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.
As someone who is a fan of premium audio, I’m always striving to get the best quality when listening to music, watching movies, and of course, while gaming.
Generally, I love using surround sound for watching movies, but I find that a headset is superior when gaming. There are so many little sounds that your ears don’t pick up on when using surround sound, and the immersion with a gaming headset is second to none.
That’s why I’m excited our friends over at SteelSeries were kind enough to send out the Arctis Nova 7P Wireless for review. I’ve been using it to play games with the PS5 over the past few weeks and here are my thoughts.
Features
The Arctis Nova 7P Wireless has an extensive set of features making it one of the best gaming headsets SteelSeries has to offer. Starting with a 2.4GHz wireless connection for high-quality and lag-free audio, along with Bluetooth that can be used simultaneously with your phone for listening to music or making calls while gaming.
Like many other wireless gaming headsets, the Arctis Nova 7P uses a USB dongle to connect to your console or PC. That makes it compatible with PlayStation consoles, the Nintendo Switch, Meta Quest 2, PC, Mac, and more.
This is the first gaming headset I’ve used that opts for a USB Type-C dongle over USB Type-A, and it’s also one of the smallest dongles I’ve seen using a slim horizontal design.
This really stood out to me because I’m always worried someone will bump into the long dongles that stick out of the console, or get their clothes hung up on it. It’s a small way you can tell that SteelSeries products are designed by gamers for gamers.
It also means that you’ll have to install it on the front of the PlayStation 5, or you can use the handy included USB Type-A to Type-C cable, which has the added benefit of acting as an extension cable or an adapter for devices that lack a USB Type-C port.
Outside of connectivity, the Arctis Nova 7P Wireless also puts you in full control of sound quality with an app for Windows and Mac, as well as with physical controls on the ear cups to adjust volume, mute the mic, and more. Plus, the mic can easily be retracted or pulled out and adjusted freely when needed.
On the topic of the app, I do wish SteelSeries provided an Android app like other headset makers. It makes it much easier to adjust the equalizer and change settings on the fly from my phone, instead of having to connect the dongle to a PC to access these settings – especially because it utilizes Bluetooth and I often have the headset connected to my phone already.
Furthermore, I had issues updating the Arctis Nova 7P Wireless because it requires plugging the dongle into your PC and refuses to update over a USB cable. This was counterintuitive to what I expected, and it frustrated me that I had to unplug the dongle from my console and will have to do that every time there is an update for the headset.
Comfort
I love the simple lightweight design of the Arctis Nova 7P Wireless from SteelSeries. It’s the type of headset you could easily wear outside of the house without people taking notice and doesn’t feel bulky or heavy in the slightest.
The steel headband gives it a sturdy premium feel, while the stretchy overhead band rests gently on your head and prevents fatigue from setting in, even after wearing it for several hours. Additionally, the breathable AirWeave memory foam cushions feel fantastic around your ears and prevent the dreaded hot ear effect many closed-back headphones suffer from.
The only minor issue is that the breathable ear cushions are leaky allowing some ambient noise in. It’s not bad enough to be a major gripe, but it does lack the isolation that some other headsets provide. Although, the comfort and cooling effect on your ears more than makes up for it.
Audio quality
Sound quality is another area the Arctis Nova 7P Wireless shines. This gaming headset sounds outstanding whether you’re gaming or just listening to music. Out of the box, the flat EQ has a pleasing neutral sound with a nice spacious soundstage. The highs, mids, and lows are all well-balanced adding a nice sense of clarity.
The Arctis Nova 7P Wireless also supports immersive 360-degree Spatial Audio and is fully compatible with PlayStation’s 3D audio. It goes a long way in making you feel like you’re right in the middle of all of the action and helps pick up on sounds all around you while giving life to the soundtrack.
However, if you want to take it to the next level, then you can use the six-band equalizer or Sonar inside of the SteelSeries GG app. This allows you to fine-tune the Arctis Nova 7P Wireless to your preferences, including amplifying certain sounds such as gunshots or footsteps.
Mic quality
The mic on the Arctis Nova 7P Wireless is powered by ClearCast AI algorithms that SteelSeries claims will provide broadcast-quality audio. However, that was not quite my experience. While I thought I sounded clear via the sidetone controls—besides a little low-level static—people on the other end of the mic described my voice as muffled.
No one said that it sounded bad per se, but that other headsets I’ve used sound clearer
Battery life
SteelSeries rates the Arctis Nova 7P Wireless for 38 hours of battery life. After using the wireless headset over the past few weeks, I can say that it lives up to those claims. I’ve put at least 30 hours of gameplay in while wearing the Arctis Nova 7P Wireless and it’s still going strong. I only wish there was an Android app so I could easily check the battery level at any given time.
Additionally, the Arctis Nova 7P Wireless supports fast charging and will get you 6 hours of use off of a 15-minute charge. So, just plug it in while a game is updating and you’ll be good to go by the time it’s installed.
Final thoughts
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Wireless ticks every box for what it takes to be a magnificent gaming headset. It sounds amazing, it’s lightweight and comfortable, it provides 38 hours of battery life, the mic is decent, and it even looks good.
If only there was an Android app, the mic was a bit clearer, and it offered better sound isolation—then it would be perfect. However, those are all minor gripes considering just how comfortable and excellent the sound quality is.
You can pick up the Arctis Nova 7P Wireless for $180 from Amazon or the SteelSeries website.
I’ve been a fan of gaming since I got my first NES as a child. Over the years, I’ve owned several different consoles and I’ve always looked for ways to enhance one of my favorite hobbies. These days, that can mean upgrading to a better TV, using a projector, or adding a gaming headset to the mix.
Fortunately, our friends at Turtle Beach were kind enough to send out the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max for PS4 and PS5 for review. I’ve been using it for the past month and here are my thoughts.
Features
The Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max is one of Turtle Beach’s flagship gaming headsets, and as such, comes packed with features. For starters, it uses a USB dongle to provide a 2.4GHz wireless connection between your device and the headset. In this case, the devices supported are the PS4, PS4 Pro, PS4 Slim, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mac. Pretty much everything but an Xbox, but don’t worry, Turtle Beach also makes a model with Xbox compatibility as well.
Some additional features present on the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max are a long 40+ hour battery life, 50mm Nanoclear speakers, a flip to mute mic, physical controls on the ear cups, sidetone monitoring, connecting simultaneously with Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz dongle, and a Superhuman Hearing setting.
The Superhuman Hearing option can be found in the helpful Turtle Beach Audio Android app. I love when gaming headsets have an Android companion app because it makes managing them so much easier. Especially, if they support a simultaneous connection like the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max, because in this case, I usually have the headset connected to my phone to take calls while gaming anyways.
That’s why it only makes sense to have an Android app that allows for tweaking the different settings, like the equalizer, button functions, Superhuman Hearing setting, and more. However, I have to say the Turtle Beach app isn’t the most intuitive to use and I wish it provided more extensive EQ settings.
Comfort
The Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max uses a metal-reinforced headband and dual-foam Aerofit cooling gel-infused ear cushions that boast a glasses-friendly design. The cushions are dense and soft, but besides the metal headband, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max is primarily constructed out of plastic.
The comfort level of the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max came up lacking in my opinion. They feel bulky and quite heavy, enough to where I began feeling the pressure of the headband on the top of my head after only gaming for an hour. Furthermore, the tight clamping force puts a lot of pressure on the side of your head while also causing my ears to get warm after extended use, despite making use of Aerofit cooling gel in the cushions.
Overall, I was not impressed by the comfort and fit of the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max, even with the generous padding, it wasn’t enough to overcome the weight and clamping force. They are certainly not the most uncomfortable headphones I’ve worn, but they aren’t great for long gaming sessions. However, if you only play for a couple of hours at a time then they should be fine.
Audio quality
Thanks to the 2.4GHz wireless connection provided by the USB dongle, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max has lag-free high-quality audio while gaming. This particular model is even tuned specifically for the PlayStation 5’s 3D audio.
While the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max may lack in the comfort department, it more than makes up for it with fantastic audio quality. I was seriously impressed by how much more epic the soundtrack for games like The Witcher 3 and Horizon Zero Dawn sounded thanks to the open soundstage and large 50mm drivers in the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max.
Besides the soundtrack, it also made sneaking around even more intense because I truly felt surrounded by the sound and picked up on every footstep or growl, these are small sounds that often go unnoticed with normal speakers. My only complaint would be that I wish the equalizer in the app allowed more control in adjusting the audio, but the signature setting already sounds great and should please most gamers out there.
The Superhuman Hearing also comes in handy if you need to boost the volume of the game or for when you take calls on your phone.
Mic
I received a lot of positive feedback when using the mic during calls while gaming. I love that the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max allows me to make calls with my phone and everyone said I sounded clear, although when I used the side tone option to hear myself people complained of hearing themselves echo during the call. Otherwise, everything was good and the mic worked great.
It was also super convenient to flip it out of the way when not in use or flip it out when I was ready to chat.
Battery life
Turtle Beach rates the battery life of the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max for 40 hours or more. After using it for the past few weeks, I can vouch that it definitely exceeds 30 hours along with some time in standby. They didn’t seem to live up to the 40+ hours listed in the specs, but that could be due to me using it to make calls over Bluetooth while gaming and some battery lost during standby time.
Either way, you’ll still get plenty of gaming time out of the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max, and you should only need to charge it up once a week unless you are a full-time gamer. Plus, if you find the battery getting low, then you can get eight hours of battery life from a 15-minute charge thanks to quick-charging.
Final thoughts
As someone who has used TV speakers, soundbars, and surround sound—I can confidently say nothing compares to using a good gaming headset. And the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max is a great gaming headset.
It has a sturdy build, long battery life, fantastic audio quality, an Android app to easily adjust the settings, and a crystal clear mic. Besides some tiny nitpicks about the weight, clamping force, and the app being a little too basic, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max is an impressive gaming headset for only $150.
Smart door locks and deadbolts have been around for a few generations now and the companies in the space seem to have settled around a handful of players.
Lockly, one of those brands, has been creating its own line of locks, is back with the Vision Elite. It takes things a step forward from its predecessors and features a robust set of capabilities.
How does it fare in real world testing? What makes it so special? Check out the podcast and review below to learn more about it.
What is the Lockly Vision Elite?
The Lockly Vision Elite is a smart deadbolt for homes with multiple ways to unlock your door. Options include fingerprint, PIN, and physical key; the mobile app gives admin capabilities for creating limited-time codes, checking notifications, and more. Additionally, there’s a built-in doorbell, camera, and microphone for two-way communication and HD video.
Noteworthy Features
Doorbell with two-way talk
Solar recharging of battery
Unlock via PIN, fingerprint, key
App offers tons of controls, notifications, and settings
Full HD Video
Listen to the Episode
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We’re quite fond of the Lockly brand and appreciate the various changes and improvements it has implemented along the way. The Vision Elite is the most well-rounded model thus far and offers pretty much every feature one might hope to see in a smart deadbolt.
Setup takes maybe 20 minutes, even for someone who has never installed a deadbolt lock. Instructions are easy to follow and there’s plenty of documentation and guidance available online, too.
We like the mobile app as it makes it easy to create users with PIN codes and fingerprints as well as the occasional one-off access code or limited-time login. The app also provides a wide array of customization and privacy settings.
One of our favorite details in this model is that there’s essentially no need to ever charge the lock up. Thanks to the solar panel that protects the key tumbler, the internal battery gets replenished a little each day.
The doorbell and camera are helpful with a nice high definition look at whoever might be at the door. Need to chat or open the door? Open the app and you’ll be one button tap away from either option. Also nice, adding this to your Google Home is a breeze and allows for voice control to lock the door.
The Lockly Vision Elite does not come cheap, but it’s priced right and falls in line with others in the space. And best of all, it’s backed by a five year warranty.
Earlier Xiaomi’s Founder and CEO Lei Jun confirmed that Xiaomi would launch its latest Xiaomi 13 series smartphones in the global market. The Xiaomi 13 series smartphone is set to launch on Feb 26th at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023. The series comprises Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 13 Pro, and Xiaomi 13 Lite.
Ahead of the launch, Xiaomi 13 Lite smartphone has been spotted on the german retailer’s website. The listings reveal some key specifications and render of the upcoming Xiaomi 13 smartphone.
The upcoming Xiaomi 13 Lite will look very similar to the Xiaomi CIVI 2 smartphone launched last year in China. Regarding its design, you’ll see a triple rear camera setup at the back and a dual selfie camera setup at the front.
Furthermore, the listings reveal detailed specifications of the phone. The upcoming Xiaomi 13 lite smartphone will feature a 6.55-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is tipped to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB storage. The smartphone will likely run on Android 13 based on MIUI 14 out of the box.
The Xiaomi 13 Lite will house a 4,500mAh battery with 67W fast charging support. In terms of optics, the device will feature a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor paired with 8MP wide-angle camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The phone will feature a 32MP + 32MP dual selfie camera.
Emerging brand Nothing recently released its latest audio accessory, the Nothing Ear (Stick) wireless earbuds. The Ear (Stick) is Nothing’s second audio product; overall it’s the brand’s third product. Nothing’s hype and perfect marketing strategy had made the brand so much popular in a very short time.
Nothing’s Ear (Stick) carries a very unique case design that looks stunning and it comes at a very interesting price point. In this latest episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, our experts Scott Webster and Luke Gaul talk about the Ear (Stick).
Nothing Ear (Stick) sports one of the most unique designs with its trademarked transparent stunning rotating plastic case. The earbuds have an industry-leading custom 12.6mm dynamic driver that offers rich depths, clear highs, and bold details sound.
The three high-definition mics paired with Clear Voice technology integrated into the earbuds offer windproof and crowd-proof calls. What is the complete package, how do they perform, and is it worth purchasing at this price range? Listen to the podcast and see what our team says.
What is the Nothing Ear (Stick)?
The Nothing Ear (Stick) is a pair of wireless earbuds with up to seven hours of playback per charge. The included carrying case provides a total listen time of nearly 29 hours. Other key features include Google Fast Pair, IP54 resistance to sweat, water, and dust, and 12.6mm dynamic drivers.
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Noteworthy Features
Up to 7 hours of listening on charge
Up to 29 hours of listening time using case
Weigh only 4.4g
Google Fast Pair
IP54 dust, water, and sweat resistant
12.6mm dynamic driver
Charge 10 minutes and get up to 2hrs of playback
Enhanced experience when using Nothing Phone
Listen to the Episode
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Nothing has another winner on its hands with the Ear (Stick). The sound quality is as better than expected considering the price point, and the overall package punches above its weight.
These earbuds pair incredibly easy thanks to Google Fast Pair and they charge almost as quickly. Just ten minutes on the charger is enough to provide two hours of music playback.
The carrying case and earbuds yield up to 29 hours of listening so that’s a solid week’s worth of workouts and commutes. Speaking of which, the IP54 rating gives peace of mind so that you don’t have to worry about breaking a sweat or catching summer rain.
Where to buy the Nothing Ear (Stick)
Nothing Ear Stick retails at $99 and comes in a sole white color option. The wireless earbuds are available for purchase through Nothing’s official website.
Motorola offers a variety of smartphones from budget-range android smartphones to flagships. The brand has almost every budget smartphone you are looking for it, whether it’s foldable or just an affordable android phone.
When it comes to offering deals, Motorola provides amazing discounts for its products. The brand is currently offering crazy discounts of up to $800 off for Motorola devices. If you are looking for a new smartphone or wanted to upgrade your current device or wanted to experience Motorola devices, this is the best time to give it a shot for Motorola’s smartphones.
Motorola Razer Gen 2
Motorola’s one of the best foldable smartphone Moto Razer Gen 2 offers great design and impressive features. As a part of the deal, Motorola offering a whooping $800 off on the Motorola Razer Gen 2 smartphone, so it comes in at just $599 which makes it one of the most affordable foldable smartphones in the market today.
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is a solid smartphone that offers a stunning 6.55-inch curved OLED 144Hz display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ processor, 12GB RAM, and 256GB of internal storage. In terms of optics, you get a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP primary camera joined by a 13MP ultrawide shooter and a 2MP depth sensor. Thanks to Motorola’s amazing deals, the smartphone is now priced at $499.
Motorola g stylus 5G (2022)
At an affordable price point, it’s very hard to find a smartphone with a stylus. The Moto G Stylus is one of the best affordable smartphone and comes with decent features. The phone flaunts a large 6.8-inch FHD+ panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The smartphone has a big 5,000mAh battery that can last up to two days, claims Motorola. Best of all it’s now priced at just $249 and it comes in two beautiful color options- Steel Blue and Seafoam Green. On the successful purchase of Moto G stylus 5G, you will get Motobuds 250 wireless earbuds for free but this offer is only available on Motorola’s official website.
Moto g 5G (2022)
Moto g 5G is a great affordable android smartphone that features a beautiful 6.5-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, 6GB RAM, 256GB internal storage, and a large 5,000mAh battery. You get a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor paired with a 2MP macro and 2MP depth camera. The smartphone is coming at just $199 for a limited time.
Motorola also offers crazy deals on Moto Edge+ (2022) and Moto Edge (2022) smartphones. On the successful purchase of the Moto Edge + or Moto Edge smartphone, you will get a Lenovo Smart Tab M10 FHD Gen 2 table totally free.
Hurry up!! these lighting fast deals never last long. Whether you are looking for an affordable android phone or a premium flagship smartphone, above mentioned are some of the best smartphones from the house of Motorola.
