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Tronsmart Bang Mini Bluetooth speaker review

Andrew Allen
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Tronsmart Bang Mini Bluetooth speaker review

We are big fans of Tronsmart here at AndroidGuys. Following the release earlier this year of the Bang wireless speaker, the company has announced the Bang Mini. This compact variant of the Bang line hopes to pack a similar punch in a much smaller package.

I’ve been testing the Bang Mini for a few weeks, and I think it hits the mark for those who may have liked the Bang but found it too large or bulky.

Design

A quick glance from across the room could fool your perspective view that the Mini is the bigger Bang. As you get closer, you quickly see that it’s significantly smaller. The Mini’s shrunken design mimics the Bang to near perfection but in a smaller footprint.

A woofer flanks each side of the Bang Mini with LED rings. These illuminate with the music or user settings. It’s a nice touch in a party setting, but personally, I’ve left them turned off.

In the middle of the Bang Mini is a nice ergonomic handle. Just below this is the controls. Here you’ll find the power, volume up and down, SoundPulse, stereo pairing, and LED light switch. This panel is covered in a nice, soft touch finish that makes it feel really premium.

To the back of the Bang Mini, you’ll find an array of ports for charging and media. This includes the USB-C charging port for recharging the Bang, USB-A for charging other devices, 3.5mm auxiliary port, and a MicroSD slot. These options give you multiple ways to expand the functionality of the Bang Mini past just a Bluetooth speaker.

Sound

The Bang Mini packs a great sound. The bass is punchy without being overpowering. The mids and highs come through with decent clarity. If you pump the volume to the max, the speakers do distort a bit, but that’s not uncommon with any speaker.

This is powered by the 50-watt stereo speaker system. Tronsmart has broken this down into two speaker cavities. The front includes two mid-tweeters and one passive radiator. The rear houses the dual subwoofer. Together, these leave the Bang Mini speaker with great sound for the size.

Battery and Endurance

The Bang Mini includes an 8000mAh internal battery. This rates the total playback at roughly 15 hours on a single charge of just audio. I’d estimate this is accurate after using the Bang Mini for weeks. At around 50-60% volume you should get well over 13 hours.

Of course, usage will vary. If you are consistently also charging your phone or iPad, then this will sink accordingly. Even with this, I was able to eke out more than 10 hours while also recharging my Pixel during this time. Recharging the Bang Mini takes about four hours with the USB-C connection.

Conclusion

Tronsmart has taken all the major components of the full-size Bang speaker and literally shrunk it without losing appeal in the Bang Mini. The Mini still packs an above-average sound powered by 50 Watts of speakers in a portable package.

The last feature of any device is price. At just $90, the Bang Mini speaker is under the radar again at less than $100. This makes the investment considerably less than other options in the market. If the Bang Mini piques your interest, hit the link below to add it to your Amazon cart.

Purchase the Tronsmart Bang Mini from Amazon

Google Chrome gains new features t boost battery life and performance

Jude Chukwuemeka
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Google Chrome has introduced Memory Saver and Energy Saver modes that users can manage and control in order to make Chrome use up to 30 percent less memory. The new settings will allow your device to run smoothly, while extending battery life.

Memory Saver mode

Google is rolling out the Memory Saver mode for those that open too many tabs while working. The mode will prioritize the tabs the user is always using, and free memory from the tabs not in use. Google says this will mean that your device will use less memory, while offering faster browsing experience for users.

Energy Saver mode

Many people always open too many tabs whether they’re using Chrome on their smartphones or laptops. That’s understandable because many people have a lot to do in the space of a short time. The new update will have users stop worrying about unnecessary usage of battery power.

The new update is purported to come to Windows, macOS and ChromeOS desktop users with the release of Chrome 108.

Users will see “Energy Saver is on. Background activity and some visual effects like smooth scrolling may be limited.” The user has a choice between clicking “Ok” to keep it working that way or to turn it off.

See Also: How to play picture-in-picture in Google Chrome Desktop

If you click “Ok”, it means you’re letting Energy saver mode run on Google Chrome.

Laptop users may have Chrome go to Energy Saver mode automatically once battery power lowers to 20 percent. This saves or prolongs battery life on that device. All background activities or most of them will become limited. Other visual effects for websites like animations or videos will be limited.

How to recognize the Energy Saver mode

Once the update is live, there’ll be a leaf icon on the top right hand corner of your browser where you often see the three dash lines. That will be the area where toggle the mode on or off. You don’t need to switch it on once your device gets to 20 percent on battery power.

MediaTek announces Dimensity 8200 for premium 5G phones

Jude Chukwuemeka
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MediaTek announces Dimensity 8200 for premium 5G phones

MediaTek has announced the new Dimensity 8200 chipset that brings a flagship experience to premium smartphones. The new release is built on 4nm process technology, and it arrives with HyperEngine 6.0.

The MediaTek Dimensity 8200 boasts incomparable power efficiency and supreme performance for premium devices. The major change from the predecessors is the mightier processor.

What makes the Dimensity 8200 special?

The HyperEngine is one feature that sets the Dimensity apart because it helps improve gaming performance in smartphones, especially those bordering on flagship territory. It will cleverly adapt the refresh rate whenever a game is being played.

As to be expected, the 5G connectivity is carried over from the chip’s predecessors. The same could be said of Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and the downlink speed. Astute users and gamers are waiting to see how the refresh rate will perform on their devices later this year.

See Also: MediaTek serves up Dimensity 9200 for tomorrow’s flagship phones

Key specs of MediaTek Dimensity 8200

  • 4nm processor offering unparalleled power efficiency
  • Octa-core CPU and four ARM Cortex-A78 cores that operate at up to 3.1 GHz. A powerful Mali-G610 graphics engine
  • HyperEngine 6.0 enhances gaming performance
  • Intelligent Display Sync 2.0 technology which helps adjust the display refresh rate
  • Flagship-level Imagiq 785 ISP to support 320MP photos. 14-bit HDR video capturing on up to three cameras simultaneously
  • Powerful AI processing unit to maximize the efficiency of dedicated AI tasks
  • Ultra-efficient Vulkan SDK provides faster and more effective ray-tracing effects
  • Incredible audio quality with Bluetooth LE Audio technology

The MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chip is manufactured to power 5G devices launching worldwide from the month of December 2022.

The company announces that this chip will deliver smoother gameplay with higher framerates, impressive graphics, and seamless connectivity, among other features. According to Deputy General Manager of MediaTek’s Wireless Communications Business Unit, CH Chen, the chip is power efficient and users don’t have to be afraid of sacrificing battery life to enjoy super high performance.

Tribit and iClever announce gift products for the whole family

Jude Chukwuemeka
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Tribit and iClever announce gift products for the whole family

There’s something for everyone in the family as both Tribit and iClever announced last-minute gift ideas for the whole family. Are you trying to get the perfect gift for your loved one this December? Both companies got you covered.

Tribit speakers for the whole family

The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Bluetooth Speaker is the ideal product for the family, especially when they are outdoors. Enjoy podcasts and music with your family on the go. It is easy to carry around whether you’re in a car or while trekking.

According to Tribit, the whole family can engage in multiple activities while enjoying great sound from your Bluetooth speaker. The sound is larger than the device really is, so you can feel the sound when you’re not even physically aware of the tiny box. Get it now for only $69.99.

Users have found StormBox Micro useful during various activities such as camping, hiking, tailgating, or firing up the grill.

See Also: iClever BoostRun Bluetooth Headphones IC-BTH07 (review)

Another good treat is the Tribit StormBox Blast Bluetooth Speaker. It is a good fit for your event at the beach or your backyard party. It features 30 hours of playtime and 32 LED lights that brighten the sound it makes. The whole family can enjoy XBass technology as they enjoy their holiday. It produces a great sound that’s sure to take your family party to the next level.

The StormBox Blast offers Bluetooth 5.3 and IPX7 ratings. It costs $259.99.

Headphones for kids

iClever has two latest model headphones for kids. These pairs are iClever Kids BTH19 Cat Ear Bluetooth Headphones at the price of $39.99. It’s available in both wireless and wired modes. Also, there are the iClever Kids Bluetooth Headphones BTH14 which sells at the price of $29.99. It features a 360-degree rotatable design that enables turning the mic in the favored direction.

iClever clearly believes that whatever they do, your kids can enjoy entertainment whether they are at home or on the go.

Review: Edifier W240TN earbuds (Podcast)

Luke Gaul
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Review: Edifier W240TN earbuds (Podcast)

In this episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, Scott Webster and Luke Gaul chat about the Edifier W240TN earbuds. What are they, how do they work, and what makes them so special? Moreover, are they worth the money? Read on to learn more and 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!

What are the Edifier W240TN ANC Earbuds?

The Edifier W240TN are an affordable ($80) pair of wireless earbuds that walk the line between entry-level and mid-range in-ear headphones with an emphasis on battery life.

Offered in black and white color options, they’re water resistant and can be managed via the Edifier app. Rounding things out, they feature ambient mode, game mode, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and fast charging.

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Features

  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • IP55 water resistance
  • 10mm woofer/6mm tweeter
  • Active noise cancelling (ANC) with ambient mode
  • 7 hours per charge with ANC enabled (21 total with case)
  • 8.5 hours per charge with ANC enabled (25 total with case)

Listen to the Episode

Parting Thoughts

The Edifier W240TN are a more well-rounded package than the price tag would have us believe. The battery life is excellent at more than 21 hours with ANC enabled, and quick charging is perfect for those last minute unplanned workouts.

Sound is better than expected and we appreciate being able to adjust things using the mobile app. Gamers will like the low-latency that comes with the dedicated mode while ambient mode lets listeners hear what’s going on around them.

The water and dust resistance is helpful should you get all sweaty or caught in a rain while out for a run.

Where to Buy the Edifier W240TN Earbuds

You can learn more about the Edifier W240TN at the manufacturer’s website where you can purchase them in either black or white color options for about $80.

Lion Energy Safari ME Power Generator Review

Jason England
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As someone who has been through a hurricane and had a few close calls with tornadoes, I’ve experienced my fair share of power outages over the years. That’s why I know how important it is to have a backup source of power, such as the Lion Energy Safari ME Power Generator. Fortunately, the company was kind enough to lend us one for review.

Design

The Safari ME is essentially one large 45-pound Lithium Iron Phosphate battery with two AC outputs, two USB Type-A outputs, a 12-volt cigarette lighter output, and two USB Type-C outputs. It measures in at 18.7 x 12.8 x 12.8 inches and includes two handles on the top of the unit to make it easier to pick up and relocate.

That covers all of the output ports, but the Lion Energy Safari ME also includes an Anderson-compatible input for solar panels, an input for an optional expansion pack, and a built-in AC power cord for charging.

On the front of the Safari ME, there is a display used to show the current battery level, as well as an estimate of how much time is remaining before it’s completely drained. This helps you stay aware of how much power is left of the 922Wh the Safari ME is capable of holding. It’s also important to note that the Safari ME is capable of outputting a sustained 2000W of power and one of the outlets can even handle a surge of 4000W.

User experience

Lion Energy states that the Safari ME is lightweight considering how much power it is capable of holding, however, it’s still a chunky 45-pounds. Thankfully, the handles make it easier to carry, especially if you have a second person to lighten the load.

Once you get it situated, using the Safari ME is quite simple. Just plug in the device you want to run or charge into any of the many available outputs, press the main power button, and toggle on the output with another button press.

During my time with the Safari ME, I have used it to charge several mobile devices, as well as run my laptop, TV, fan, lamps, and more off of the AC plugs. In fact, I’ve even run my laptop and TV at the same time.

Had this been a true emergency then the Safari ME would have been invaluable, and I was extremely impressed with how it performed. While streaming a movie on a 46-inch HDTV, the display showed that only five percent of the capacity had been used after an hour of watching.

Furthermore, it ran silently the majority of the time because the fan only runs intermittently while powering devices. For example, the fan kicked on around two hours into streaming a movie while powering a TV. It would also run more consistently when trying to power two devices at once through the AC outputs.

However, the fan will run constantly when charging it through the included AC power cable, which can be quite loud. In regards to charging, Lion Energy states that the Safari ME will charge fully from 0 to 100% in around 83 minutes when using the AC cable, it’s also capable of retaining its charge for up to a year. Although, Lion Energy suggests using it every few months and recharging it.

In my experience, I found the charging times to be accurate. I was able to plug in the Safari ME and when I’d check on it 90 minutes later it would be sitting at 100%. I was unable to test out charging with solar panels though because I don’t own the proper cables and panels to do so.

Final thoughts

A backup source of power can be a huge convenience, or even a lifesaver, in an emergency situation. It can also be an interesting way to add some fun to the outdoors when tailgating or using a projector while camping. Speaking of, if you have a CPAP machine, then a power generator is your friend while on a camping trip.

The Lion Energy Safari ME worked great for me during my testing and I’d heartily recommend it to anyone looking for an alternative source of power. My one criticism would be the price, at $2349 the Safari ME is going to be out of many people’s budgets. However, it does deliver a rugged portable way to stay powered up, and compared to traditional power generators, it has a lot going for it.

For starters, you can use it indoors without worrying about fumes, you don’t have to go somewhere to buy fuel for it, you can charge it up freely with the sun, and it’s expandable with the Safari ME XP. If price is an issue, then you could always consider picking up the smaller and more affordable Safari LT as well.

Buy from Amazon Buy from Lion Energy

Review: Tribit XSound Mega Portable Speaker (Podcast)

Luke Gaul
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Review: Tribit XSound Mega Portable Speaker (Podcast)

In this episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, Scott Webster and Luke Gaul chat about the Tribit XSound Mega Portable Speaker. How does it sound? What else makes it worth the money? Read on to learn more and 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!

What is the Tribit XSound Mega?

The XSound Mega Bluetooth Speaker is a waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker with LED lights that ring the front face. Three listening modes (Music, XBass, and Audiobooks) adjust the equalizer settings to better experience the audio.

The speaker offers up to 20 hours of playback per charge, however the internal battery can also be shared with other devices. Plug your phone directly into it and you’ll be able to charge while enjoying your music. In fact, two USB-powered devices can be charged via power outlets on the speaker.

A detachable carrying strap makes it easy for toting the speaker around and the IPX6 rating means that you won’t have to worry about poolside splashes.

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Features

  • 20hr battery
  • 2 charging ports for charging other devices with Xsound battery
  • LED light show with music sync
  • 3.5mm input
  • 3 EQ settings
  • IPX7 waterproof
  • Detachable carry strap

Listen to the Episode

Parting Thoughts

As we’ve seen with other Tribit products, this speaker punches well above its weight in terms of audio. Sound is crisp, clear, and evenly spaced, and does quite well when using the various EQ modes. And never underestimate the size of its speakers.

We really like the portability of this speaker as it travels easily both with and without its carrying strap. The light effects are a nice touch and help create a fun vibe in low-light and darker settings. Thanks to the internal battery and charging ports, we can plug our phone in and replenish the battery when we’re on the go.

The IPX7 rating provides peace of mind, knowing that pool parties and summer rains won’t dampen our spirits.

Where to Buy the Tribit XSound Mega Portable Speaker

You can learn more about the Tribit XSound Mega Portable Speaker at the manufacturer’s website where it’s also available to purchase. As of today it’s priced about $100.

Review: Vankyo Leisure 470 Pro (Podcast)

Scott Webster
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Review: Vankyo Leisure 470 Pro (Podcast)

In this episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, Scott Webster and Luke Gaul chat about the Vankyo Leisure 470 Projector. Is the portable unit worthy of your time and/or money? Read on to learn more and 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!

What is the Vankyo Leisure 470?

The Vankyo Leisure 470 Pro is an affordable entry point into the world of projectors. Featuring a pair of HDMI ports, USB, and other input and output, it travels well and works great for streaming media sticks. With up to 250-inches of screen to take in, the 1080p video looks nice on pretty much any flat surface.

Gallery

Features

  • Up to 250 inches of 1080p display
  • 2 HDMI ports
  • USB and AV input, TF card reader
  • 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios
  • 3 Year Warranty

Listen to the Episode

Parting Thoughts

A great stepping off point for projectors, I like the portability of the Leisure 470 Pro. It’s generally rather quiet with a fairly bright image and I love that it can get to as big as 250-inches. It’s a perfect backyard option for fall football games in the back yard or family night at the camp ground.

There’s just enough here to satisfy the needs of most users with plenty of ports to work with. The carrying case makes it easy to tote around and has a bit of spare room for input like the Amazon Fire HD Stick or Android TV stick. Bonus points are awarded for the three year warranty.

Where to Buy Vankyo Leisure 470

You can learn more about the Vankyo Leisure 470 Pro at the manufacturer’s website where it’s also available to purchase. As of today it’s priced $170.

Review: Ustellar TANK Smart RGB Flood Lights (Podcast)

Luke Gaul
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In this episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, Scott Webster and Luke Gaul chat about the Ustellar TANK Smart RGB Flood Lights. What are they, how do they work, and what makes them so special? Moreover, are they worth the money? Read on to learn more and 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!

What are the Ustellar TANK Smart RGB Flood Lights?

The Ustellar TANK RGB Flood Lights are sold in a four pack and pair with a mobile app for full control. They are capable of producing up to 16 million colors with adjustable brightness and can be configured to create endless scenes.

Perfect for lighting up your rooms or an entire yard, the lights have a bracket that can be mounted to a wall or board for ground installation. The app lets users create schedules for daily or weekly lighting; Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa integration allow for hands-free usage.

Features

  • Up to 16 million colors
  • App controls brightness, colors, schedule, scenes
  • Bracket allows for up to 360 degree installation on wall or in-ground
  • Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Can sync to music for interactive effects
  • IP66 rating
  • Two-year warranty

Listen to the Episode

Parting Thoughts

We like the four pack of lights and find them to be a great way to add colors to homes whether that be for indoor settings or outdoors. The bracket makes it easy to to mount on a wall or to a board for in the ground.

The mobile app provides users with a quite useful set of features and configurations and allows for automation and schedules. It takes a little bit of work to figure things out but after that, things are smooth.

Group a few together and have them light up specific areas on your property, each with dedicated colors and times to turn on and off. Go with bright white on most days of the year and then have it change to more festive colors for various holidays.

If you’re looking to add seasonal lights to your home, this bundle is an affordable way to do so in bulk. A couple of these on each side of your house and you’ll be the coolest-looking place on the block.

We appreciate that the lights are IP66 rated against dust and water and love that they’ll work in extreme temperatures, too. Not only that, but they’re also backed by a two-year warranty.

Where to Buy the Ustellar TANK Smart RGB Flood Lights

You can learn more about the Ustellar TANK Smart RGB Flood Lights at the manufacturer’s website where the four pack is available to purchase. As of today it’s priced about $70. There are plenty of other options as well.

AT&T adds new Shop Now, Pay Later deals

Jude Chukwuemeka
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This holiday season is definitely getting merrier, seeing AT&T has released more information on deals that new and existing customers can enjoy before the end of the year.

Just imagine getting $1,000 off the latest Samsung and iPhone devices! That’s massive. What this means is that you could simply get an eligible trade-in for both Samsung Galaxy S22+ and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4.

Samsung Galaxy S22+

Samsung Galaxy S22+ retails for $999.99 but qualified customers could get it without paying upfront. There’s a 36-month installment period, and those who qualify are required to pay $27.78 monthly within the deal period.

The device comes in black color. In case you love to choose, the 128 GB capacity is simply $28.78 monthly, while the 256 GB capacity of the same edition goes for $29.17 monthly. The full retail price remains $999.99.

See Also: AT&T Prepaid offering plan with 16GB data for just $25, but there’s a catch

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 also has a retail price of $999.99. The 36-month installment period applies as well to this deal. Well-qualified customers put $0 down but there’s a tax on full price due at sale. The device is splendid, arriving with a Bora Purple color.

If you’re looking to get the 128 GB capacity variant, it goes for the price of $27.78 per month. The higher capacity variant of 256 GB sells for $29.45 monthly.

Additional benefits for AT&T’s existing customers

As announced by AT&T, existing customers can get an early upgrade with AT&T Next UP, which allows you to upgrade your device early by turning it in for a new device after paying off 50 percent of its cost.

Customers may also get monthly bill credits toward the new device through engagement in trade-in. Qualified customers may be able to trade in their current devices at this moment. It is important to choose your trade-in when you choose your new device.

There are other deals by AT&T at the moment. These include Google Pixel 7 Pro, Google Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch5 Series, and more. You can learn more about them here.

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