If you’re new to 3D printing, and even if you’re not, you may not have known that over time your filament can absorb the humidity in the air. This phenomenon leads to what we call “wet” filament and can completely ruin your prints.
There’s a reason spools of filament come vacuum sealed from the factory with packets to absorb moisture. However, even all of those precautions cannot ensure that your filament will arrive 100% dry.
What happens if you print with wet filament?
The results of wet filament often include stringing issues that will drive you crazy as you tweak settings on your printer trying to figure out the culprit. All the while, it’s your filament causing the problems. Additionally, wet filament will reduce the strength of your prints and can feature uneven extrusion lines or unsightly oozing. If the filament has absorbed an extreme amount of liquid from the air, you can even hear it pop or crack due to the heat from the extruder causing bubbles.
What can you do about it?
One way you can try to prevent your filament from absorbing humidity is by using sealed boxes lined with material that absorbs moisture. However, another way, is to use a filament dryer which heats the filament up and helps draw out all of the moisture before printing.
Thankfully, our friends over at Sunlu make just such a device and sent over the FilaDryer S2 for review.
Sunlu FilaDryer S2
The Sunlu FilaDryer S2 has a stylish round design with enough space to fit 1KG spools of filament. It even includes rollers on the bottom and a hole allowing you to run filament straight out of the dryer. There is a large touchscreen display on the side jam-packed with info, including the set temperature, current temperature, running time, material, and humidity level inside of the FilaDryer S2.
The temperature range of the Sunlu FilaDryer S2 is 35-70 degrees Celsius with a heating element on the top and bottom to heat your spools evenly. It is compatible with 99% of 3D printing filaments on the market, including PLA, PLA+, PETG, ABS, Nylon, and more.
How well does it work?
I gave the FilaDryer S2 a try with a spool of black silk filament the company sent out to me for testing. After leaving the filament in humid conditions for a period of time, I tried printing out a benchy to see what effects it would have. As you can see, the print came out very poorly.
There was an abundance of stringing and oozing due to how much moisture the filament had absorbed, and overall, the print was a mess.
Afterward, I tried drying out the filament using the FilaDryer S2. This required letting the spool of filament “bake” at 70 degrees Celsius for six hours. I then tried to print the same benchy. This time the print came out much cleaner and it was a 100% improvement over the last one printed with wet filament.
Some things to note about the Sunlu FilaDryer S2 is that the flashing LED light ring can be disabled, and the humidity sensor seems to be inaccurate so I wouldn’t rely on its readings. Otherwise, everything else works great and this is an easy way to avoid throwing out ruined filament.
Final thoughts
Printing 3D models is what I like to call a frustratingly fun hobby. There are many variables to consider when 3D printing, and lots of settings to tweak in order to get the best results. The last thing you want to do is throw in another variable, like wet filament, if you can avoid it.
The Sunlu FilaDryer S2 is a simple and affordable way to eliminate hours of troubleshooting your printer looking for an issue that isn’t there. If you live in a humid area, then this could be a lifesaver, and also save you a lot of money on wasted filament. I know I always like to pick up rolls on sale when I can, but if you don’t use it immediately, then you’re looking at a lot of wasted filament unless you dry it out.
You can pick up the Sunlu FilaDryer S2 in white or black for $80 or less from Amazon or Sunlu’s website.
In this episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, Scott Webster and Luke Gaul chat about the GravaStar Sirius P5. Are these sci-fi and future tech-inspired earbuds 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!
The GravaStar Sirius P5 is a pair of wireless earbuds available in a variety of cool, mech-inspired designs. They’re well-rounded and feature a decent amount of specs for the price. But to be sure, you’ll pay a slight premium for their aesthetics.
Gallery
Features
Three interchangeable shells
Qualcomm aptX support
40 hours of playtime, including the case
Bluetooth 5.2
12mm dynamic drivers
IPX4 rating
Multipoint connectivity
Listen to the Episode
Parting Thoughts
Keeping with GravaStar’s unique design language, the Sirius P5 are a well-rounded pair of earbuds with great battery life. The three interchangeable cases are distinct from each other and let the user swap up the look in a matter of seconds. Audio quality is solid and the IPX4 rating is always welcome.
Like other products in its lineup, these are a fun option for people who like to be seen with cool and interesting things.
Where to Buy GravaStar Sirius P5
You can learn more about the Sirius P5 and its various options at GravaStar’s website where you can order it for as low as $70. Or, pick up the combo box and get three designs for about $130.
Tronsmart is one of our favorite wireless brands to work with. The company has consistently been making quality audio devices for years. Well, it’s the holiday season and it wouldn’t be Black Friday without a few Tronsmart deals.
Bang Speaker
The Tronsmart Bang speaker is the largest, and most powerful in the company’s Bluetooth lineup. With 60 watts of punch, you can get robust sound no matter the environment. It’s also IPX6 water and dust-resistant making it perfect for inside or outside activities.
Add in LED light effects, 15 hours of battery life, and external charging capabilities, and this thing is a beast of a speaker. Tronsmart has knocked off a full 33% for its Black Friday sales. This sale is specific to our UK friends across the pond as it’s currently sold out in the States.
Next up is the new smaller edition of the series, the Bang Mini. This smaller variant still packs some killer sound with 50 watts of powered performance and 15 hours of total playback. You get the same LED party lights, NFC quick connect, and USB-C charging in a smaller footprint.
The Bang Mini is marked down by 22% in the US and 20% in the UK.
Maybe the Bang Mini is still too small then Tronsmart has you covered with the T7 portable speaker. This small cylinder is the go-anywhere speaker with a rugged design, IPX7 waterproofing, and microSD card playback. It’s also rated for up to 20 hours of total playtime making it perfect for traveling.
The Tronsmart T7 is a steal this week at 31% off in the United States and 20% in the UK.
And the smallest of them all is the Tronsmart Trip wireless speaker. This tiny little Bluetooth audio device can easily slide into a purse or maybe even your pocket. Despite its small stature, the Trip still has great sound. It can even last up to 20 hours on a single charge. Toss in an IPX7 waterproof rating and this thing is ideal for the beach or pool.
Black Friday pricing has the Tronsmart Trip cut by 40% in the US market and 22% in the UK.
Finally, Tronsmart also wants to announce the launch of its latest speaker. The Bang SE sits in the lineup just below the Bang Mini. It shares the same design language as the Bang Mini and larger Bang, but with a smaller footprint and carrying strap.
The Bang SE has 40 watts of internal power, LED light show features, and 24 hours of total playback. We’ll have a full review over the next few weeks so stay tuned. In the meantime, you can get an early bird discount with the link below.
Decades ago watching movies and listening to music meant you were tied to using physical media, such as discs or tapes. These days, most people have gone completely digital, streaming movies and music on a daily basis. It’s not much of a leap to assume that in the near future the majority of gaming will also happen in the cloud.
While some services, such as Stadia, have already thrown in the towel. There are still several others out there offering game streaming services, like Xbox Game Pass, Amazon Luna, GeForce Now, and more. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of games to play between all of these services, including many AAA titles such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Control, Halo, Forza, Persona 5, and many more.
While you can play on your computer, TV, or on your phone with many of these services, some companies are beginning to release dedicated hardware for cloud gaming. Logitech is one of those companies having recently released the G Cloud handheld. Fortunately, the company was nice enough to send one out for this review.
Specs
The Logitech G Cloud measures 10.11 x 4.61 x 1.30 inches and weighs in at 463g. That makes it slightly heavier than a Nintendo Switch, and quite a bit lighter than a Steam Deck. On the front, it features a 7-inch 16:9 IPS LCD display running at 1080p with a 60Hz refresh rate, capable of a peak brightness of 450 nits.
When it comes to audio outputs, the Logitech G Cloud has you covered with two bottom-firing stereo speakers, Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX Adaptive support, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack. As someone who still mourns the loss of the 3.5mm jack on smartphones, I’m happy that I can still use my wired gaming headset with the G Cloud. It certainly beats having no options except for Bluetooth headphones.
Under the hood, the G Cloud is running a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 720G CPU with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. This probably seems a little weak, but the G Cloud is a streaming device. That means it doesn’t require much horsepower, and the Snapdragon 720G’s battery efficiency is going to be a greater advantage here.
Additionally, the G Cloud also has another feature vanishing from Android devices, a microSD card slot. This should ensure that you can load it up with all kinds of media to enjoy on the go when you’re unable to stream.
Finally, the G Cloud is thin where it counts, and more importantly, thick where it counts, such as the controllers. One of my complaints about the Nintendo Switch is how tiny the Joy-Con controllers feel. That’s not the case on the G Cloud, Logitech has given the sides a nice bulbous grip with some texture ensuring it won’t feel slippery in your hands.
Speaking of the controllers, the G Cloud uses a layout similar to the Xbox with the analog sticks, D-pad, buttons, and triggers all in the same location. The buttons even have the same labels, outside of the shoulder buttons that is.
Software
We can’t discuss usability without mentioning the software, and in the case of the Logitech G Cloud, that’s Android 11. Surprisingly, it’s not Android 12, or the most recently released Android 13, but since you’ll only be using it to stream games and videos that’s not a big deal. What is a big deal, is the software still feels a bit rough around the edges.
The G Cloud offers two different modes to work in. One is the traditional Android home screen in tablet mode where you can use the touchscreen or controller to use it like a typical tablet. Then, there’s also ahandheld gaming mode which is where I think the G Cloud needs some help.
When in gaming mode, the home screen presents you with a row of your most recently used apps that expand when selected, along with a second row of customizable shortcuts. There’s also a system tray at the top left with access to your notifications and settings.
Personally, I could do without the extra animations and would be fine with a row of static squares to navigate. However, that’s not the most offensive part of the interface. That award goes to the prompt that pops up each and every time you try to switch apps and it warns you that you’ll be closing your current app. Perhaps, this is due to the underwhelming specs, but it doesn’t do this in tablet mode.
The G Cloud should be able to run more than one app at a time allowing you to make Discord calls, for example, while also gaming. It is first and foremost a cloud gaming handheld and should have enough horsepower to do that. If not, then at least give us a checkbox to disable this constant prompt after we’ve seen it half a dozen times.
It’d also be wonderful if the home screen had some more character, such as larger prettier icons or a background that changed when you selected a different app. Similar to how other game consoles UIs work, but, to be fair, Logitech is working within the constraints of Android and those options are probably outside the realm of possibilities.
Controller
One thing Logitech absolutely nailed is the design of the G Cloud. It is molded to fit just right in your hands with a great textured grip. While the G Cloud is slightly heavier than a Switch, it feels well-balanced and the ergonomics more than make up for the minor increase in weight. Furthermore, it feels rock solid in your hands. There is no flex and that gives it the feel of a premium product.
When it comes to playing games, the buttons and triggers all worked perfectly and felt comfortable to use, however, the analog stick did seem a little overly sensitive. It would register as an up movement at times when I was just trying to move it left. I’ve never had this issue with any other controller and it seems that it’s extremely sensitive to any deviation.
The biggest issue with the controller though, is support for games. I found it worked perfectly with Xbox Game Pass, but the PS Remote Play app wouldn’t recognize it. Also, any locally installed Android games will need to have controller support built into the app. That can be very hit or miss on Android, so it’s best to look up if a game supports controllers or not instead of assuming it will. Dead Cells is a fantastic example of a game with controller support on Android, while Genshin Impact lacks controller support, and trying to use the on-screen buttons is a non-starter given the design of the G Cloud.
Display
It would have been nice to see Logitech choose an OLED display here similar to the latest Nintendo Switch, but the use of the IPS LCD makes for a nice screen that beats out both the Switch and Steam Deck in brightness. The 1080p resolution is also more than you’d get on either of those other two handhelds which results in a nice sharp gaming display.
Still, I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t miss the picture quality of the OLED used on the 6.8-inch phone I typically use for cloud gaming. It has so much more contrast and the colors really pop. The saving grace of the G Cloud is its 16:9 aspect ratio though. Despite there only being 0.2-inches in difference between these two displays, the G Cloud’s picture looks massive in comparison thanks to the aspect ratio used. Pair that with the 1080p screen resolution and I was seeing a lot more details.
Sound
Besides the bright sharp display, the G Cloud also has some decent speakers. However, I would have loved to see Logitech include front-facing speakers. The G Cloud is essentially a media streaming machine capable of playing cloud games and streaming video from all of the most popular services. In the past, I’ve always found phones and tablets using front-facing speakers to have much more immersive sound, and it would have been fantastic if Logitech could have worked that into the design on the G Cloud.
Battery
Logitech rates the G Cloud for 12 hours of gameplay powered by its 6000mAh battery. In my experience, I was able to get somewhere around 8-10 hours of battery life while playing games with Xbox Game Pass, streaming videos, and playing a couple of native Android games.
That puts it right around Logitech’s estimates and it lasts you much longer than any other handheld and most phones would. Plus, when it’s time to charge up, the Logitech G Cloud supports Fast Charge 3.0 which will get you from 0 to 100% in only two and a half hours.
Final thoughts
The Logitech G Cloud isn’t for everyone. There are many people who aren’t fully on board with streaming games for one reason or another. Additionally, those who dabble in cloud gaming may be perfectly satisfied with using their phone with a controller when they want to play handheld.
Still, I see a lot of promise in the G Cloud, even though I’d love to see some improvements. For example, a way to output the picture to your TV, the ability to make Discord calls while gaming, and a way to disable the annoying prompt to close the current app. It would also be fantastic to see the next version use an OLED display, front-facing speakers, and slimmer bezels around the screen.
However, the G Cloud is a decent product for those of you who are fans of cloud gaming and handheld consoles. The display is larger than most phones while also being the proper aspect ratio, and trust me, that makes a big difference.
It will also give you far more hours of gaming than your typical smartphone without tying up the device you rely on for communications. Even better, you can disable notifications on it to prevent them from popping up and interrupting your gaming while still having access to your phone to stay connected.
So, while there are plenty of reasons why you may want the G Cloud, there’s one big reason why you may not buy it. That’s the price. The Logitech G Cloud retails for $349, and that’s just $50 less than the base Steam Deck, a handheld that can play games offline or from the cloud.
I wouldn’t blame you if you had a large Steam library and that’s the route you wanted to go, but the G Cloud does have some redeeming qualities. It weighs much less, it feels great in your hands, the display has a higher resolution, and it has at least four times the battery life of the Steam Deck.
Boost Mobile has a number of great deals on some of the more budget-friendly smartphones in its lineup. That’s not to suggest they are bad devices by any stretch, rather they’re what goes for entry-level phones as 2022 draws to a close.
If you’re looking for sizable savings this season, and we know you are, check out the following offers from Boost Mobile. They specials are available in-store only and through January 5. Well, all of these run that long except for the iPhone offer only lasting as long as supplies are available.
iPhone SE – FREE vs. MSRP $199, transfer service to $50 or $60 unlimited plans
iPhone 11(renewed) – $49.99 vs. MSRP $399, while supplies last
Moto G Power – $25 vs MSRP $99 – $165, requires additional line
Moto G Pure – $5 vs MSRP $50 – $150; no port, no problem
Nokia C200 – $25 vs MSRP MSRP $60; no port, no problem
Moto G 5G – BOGO vs MSRP $99-$250; requires an additional line
Samsung A23 – BOGO vs MSRP $130-$300; 2 FREE when you switch
In addition to the aforementioned savings, Boost Mobile is offering a separate promo for customers who purchase a phone and activate it in-store. Do so and you’ll get a $200 virtual prepaid card after your third monthly payment ($50 or $60 plan) is made. That breaks out to about four months of free service.
If you’re looking for deals and discounts but don’t want to go to a physical store, there are a number of offers on Boost Mobile’s website. Check them out!
The Thinkware U1000 is a high-end dashcam manufactured by Thinkware, a leading company in the dashcam industry. It is a 4K UHD resolution dashcam with a front camera and an optional rear camera that can record footage at 2K resolution.
The U1000 features a Sony Exmor R STARVIS image sensor, which provides clear and vivid images even in low light conditions. It also has a wide 150-degree viewing angle, allowing it to capture a wide field of view. The dashcam supports up to a 128GB microSD card for storage.
One of the key features of the U1000 is its advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which provides a range of safety features such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and front vehicle departure warning. The dashcam also has a built-in GPS and can provide speed and location data, which can be helpful in the event of an accident.
The U1000 has a built-in Wi-Fi and can be connected to the Thinkware app on your smartphone, allowing you to access live view and footage playback, and adjust settings from your phone. The dashcam also has a parking surveillance mode, which uses motion detection to record footage when the car is parked and detects any movement around it.
The U1000 has a sleek and compact design, which makes it easy to install and blend in with your car’s interior.
It supports various recording modes such as continuous, incident, manual, and parking modes, allowing you to customize the settings based on your preferences.
The dashcam uses a supercapacitor instead of a battery, which provides a more reliable power source and ensures that the dashcam can function even in extreme temperatures.
The U1000 has a built-in thermal sensor that monitors the internal temperature of the dashcam and prevents overheating, which can damage the device or affect the video quality.
The dashcam features a time-lapse recording mode, which can capture footage over an extended period and create a condensed video for easy viewing.
The U1000 supports voice alerts and notifications, which can provide real-time updates on the status of the dashcam and alert you of any potential issues or events.
Thinkware offers a cloud-based service called Thinkware Cloud, which can provide additional features such as remote viewing, cloud storage, and driver score monitoring.
The U1000 has a high price point compared to other dashcams in the market, but its advanced features and high-quality video make it worth the investment for those looking for a top-of-the-line dashcam.
Overall, the Thinkware U1000 is a high-end dashcam that provides advanced features and excellent video quality, making it a good choice for those looking for a reliable and feature-rich dashcam.
With over two billion active Android devices, it’s not surprising that many people use their phones as a way to learn new languages. While there are plenty of language-learning apps out there, some of them are better than others. One of the best things about learning a language on your Android phone is that you can do it anytime, anywhere. You don’t need to be connected to the internet to use most language-learning apps, so you can study while you’re on the go.
Another great thing about learning a language on your Android phone is that you can customize your learning experience to suit your needs. Many language-learning apps allow you to set goals and track your progress, so you can focus on the areas that you need to work on the most. Here are tips to help you learn faster:
1. Find the right language-learning app
There are many different language-learning apps on the market, so it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
-Your level of commitment. Are you looking for an app that you can use for a few minutes a day or one that you can use for longer periods of time? -The type of learner you are. Some people learn best by listening to audio recordings, while others learn best by reading texts. Choose an app that uses the learning method that works best for you. -Your budget. Some language-learning apps are free, while others cost money. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on an app before you start looking.
2. Find the right language partner
There are many different ways to find a language-learning partner. You can use online resources, such as websites and forums, or you can ask around in your local community. If you want to use online resources, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, make sure that you choose a reputable website or forum. There are many scams out there, so it’s important to be careful.
Once you’ve found a reputable website or forum, take some time to browse through the different profiles. Look for someone who has similar interests and goals as you do. This will help ensure that you have a good connection with your partner and that you’re able to stay motivated throughout the language-learning process.
If you’re unsure where to start, try looking for language learning partners on free online websites.
3. Listen to podcasts and read news regarding the target language
While there are many different ways that you can go about learning a new language, one of the most effective methods is to immerse yourself in the culture as much as possible. This means listening to podcasts and reading news articles that are written in the language you’re trying to learn.
Listening to podcasts is a great way to familiarize yourself with the rhythm and flow of the language, as well as with the various accents that are used. It’s also a great way to learn new vocabulary words. And if you’re struggling to understand something, you can always rewind and listen to it again.
Reading news articles is also a great way to improve your understanding of the language. Not only will you be exposed to new vocabulary words, but you’ll also get a better understanding of grammar and sentence structure. Plus, staying up-to-date on current events in the country where the language is spoken is always good.
4. Exercise patience while learning the language
One of the most important things to remember when learning a new language is to be patient. It takes time and effort to learn any new skill, and language learning is no different. There will be ups and downs, but you will eventually see progress as long as you keep at it. Don’t expect to become fluent overnight. Learning a new language takes time, and there will be setbacks along the way. Accept that it will take some time to reach your goals, and be patient with yourself.
5. Practice speaking the new language as much as possible
There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re speaking your new language as much as possible. First, try to find a language partner or group to practice with. This will help you get used to hearing and speaking the language on a regular basis. You can also look for online resources or apps to help you practice specific skills, like pronunciation or grammar. Finally, make an effort to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible by listening to native speakers, reading books or articles in the language, and watching movies or TV shows.
In conclusion, your Android phone can be a great resource if you’re trying to learn a new language.
Whether you are using an older model or the newest Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, one essential tool you need on your device is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN will protect your browsing habits and internet activity from being accessed by your cell phone carrier, internet service provider, or law enforcement. Furthermore, if you’re concerned about exposing your personal information when connecting to an insecure network at an airport or coffee shop, VPNs can offer an additional level of security.
It’s relatively simple to set up a free VPN service on your mobile and the benefits far outweigh the risks of leaving your device exposed to potential threats.
Why should I use a VPN on my mobile?
Most people and organizations nowadays use VPNs on their PCs and laptops to safeguard their data and increase security while browsing the web. Mobile VPN users, on the other hand, utilize VPNs for a different reason: VPNs were adopted by 57 percent of mobile users to get better streaming content, compared to 54 percent of PC or laptop users. While this is an appealing argument to use a VPN on mobile, the same level of privacy concern that is granted to PC internet browsing should be afforded to mobile internet browsing.
There were 4.67 billion active mobile internet users worldwide in 2021, which means a significant amount of personal data was at risk. Furthermore, Android smartphones account for only 37% of VPN usage. When we use our phones to get online, we are usually out and about, presumably linked to unsecured networks for internet access. This exposes us to prospective hackers who may attempt to intercept data sent from your mobile device across a compromised network.
There is also the risk that if your operating software is not up to date, you are more likely to be targeted by hackers. Malicious hackers may find it difficult to exploit ordinary users of public Wi-Fi, but outdated software can provide them with the opportunity to acquire the passwords to your most sensitive accounts, including banking credentials.
How do VPNs work?
VPNs provide an extra layer of security to your mobile device. When you connect to a VPN, your online traffic is authenticated with the remote server location. When you browse the web, the data is encrypted based on the security protocol you’re using, sent to a remote server, and then sent out to the public web. Your new IP address is spoofed with that of the VPN provider, masking your true IP address. Encrypted data packets are transferred between you and the remote VPN server, ensuring your safety and security at all times. This is commonly referred to as VPN tunneling.
While there are steps you can take to look for information as securely as possible online, a VPN makes it more challenging for you to be tracked based on information such as your IP address and helps prevent hackers and third parties from getting access to your sensitive data.
Privacy and security threats
Many of the apps we use on our mobile devices have upped their game when it comes to security and privacy, such as Instagram introducing new privacy-centric features back in 2021. With this being said, mobile privacy and security threats continue to be on the rise. Phishing attacks via text, also known as smishing, are a way for criminals to gain access to sensitive information by baiting individuals to follow links that contain malicious software. Using our mobiles for tasks such as banking makes security even more vital. Here are a few threats to be wary of when using your mobile device.
Data leaks
Before installing a new app on your mobile device, you should consider privacy and security risks. Almost every app gathers data from your device. Names, birth dates, credit card, and bank account information, location tracking, phone numbers, photographs, and other personal information may be included. All of the data can be acquired and used for fraud if the app’s systems are hacked or if a technical flaw renders them vulnerable.
Spyware
Be wary of apps that claim to track the whereabouts of your loved ones and children, as they could be spyware meant for intrusive digital monitoring. Criminals can use these apps to read text messages and emails, track the mobile’s whereabouts, listen in on adjacent conversations, and capture photos.
Passwords
When it comes to practicing greater security, passwords are frequently overlooked. Many users make mistakes, such as using the same password for multiple accounts. If a hacker obtains your password through a data leak or another means, they will have access to many accounts containing sensitive personal information.
Trojan horse apps
Some apps are specifically designed to install malware on your device. An app may seem to be beneficial, providing free access to something that should cost money, yet it includes a virus. On the other hand, the malware may use the phone’s online banking app to discreetly transfer money to the criminal’s accounts.
Conclusion
A mobile VPN should be utilized to provide you with better security and peace of mind when browsing the web or completing sensitive tasks, such as online banking. The risk of not using a VPN on your mobile opens up a plethora of threats from hackers and leaves your data exposed to many entities, including your internet service provider.
When living in the South, there are things that are just more environmentally common. For me, that’s seasonal allergens that wreck my respiratory system. From blooming foliage to my Boston terrier, my body fights with the air around me. Thankfully, companies like Toshiba are making products like air purifiers to help alleviate these issues.
I’ve been testing the new air purifier and come away with very positive impressions.
Design
The overall industrial look of the H13 is a cross between a futuristic trash can and a floor fan. There’s a status LED that runs the entire circumference of the top and a multi-button control panel above that. The controls include fan speed, timer, cleaning modes, and power on/off switch.
Internally, you get a 3-layer filtration system. This includes a pre-filter to capture larger particles like hair and fur. You then have a traditional HEPA filter for pollen, dust, and molds. Finally, combined with these is an activated carbon filter to catch smoke, odors, and gaseous pollutants.
App control
You can’t have a household gadget these days without WiFi connectivity and the Toshiba H13 is no exception. The air purifier can be paired with the official app, Alexa, and Google Assistant to give you controls remotely.
The TSmartLife app is well laid out and easy to use. After completing the pairing, you have general control similar to those on the physical hardware. You can turn on/ off the unit, set a timed session, change the fan speed and modes, and even schedule sessions via the app.
The app also does a great job of telling you the air quality in real-time. This mirrors the LED panel found on the H13, and both are a glanceable reading to always know your home’s air health. For those new to air filters, like myself, it also has a nice breakdown of what that quality value means for you.
Another persistent status in the app is the condition of your filters. It has a dedicated section of the home screen giving you the remaining life span of each filter.
Daily usage
With all these simple options for controlling the Toshiba H13 air purifier is a breeze to use. The H13 can handle up to 483 square feet of space making it perfect for a living room or larger bedrooms.
It’s also extremely quiet while in use making less than 30 decibels of noise. This is similar to a whisper. For reference, a normal conversation is considered in the 60-decibel levels. You shouldn’t be disturbed regardless of where you position the H13 in your home.
I’ve also found the app and voice controls to be very consistent and helpful. The app takes a few seconds to gain network access and wake the Toshiba, but once that’s established all controls work as expected. I’ve not had any failures in that area.
The same is true for Alexa and Google Home. Alexa can access modes, power the unit on and off, and increase the fan speed. The integration here is much deeper than Google Home. Home is limited to only turning the unit on and off.
Conclusion
The Toshiba H13 is a high-quality addition to anyone’s home who suffers from the particles floating around at any given time. The multiple stages of filtration, easy controls, and quiet fans make it very easy to add to any room.
That leaves one metric: price. The Toshiba H13 is reasonably priced at $287. This makes is competitive with other air purifiers on the market. Hit the Amazon link below if the Toshiba H13 Air Purifier suits your needs.
It’s officially the holiday season! And that means we have Black Friday Deals. Treblab has some great discounts on some of our favorite devices. From headphones to connected home items, the Treblab portfolio of brands has steep cuts in pricing below.
TREBLAB Z2 Wireless Headphones
First up are some headphones we reviewed earlier this year. The Treblab Z2 over-the-ear headphones can have you jamming in any environment. These canned audio devices cover you from the gym to the bus. Throw in full active noise cancellation and 35 hours of battery life and this deal keeps getting better.
Treblab has the Z2 wireless headphones discounted by 22% for Black Friday. This brings the pricing down to just $70 for these audio phones. This one’s only good for 12 hours on November 25, so get it while you can.
Need something wireless to keep your tunes going, but don’t want to fill the whole room? Treblab has got that as well with the Treblab HD77 Bluetooth speaker. This rugged, portable audio device gets the same 22% discount for just one day.
This brings this 25-Watt monster to just $70 and can last up to 20 hours on a single charge. The build construction of the HD77 is top-notch as well and designed to withstand elements of any setting whether it be on the beach, on the go, or on the couch.
As we mentioned, the deals don’t stop at just the Treblab audio brand, the company’s sister Turonic label has some holiday cheer as well. The Turonic GM5 Massage Gun is 28% off for November 25th. The reduction makes the purchase easier at $130 versus the normal $150.
This massage gun uses a lithium-ion battery to power high-speed percussion movements to work on any trouble you have after a long workout. The sale includes the Turonic Massage Gun and seven attachments to help your recovery.
Next on the list are the sporty, Treblab X3 Pro wireless earbuds. These hooked-designed headphones are perfect for an active lifestyle. Whether slinging weights at the gym or outdoor running, these can live up to the task.
The Black Friday deal brings the retail price to $55 for the X3 Pro earbuds. That’s a 21% reduction from the standard pricing.
Rounding out the Treblab audio rollback pricing is the HD-Max Bluetooth speaker. This is the largest wireless speaker in the company’s portfolio. It has a similar design to the HD77 but on a bigger scale packing 50 watts of power-punching playback.
Despite the bigger footprint, it still can endure 20 hours of music playtime, has IPX6 waterproofing, and can charge your other mobile devices from the internal battery. The Treblab HD-Max is cut by 30% during the below sale hours making the price just $118 to own.
Our final sale is the longest and is the lone entry from the PURO2XYGEN line. The P500 Air Purifier comes in this week for a full seven-day discount. The H13 HEPA filtration system in this machine can help cleanse up to 1650 square feet of your home.
There are also connected features to set up WiFi and Google Home integration. The P500 is discounted by 18% all this week for a savings of $30 off the full retail of $170 on Amazon.
