The Recon Cloud Hybrid Controller, the brand-new addition to the Turtle Beach controller lineup, is the company’s first mobile gaming controller. Xbox Recon Cloud Hybrid Controller is designed for mobile gamers using compatible with Android, Xbox, and PC. It was created and built by the same team behind Turtle Beach’s award-winning Recon Controller, REACT-R Controller, and VelocityOne Flight products.
Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Hybrid Controller
Turtle Beach’s Recon Cloud boasts more than 30 hours of battery life and rapid play and charge capabilities for all-day gaming while travelling. The controller also has a movable phone clip, which safely holds any compatible Android phone above the controller, regardless of size, even those with cases. The clip then transforms into a tabletop stand when it is removed.
Additionally, it comes with a braided USB cable that is 10 feet long that can be linked to a PC or a console to enable audio capabilities like Superhuman Hearing, personalized audio presets, and more for those platforms. Players using the controller in wired mode can access all these audio choices.
The Recon Cloud Hybrid Controller blends the best of both worlds for mobile gamers on Xbox and PC. All Android phones are compatible with the Recon Cloud.
“The response to our first wave of console and PC gaming controllers has been overwhelmingly positive, and now we’re further expanding our reach in this market to give mobile gamers the same uncompromised, award-winning controls,” said Juergen Stark, CEO of Turtle Beach Corporation. “The Recon Cloud is the first of our expanded lineup of mobile controllers launching this year, with additional new products designed for iOS and other consoles coming soon.”
The Recon Cloud Hybrid Controller is scheduled to be on sale on October 16. It is already available for pre-order for $99.99. It comes in Black and Magma Blue color options.
For more information on the Turtle Beach controllers, gaming headsets, simulation products, and other gaming accessories, visit the official website.
Nothing took to Twitter to play with its fanbase a bit by tweeting, “Sublime. Coming Soon.” That’s it, that is all they said and it’s all we know.
They did continue the company’s trend of using animals to make an announcement. Included in the tweet is a photo of a Glasswing butterfly (thanks Google Lens).
I’m sure the Glasswing butterfly ties into the company’s use of clear cases on its devices. They like allowing you to see some of the device’s internal components. Nothing has already released a phone (which isn’t coming to the US) and the Ear 1 earbuds.
Hopefully, Nothing is true to their word and make an announcement soon. As to what it is, your guess is as good as ours. Here’s looking forward to a beautiful device. Maybe a US-bound phone and not something like an external charger.
Motorola has revealed the new entry-level devices, Moto E22 and Moto E22i. The recently introduced smartphones in the E-series lineup include 4,020mAh batteries, 6.5-inch screens with 90Hz refresh rates, and MediaTek Helio G37 SoCs. Entry-level devices will be released in the upcoming weeks for several markets.
Moto E22 and Moto E22i specs and prices
Moto E22 and Moto E22i have a 6.5-inch HD+ 90Hz refresh rate display. According to Motorola, when auto mode is on, the refresh rate will automatically change between 90Hz and 60Hz. The devices powered by the MediaTek Helio G37 SoC combine 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. There is an integrated microSD card slot.
The display contains a waterdrop notch with a 5-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls. The new E22 series comes with dual rear cameras. A 16-megapixel AI-powered primary camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and an LED flash are all located on the E22’s back panel.
Dual Capture, a feature of the Moto E22, enables users to simultaneously take pictures and films using the front and back cameras. Software options like Time Lapse are also available on the Moto e22i.
Moto E22 runs Android 12, and the Moto E22i runs Android 12 Go edition. It is a first for the Moto E series, the new entry-level devices include stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos. They contain a 4,020mAh battery that can be charged at 10W.
Additionally, they receive side-mounted fingerprint sensors and the Activate Power Touch function, which enables users to double-tap the fingerprint reader to launch app shortcuts. The Moto E22 has a 3.5mm audio connector, 4G VoLTE, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, and a USB-C connector.
The Moto E22 costs 139.99 euros in Europe. It comes in shades including Crystal Blue and Astro Black. The E22i, on the other hand, costs 129.99 euros. It is available in Graphite Gray and Winter White. Both models will be available in the US, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East.
While we’re eager to see the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, we know that neither of these new phones will be a small model for people who like tiny phones.
If you’re the type who prefers a more pocketable, one-hand phone experience, you might be pleased to learn that a recent rumor claims Google is developing a small Pixel flagship alternative.
Can the Small Google Pixel survive?
A recent report suggests that Google is developing a Pixel phone with a small screen. Chinese Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station said that Google had “polished a small-screen machine” in development. Although details are few, what is known suggests that the flagship alternative may have a hole-punch selfie camera in the display’s center.
The report stated that the device has the codename “neila,” with no release date. In addition, it would likely be powered by Google’s Tensor chipset for flagship performance, given the current Pixel devices.
Additionally, the phone will look like the most recent Pixel models. The design will resemble the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series. For example, Google’s latest small phone is the Pixel 6a, which has a 6.1-inch screen. The Pixel 6a features a similar design to the Pixel 6 series with a slightly smaller screen, but the specs aren’t as impressive as the flagship series.
The accuracy of the Google “small Pixel” leak is debatable due to the market trend toward smaller devices. Nowadays, consumers appear to choose bigger smartphones, and Apple is the best example. After only two years, the iPhone 14 series eliminates the “Mini” and expands the selection with a larger model.
On the other hand, the upcoming Pixel 7 series will be unveiled on October 6. The early Pixel 7 hands-on video shows that the base Pixel 7 will be slightly shorter than the Pixel 6 and has smaller bezels. The Pixel 7 Pro looks quite like the Pixel 6 Pro but is a bit smaller and broader.
Over the past few years, Govee has made a name for itself in smart home lighting like no other. It has done this by creating a lineup of unique lighting products and constantly adding features to its fantastic smartphone app.
The Glide Hexa Pro Light Panels come in the shape of a hexagon with an accent on the inside to give it a 3D cube appearance. They are sold in packs of 10 with cables to connect everything together and adhesive on the back of each panel to install on the wall.
The Neon Rope Light comes rolled up in the box with everything needed for installation, including brackets with adhesive on the back and screws if you choose a more permanent solution.
Installation
Installing these lights from Govee can be a little daunting because you’re attaching them directly to the wall. Govee tries to make this as easy as possible with video tutorials, an included bubble level, and a couple of extra adhesive strips in case of mistakes. Regardless, it’s still time-consuming and you’re going to have to be careful.
Govee provides you with several preset design options when installing the Glide Hexa Pro Light Panels or you can create your own. I went with one of the presets and the app walks you through the installation step-by-step, including showing where to plug in each cable since each light connects to the next one in the pattern. You’ll still want to take your time and be careful, because with only two spare 3M strips in the box, you don’t get much room for errors.
Glide Hexa Pro Light Panel install
Neon Rope Light install
Neon Rope Light install
The Govee Neon Rope Light requires even more caution, because it is recommended to not remove the brackets after installation. Doing so can remove the paint and damage your walls. As you can see, I didn’t do the best installation with mine. I simply ran out of space, and wasn’t sure what to do with it. Now, I’m going to pay for it when I attempt to remove it later on.
Don’t be like me. Use one of the preset designs in the app, and it would help if you had a friend around while setting it up. Although, while the presets in the app are great, it doesn’t give you a step-by-step installation walkthrough like with the Glide Hexa Pro Light Panels. This makes it a much more challenging install.
User experience
Govee excels at features and usability. The company is constantly updating its app and products with new features that really makes its lights shine. While I would have been perfectly content with the number of scenes and customizations the lights provide by default, Govee has taken it to a whole new level with Razer Chroma integration.
For the uninitiated, Razer Chroma is software that runs on your PC and allows lights that support it to sync up together. This can be as simple as setting one singular color between your mouse, keyboard, and other compatible lights–such as the Govee Glide Hexa Pro Light Panels and Neon Rope Light.
However, where the Razer Chroma integration really impresses, is when you use it combined with supported games. One of the best examples of this integration is Apex Legends, which syncs your lights and changes the color during banner transitions, when picking up loot or taking damage, and more.
It turns your gaming session into a more interactive experience by giving you dynamic visual indicators in your room. Basically, it looks stunning and makes the games come to life. It reminds me of Govee’s Flow Pro Light Bars I reviewed and how much they enhanced my movie-watching experience.
The only downside is that only a limited number of games support Razer Chroma, but even without Chroma integration, the Glide Hexa Pro Light Panels and Neon Rope Light have a lot to offer. There are over 20 preset scenes to choose from with mesmerizing color schemes, along with options to customize some scenes. Additionally, there are modes for reacting to music and you can even create your own DIY scenes.
Glide Hexa Pro Light Panel
Glide Hexa Pro Light Panel
Glide Hexa Pro Light Panel
Glide Hexa Pro Light Panel
Neon Rope Light
Neon Rope Light
Also, keep in mind that you’ll need to install the Govee desktop app and I noticed that the Razer Chroma integration wouldn’t function properly unless I had the app open and running.
Final thoughts
Govee has quickly become one of my favorite companies. I can’t get enough of its smart lighting products, and I’m consistently impressed with the polish and features of the app. Even without the integration with Razer Chroma, the Glide Hexa Pro Light Panels and Neon Rope Light are remarkable products, the partnership with Razer is just icing on the cake.
My only criticisms would be with the installation of the Neon Rope Light. For starters, it uses a massive plug that will easily block off two or more outlets on your surge protector. Then, you really need to have a design in mind before installing, and even then, it helps to have an extra set of hands. Making a mistake could be costly, because removing the brackets will most likely cause damage to your paint job.
Otherwise, these are a couple of amazing smart lights that will be an upgrade for any room in your home and you’ll love showing them off to your friends. The Govee Glide Hexa Pro Light Panels currently retail for $200, while the Neon Rope Light sells for $120, and both can be purchased from Amazon or Govee’s website.
Google Photos has been my go-to storage location for all of my photos and videos for years now. It started as a cloud-based backup location in case I ever lost or damaged my phone. Over the years, Google has implemented new features and updates that have slowly turned it into my default gallery.
Google has updated its Photos app yet again. Adding new features to Memories and making it even easier to share them with family and friends. My favorite feature in Google Photos is Memories. I love how it digs up forgotten photos and presents them in a fun way for my family and me to relive those moments. My all-time favorites are the Then and Now feature, which takes similar shots of my kids over the years and shows them growing up.
Memories updates
Google is bringing more video moments to its Memories. Photos will automatically select and trim your longer videos and send you the most meaningful part of them. Google is making still photos more dynamic by utilizing a subtle zoom that brings movement to your Memories and beginning next month, they will start adding instrumental music to some Memories.
Google Photos is adding a new feature called Styles. Graphic art will automatically be added to your Memories to help make them pop. To celebrate the launch, Photos will have limited-time styles from artists Shantell Martin and Lisa Cogdon.
You can now pick your photos, rearrange the layout and select your own designs with the new collage editor. When you are done making your collage you can utilize the new share entire Memories with your friends and family feature. Select your favorite memories, select your friends and family and share all of your favorite Google-created Memories.
With summer coming to a close and fall quickly approaching, Snapchat unveiled its latest features just in time for the start of school. These features focus on making your conversations easier to find and easier to engage with.
With iOS 16 out in the wild, Snapchat has rolled out new Lock Screen Widgets. You won’t have to unlock your phone, head to the app, and go looking for your conversation with your best friend. Now you can keep your chats on your lock screen, ready for you with just a single tap.
In addition to widgets, Snapchat is rolling out new Chat Shortcuts. Shortcuts make it easier to find unread Snaps and Chats, missed calls, or replies to your stories. Shortcuts will also let you know when a birthday is coming up, saving you from that awkward feeling when you realize you missed it.
The final features coming are a new tool called Question Stickers and Snapchat for Web. Question Stickers allows you to add stickers to your Snap story. Letting you ask your viewers to respond to specific questions from within your Story. You can now keep your conversations going from any device at web.snapchat.com.
With school back in session, you may not always be home to get your kids off the bus. Not knowing who is home, or who is at your house can be stressful. Why not get rid of the stress by investing in some home security? Arlo just kicked off their back-to-school sale.
Arlo, a trusted brand in the industry is known for its reliable cameras and doorbells. The deals run through September 18th and have something for everyone.
The camera deals
First up is the Arlo Essential Camera. You can get it for $99.99 ($30 off). This camera is great for small spaces without sacrificing video quality. It features 1080p video recording, an integrated spotlight, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a rechargeable battery. If you need more than 1, you can get the Essential 2-Cam Kit for $199.98 ($60 off). If you are looking for an indoor camera, check out the Essential Indoor Security Camera for $79.99 ($20 off). You get 1080p video, night vision, and Wi-Fi Connectivity.
If you want something a bit more robust, you should check out the Arlo Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera for $179.99 ($20 off). Featuring all of the capabilities as the Essential line, but bumps the resolution up to 2K with HDR. If you need to cover your entire home or business, the 6-Cam Kit is currently $999.98 (100 off).
If you need to bump the resolution even more you can check out the Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera System for $479.99 ($120 off). This system ups the resolution to a full 4K with HDR, has an integrated spotlight, a rechargeable battery, an ultra-wide viewing angle, and a premium two-way radio.
The rest of the deals
If you are in the need of a doorbell system, Arlo has you covered. You can snag the Essential Wired Video Doorbell for $129.99 ($20 off) or the Essential Wireless Video Doorbell for $179.99 (20 off). Both feature HD video with HDR, a wide 180-degree viewing angle, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
If you just need to upgrade your outdoor lighting, you can snag the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight 2-Cam Kit for $459.99 (40 off). Check out our thoughts on this floodlight. These floodlights are 100% wire-free and have a bright LED bulb, built-in 2K video with HDR, a rechargeable battery, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Back in the day, we used to have lava lamps to give our rooms a bit of mood lighting. However, modern times call for modern solutions, and the Moonside Lamp One is one of those solutions. Thankfully, Moonside was kind enough to provide us with one for a review; it can be purchased for $65 on Amazon.
Design
The first thing I noticed about the Moonside Lamp One is how lightweight it is. I nearly thought the box was empty when I first picked it up because the lamp itself hardly weighs more than a lightbulb. The second thing I noticed, is that it uses a USB Type-C cable and Quick Charge power brick for power.Â
Unfortunately, the cable is quite short, and that’s my only complaint with the design. Luckily, USB Type A to C cables are quite common, and this could easily be replaced with a longer cable.Â
My favorite part of the design of the Moonside Lamp One is how it’s nearly 360-degrees of light. The bottom of the lamp where the power button and USB Type-C port are located are the only part of the lamp which is not lit up. Thanks to this, and the rounded corners, it provides a seamless lighting effect almost like that of a glowing orb.Â
User experience
The first thing to know about the Moonside Lamp One, is that it’s bright enough to use as a bedside reading lamp or mood light, but not much else. It’s not meant to light up your room, but instead, to act as an accent light. Fortunately, it does this job very well thanks to its dynamic multi-LED color zones and smartphone app.Â
The Moonside app allows you to power the Lamp One on or off, change the brightness level, set the color, create a custom color scheme, enable motion scenes, and more. By far, my favorite part was the selection of motion scenes. They range from mimicking a fire, to crazy blinking Christmas lights, and tranquil transitions between colors.Â
What impressed me the most is how smooth the transitions were between the colors as well as some of the more unique modes that I have trouble finding the words to describe. Truly, you just have to see the Moonside Lamp One in action. It’s like a lava lamp for the modern generation.
Despite all my praise, there were some areas that the Lamp One could use some improvement. The app is clean and a little too simplistic. It can be confusing at first to know what section of the app does what. Plus, it took me a few tries to realize you needed to long press on the lamp to access the options, because a tap only toggles it on or off.Â
Also, while there are many modes to choose from, I would have preferred if they were shown more compactly in the app to make it easier to browse, as well as providing more customization. I would love the option to open up the moving scenes and change the colors being used, or even a way to create custom ones and save them for later.Â
Finally, one of the most essential features for me is Google Assistant integration. While the Moonside Lamp One has this feature, it was not intuitive to set up. There are several complaints about the Wi-Fi features on the Amazon page, and I’m almost certain it is due to how convoluted it is to set up.Â
In my experience, I connected it to the Wi-Fi network and the lamp lit up green to confirm, yet I could not control it using Google Assistant or with the Google Home app. I went through the process five times before reaching out to Moonside where they provided me with these steps to fix it.Â
The solution was to toggle back to Bluetooth mode after connecting to Wi-Fi and then switch back to Wi-Fi. Afterward, the lamp will reboot and should show the green light again to confirm the connection with the Wi-Fi network. The process takes about 30 seconds to complete and finally fixed my issue. Having to swap back and forth after connecting to Wi-Fi is hardly intuitive, but at least it resolves the problem.Â
Final thoughts
There’s a lot to love about the Moonside Lamp One. It’s lightweight, has a clean design, and offers unique colorful moving scenes with seamless transitions. My only criticisms would be that the app could use some more features, Wi-Fi could be less frustrating to set up, and I wish it was a little cheaper given those first two complaints. Â
Regardless, it’s a fantastic mood lamp if you don’t mind only using the preset modes and don’t need it to light up your room.Â
It’s that time of year again – back to school! Even if you’re like me and don’t have to go back to school, that doesn’t mean that you can’t save money on your back-to-school budget. You can use discounts to get the best deals on clothes, supplies, food, and more.
Here are some of the best discounts to use when shopping for back-to-school supplies:
1. Use Online Retailers
Online retailers offer discounts on back-to-school items throughout the year. Check their websites for specific dates and times when these discounts are available. For example, the Fresco y Mas weekly ad has a host of discounted offers for back-to-school buyers. This Hispanic store compares prices and offers food and other items for kids to carry to school.
2. Join a Back-to-School Club
Many schools offer discounts to members of their back-to-school clubs. This is a great way to get discounts on supplies and merchandise before the school year even starts.
3. Sign Up for Newsletters and Email Lists
Stores regularly send out newsletters and email lists with back-to-school discounts to their registered customers. You can also find these newsletters and email lists on the store’s website.
4. Sign Up for Student Rewards Programs
Several stores offer student rewards programs that give you discounts on back-to-school items and other perks.
5. Use Coupons
Print out coupons and bring them with you when you shop for back-to-school supplies. Look for coupons on specific items, such as clothes or backpacks. If you check the Hy Vee flyer, you’ll find that this popular grocery store has more than 100 coupons to offer in September.
If you’re looking for a delicious, chocolatey snack that’s easy to carry around, then the Nabisco Mini Chips Ahoy! Cookies are perfect! These cookies are small and perfect for snacking on the go or for taking to a party. Plus, they’re easy to store. Just pop them into a school bag or pocket, and you’re good to go. Check out the Hy-Vee flyer this week for discounts.
6. Compare Prices
See which stores offer the best deals on back-to-school supplies. Compare prices online and in store.
For instance, the delicious Nabisco Mini Chip Ahoy! Nutter Butter Bites from Hy-Vee are perfect for any occasion! Nabisco Mini Chip Ahoy! Nutter Butter Bites are a light and airy treat that are perfect for snacking on the go.
The Mini Oreo Cookies Variety Pack includes six different flavors, including chocolate, mint, and peanut butter, so you can find the perfect flavor for your taste. These snacks are also great for parties and special occasions!
You can get these treats cheaper online with the help of coupons and special offers. Compare prices online to get the best deal.
7. Download Specific Apps Offered By Retailers
You’re in for a treat when you download a retailer app, as this can lead to additional savings that you may not get when you shop online or at the store. From Fresco-y-Mas and Hy-Vee to your local drugstore, many offer secret app-only savings and offers.
Retailers are always looking for new way to lure shoppers, and we do tend to shop more by opting for an app purchase and combining it with an in-store pickup. With a little bit of luck on our side, we may end up getting additional savings that we did not bargain for.
Brand sites can have coupons, rebates and specials. For example, Fresco y Mas offers discounted prices for its Deal of the Week and offers a fixed number of points that are added to your account.
During a back-to-school shopping event, you can get additional discounts on specific brands. Knowing which brands are on your list will make it easy to check out back-to-school items for potential savings.
Overall, CyberGuy’s way to get discounted back-to-school items is a great way to save money on your back-to-school supplies. You can find deals on textbooks, backpacks, and more. By using these ideas, you can save money on your back-to-school shopping and have more money left over to buy other supplies or items you may need for school.
