The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Gen 3 is a versatile and powerful tablet that can be used for entertainment, work, and communication. The tablet features a 10.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels, which offers clear and sharp visuals. It runs on the Android 12 operating system and is powered by a MediaTek Helio G80 octa-core processor.
Powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio G80 processor
Up to 4GB RAM and up to128GB of storage (which can be expanded with a microSD card).
Runs Android 12
Battery can provide up to 12 hours of online video playback
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Listen to the Episode
Thoughts and Conclusion
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (Gen 3) offers good performance for a mid-range tablet Between the octa-core processor and the 4GB RAM, there’s enough power to satisfy users who desire a lean-back experience. Enough to handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, media playback, and light productivity work, it’s an affordable tablet for the “every” man.
The tablet’s performance is smooth and responsive, and it can run multiple apps simultaneously without any lag or stuttering. It’s designed for gaming but the dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU) lets it handle some light gaming. It may struggle with more demanding games such as first-person shooters and battle royale titles.
The tablet has a modern and elegant design with a slim mostly metal body with narrow bezels. Moreover, it feels sturdy and well-built, especially given its price. The tablet’s compact size and portability lets us carry it around and use it on the go without issue.
The Tab M10 Plus (Gen 3) has a 400-nit LCD display with 2000 x 1200 resolution. The colors are accurate, to be sure, but not quite as punchy as what you’d get in an OLED display. The viewing angles are great, and the 10.6-inch screen is large enough for most people and the typical day-to-day stuff inside of the home.
The 60Hz refresh rate is obviously not as smooth as the 120Hz displays we get in top phones, but it is barely noticeable for most tasks. The display is great for indoor use, but it is not bright enough for outdoor use or when sitting near a window. At least not without some struggling.
The tablet runs Android 12 with a stock experience and there are few pre-installed apps (Amazon Music, Netflix, Lenovo’s Instant Memo, and Tablet Center), but they are not intrusive. The Tab M10 Plus should be updated to Android 13 later this year, but it will likely not receive any further updates after that.
All things considered, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (Gen 3) offers solid performance for its price range, but you may want to consider a more powerful device if you’re looking for video editing or gaming.
While it’s not necessarily a “problem”, many of the latest laptops lack ports traditional ports and sometimes only have USB Type C ports. In the race of making laptops lighter and thinner, most brands only offer just USB C ports, and as a result, it limits physical connectivity and capability. A solution to this problem is to employ the usage of a hub.
In this latest episode of the AndroidGuys podcast Scott Webster and Luke Gaul talk about the EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8-in-1 hub.
Hubs like EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8-in-1 hub offer some basic connectivity options you need in a laptop. The portable and very lightweight hub has eight different ports including 2x USB A ports, 1x HDMI port, 1xEthernet port, 2x USB C ports, 1x SD card slot, and 1x microSD card slot. How does it work? is it worth purchasing? Listen to the podcast and see what our team says.
What is the EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8-in-1 Hub
The USB-C Multimedia 8-in-1 Hub is very portable accessory that’s perfect for those who spend their work days on the go. Plug it into your USB-C port and you’ll have a whole array of extras added to your laptop. Whether you’re looking to expand your desktop to multiple screens, quickly access a printer, or connect to external storage, the hub is a great all-in-one unit.
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Features
1 x HDMI 4K (60Hz on DP1.4 or 30Hz on DP 1.2)
1 x USB-C 100W Power Delivery (PD) Port
2 x USB-C Gen 1 (5Gbps) 5V/1.5A (7.5W) Ports
2 x USB-A 3.0 5V/1.5A (7.5W) Ports
SDHC and microSDHC Card Reader
18-Month Warranty
Listen to the Episode
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As someone who “can work anywhere” I appreciate the flexibility of an accessory like the EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8-in-1 Hub because it makes my laptop much more capable. The extra USB ports and HDMI ports make it easy for me to work on a multi-screen setup with access to a printer and external hard drive.
I like that I can toss this in my bag quickly and not worry about the cord breaking down anytime soon. The reinforced connections and braided cable give me the impression that the hub will outlast my demands. But, in the event there’s an issue in the first 18-months, I can fall back on the generous warranty.
This is a pretty solid value for the money, and depending on your needs, it could pay off in no time at all. Your productivity should increase immediately, if not exponentially.
Where to buy the EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8-in-1 Hub
The EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8-in-1 Hub is priced at $69.99 and is available for purchase through the manufacturer’s website.
In recent years, it is common for people to spend more than 12 hours a day in front of phones, laptops, and computers. However, staring at the screen for a long time can lead to dry eyes, headaches, vision loss, and even blindness. If the time spent in front of the screen can’t be reduced, anti blue light glasses are the best solution.
As an innovative tech company, Blackview focuses on more than just electronic devices with TÜV Rheinland’s low blue light certificated display. Born from a concern for users’ eye health, including blue light blocking, UV protection, and anti-glare, Blackview launches new anti blue light glasses, which are dedicated to providing users with the best anti blue light eye protection and perfect eye comfort.
Let‘s first define what is blue light and why we should block blue light.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is a color in the visible light spectrum that can reach the retina through the eye, which is naturally from sunlight but is also emitted by digital devices such as laptops while watching TV, smartphones while playing games, tablets while working, etc.
Why should we block blue light?
Blue light can be emitted by electronic devices such as monitors and phone screens. Recently, the scientific community has gradually recognized the harm of blue light, particularly harmful blue light, causes to the eyes. Blue light’s harmful effects on the eyes are primarily concentrated in three areas.
1) Visual fatigue
Blue light has a short wavelength, so the focal point is on the front of the retina. If users want to see clearly, their eyeballs will constantly adjust and be tense for an extended period of time, causing visual fatigue such as eye strain, dry eyes, and irritated eyes.
2) Sleep
When the lens of the human eye absorbs harmful blue light for a long time, it will affect the circadian rhythm which causes difficulty in sleeping at night.
3) Retinal Damage
Since harmful blue light has high energy, it can directly penetrate the lens and reach the retina, which gradually causes cataracts and macular degeneration and results in vision loss or even total blindness in severe cases.
According to research, blue light can have both positive and negative effects on users’ eyes and general health. Beneficial blue light is primarily derived from natural sources, ranging from 445nm-500nm, which can boost alertness, improve mood, and regulate circadian rhythms; however, harmful blue light is primarily from artificial light sources, ranging from 415-455 nm, which can cause dry eyes, blurred vision, difficulty sleeping, macular degeneration, and severe blindness.
Considering the double impacts of blue light, Blackview BG802 adopts Segmented Anti blue Light Lens, which retains beneficial blue light from sunlight and blocks 99.44% of harmful blue light from digital devices such as smartphones, laptops, and computers.
Unlike other types of light, it cannot be effectively filtered by the eyes. While using a computer or phone for longer than eight hours a day is the norm for officers or students, which can cause eye strain, dry eyes, vision loss, and even eye diseases like macular degeneration. As studies have shown that blue light glasses can significantly reduce eye discomfort by preventing excessive exposure to blue light, which are the best anti-blue light option and have grown in popularity in recent years.
Let’s look at how to select anti blue light glasses and the differences between the various lenses of anti blue light glasses in the market.
How to choose the right anti-blue light glasses?
Blue light glasses come in a variety of styles in the market. According to the three primary colors of visible light, red, green, and blue, if blue is blocked or absorbed, red and green will superimpose, resulting in yellow.
As a result, anti blue light lenses in the market have clear, light yellow, or dark yellow in color. Clear lenses are entry-level anti-blue light glasses that can effectively block 5-30% of blue light, but they still cause dry eyes after more than 3 hours. Light yellow lenses are medium-grade anti-blue light glasses that can effectively block 60% of blue light. However, wearing them for 5-8 hours may make the eyes tired. Currently, the highest-grade anti-blue light glasses are dark yellow anti-blue light glasses with more than 95% of blue light blocking, providing comfortable eye protection for 24 hours a day.
In order to provide long-lasting comfort and higher level of anti-blue light experience, Blackview’s laboratory has cooperated with the relevant research institute of Tsinghua University to launch the high-level dark yellow anti blue light glasses- Blackview BG802. The lens is made of eco-friendly Nano-resin material and has been granted with International (PCT) Patent. Besides, the lens consists of 18 layers of shield, so harmful blue light is not easy to reach the corneal, providing 99.4% of anti-blue light rate.
In general, Blackview BG802 is fully optimized for ultimate protection and perfect comfort.
Apart from eco-friendly lenses material, Blackview BG802 has the best lenses with up to 99.44% of blue light blocking, 100% of UV protection, 92.5% of high light transmittance with naked eye vision, and anti-glare for driving safety. And best frame with memory glasses temples, eco-friendly silicone nose pads, exquisite hinges, and the best materials for oil and drop resistance.
Top -Comfort+Perfect Protection Lenses
Up to 99.44% of Anti Blue Light Blocking
– Harmful Blue Light Killer
Given the dangers of harmful blue light such as eye discomfort, vision loss, and eye diseases, Blackview has made a commitment to solving these issues for users. Blackview BG802 provides up to 99.44% of anti-blue light blocking that achieves double blue light blocking with OAR Anti-radiation Coating and Optical Absorptive Substrate with TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification. In comparison to most blue light glasses, which only provide 30-50% of blue light protection, Blackview BG802 provides nearly three times the blue light protection.
After a whole day of work, study, or gaming in front of the screen, the ultimate harmful blue light blocking provides complete eye protection to get rid of eye strain, dry eyes, or other eye damage. It is highly recommended for avid gamers, office workers, and students who spend several hours a day staring at a screen to eliminate harmful blue light damage, reduce visual fatigue, and protect their eyesight.
Up to 100% of UV Protection
– No Fear of the Sunlight
Blackview cared for those users who work or travel outdoors to be exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays for extended periods of time, which can cause severe eye pain or even lead to eye diseases such as cataracts. Not only does the Blackview BG802 shield users’ eyes from harmful blue light, but it also provides 100% of UV Protection to reduce the effects of UV rays on your eyes. Whether it’s a walk on the beach, an overseas trip, or an outdoor adventure, there’s no need to worry about eye damage from sun exposure all day long.
The Trendy Glass Changes Color Freely
– Indoor Yellow & Outdoor Black
Blackview is also concerned with the worries of some users who are not quite able to accept the yellow lenses. For improved visual enjoyment and fashionable trends, Blackview BG802 employs intelligent anti blue light photochromic lenses, which automatically adjust the color shades based on the intensity of ultraviolet light to appear black outdoors, further matching the user’s dressing freely. When it’s indoors, it takes good care of users’ eyes while they are playing games, working, or studying. When used outdoors, it effectively protects users’ eyes from UV rays while they are at the beach or shopping, ensuring the user’s eyes are as comfortable as possible.
Naked Eye Experience
– Up to 92.5% of Light Transmittance
Blackview has observed that some users who wear spherical lenses experience blurred vision issues, including distorted vision and vertigo. The main cause of this is that most glasses in the market only transmit light at a rate of 50%–70%, which when worn for long periods of time may lead to visual fatigue and slight blurring of vision. As flat anti blue light glasses, Blackview BG802 is made of nano-resin material with excellent optical performance, providing up to 92.5% of high light transmission rate, which is half as high as ordinary glasses and results in a naked eye experience with clearer vision. When the glasses are worn, the world appears brighter and more realistic, resulting in a more pleasant experience and improved vision. The high light transmission offers users the full shape and color of text and images, so users can view work documents or gaming videos in clearer vision, effectively reducing eye strain and protecting the eyes.
Anti-glare Safety Driving Assistance
-Anti-glare Glasses for Clearer Vision& Safer Driving
Blackview has discovered that users are easily affected by glare while driving, such as direct sunlight and tunnel lights during the day, as well as high beams and headlights from opposite cars during the night, which can endanger users’ eyes and driving safety, and even lead to temporary blindness in severe cases. Blackview BG802 achieves anti-glare effect by adding nano-yellow factor to reduce brightness of strong light to ensure softness of vision and restore real vision to ensure driving safety. Even when driving in the snow or desert during the day, it can block the glare, allowing users to see the world clearly and explore the outdoors more comfortably. Even when driving at night, it ensures a softer glare in extremely dark environments, making it more comfortable for users’ eyes, killing all the irritation even for all-night driving.
–Elastic Memory Temples + Silicone Nose Pads + Delicate Hinges
Besides professional lenses, Blackview is concerned that some users may experience discomfort when wearing glasses for extended periods of time, such as aural pain from tight eyeglass temples, nasion pain from a hard nose pad, and easy damage from loose hinges. Blackview places a premium on users’ comfort of wearing glasses. To address the issue of auricular pain caused by wearing too tight eyeglasses temples for an extended period of time. Blackview BG802 is made of eco-friendly titanium alloy and weighs only 25g, which significantly reduces pressure on ears when compared to some 50g glasses in the market; and its memory temples do not need to be adjusted every time, allowing them to fit the shape of users’ ears perfectly without leaving traces. To alleviate nasion pain caused by wearing hard eyeglass temples for an extended period of time, Blackview BG802’s silicone nose pad provides a soft and comfortable wearing experience by evenly distributing the pressure of the eyeglasses across the bridge of the nose, leaving no marking without pain even after 8 hours of wearing. To solve the problem of hinge breakage caused by overly loose hinges, Blackview BG802 employs reinforced hinges that are less likely to break and have been tested up to 5,000 times to ensure durability.
All these comfortable designs make it perfect for all face shapes.
Durable and Eco-Friendly Materials
– Easy to Clean + Easy to Take
In addition to comfort in wearing, Blackview has considered the user’s concerns about lens cleanliness and portability. Some users are concerned about getting oil, fingerprints, or dust on their glasses. The oleophobic layer of the Blackview BG802 is oil and fingerprint resistant, making it less susceptible to oil, fingerprints, dust, and other particles. In comparison to other glasses that require professional cleaning with cleaning solutions, Blackview BG802 is as clean as new after a quick wipe with an eyeglass cloth. Some users are concerned that the glasses will be too heavy and large to carry while they go out, so the eco-friendly nano-resin material used in the Blackview BG802 is very light, weighing only half an egg, and the frame of the glasses is small, which is just half the size of a cell phone, making them easy to carry on any occasion. Whether it’s a biking trip on the beach, shopping in the market, or walking on campus, the users won’t be burdened.
Prices and Availability
Want to buy? Click below for coupons on Amazon from Feb 27 to March 5.
In this latest episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, our experts Scott Webster and Luke Gaul talk about the Lookstand + Mount portable phone stand.
The Lookstand + Mount is a very transformative and useful phone stand that offers a solid extendable aluminum build (which makes it lightweight and durable), 360° of rotation, 120° of viewing angle, and wireless charging compatibility.
The phone stand has three presets heights from 3.5 inches to 7 inches which let you adjust the stand height according to your need. Is it worth purchasing? Listen to the podcast and see what our team says.
What is the Lookstand + Mount
The Lookstand is an aluminum smartphone accessory that adheres to the back of handsets and provides a number of options to users. Open it up and you can extend the arm to take selfies, or flip the bottom and widen the legs to make a portable stand. It folds up flat, weighs next to nothing, and travels very well.
Available in five different colors, the unit is flexible and functional. It rotates 360-degrees with a head that can be adjusted 120-degrees, making it a perfect desktop or travel companion.
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Features
Constructed of aluminum
Three preset heights from 3.5-inches to 7-inches
360-degree rotation
120-degree viewing angle
Detachable mount for wireless charging
Available in black, gray, gold, blue, and red
Tested to 10,000 uses
Listen to the Episode
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A generally solid product, I like this accessory for folks who like to take in video while on the go. It can be adjusted to a number of heights and offers a wide array of angles so catching Netflix on the plane is nice and easy.
Our review unit shows no signs of wearing down anytime soon, but we like that there’s an extra adhesive included in the box. Wireless charging can be accomplished when you remove the main component, but not without a bit of trial and error. Otherwise, this doesn’t add much weight or thickness. After a day or two of being attached you’ll hardly notice it’s there.
Where to buy the Lookstand + Mount
Lookstand + Mount starts at $45 and comes in black, gray, gold, blue, and red color options. The phone stand is available for purchase through the manufacturer’s website.
A few weeks ago OnePlus introduced its most powerful smartphone to date in the OnePlus 11 5G (read our review). To take things a bit further OnePlus unveiled its OnePlus 11 Concept at the MWC 2023 Barcelona, Spain. OnePlus integrated a new liquid cooling system into the OnePlus 11 Concept smartphone, which OnePlus called Active CryoFlux Cooling.
The OnePlus 11 Concept smartphone got a very futuristic design and beautiful aesthetics too. The Active CryoFlux is the company’s new cooling solution which is beautifully forged into the rear side of the smartphone. The cooling system employs an industrial-grade piezoelectric ceramic micropump which pumps the fluid through a series of tubes between lower and upper diaphragms that ensures fast and smooth performance even at higher temperatures.
Usually, we saw this type of liquid cooling technology in high-end gaming PCs which allows processors to run at their full potential. OnePlus brings this tech to the OnePlus 11 Concept smartphone which is indeed great. According to the OnePlus, if this cooling system implements in the smartphone, it will be the game changer in mobile cooling technology.
OnePlus Claims that the Active CryoFlux brings down a smartphone’s temperature by up to 2.1°C during gaming which improves the game’s frame rate by 3-4°. During charging, the cooling technology brings down the smartphone’s temperature up to 1.6°C which increases fast charging time by 30-45 seconds.
To showcase its innovative cooling technology, OnePlus has used a curved transparent back which lets you see the mesmerizing view of the Active CryoFlux coolant liquid flows from the pipelines.
You get to see Icy blue Active CryoFlux liquid flowing around the camera unit like a halo and the circular panel is surrounded by a Gullioche etching pattern which is usually found in luxury timepieces.
The device is purely a concept and it’s unclear whether OnePlus will put it into production.
As the month of March gets underway, Android users are being shown new ways to connect their phones to their watches, laptops, TV, and car. This information was revealed during this week’s MWC Barcelona event. Android rolled out new updates to improve connectivity, productivity, accessibility, and fun. Surely, Android users can now do things they wouldn’t have imagined in the past.
Google Keep: This is a single note widget helping you to quickly manage your notes, check off to-do list from the home screen of your Android device. The widget does more. It helps you remember what otherwise you could have forgotten, and with other stuffs, you won’t miss a beat.
Google Keep is also introducing two new shortcuts that can help you create notes and to-do list just by simply tapping on your watch face. For this to be possible, you need to have your Wear OS by Google smartwatch handy.
Google Meet: If you’re always using this meeting tool, you now have the opportunity to make the audio better – Google Meet now offers noise cancellation on more Android devices. Yes, filter out distracting sound so you can concentrate on the real stuff. You don’t have to worry about construction or lawn mower sounds as you talk.
If you already set up headphones with your Android phone, your Chrome will automatically connect with both.
Another wonder is that soon, Google also confirmed in its press release that Fast Pair will connect new Bluetooth headphones to your Chromebook with just a single tap.
Fun for the whole family
You can share in the joy of sending new emoji combinations. Share them as stickers via Gboard. You and your family members and friends can use these emoji combinations to express different shades of emotions.
In total, there will be nine new updates coming from Android. Both the new Android and Wear OS features will definitely enhance and improve the way we use Android.
Xiaomi has unveiled its latest flagship smartphones – Xiaomi 13 Series and its suite of AIoT products at a product launch event in Barcelona, Spain.
The company revealed on its website that the awesome release of Xiaomi 13 Series has been made possible through product collaborations between Xiaomi and Leica. Both are involved in “strategic partnership” in Imaging Technology.
What to expect from Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro
Users can expect to enjoy a special kind of new smartphone photography experience internationally. These flagship models were co-engineered with Leica, meaning users should expect Leica tech in the optical lenses.
In addition to that, users also enjoy other advanced computational and software capacities that enable accomplishments of various tasks on their devices.
Better still, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 coupled with Xiaomi Surge battery management system ensures enviable performance. This is really a game changer both for newbie and professional photographers.
Xiaomi 13 Series is available for sale starting March 8, 2023 via Xiaomi official channels.
Xiaomi 13 Pro comes in two colors: Ceramic Black, Ceramic White, with 2 storage variants, starting from EUR 1,299.
Xiaomi 13 comes in three colors: Black, White, Flora Green, with 2 storage variants, starting from EUR 999.
Xiaomi 13 Lite also comes in three colors: Blue, Pink, Black, with 2 storage variants, starting from EUR 499.
Suite of AIoT products
The suite of AIoT products include Buds 4 Pro, Watch S1 Pro, and Electric Scooter 4 Ultra. According to Xiaomi, these are products that will revolutionize the entertainment experience internationally.
The company goes on to explain in its press release that these are exceptional products. They are set to transform the manner in which people interact with technology. Here are products offering “seamless and more immersive” experience for users internationally.
Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro: It comes with upgraded TWS features and the earbuds deliver high-fidelity listening experience. Also, it incorporates Sony’s LDAC technology, enabling data transfer rates of up to 990kbps. Furthermore, the Hi-Res Audio Wireless support is impressive.
Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro: This smartwatch is a fusion of classic watch design and contemporary smartwatch technology. It boasts 1.47 inches AMOLED display, a rotatable crown, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass that adds to its durability.
Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Ultra: Take note, this is the first scooter offered, featuring a dual suspension system. Even if the rider is on a difficult terrain, he or she can still have a smooth safe ride. It is equipped with a larger puncture-proof and self-sealing 10-inch DuraGel Tires.
The world’s largest mobile phone show Mobile World Congress 2023 begins in Barcelona, Spain, however, the event will go on until Thursday 2nd March 2023. Many tech brands such as Xiaomi, HMD Global, OnePlus, and more unveiled their latest devices at the MWC 2023- And TCL is no exception. TCL world’s leading TVs, smartphones, audio devices, and smart home products manufacturer announced its latest products at the MWC 2023.
TCL unveiled its latest three new 40 series smartphone models including TCL 40X 5G, TCL 40 XE 5G, and TCL 40 XL, along with TCL NXTPAPER 11, TCL Tab 11 tablets, TCL MOVEAUDIO Neo earbuds, and display enhancing software such as TCL NXTURBO and TCL NXTPAPER 2.0. Let’s take a look at the features of the newly announced products of the TCL.
TCL 40 Series smartphones
TCL showcased its latest affordable 5G smartphones- TCL 40 XE 5G and TCL 40 X 5G exclusively for the US markets. TCL’s mission is to bring the 5G to all with these latest 5G-enabled devices. Thanks to the 5G connectivity users can enjoy video streaming without buffering, ultra-fast connectivity for high-speed downloads, and much more. TCL packs decent features in its latest 40 series smartphones.
TCL 40 XE 5G
TCL 40 XE 5G flaunts a 6.56-inches HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, and 180Hz touch sampling rate. The smartphone houses a triple rear camera setup with a 13MP main sensor joined by a 2MP depth and 2MP macro lenses. There’s 8MP front camera for capturing stunning selfies and video chats.
TCL 40 XE 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 Octa-core 5G processor paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, under the hood. The 5,000mAh battery offers day-long juice to keep you entertained.
TCL 40 X 5G
TCL 40 X 5G sports a 6.56-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, and 180Hz touch sampling rate for smother scrolling, better screen responsiveness, and fluid animations. The smartphone houses a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor joined by a 2MP depth and 2MP macro lenses. There’s 8MP front camera for capturing stunning selfies and video chats.
TCL 40 X 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 Octa-core 5G processor paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, under the hood. The 5G processor enables buffer-free streaming, smooth multitasking, and faster uploads.
The smartphone houses a 5,000mAh battery and offers almost 24 hours of battery backup. The dual stereo speaker offers a great sound experience during video streaming or media playing.
TCL 40 XL
Along with two 5G variants, TCL also launched two affordable 4G models. TCL 40 XL has a 6.75-inch HD+ display enhanced by TCL’s NXTVISON technology. The smartphone features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor joined by a 2MP depth and 2MP macro lenses. There’s 8MP front camera for capturing stunning selfies and video chats.
TCL 40 XL is powered by a MediaTek G37 processor paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, under the hood. It houses a 5,000Mah big battery which ensures all-day battery life.
TCL 40 series pricing and availability
TCL 40 XE 5G and TCL 40 XL 5G comes in a sole 4/64GB variant. The 40 XE 5G retails at $169 while the 40 XL 5G costs $199. Both smartphones will available exclusively for US markets starting from June 2023. And the TCL 40 XL 4G variant is priced at $149 for a 4/64GB variant and will be up for sale starting from May 2023 through mobile carriers and retailers in the US markets.
TCL 406
Along with TCL’s 40 series smartphone, TCL unveiled its most affordable Android 13 4G smartphone exclusively for Europe, US, and other selected markets. At just $119, The smartphone comes with decent features which are enough to entice the buyer.
TCL 406 smartphone sports a 6.6-inch HD+ display enhanced by TCL’s NXTVISON technology which offers a great viewing experience. The massive 5,000mAh battery offers 2-day battery life so that you can enjoy listening to your favorite tracks and binge-watching without any battery anxiety.
TCL NXTURBO
TCL introduced new display-enhancing software called TCL NXTURBO which improves the GPU performance by 30% whilst reducing battery consumption by up to 17%. The TCL’s latest 40 series devices have NXTURBO support which ensures lag-free streaming, all without a major impact on battery life.
Also, TCL confirmed that TCL NXTURBO will come to TCL’s other phones through OTA updates later this year.
TCL NXTPAPER 11
TCL introduced two new TCL NXTPAPER 11 and TCL TAB 11 tablets along with upgraded NXTPAPER 2.0 technology. TCL’s NXTPAPER 2.0 offers up to 150% more brightness than the original, up to 500nits. Thanks to the NXTPAPER 2.0 technology, you can use NXTPAPER devices even in bright light conditions.
TCL NXTPAPER 11 features an 11-inch 2k display enhanced by NXTPAPER 2.0 technology and offers top-quality visuals, an immersive entertainment experience, and a comfortable viewing experience in any condition.
The Tablet houses a massive 8,000mAh battery meaning whether you are binge-watching, gaming, or working, nothing interrupts your flow. Also, it has reverse charging support. There’s an 8MP front wide-angle camera for video chats. The device has quad speakers and dual microphones which makes your meeting or video calling experience much better. The table also has T-pen stylus support with 4096-level pressure sensitivity offering a smooth and realistic feel like paper and pen when taking notes or drawing. The TCL NXTPAPER 11 tablet starts at $249 and will be available starting from May 2023 in Europe and other selected regions.
TCL TAB 11
TCL TAB 11 offers a big 11-inch 2k display with a 5:3 aspect ratio, and 85% screen-to-body ratio, and boosted with TCL NXTVISION Technology, delivers fine picture quality with a blue light reduction to protect eye health.
The big 8,000mAh battery gives you more freedom to use the device longer without being interrupted to charge. The tablet also supports a T-pen stylus with a 4096 sensitivity level to take notes and draw.
TCL TAB 11 comes in a 4GB RAM + 128GB internal storage variant option which is priced at $179 for the WiFI version and the LET version retails at $209. The tablet will be available starting from May 2023 in Europe.
TCL MOVEAUDIO Neo earphones
TCL also launched its new TCL MOVEAUDIO Neo earphones along with phones and tablets. The earphones deliver bass-boosted sound rated 25dB and have four EQ modes for crystal-clear sound.
The earphones have dual mic call noise cancellation and Active noise cancellations support which shuts out ambient noise and helps you to focus in the busy world. The TCL MOVEAUDIO Neo Earphones are priced at $49 and are now available for purchase in the market.
At-a-Glance
TCL 40 XE 5G: from $169 available in North America only from June 2023
TCL 40 X 5G: from $199 available in North America only from June 2023
TCL 40 XL: from $149 available in North America only from May 2023
TCL NXTURBO: available through OTA updates later this year
TCL 406: from $119 available now in Europe, coming to select regions
TCL NXTPAPER 11: from $249, starting from Europe in May 2023, coming to select regions
TCL TAB 11: from $179 available from May 2023, LTE version available from $209
Bowers & Wilkins is a British company renowned for its dedication to high-quality audio and premium design. Its latest flagship over-ear headphones—the PX8—are further proof of the reputation the brand has earned over the years.
Fortunately, our friends at Bowers & Wilkins were kind enough to send one out for review.
Design
One of the many stand-out features of the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones is its sophisticated design and premium materials.
Without a doubt, the PX8 is the most luxurious pair of headphones I’ve ever touched. When you first lay your hands on the aluminum frame and Nappa leather, it’s clear these headphones are on another level.
They have a weight to them providing a sturdy feel combined with an elegant design that puts the plastic competition to shame.
The PX8 even carries that strong scent of real leather, in fact, it was too strong for me at first. I’m pretty sensitive to strong smells and I had to let it sit for a week just to air out before I could wear them. However, now they have that hint of leather aroma that exudes class and quality.
Comfort
Under the rich Nappa leather on the ear cups is a generous layer of soft memory foam that feels great around your ears. The headband, however, could have used a little extra foam to relieve the pressure on your head. Thankfully, the PX8 is still comfortable to wear for hours at a time, but you’ll start to notice a little pressure on your head after a while.
User experience
The PX8 uses a series of physical buttons on the ear cups to control playback, volume, answer calls, and toggle through ANC and pass-through modes or voice assistant. I was thrilled to see this deviation from touch controls that have become so popular, because they are often easily activated and not always implemented in an intuitive way. Conversely, physical buttons have the benefit of being easily accessible and just work.
The Bowers & Wilkins Music app is where you’ll find more options for the PX8, such as a simplistic equalizer, current battery level, controls for noise cancellation and pass-through, as well as toggles for the wear sensor and auto standby.
Overall, I found the options in the app a little lackluster when compared to others like Sony. Furthermore, the wear sensor seemed buggy to me because music seemed to pause randomly when I toggled it on.
Audio quality
The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 utilizes the Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec to connect the headphones to your phone. While its transmission rate is about half of what Sony’s LDAC is capable of, aptX Adaptive is able to change transmission speeds allowing for less latency while gaming or watching videos, as well as providing a more stable connection and better battery life overall. Regardless, for the price that B&W is asking for the PX8, I would have liked to see LDAC as an option.
There is also a USB Type-C to 3.5mm cable included in the box for connecting it hardwired, except the USB plug is inserted into the PX8 and the 3.5mm end is for connecting to your laptop or other devices. Usually, it goes the other way around, meaning this won’t allow you to connect it to your phone hardwired without a dongle since the PX8 lacks a 3.5mm jack.
As far as how the PX8 sounds, it has a warm relaxed sound quality. The bass isn’t too deep and the highs are reserved so as to not cause ear fatigue or be piercing. The soundstage is wide and allows the music to surround you. Overall, the sound lives up to the quality of the build and materials that Bowers & Wilkins used, and that’s an impressive feat.
My one criticism is that I wish the app had a more extensive equalizer that allowed for finer tweaking, especially when you’re asking $700 for them. Sound is a personal thing and we all have our preferences, it would be nice to have a bit more control.
ANC
Noise cancellation can be a mixed bag from brand to brand. You’re never certain whether other brands can compete with the likes of Sony or Bose. I’m happy to report that the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 more than delivers when it comes to noise cancellation.
I was shocked and delighted at how well the PX8 noise cancellation worked, isolating me with my favorite music and helping me concentrate. It was even able to block out noises that some other brands often struggle with.
Battery life
Battery life on the PX8 has been fantastic. Bowers & Wilkins advertises a 30-hour battery life, and in my experience, the PX8 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones live up to that. I’ve been using the PX8 for the past few weeks exclusively with ANC enabled and I’ve barely had to charge them.
Even when the PX8 does get low on battery life, it supports quick charging and can provide seven hours of playback from only a 15-minute charge.
Final thoughts
The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 are a phenomenal pair of headphones made from premium materials and featuring superb sound quality, battery life, and noise cancellation. However, that all comes at a price—and in this case—that is the hefty sum of $700.
Unfortunately, that is going to be out of reach for many people, but there are still some other options out there for those wanting high-quality audio minus the aluminum and Nappa leather build. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 45, both of which are highly rated for sound quality and ANC while only costing about one-third of the PX8.
If you’re someone lucky enough to afford the PX8 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, then you won’t be disappointed. The build quality is second to none, and it features some of the best audio quality and noise cancellation around.
GravaStar announces the launch of the Supernova Bluetooth speaker and Alpha65 charger. The brand has always been known as creator of special sci-fi audio products, now taking its creation a notch higher.
Supernova Bluetooth speaker offers powerful sound and light
Anywhere it is placed, the Bluetooth speaker is quite effective. It could easily switch to camping mode if need be, to mimic a lantern, while at the same time it can be used for music and outdoor lighting.
According to GravaStar, the Bluetooth speaker is made in such a way that it resembles a mecha robot-inspired design. Also, it combines nostalgia with hyper-modern sci-fi influence. The materials used in designing the speaker speaks of the type of quality fans should expect. The body materials are metallic and zinc alloy – quality materials found only in top notch technological products.
Supernova comes as a product with collapsible legs and handle that makes it appear unique, and it’s just 2.2lb in weight. The speaker’s design is made in a way that it can absorb shocks and drops. Another special effect to it is that it features customizable light that changes colors when the music is playing. There are three different modes of lighting, offering luminous visual experience paired with enveloping audio.
This Alpha65 makes users to feel they are actually making use of some robot from classic sci-fi films. Its shape-shifting design and the collapsible legs transforms it to what the user wants – whether for a tabletop display, or sitting down for charging ice blue lights. When active, it shows a real-time power status display.
Both products are proof of GravaStar interest in transforming products that seem boring and transforming them into collectible items that incorporate latest technologies. The charger features three ports – 2 USB-C and 1 USB-A. It comes with the ability to charge at the fastest-charging possible fr any plugged in device. It is resistant to heat, and delivers 65W of power safely to devices through GaN technology.
Availability
The Supernova Bluetooth speaker will be available in black or white color at the price of $179.99, while the Alpha65 charger will be available in only white color at $59.95.
