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CSGOEmpire review: Is it legit? Pros, cons, bonus codes, and more

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If you are an avid gamer and have been seeking out some decent CSGO gambling sites, this CSGOEmpire review will cover all that you need to know

After putting this site up to the test ourselves and using an advanced scoring system, we are now ready to share all there is to know about this site and how it matches up to other CSGO gambling sites.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive right in!

CSGO Empire Casino Pros:

  • Free bonus case for new users
  • Match betting for over 13 esports games
  • Connects directly to your steam account
  • You can bet skins and other CSGO items
  • Huge community of users
  • Card & crypto deposit methods
  • Provably fair system

CSGO Empire Cons:

  • Limited value for bonus
  • No traditional casino games

CSGO Empire Bonus Codes Available:

  • EMPIRE Claim a free case to use on roulette game bets, match betting, or the coinflip game at CSGOEmpire
  • CSGO Empire referral bonusSpread the word and invite your friends to join CSGOEmpire using your referral link and they will get a free case upon signing up while you get a percentage of your friend’s bets.

To be clear, CSGOEmpire is different from other online gambling sites. Currently, the only options for gambling include esports betting, a roulette game, and a coinflip game. However, this site stands out because you can use items directly from your Steam account inventory to place bets.

Therefore, this is a solid option if you want to get started with skin betting. Of course, skins and other items only tend to serve aesthetic benefits in the game itself. Therefore, if you find yourself with some extra cases and skins in your inventory, you can take advantage of their monetary value.

>>Click here to get a free case at CSGOEmpire!

The Stand-Out Features of CSGOEmpire

Here are some of our favorite features of the CSGOEmpire app and what makes it stand apart as a unique betting site. We will cover each of these items in greater detail below.

  • Modern website style and design
  • Exclusive bonuses and promotions
  • Gambler fairness & the provably fair system
  • Flexible deposit and withdrawal methods
  • Reliable customer service 

Is CSGOEmpire Legit?

Before you start playing at any of the best CSGO gambling sites, it is important to verify from third parties that it is a legitimate site. You can do this by checking for a gambling license and looking for good CSGOEmpire reviews from other players.

CSGOEmpire online casino is licensed and regulated under the gambling laws of Curacao. It is one of the oldest CSGO betting sites, having been established in 2016. Since its establishment, it has received over 2 Billion dollars in wagers for the popular esport. 

How to Sign Up and Claim a Bonus with CSGOEmpire

Thinking you want to activate a CSGOEmpire bonus code and get started using the CSGOEmpire app? Here are the steps to follow in order to start your betting experience at the site,

1. Head to the Exclusive CSGO Empire Bonus Page

For starters, click here and head to the exclusive bonus page, where you can get a free case upon signing up.

2. Create a Steam Account

To make a CSGOEmpire account, you must connect to your Steam account. Don’t worry, though! Your account won’t get stolen if you type in your Steam password.

3. Claim Your Free Case

After connecting your steam ID to CSGOEmpire, you can claim your free bonus case. Unlock many betting sites, this bonus gives no free value with no wagering requirements.

4. Deposit to Keep Playing

If you exhaust the value of your free Empire CSGO bet, you can deposit to continue playing. In addition, you can also use inventory items from your CSGO steam account.

How Does CSGOEmpire Treat Its Players?

How a casino treats its players is often indicative of the site’s overall quality. For this reason, conducting a full audit of CSGOEmpire’s customer support and player treatment is important before deciding whether this is the best CSGO skin betting site for your purposes.

Below, we will cover what you need to know.

24/7 Customer Service:

CSGOEmpire has 24/7 live chat customer support. If you run into problems with creating an account, depositing, or general issues while using the platform, you can reach out to them and have the customer support team give you instant help.

Fast Withdrawals:

There are various deposit and withdrawal methods available on the CSGOEmpire app. This includes both real money and cryptocurrency methods. In addition, the store has skins that you can buy and withdraw directly onto your Steam account.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that withdrawals done with cash are not supported. Instead, you can only deposit using cash before withdrawing using CSGO skins, or cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Easy KYC Process:

The KYC process done by CSGOEmpire doesn’t add any unnecessary layers to what we already see with Steam. You shouldn’t have any problem using the CSGOEmpire app if you have a verified Steam account. However, there are certain extenuating circumstances where they might ask you to send documents to verify your identity.

Provably Fair Gaming System:

It can be frustrating to use a gambling website only to get stuck playing on games where the odds are heavily stacked in your favor. Good thing CSGOEmpire has a provably fair system where you can confirm the fairness of games.

Strong Community:

One thing that we love about CSGOEmpire is that they have a strong community of users that support and help each other. So if you cannot get quick help from customer support, you can reach out to the community chat box on CSGOEmpire’s website.

In-Depth CSGOEmpire Review

Considering that there are various CSGO scam sites that are designed to steal your Steam account, CSGOEmpire stands out as a diamond in the rough. 

They also stand apart from other gambling sites since they allow gamers to deposit directly using their Steam account and use the value of their skins as collateral in exchange for the site’s native currency.

Below, we will cover all you need to know about CSGO Empire so that you can think for yourself and decide whether or not this is the best skin betting site.

Overall Style & Feel: 5/5

The moment you enter the site for the first time, you quickly see how CSGOEmpire sets itself apart from a typical gambling website. Instead of making a new account, you can log in directly with your Steam ID. This saves a lot of time otherwise spent typing in personal data and going through KYC procedures.

There are no significant issues with the site’s interface, from the games to the esports betting interface. Bets are easy to place, there are no confusing or cluttered areas of the gambling interfaces, and you can quickly sift through games directly on the site esport match betting page.

Game Diversity: 4/5

If you simply want to get started with e-sports betting, then CSGO Empire is a solid match betting site to check out. Outside of this, though, they only have a simple roulette game and coin flip game to gamble on. For this reason, those who want a more traditional casino experience might look elsewhere.

The roulette game allows you to place three different bets, with winnings up to 14x your initial stake. The coin flip game is a straightforward game where you can match up against another player and choose your own stakes for a simple 50/50 shot at winning.

Esports Betting: 5/5

There are few gambling websites where users can deposit their CSGO skins and other valuable items to use as credit for esports betting. Currently, over 13 games are available for match betting, including CSGO, Dota 2, FIFA, Starcraft, King of Glory, and more.

Games are published on the site and made available for bets, sometimes more than five days before the match. 

There are also many betting options. 

A CSGO match bet might include a money line bet, the total of games played in a series, and much more. Games are typically live-streamed and available to be watched directly on the site.

Welcome Bonus: 4/5

Compared to a typical gambling site, the welcome bonus at this site isn’t too enticing. New users can get a free bonus case worth 0.01 coins (or about $0.006). You can take this money and spend it on roulette to increase your bankroll.

The good news with this offer is that it doesn’t come with any wagering requirements. However, compared to other welcome bonuses that we find for betting sites, this isn’t much of a welcome bonus.

VIP Rewards & Loyalty Promotions: 4.7/5

As a loyal site user, you receive consistent rewards and free bonuses. Typically, you can get a free case or two each day for logging in. Added up over time, this can turn into something of reasonable value.

Customer Support: 5/5

When all else fails, having a high-quality customer support team is one of the reasons to find CSGO Empire to be a legit gambling site. Users can reach out to the customer support team and get a response within minutes. When we tried out the live support chat function, we got a response within one minute.

In addition, the chat support gives access to help articles that might answer your question before a human reads your response and gets back to you. There is also a chat box on the left side of each page where you can seek out help directly from the community.

Banking Options: 4.6/5

Currently, there are many different payment methods supported for deposits at CSGO Empire. This includes cards like Visa and MasterCard and e-payment methods like Astropay, Skrill, Jeton, and more. Users can also deposit using Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, USCS, and USDT.

Withdrawal methods only include CSGO and cryptocurrency. Of course, you can also deposit your CSGO skins if you want to stake items that you have earned in the game itself. The maximum bet on this site is approximately $60,000 (or 100,000 coins). Payouts typically happen within 10 minutes.

However, we hope they soon allow customers to withdraw straight to their card or bank account.

Final CSGOEmpire Review Score: 4.58/5

As a whole, this is a great gambling site to check out if you are a CSGO player seeking creative ways to use all the extra skins and items you have sitting around in your Steam inventory. 

Although we don’t find too many unique casino games on this site, the sportsbook for esports games is impressive and top-tier.

>>Click here to get a free case at CSGOEmpire.

What Should You Consider Before Signing Up to CSGO Empire?

Available Countries:

The first thing to consider before you sign up at CSGOEmpire is to check out the locations that are supported by the site.

An easy way to see if you can use the site is to log in using your Steam account, and then go over to the deposit page. From there, you can select your country. If deposit methods show up, you know that your country is supported.

Available Currencies:

Next up, you should make sure that CSGOEmpire supports your desired currency. A good general rule of thumb is that if your country is supported, your local currency is likely also supported.

Also, remember that CSGO items can be deposited directly onto the site and used as cash. Finally, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and USDT are supported for deposits. Withdrawals can only be made using CSGO skins or through cryptocurrency. Therefore, do not play here if you want to withdraw into your bank account. 

What Bonuses Are Available at CSGO Empire?

Now that we have covered all the critical information you should consider before using CSGO Empire, let’s go ahead and break down the current promotions in greater detail.

CSGO Empire Free Case For All New Users

If you are new to CSGO Empire, you are entitled to get a free case just for signing up. This can be used as cash to bet on the roulette game, coin flip game, or esports betting. Use the CSGOEmpire bonus code “EMPIRE” to activate this offer.

Extra Coins for Gift Card Deposits 

You can get a 12% discount for the native coin currency when depositing using a gift card. Therefore, this might be the best way to start off at this betting site on the right foot. Use the code “LEGENDS14” before depositing with your gift card to get some extra coins.

Other Amazing Gambling Sites Like CSGO Empire

Thinking of using another betting site that shines in areas where CSGOEmpire tends not to be as impressive? 

If so, you still have some great options to check out. Here are other top online casinos that are similar to CSGO Empire.

BetOnline

If you want to be able to bet on traditional sports as well as esports, BetOnline is another excellent option to check out. They also offer match betting for esports like Counter-Strike, Dota, Valorant, FIFA, NBA2k, and much more.

One thing that stands out about this casino is that they also have a much better welcome bonus for new users. Right now, you can get a 50% deposit up to $1000 in bonuses just for being a new user.

Much more than just a sportsbook, BetOnline is a full casino where players can compete on poker tables, play traditional casino games like blackjack and roulette, and even bet on horse racing. They have been online for around 20 years and have a good reputation among their users.

Click here to learn more about all the different promotions available at BetOnline.

Sportsbetting.ag

Sportsbetting.ag is another good site to check out if you want to sign up using a simple card or cryptocurrency deposit. In addition, they also have more promotions than CSGO Empire and a full live casino where you can play games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat with a live human dealer.

Similar to what we find at BetOnline, this betting site also offers a nice 50% deposit bonus on your first deposit. They also have parlay odds boosters ready to boost your winnings by up to 60%! You can get a total value of $1000 to use straight on esports bets.

Sportsbetting.ag has a nice collection of casino games, including slots, table games, poker, and a full sportsbook. They also offer betting tournaments for competitive sports and esports bettors. This is a solid casino if you want to play at a full and well-rounded online casino.

Click here to check out all the active promotions at Sportsbetting.ag.

Bovada

If you want to deposit using cryptocurrency but aren’t enticed by the cryptocurrency welcome bonus at CSGO Empire, Bovada might have the solution you need. They have a $750 crypto welcome bonus that you can claim using the bonus code “BTCSWB750.”

This 75% deposit bonus goes up to a total potential value of $750. The bonus funds can be used for sports betting, casino games, and horse racing. They also have an excellent poker interface where you can connect and play with other human players.

Bovada is a full casino that includes the best online slot games, live dealer games, sports betting, esports betting, horse racing, and poker lobbies. This casino stands out for having a vast library of different games, a nice welcome bonus, good customer support, and high jackpots at just about any time.

Click here to learn more about all the different promotions at Bovada.

Other CSGO Reviews Online

As you likely know, it’s important not just to take our word that CSGOEmpire is a legit gambling site. Additionally, you should also consider the reviews of other players. Here are some of the top reviews we found after going throughout the internet:

CSGO Empire Review: Ready to Start Skin Betting at CSGO Empire?

Throughout this CSGOEmpire review, we did our best to inform you of all the different pros and cons of this site. In short, it is an excellent place to play if your main goal is to finally make use of the different CSGO skins and other items you have in your Steam inventory.

However, we hope they continue adding more withdrawal methods and casino games. If this were done, they could easily propel themselves to be a top-tier all-around gambling site. In any case, use your own discretion before deciding whether or not to sign up, and most importantly, please gamble responsibly! 

Playing online casino games should always be about fun. Please remember that our guides and all gambling sites are only for people who are 18+. Also, check with local laws to find out if online gambling is legal in your area.

If you have a gambling addiction problem or anyone you know does, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. In addition, the following free gambling addiction resources can be of help:

An efficacious business plan for mobile applications

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In the last few decades, people are more toward the online work environment as compared to the physical which is why mobile application development is in trend in the recent era. There is considerable competition among different types of applications used on android and apple phones.

If you are an entrepreneur and want to design and develop a new mobile application then it is advised to follow the business plan for mobile applications. A comprehensive plan will include business strategies, goals, and growth over a specified duration.

Type of Application you are Interested in:

Mobile applications are always more user-friendly than websites therefore this business can help you to achieve your goals. There are unlimited types of applications that are being used every day and it depends on you whether you are interested in direct marketing or branding.

Before making any decision, it is important to conduct fair market research by collecting both primary and secondary types of data. In this way, you will understand the opportunity ratio from an economical and technological point of view.

Importance of Business Plan:

If you want to start a new mobile application or you want to improve an existing one then don’t worry, you just need to consult an efficient business plan writer. It will help you out with a plan for funding, growth, and success of mobile applications of any type. It is, basically, a written document that is updated biannually or annually.

Summary of Business Plan:

The development of a business plan is an idea to convert dreams into reality. A summary of the business plan gives an effective overview of your application development. It will provide you with some useful information about the whole industry of mobile applications and that will help you to run the application in the market.

You will come to know about direct competitors, target consumers, marketing strategies, and success ratios. This plan will include instructions for the management team of your organization for mobile applications. The success of every business lies in management because this section is the backbone of any business.

Financial Management:

The financial management section of the business is very crucial and it can be a turning point for you. A business plan for a mobile application will give you a complete layout for the budget required to start the mobile application. Furthermore, if it goes smoothly, a business plan helps you estimate the income being generated around the year.

Mobile Application Development:

Most of the business plan writers for mobile applications have expert personnel for all specifications such as app designers and developers, digital experts, content creators, video animators, marketing advisors, and web developers. They can provide you with all these services along with a plan therefore you can get everything under one roof.

Cost of Business Plan:

A pocket-friendly and effective business plan is always successful especially when you are going to start a new business. You have to deal with different types of finances such as one-time finances (like buying a license, software, office premises, apparatus, equipment, server, etc), fixed finances (like salaries of personnel, rent for the office, insurance, etc) and variable finances like (seasonal wages and extras).

Business plans consider these costs to estimate profit for a shorter and longer duration.

Monetization Scheme:

A business plan for mobile applications includes a monetization model to convince you of positive economics. It includes a start-up period where profit is less and expenses are more and then things run smoothly because monetization has started.

Monetization of an application involves advertisement, application fees, purchases in an application, and subscription fees. Therefore when the business plan of a mobile application is sparked, it will lead to its efficient development of it and finally successful monetization. You will generate good profits and achieve a successful business.

Review: EKSA E900 Lords Mobile Edition Wired Stereo Gaming Headset (Podcast)

The gaming headset is the most important accessory when it comes to gaming. Gaming without a gaming headset is like eating bread without butter. In our latest episode of the AndroidGuys Podcast, Scott Webster and Luke Gaul chat about EKSA E900 Lords Mobile Edition Wired Stereo Gaming Headset.

EKSA’s latest E900 Lords Mobile Edition wired stereo gaming headset sports a very simple and sleek design and offers a great sound experience that every gamer expects from a gaming headset. What is the complete package, is it offer a comfortable fit for a long time, and is it the best companion for gamers who are looking out for a gaming headset? Our experts have your every question’s answer. Listen to the podcast and see what our team says.

What is the EKSA E900 Lords Mobile Edition Wired Stereo Gaming Headset

The EKSA E900 Gaming headset checks a lot of boxes for a product that typically carries a higher price. The comfort matched with industry standard features make it ready to take on extended gaming session. EKSA’s VoicePure technology gives the confidence that your friends will hear you in even the most tenuous of situations.

In-line controls allow for ease of response to unexpected changes in your gaming environment. With the ability to handle whatever you platform you choose, the EKSA E900’s simplify your home setup by letting you go minimize to one comfortable headset for a variety of situations.

Gallery

Features

  • EKSA VoicePure Technology
  • 50mm Driver
  • Comfortable Soft Earmuffs
  • In-Line Audio Controls (Mute/Volume)
  • Noise Cancelling Mic
  • Multi-platform Compatibility (Xbox, PC, Mobile, Switch, and PS4/5)
  • Detachable mic, carrying pouch

Listen to the Episode

Be sure to subscribe to the AndroidGuys podcast through your favorite platform or add the AndroidGuys Podcast RSS feed to enjoy!

Parting Thoughts

For the budget-conscious gamer, the EKSA E900 Gaming headset is a perfect mix of form and comfort. It has the ability to work with every major platform and performs well above it’s price tag. And if you’re a fan of Lords Mobile, you’ll get even more value for your money with all of the included game bonuses.

Where to Buy EKSA E900 Lords Mobile Edition Wired Stereo Gaming Headset

You can purchase the EKSA E900 Lords Mobile Edition headset at EKSA’s website where it’s currently listed at just $32.99 for the purple accessory.

TCL releases ION X smartphone at Metro

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TCL Mobile is releasing another stunning mobile smartphone today, a device with striking visuals. The phone will be available in the U.S today and it is presented by Metro by T-Mobile.

This device is coming with latest features of Android 12, together with a stunning edge to edge display. For people who want to stay connected, search the web, share or view content in a vibrant and simple manner, the ION X is the right deal.

What’s in ION X smartphone for users?

Users of the ION X smartphone will enjoy high definition visuals, and they can make use of face unlock features to step up the device security, and enjoy power that lasts throughout the day.

The device is striking in detail especially the 6-inch HD+ widescreen display. That comes with an impressive 85 percent screen–to-body ratio but that’s not all. Users can also enjoy the stunning clarity with a resolution of 1440 x 720 pixels at the display.

See Also: TCL offers up economical Stylus 5G for T-Mobile and Metro

There’s also the 13MP rear camera that can capture great photos with AI scene detection. At the front for selfies is a 5MP shooter that lets users join video calls.

The battery powers the phone throughout the day on a single charge. That’s made possible by a 3000mAh battery that allows users to stream for several hours on end. What makes the battery department to work most efficiently is the TCL Smart Manager and Battery Saver modes. The user can talk, text, and surf the internet for longer periods.

According to TCL Mobile, this device is latest feature-rich, value-priced smartphone that all users will enjoy. It is now available for sale in the U.S.

ION X comes in slim design

The smartphone boasts a slim design and that means it could be carried around in pockets and bags without being noticeable by others. Being slim also means the device isn’t heavy at all.

Review: SOUNDPEATS Air3 Pro Wireless Earbuds (Podcast)

It’s a win-for-win moment when you get wireless earbuds with high-quality sound, ANC support, and importantly at an affordable price range. In this latest episode of the AndroidGuys Podcast, our experts Scott Webster and Luke Gaul talk about the SOUNDPEATS Air3 Pro Wireless Earbuds.

SOUNDPEATS Air3 Pro Wireless Earbuds offer high-definition audio and it has hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) (up to 35dB) support ensuring crystal clear audio in noisy environments. Thanks to the lightweight ergonomics offer a comfortable fit all day long. What is the complete package, how do they perform, and is it worth purchasing at this price range? Read our take and listen to the podcast.

What are the SOUNDPEATS Air3 Pro Wireless Earbuds

The SOUNDPEATS Air3 Pro earbuds are a perfect option for the budget conscious user who spends a lot of time on the go. The hybrid active noise cancelling will cancel up to 35dB so you can hear your music no matter what environment you find yourself in.

The 12mm drivers deliver clear highs and deep lows so no matter what you’re listening to you hear it how it’s supposed to sound. The 6 hour batter life gives you plenty of charge for your needs plus the added charging case gives up to 24 hours for extended use.

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Features

  • Hybrid ANC 35dB
  • Adaptive Bluetooth 5.2 w/ aptX
  • 12mm Dynamic Driver
  • CVC 8.0 Noise Reduction Tech
  • 6 Hrs Single Listening Time / 24Hrs & USB-C Charge

Listen to the Episode

Be sure to subscribe to the AndroidGuys podcast through your favorite platform or add the AndroidGuys Podcast RSS feed to enjoy!

Parting Thoughts

The SOUNDPEATS Air3 Pro earbuds have all the features you expect from a modern earbud at a price tag that will make your jaw drop. Crystal clear audio and battery life gives peace of mind on the go.

Where to buy the Soundpeats Air3 Pro Wireless Earbuds

The Soundpeats Air3 Pro Wireless Earbuds come in a sole Black color option and retails at $79.99. The earbuds are available for purchase from the manufacturer’s official website.

Sensibo Elements Smart Wi-Fi Air Quality Monitor review

Between the pandemic and working from home, my family and I have spent a lot more time in the house these past couple of years. That naturally made me more curious about the air we’re all breathing. I’ve already added an air purifier to the house, but I’m someone who likes to see numbers and data.

That’s why when I saw the Sensibo Elements Smart Wi-Fi Air Quality Monitor, I got excited at the prospect of seeing real-time data about our indoor air quality. Thankfully, the company was nice enough to send one out for review.

Design

The Sensibo Elements consists of the main unit with all the sensors, a cradle to hold it vertically, and the power brick with USB Type-A to Type-C cable. While I found the cable to be a little on the short side, it’s easy to replace given that it’s a standardized cable. However, I would have loved to see a six-foot cable included in the box.

The main unit in the cradle measures 4.5 x 5.7 x 2.5 inches so it has a rather small footprint and fits in well on a shelf out of the way. Additionally, there’s a mount on the back that makes it possible to mount it on the wall as well.

On the front of the Sensibo Elements is an LED light in the shape of the Sensibo logo. This light changes colors to give you a quick way to see how your current air quality rates. There are three different colors on the scale, including green, orange, and red. As you may have guessed, red is the worst while green says you’re all clear. While I personally love the LED light on the front, rest assured that it can be disabled if you’d rather rely on the app for the current status.

User experience

Setting up the Sensibo Elements was quick and painless. It only took me a few minutes to hook up the device and get it connected to the Wi-Fi and app. You’ll also have to create an account which is something I’m not a huge fan of, but it’s most likely required because there is an option to upgrade to a subscription service. More on that later.

The Sensibo Elements includes sensors for temperature, humidity, CO2, TVOC, ethanol, and a PM2.5 sensor. This makes it capable of tracking and analyzing the indoor air quality of your home and condensing that down to one overall score and color rating.

While the LED light on the Sensibo Elements gives you a quick and easy way to check the overall indoor air quality with a glance, the app provides a more detailed look. By using the Sensibo app, you can check and monitor each of the individual sensors, along with viewing graphs that provide a view for the past 24 hours.

The app is clean and lays out everything very well. However, I do wish it provided more information about what the sensors detect and how it affects the air quality. To be fair, each reading does have an explanation, but I found it a little lacking. Especially with the TVOC sensor that was consistently going into the moderate area a few times each day. It had me so concerned about what it could be and how harmful it was that I had to start researching TVOC and what exactly it was. All of that could have been avoided with a couple more paragraphs explaining TVOC in the app.

Besides that one nitpick, I really enjoy the app and it’s a big selling point for the Sensibo Elements. Speaking of selling points, the app is also capable of providing weekly and monthly graphs for everything it monitors, as well as the weather and air pollution conditions outside. That does require a subscription to Sensibo Plus for $4.99 a month or $2.49 a month for yearly subscriptions.

Personally, I would love to see all of those stats but I didn’t find it necessary enough to subscribe. So, don’t worry, it’s still entirely possible to use the Sensibo Elements without signing up for a subscription and to get some value from it.

Final thoughts

After using the Sensibo Elements for the past few weeks and trying it in various rooms of the house, I am very satisfied with it. I was happy to see that my home stays in the green the majority of the time, and when it does creep up into the moderate category, there’s always a reasonable excuse. Such as when I’m cooking or when there are multiple people in the room producing more particles in the air.

The notifications aren’t always the most helpful though, like suggesting we open the windows to let in fresh air when it’s 40 degrees outside. Yet, it has made me more conscious of my air quality when cooking. I’ve found myself using the exhaust fan more often to keep the TVOC levels lower, and I’m definitely going to try opening the windows more often once it warms up.

The Sensibo Elements is currently available on Amazon and Sensibo’s website for $179. It also works with Sensibo’s air purifier and Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa.

Buy from Amazon Buy from Sensibo

Leen Kawas lists her outsourcing best practices on Forbes

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Life sciences is a niche industry with specific needs for talent that often go above and beyond what the existing talent pool has to offer. Current studies show that there are talent scarcity fears throughout the industry, with 67 percent of companies looking to avenues such as reskilling and/or upskilling existing employees in order to fill talent gaps. Entrepreneur, inventor, and biotech executive Leen Kawas recently weighed in on the subject in a Forbes Business Council article, where she explored best practices around another talent management tactic that executives can use to their advantage: outsourcing.

Kawas noted that these leaders need to become more creative in the way that they approach their talent acquisition by looking outside the box. Openings for highly skilled professionals are leading the charge on the job market, but it is taking an average of 105 days to fill non-executive positions, resulting in operations challenges as well as revenue losses. Leen Kawas suggests that companies can take a more balanced approach to their talent management by incorporating outsourcing within their strategic plan.

Outsourcing has long been held at bay by executives wary of losing control over the processes and procedures that are essential to their life sciences companies. In addition, outsourcing has made some leery that results will not be as high quality as those that could be attained by tenured full-time staff. Yet according to Leen Kawas, outsourcing strategically is a solution that can alleviate the strain of the talent shortage without placing too much value on outside resources. She shared that these leaders “build organizational structures that are adaptable and can withstand an environment where funding can be hard to access.” But what does sound and balanced talent outsourcing look like? In her article for Forbes, Leen Kawas shared three key strategies for building an organizational network that can support and take advantage of outsourcing as a true resource.

To start with, organizational stability and clear delineation of requirements is vital to being able to incorporate outsourced talent. Gaps can exist within a talent pool, but understanding clearly the “workflows, key functions, stakeholder needs, budgets, timelines, and goals” for the organization can help leaders close those gaps more efficiently and effectively, according to Kawas. These requirements need to be understood throughout the organizational chain of leadership, with executives relying on managers who have well-defined needs to assess exactly what kind of talent is required to fulfill them. 

Kawas noted that there are a variety of different outsourcing options that can be chosen from, including everything from individual freelance talent to entire full-service providers. A direct assessment of departmental needs can help leaders choose the right solutions on a case-by-case basis. “Leaders need to ask themselves which outsourcing model is the best fit for their corporate structure and stage,” said Kawas. “Understanding stakeholder needs, timelines and goals can also help you decide whether you should go with a full-service organization or target specialized groups that can handle parts of the workflow.” Leaders may discover that they can achieve their goals by onboarding anything from specialized boutique organizations to large full-service vendors. The difference will be the individual needs of the team and how best to manage them. 

Kawas noted the difference between working with larger organizations versus boutique firms from a life sciences perspective. “I’ve found that full-service providers can be good options for smaller teams or large companies… However, working with specialized boutique organizations has benefits. They often provide a sponsor a transparency, and companies might find this option more cost-efficient as well.”

Second on Kawas’ list of strategies is the importance of designing a matrix with clear escalation plans. Companies that attempt to outsource without having a firm organizational structure with defined communication plans may find it much more challenging to integrate outsourced assistance effectively. “Outsourcing goes beyond initial logistics and financial factors; significant planning needs to be applied before outsourcing can be leveraged effectively,” explained Kawas. By working from the top down to define departmental and team needs, leaders can define exactly which tasks or measures need to be supplemented with outside help. From there, the right resources can be sought after and integrated successfully. 

Outsourced talent should be cohesively brought on board to work as part of a greater team with an eye to a responsibility matrix as well as reporting structures. This will help ensure accountability throughout the working relationships of everyone involved. “Your workflow should be proactive, not reactive. To ensure this, create critical escalation plans so any issues can be identified and addressed quickly and efficiently.” This will also help lower and middle management have a solid understanding of what requires or warrants escalation and keep everyone accountable throughout the duration of any contract with outsourced talent. 

Third, Leen Kawas encourages executive leaders to take the time to know external partners before committing to a contract. Due diligence can take many forms, but aligning services and talents with exact needs within a matrix environment can go a long way to ensuring that the right talent is onboarded for the right reasons. Oftentimes, leaders make the mistake of treating external talent as external, when in reality they can play as essential a role as a full-time employee. These key players who are being trusted to fill vital talent gaps should be treated as part of the core team at a company, rather than as outsiders. “They need to understand your mission and vision. They need to feel that they are seen and valued. You also need to make sure they’re a cultural fit,” Kawas explained.

Outsourcing can bring optimal value to a life sciences team looking to stave off delays or gaps due to talent pool issues. Bringing in an outside team can often bolster operations more quickly and effectively than running through the new hire process with countless individuals. It can also develop cost savings for an organization when implemented correctly, but Kawas warns that outsourcing should not be used solely as an excuse to try to cut corners. “Creating a flow for how to select and establish a relationship with a vendor will not only support a single project but also help with a dynamic framework for outsourcing,” shared Kawas. This, in turn, will lead organizations to a powerful tool that can further their business even in times of economic unrest.

OnePlus Nord N300 5G review

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OnePlus has been around for almost a decade now, having started out making “flagship killer” phones at low cost. Having transitioned over the last few generations, its premium models now take on the likes of Samsung and Google and other high-end phones.

This doesn’t mean it’s lost the budget roots. Indeed, the new OnePlus Nord N300 squarely is aimed at the bargain consumer. How does it stack up in the current market?

Design

The industrial build of the OnePlus Nord N300 is both impressive and disappointing. Its crisp edges and thin footprint look great on opening the box. However, as you hold the phone in your hand it comes off feeling somewhat cheap. I can’t put my fingers on it, but it’s there.

Otherwise, you get the usual design you’d expect from an Android phone. The right side has a lone power button that doubles as a fingerprint reader. This is another miss by OnePlus. I have only been able to successfully unlock the N300 about every 4th attempt with this sensor. I’ve never found side-mounted sensors as reliable, but OnePlus struggles even more than usual here.

Around the other side are the volume rocker and the SIM tray slot. To the bottom of the Nord N300 you’ll find the USB-C port, speaker grill, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The top of the unit is devoid of any ports or buttons short of a microphone cutout.

Internally, the OnePlus N300 houses a MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. It’s also worth noting that the SIM tray also has a slot for a microSD card to expand this up to 1TB.

Performance

This combination of internal hardware makes for pretty decent performance. It’s not going to run circles around any of the high-end chips, but 4GB and the MediaTek 810 hold their own for any normal tasks. Transitions are fairly snappy, and multitasking works well.

Even casual gaming performs as you’d expect. I never felt like the general day-to-day was hindered by the silicone and components of the Nord N300. Any non-heavy gamer or multitasker should be fine here.

Software

Although it’s not my cup of tea, the same can be said for the software. Honestly, if you’ve used the most recent Samsungs you might find this familiar. I can’t help but think this is what OnePlus is going for with the latest version of OxygenOS. The home screen is a themed version of Android with the Google Now panel on the far left side.

It’s when you dig into the menus and settings I struggle with the vision of OnePlus’s Android. It’s way too layered, and normal settings are more hidden than they have to be. Android’s settings are one of the most minimal you’ll find on mobile operating systems, yet Samsung has made it popular to bury these features.

But, honestly, this is all preference. If you’ve never used a Pixel or Moto phone, and instead owned LG or Samsung beforehand, then you most likely won’t take issue with the software. Otherwise, it runs Android. All your favorite apps are here and ready to go from the Play Store.

Camera

The camera is another area I find the OnePlus Nord N300 struggles. In perfect lighting, you could possibly snag a good shot. Any other time you have to just hope. As soon as the environment offers any resistance the photos simply come out less than great.

I hate that this is still an issue on OnePlus phones. The Achilles heel for years on the flagship was cameras and the latest generations have gotten much better. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with the 48MP and 2MP depth cameras here.

It’s a better result from both the selfie camera and portrait modes on both shooters. The 16MP front-facing unit takes decent snappy photos and seems to handle portrait mode well. The one plus of the main shooter is portraits too. It’s one option that outperforms the general results.

Battery life

OnePlus does not hold back on the battery. This phone packs a 5,000mAh battery cell and lasts well past most other phones. I could get more than a full day out of this consistently while carrying the Nord N300.

And when you do need to top it off, you get full 33Watt charging. Even better, OnePlus packs the appropriate charger and cable for this magic to work. This allows you to fully recharge in under an hour which is fantastic for any phone, but phenomenal for a budget device.

Conclusion

I get why OnePlus made the Nord N300 5G. It’s an updated version of the budget model to sell to those just needing an Android phone in T-Mobile for less than $10 per month. I struggle with if it holds up to the competition from Samsung’s A-series and Moto’s G lineup.

The latest Moto G 5G and the Samsung A13/23 are in direct contention and you could argue they get better performance and consistent cameras for similar price tags. Even at full retail of $230, the Nord N300 is a hard sell in my opinion. And if you can spare another $100, the Pixel 6a blows all these options out of the water.  All of those options also work on ATT and Verizon as well.

If you do want to give the OnePlus Nord N300 a shot, you can snag one at T-Mobile from the link below.

Purchase the OnePlus Nord N300 5G from T-Mobile

Attorney Robert McKenna shares his insights on the hybrid workplace

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The pandemic forced employers to introduce strategies into the workplace never before seen. Leaders like Robert L. McKenna III had to implement changes to help businesses thrive during the pandemic and in the aftermath. One of the most critical changes to business operations was the introduction of a hybrid work schedule.

As a founding partner of the California-based Kjar, McKenna, & Stockalper, Robert McKenna felt an early responsibility to keep his employees safe as word of the pandemic began to spread in 2020. Having connections in the biomedical field alerted him to the seriousness of the coronavirus early on. McKenna began to plan for the potential of office closures before shutdowns were mandated nationwide. Before closing the office, McKenna had strategies in mind to continue operations during the pandemic by having staff perform most duties offsite. Having a cloud-based business model already in place helped streamline the hybrid office process for McKenna’s law office. The preparation by McKenna and his team ahead of time reduced employee turnover while competitors began to lose staff in droves.     

Benefits of a flexible office

Robert McKenna quickly noted the benefits of creating a hybrid workplace environment. As a medical malpractice attorney, McKenna’s law firm was predisposed to succeeding in a hybrid setup. During the pandemic, productivity didn’t go down, and there was no decline in employee performance. According to McKenna, he witnessed the opposite result and found that hybrid workplaces gave staff a chance to prove their value. McKenna says, “People can manage their time and work.”

However, not everyone found virtual offices ideal for their workloads. McKenna recognized the challenge for some and advocated for the option to work from home or return to the office. As a compromise between virtual and in-person, McKenna’s law firm determined a hybrid approach worked best. Administrative staff members work twice weekly in person, with the rest of the duties performed at home during standard business hours. With a schedule in place for in-person and virtual hours, staff have more flexibility without losing the support of management. McKenna points out that face-to-face interactions are still needed, but not for employees to remain in the office for forty-hour to fifty-hour workweeks.

Hybrid models offer more than just safety to employees. The staff has more freedom in geography and can save money by eliminating their daily commute. Employees can relocate to areas with a lower average cost of living while still working at their city jobs. Hybrid work schedules also help teams achieve a better work-life balance. Maintaining flexible schedules in a post-COVID landscape has improved overall employee satisfaction for McKenna’s legal staff.

Management experiences the benefits of a hybrid workplace as much as the rest of the team. McKenna has pointed out, “Trying to get five people from across the country to meet in Chicago on a Thursday or a Friday was almost impossible, and now you could probably line that meeting up within a week. You could just find a time slot for everybody to get on a Zoom call.”

Planning for a hybrid office model

Robert McKenna would never say developing a hybrid office strategy is easy. It takes more than simply stating that workers will only go into the office part-time. His biggest takeaway from developing a hybrid plan was to divide work into groups. One group features in-office duties, while the other consists of at-home tasks. By breaking down the tasks, managers can easily decide who must remain in the office and at what times.

Planning out a hybrid model that works isn’t achievable overnight. As per McKenna, “I spent two or three weeks looking at the business to determine what needs to be done in person. I realized all we needed was one person in each office to pick up the mail, scan it, and send it off to whoever needed it. We also needed the same person or a different person to come back in the afternoon to print, address, and send outgoing mail for that day.”  

Once management knows who will work from home and during what hours, the company must evaluate the supply needs of remote staff. McKenna believes a common mistake is employers requiring staff to provide their personal equipment for work. Build employee trust by purchasing any supplies needed to complete tasks at home. Providing laptops, tablets, and other office equipment makes it easier for all to perform onsite and offsite tasks.

Employers need to communicate with employees to confirm they have a space within their homes to work. The area should be free of distractions and feel like an office space. Businesses can offer training on how to create a productive workspace offsite.  

Managers and employees need to understand the importance of boundaries for a hybrid office to succeed. Remote work has made clients more demanding, and the expectation is for immediate response times. Although many feel remote work offers more free personal time, the opposite can occur. Employees could feel burned out by extended hours and increased client demands. McKenna advises staff to lose the mentality of taking work with them everywhere. Instead, he insists on employees answering calls and emails during a set timeframe and logging off work devices at the end of their scheduled hours. McKenna’s law staff are encouraged to be comfortable letting clients and coworkers know when they won’t be available due to vacations or personal time off.

Each employee’s schedule may look vastly different. Every office must evaluate its needs and implement flexible scheduling that works best for operational purposes. Some offices have all staff report on specific days to the workplace, while others stagger schedules.   

Retaining best remote work practices

Robert McKenna urges businesses to implement cloud servers if they haven’t yet made the switch. Since McKenna’s law firm was already operating on cloud servers when the pandemic occurred, staff could still sign in anywhere in the world. Since the team was comfortable with cloud servers, the administration didn’t require extensive training to get up and going once remote.

Instead of going back to a traditional work model, McKenna plans to continue operating on a hybrid schedule. The law firm attracts top personnel and has solid retention rates due to its commitment to flexible scheduling. McKenna has used hybrid scheduling to make onboarding packages more attractive to prospective employees. According to McKenna, “If you got 20 hours back every week that you did not spend in traffic, you’re a happy person. This worked out very well for a lot of people that, because of the economic climate, live far away.”  

About Robert L. McKenna III

With decades of experience, Robert L. McKenna III has worked on countless court cases, specializing in malpractice lawsuits involving pharmacies, dental practices, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and more. A long-time California resident, McKenna attended both UCLA and Loyola Law School. He began practicing law in 1993 and has bar admissions in California and Nevada. As an award-winning attorney, McKenna has affiliations with numerous professional organizations, including the California Hospital Association, California Medical-Legal Committee, California Medical Malpractice Defense Professionals, California State Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association, American Society for Healthcare Risk Management, Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, Nevada Hospital Association, and the Nevada State Bar Association.

Review: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Portable Power Station (Podcast)

A portable power station has a great advantage in emergency situations. It not only holds a decent amount of charge but is also small in size and easy to use. Our latest podcast episode on the Ecoflow River 2 portable power station where our experts Scott Webster and Luke Gaul discussed it thoroughly.

The EcoFlow River 2 Portable power station comes with a fair amount of power and is efficient enough to charge phones, laptops, and other small appliances. But there are questions, such as how many devices it can charge, how much battery it holds, and whether it’s worth the purchase. Read our take and listen to the podcast.

What is the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Portable Power Station

The EcoFlow RIVER2 is a portable power station designed for outdoorsy types or those who may need power in a pinch. With four ways to charge it up, it can be fully replenished in one hour’s time. At just 7.7lbs it’s light and the built-in handle makes it convenient to carry around.

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Features

  • Built-in handle
  • Weighs just 7.7lbs
  • Four ways to charge up (AC, vehicle, solar, USB-C)
  • Charge up in one hour
  • AC output of 300W (X-Boost Mode provides up to 600W)
  • Two AC ports, DC output, two USB, and one USB-C port
  • Battery rated at 3,000 uses (approximately 10 years)
  • 30ms EPS auto-switching
  • Mobile app for monitoring and controlling
  • 5-year warranty

Listen to the Podcast

Be sure to subscribe to the AndroidGuys podcast through your favorite platform or add the AndroidGuys Podcast RSS feed to enjoy!

Parting Thoughts

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 is a great solution for consumers who may want a fair amount of power when on the go or in the event of an emergency situation. If you’re camping or waiting out a power outage you may be able to charge your phone upwards of twenty times.

We’re fond of the multiple ways we can use the RIVER 2 at once but we’re equally impressed with the four ways in which we can charge the portable station up. It’s the sort of product we might keep with us in the car for weekend getaways, a day at the beach, or a night under the stars.

We especially like the fact that when plugged into a wall, the device can act as an uninterruptable power supply. That is to say that if power goes out, the RIVER 2 automatically switches (<30ms) to battery supply mode.

The battery is rated at around 3,000 cycles or approximately ten years worth of usage. Also adding to the peace of mind is a five-year warranty.

Where to Buy EcoFlow River 2 Portable Power Station

EcoFlow River 2 retails at $299 and is now available for purchase from the manufacturer’s website. If you want more power, then EcoFlow has a better option for you in the form of EcoFlow River 2 Pro, which offers almost double the output (around 800W) as compared to River 2 (300W) and it starts at $649.