options.

As I mentioned above, in my experience, the SolarX S80 is able to fill the Hiker 300 up from 0 to 80% in a little over four hours on a sunny day thanks to its 23% conversion rate and 80w output. That’s when you’re using one of the built-in DC plugs, however, if you use the built-in USB Type-C cable or connect a USB Type-A cable then you’ll be limited to only 12W of charging power.

One more thing the Powerness SolarX S80 has going for it is a rugged build. When I first picked it up I could tell it was a solid piece of equipment at nearly seven-and-a-half pounds. The SolarX S80 even comes with IP65 certification so it will be safe from any light showers or splashes out in the wild.

Final thoughts

The Solar Generator 300 from Powerness is the perfect kit to keep you powered up during an emergency or on your next camping trip. It would even make a fun tailgating companion thanks to its compact size, portable design, and variety of ways to power devices.

The Solar Generator 300–which includes the SolarX S80, a $160 value, and the Hiker 300, a value of $210–is available for purchase now from Powerness’s website for $370 or from Amazon.

Buy from Amazon Buy from Powerness

Lava Blaze 2 launched in India: Check price and specifications

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India’s smartphone brand Lava has officially unveiled the Lava Blaze 2 smartphone under the Blaze series. The latest Blaze 2 comes with decent features at an affordable price. The key specifications of the Lava Blaze 2 include the HD+ display, dual rear camera setup, glass back design, and whole much more. Have a look at the specifications and pricing of the Lava Blaze 2 smartphone. 

Lava Blaze 2 starts at ₹8,999 ($109) for 6GB RAM + 128GB internal storage. It comes in Glass Black, Glass orange, and Glass Blue color options. The smartphone will go for sale starting on April 18 via Amazon India. 

Lava Blaze 2 is powered by a Unisoc T616 octa-core chipset paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage which is further expandable up to 1TB. The device managed to score 255,298 AnTuTu Benchmark score and offers great performance. The Blaze 2 runs on Android 12 OS out of the box. Lava promises up to one major OS update (to Android 13) and two years of security updates. 

The smartphone sports a 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and 269 ppi pixel density. In terms of optics, the Blaz2 has a dual rear camera setup at back with a 13MP primary lens joined by a 2MP depth sensor. There is an 8MP snapper at the front for selfies and video chats. 

The device is backed by a 5,000mAH battery with support for fast charging. Connectivity options include WiFi, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS, 4G, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB type C for charging and data transfer. Other features of Blaze 2 include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and up to 5GB of virtual RAM support.

Leaked Google Pixel 7a renders reveal design and color options

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Google may be gearing up for the launch of the Google Pixel 7a smartphone during its upcoming Google I/O 2023 event which will be held on 10th May in the US. The Pixel 7a design and color options surfaced online which gives us a first look.

The leaked renders suggest that the Pixel 7a will come in Grey, White, and Blue color options. It will feature a dual rear camera setup at the back and a center-mounted punch-hole cut-out selfie camera. The Pixal 7a will look almost similar to its predecessor the Pixel 6a, design–wise there are no big upgrades but in terms of build quality, the Pixal 7a will likely feature a metal frame. 

Leaked Google Pixel 7a renders reveal design and color options

Other expected specifications of the Pixel 7a include a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The phone will likely be powered by the in-house new Tensor G2 processor, under the hood. The device will run on Android 13 OS. 

Also Read:- Google Pixel 8 renders reveal changes over its predecessor

For optics, the Google Pixel 7a is expected to feature a 64MP Sony IMX787 primary camera paired with 12MP ultra-wide shooter. It is tipped to offer a 10.8MP selfie snapper.

source

OnePlus announces pre-orders of the OnePlus Pad for $100 deposit

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As of today, you can get into a “pre-order” program over at OnePlus.com for snagging a reservation for the new OnePlus Pad. From April 10 to April 28, the company’s store will allow a limited number of customers to add the tablet to their car with a $100 deposit. The remaining difference will then be revealed and can be charged to the payment source during the window of April 25 thru April 27.

The catch is that you still won’t know the full price of the tablet until April 25th. This is a great way to secure a spot in line for your new tablet, but not knowing how much more the final price of the OnePlus Pad will be is not ideal. I’d expect the retail pricing to at least be $399 for the Pad alone.

To help soften this, OnePlus is offering a free gift to those willing to take the pre-order plunge. You can choose from the Magnetic keyboard or OnePlus Stylus at checkout. You can even bundle the two together for 60% off the full $140 sticker price. So essentially, the $99 accessory will get you a guaranteed chance at the OnePlus Pad during the promotion.

OnePlus notes on the page that you will get a confirmation notification before you are charged the full price on April 28 which is nice. The process to get this pre-order is a little odd without the full price of the Pad, but OnePlus has never been the company for normal conventions.

Will you be placing a pre-order of the OnePlus Pad? Let us know in the comments.

Make a difference with BLUETTI hidden easter eggs

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Easter 2023 is just a few weeks away, BLUETTI Easter campaign will be in full swing as of April 6 with plenty of stand-out savings from home battery systems, portable power stations to a wide array of solar panels, providing multiple options for delivering Easter gifts and boosting every Easter celebration.    

As the first 100% modular model of BLUETTI, AC300 has a flexible capacity of up to 12,288Wh by pairing with B300 expansion batteries, adding a 3,000W PSW inverter that meets most power needs for RV trips, DIY woodworking, and outdoor gardening, etc. What’s more, during the Easter Sale, any AC300+B300 purchase can add only $99 to get a brand-new folding trolley for an easy transportation, or add $599 to get PV350 solar panel and $699 for PV420. 

Runtime for a AC300+B300 combo: 

DeviceOutput Power (W)Runtime (H)
Microwave10002.6
Refrigerator7003.7
Washing Machine5005.2
CPAP4065+

*For reference ONLY

Versatile Solar System For Every Need

AC500 is another modular solar generator launched in 2022. The capacity can be expanded from 3,072Wh to 18,432Wh by teaming up with its partner – B300S (3,072Wh per pack). Equipped with the latest LiFePO4 battery cell for secure operation and prolonged lifespan, AC500 features over 3500 life cycles before reaching 80% original capacity. Simply plug into AC outlets and solar panels simultaneously for a max 8,000 input rate, allowing a lightening fast charging speed that 0 to 80% SOC only takes within ONE HOUR! 

If planning a short-term spring camping or excursion, the UPS function of AC500 can let go of the worries about power failures at home since a constant power supply will always be on call to keep the essentials like refrigerator and fish tank running without interruption. Any AC500 + B300S order can add $399 to get a PV350 solar panel.    

Pint-sized Dimension, Out-sized Capability

When it comes to portability, there’s no better option than EB3A due to its compact size and impressive capability. Designed for entry-level users, EB3A makes unlimited solar energy easily accessible while plugging with BLUETTI PV120/PV200. Plus, its 268Wh capacity, 600W output power, and versatile outputs that can juice up numerous devices on the go for hours, such as laptops, mini fridges, projectors, cameras, cookers, and more. Grab it at only $209 with a coupon code – Eastereb3a during Easter Sale.

EB3A supports up to 430W dual charging via AC and PV, so it only takes about 30 minutes to charge it to 80% capacity, and 45 minutes to full. A convenient handle is also included for grab-and-go mobile power whenever and wherever power is in need.

 

Reliable Mobile Power Source At Any Time

Other highly recommended portable power stations like BLUETTI EB55 and EB70S, have been long-loved by a large number of outdoor enthusiasts for years, and now has become more affordable than most competitors in the market. Featuring with 700W and 800W continuous output, respectively, EB55 and EB70S are widely used with solar panels as a solar system in various outdoor scenarios, including road trips, camping, picnic, fishing, etc. The sale price of EB70S will be $519 with a coupon code Eastereb70s.

Complete Off-grid Lifestyle, AC200MAX Made

Being one of the most popular power stations throughout the BLUETTI store, AC200MAX is an ideal option for those looking for a budget-saving solution to access energy storage batteries. For more power needs at home and in the wild, its capacity can be grown if necessary while working with B230 battery packs. With the innovative BLUETTI App, AC200MAX can be controlled and monitored in real-time through WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity. For AC200MAX orders during this Easter Sale, customers will have the options to add $299 for a PV200, $599 for PV350, or $699 for PV420.   

BLUETTI AC200P, a flagship model that has won a large group of backers since it was born, comes with a 2000Wh capacity and 2000W continuous power for versatile applications. It’s also stackable with B230 or B300 expansion batteries to enlarge the capacity for a step forward in energy self-sufficient. A FREE cable – P090D to xt90 is also included in the AC200P+B300 orders.     

Where there’s sunlight there’s sustainable and free energy. Enjoy a solar lifestyle by hooking up with BLUETTI solar panels covering PV120, PV200, PV350, and PV420. They use monocrystalline solar cells and multi-layered ETFE to ensure better light transmittance, higher efficiency, and longer lifespan. Thanks to the 23.4% conversion rate of the solar panels, the energy storage systems can sip power from the sun at high speed and run most electronics for hours on end. Customers can enjoy 7% discount when buying two solar panels while 10% for three.

About BLUETTI  

From the very beginning, BLUETTI has tried to stay true to a sustainable future through green energy storage solutions for both indoor and outdoor use while delivering an exceptional eco-friendly experience for our homes and our world. That’s why BLUETTI makes its presence in 70+ countries and is trusted by millions of customers across the globe. For more information, please visit BLUETTI online at https://www.bluettipower.com/ or follow BLUETTI on:

Motorola unveils the new Moto G Power 5G

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Motorola has officially launched the Moto G Power 5G smartphone in the US markets. The new member of the G Power family comes with notable improvements, like an improved display experience and extraordinary battery life. Have a look at the specifications, pricing, and availability of the Moto G Power 5G smartphone. 

The Moto G Power 5G is priced at $299.99 for the 6GB + 256GB variant and comes in Black and White color options. The smartphone will be available for sale starting on April 13 in the US through Amazon and Motorola’s official website. The smartphone will also be available at Spectrum Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, and Metro by T-Mobile in the upcoming months. 

Moto G Power 5G sports a 6.5-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate which is up from 60Hz in 2021’s model and a 20:9 aspect ratio. You’ll get a triple rear camera setup at the back with a 50MP primary camera which is joined by a 2MP depth camera and a 2MP macro lens. There is a 16MP snapper at the front for selfies and video chats. 

Motorola has officially launched the Moto G Power 5G smartphone in the US markets. The new member of the G Power family comes with notable improvements, like an

The Moto G Power 5G is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 930 octa-core processor paired with up to 6GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage which is further expandable up to 1TB via microSD. It runs on Android 13 based on MyUx UI out of the box. The smartphone is backed by a massive 5,000 battery just like its predecessor with support for 15W fast charging tech but it ships with 10W adapter in the retail box. The firm claims that the smartphone easily lasts two to three days on a single charge. 

GravaStar Alpha 65 review

The GravaStar Alpha65 GaN Fast Charger is a charger that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology to provide fast and efficient charging for your devices, up to three at once.

Read on to learn more or check out the podcast (also embedded below) to see what we thought of the GravaStar Alpha 65.

Noteworthy Features

  • Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology
  • 65W maximum output power
  • USB-C port supports USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 and Quick Charge (QC) 3.0 for fast and efficient charging
  • Compact and portable design
  • Equipped with over-current protection, over-voltage protection, short-circuit protection, and over-temperature protection to keep your devices safe while they are charging.

Gallery

Listen to the Episode

Thoughts and Conclusion

The charger is equipped with a USB-C port and has a maximum output power of 65W, making it capable of charging a wide range of devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other USB-C devices. It features USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 and Quick Charge (QC) 3.0, which are two fast charging technologies that enable faster charging times for compatible devices.

One of the key features of this charger is its compact and portable design, which makes it easy to take with you on-the-go. The Alpha65 has a foldable plug, which helps to reduce its size even further, and it also comes with a carrying case for added convenience.

The GravaStar Alpha65 GaN Fast Charger is also equipped with various safety features, including over-current protection, over-voltage protection, short-circuit protection, and over-temperature protection, which help to keep your devices safe while they are charging.

If you’re looking for a fast and efficient charger that’s easy to take with you on-the-go, the GravaStar Alpha65 GaN Fast Charger could be a great option. It’s priced in line with other chargers of its type plus it looks really cool, too. It makes for a fun gift for that person who seems to have everything.

You can learn more about the GravaStar Alpha 65 and/or purchase yours for about $60.

Opinion: Apple Needs an iPad HomePod Dock

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After dipping my toes in the iOS ecosystem for the first time in decades, I’ve found many things I like. From the better overall performance to the more focused product lines, it’s been a bit of an eye-opener to see the other side of the two main forces in mobile. Even with this new perspective, I think Apple is behind Google in one key area of the home: smart displays.

HomePod needs a Screen

I’ve come to rely on Nest Hubs throughout my house. I like having the visual keys and media options the smart display offers. I have one set up in my office and kitchen as a home automation control center and basically small TVs. Being able to quickly turn on a device, search the web, or watch Hulu while doing other tasks is great.

This is where it surprises me that so far Apple has no answer for these devices. A HomePod with a screen seems like a natural addition to the company’s product line that just doesn’t exist.

Better Yet the iPad Needs a HomePod Dock

To take this one step further, I can’t believe that with all the unique options for iPads, it looks like Google will have a detachable tablet smart hub before Apple. This seems like an evolutionary accessory for the iPad that needs to happen. This would easily be had with the Smart Connector on most iPad models and a magnetic dock.

With this pogo pin attachment and the MagSafe mounting system, I’d really like to see this happen. I love my Nest Hubs, but I would much rather have this be an extension of a device I already own. Especially in my kitchen. I’ve had the original Google Home Hub for a few years now, but I’ve had multiple instances where I wish I easily move it around the room.

Having an iPad with a dedicated space for additional features like HomePod AirPlay capabilities, HomeKit dashboard, Siri, and maybe the weather would be a great addition to the Apple lineup. Google and Amazon have pushed this type of device further over recent years and Apple simply has fallen behind.

It would be great to have similar functionality as my Nest Hubs while using the iOS ecosystem. Being able to quickly check my calendars and weather, or use HomeKit in a dedicated UI would be fantastic. I love what Google has done, but honestly being able to use this with AirPlay on a screen would be a huge win. Cast has become more and more inconsistent for my devices over the years and AirPlay has been rock solid.

Already Rumored

Homepod Show Concept (Image credit: Eric Huismann)

Apple is supposedly already eyeing a dock of some sort to tackle the missing home features for iOS. Hopefully, this is simply just a dock that gives an iPad a larger speaker. If this doesn’t have a new way to interact with my home devices and have some sort of additional UI elements, it will be a miss in my mind.

The fruit-logo company always seems to have a surprise up its sleeve, so I’m hoping this one comes to fruition sooner rather than later. What about you? Would you buy an additional dock that turned your iPad into a HomeKit Hub? Or a dedicated HomePod Show-type device?