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XGODY’s Gimbal N6 Pro Makes Big-Screen Bedroom Setups Simple and Affordable

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The XGODY Gimbal N6 Pro Portable Projector ($200) brings cinema-quality entertainment to any space with its native 1080P resolution and impressive 700 ANSI lumens brightness. This smart projector combines advanced projection technology with flexible mounting options, making it a shortlist candidate for home theater enthusiasts who value both performance and portability.

With its true 1080P resolution, 700 ANSI lumens brightness, and unique 180-degree gimbal design, the XGODY Gimbal N6 Pro lets you enjoy crisp, cinematic visuals anywhere, and with no permanent setup required.

Native 1080P Resolution Delivers Sharp, Clear Images

The N6 Pro features true native 1080P (1920 x 1080) resolution, not upscaled or interpolated. This means every detail in your movies, shows, and games appears crisp and well-defined. The projector can display images from 40 to 200 inches, with an optimal projection distance of 1 to 5 meters, giving you flexibility to create the perfect viewing experience for any room size.

A close-up view of the XGODY Gimbal N6 Pro projector on a table, featuring its lens and a remote control with various streaming service buttons.

At 700 ANSI lumens, the brightness output significantly exceeds many competitors in this price range. While optimal performance requires a darkened room for maximum color depth and contrast, the projector remains viewable in moderately lit environments.

Revolutionary 180-Degree Gimbal Design

The defining feature of the N6 Pro is its innovative gimbal mounting system. The projector can rotate a full 180 degrees, allowing you to project onto walls, ceilings, or any angled surface. This flexibility eliminates the need for permanent installation or complex mounting hardware.

The gimbal mechanism holds its position reliably without sagging over time, and the automatic keystone correction ensures your image remains perfectly rectangular regardless of projection angle.

Smart Features with Whale OS

Side view of the XGODY Gimbal N6 Pro portable projector, showcasing its compact design and adjustable stand on a dark surface.

Running on Whale OS, an Android-based system optimized for projectors, the N6 Pro functions as a complete smart entertainment hub. The system includes Netflix certification, ensuring high-quality streaming without the need for external devices. Prime Video and Disney+ come pre-installed, with access to additional streaming services through the built-in app store.

The projector connects via WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4, providing fast, stable wireless connectivity for streaming and audio devices. The 32GB of internal storage provides space for downloaded content and apps.

Automatic Setup and Manual Control

Setup is streamlined through automatic features that work together seamlessly. The autofocus system ensures sharp images instantly, while automatic keystone correction maintains proper image geometry when you move or angle the projector.

For users who prefer precise control, manual adjustments are available for focus, image size, and keystone correction. This combination of automatic convenience and manual precision accommodates both casual users and those who want to fine-tune their setup.

Audio and Connectivity Options

The built-in 5-watt speaker provides adequate audio for casual viewing, though external speakers or headphones via Bluetooth will enhance the cinematic experience. Multiple connectivity options include HDMI, USB ports, and wireless connections, making it compatible with gaming consoles, laptops, and mobile devices.

The projector operates quietly with a cooling system rated below 35dB, though some fan noise is audible in very quiet environments.

Gaming Performance

The N6 Pro excels as a gaming projector, with Full HD resolution providing excellent detail for console gaming. The large projection surface creates an immersive gaming experience, and input lag remains imperceptible during gameplay.

Ready to Transform Your Entertainment Space

The XGODY Gimbal N6 Pro combines genuine 1080P resolution, impressive brightness, and innovative mounting flexibility into a package that delivers exceptional value. Whether you’re setting up a dedicated home theater or want the freedom to create cinema experiences anywhere, this projector provides the performance and versatility to meet your needs.

Ready to experience cinema-quality entertainment with ultimate flexibility? The XGODY Gimbal N6 Pro is available now and transforms pretty much any space into your personal theater.

For a limited time you can pick one of these up for as low as $117 through Amazon. Simply enter the code “B0FLPN75” at checkout and you’ll be getting this for nearly half its normal price!

Fresh Black Friday Finds: Smart Rings, AR Glasses, Massage Gear, and More

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The biggest shopping week of the year has arrived, and the brands aren’t holding back. Whether you’re checking names off your gift list or finally upgrading that piece of gear you’ve been eyeing, these Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals make it a good time to act. Here’s a quick look at standout offers worth knowing about.

Note that some of these promotions are already underway and there’s no reason to wait for making a purchase. We’ll do our best to spell out any other dates and details worth knowing.

We’ll be sharing more deal roundups over the next few days as new offers go live. Keep an eye out for additional posts highlighting fresh discounts and limited-time bundles from other brands as Black Friday rolls into Cyber Monday.

RENPHO

Close-up of a RENPHO smart ring next to a compact wellness device, displaying its sleek design and a smartphone app interface indicating health metrics.

RENPHO is set to launch an impressive lineup of wellness tech deals on Amazon from November 20 to December 1, offering significant discounts across its popular product range. Highlights include the new Eyeris Zen eye massager and Artemis LED Face Mask, both slashed by 40% off, alongside fan-favorite devices like the LYNX Smart Ring and Shiatsu Foot Massager.

Key deals include up to 45% off on the Shiatsu Foot Massager, 35% off the LYNX Smart Ring, and 30% discounts on eye massagers and massage guns. The Morphoscan Base smart scale, which tracks over 50 body metrics, will be available at 25% off. These deals present an attractive opportunity for consumers looking to invest in personal wellness technology at competitive prices.

XREAL

Close-up of XREAL One augmented reality glasses with a sleek black design and tinted lenses.

XREAL is offering significant discounts on its augmented reality lineup from November 20 to December 1. The sale includes steep price cuts on its popular One Series AR glasses and Beam Pro spatial computing device.

Highlights include the One AR Glasses at $399 (20% off), with the Pro model dropping to $599. The Beam Pro sees even more dramatic price reductions, with Wi-Fi models starting at $159 and 5G versions available from $239. Deals will be live on XREAL’s website and Amazon, providing consumers an affordable entry into cutting-edge AR technology.

Oura Ring

A person wearing a blue athletic long-sleeve shirt is jogging outdoors, showcasing an Oura Ring on their hand.

Oura, the innovative health tracking company, is offering its most significant price drop to date on the Oura Ring 4. From November 20 to December 1, customers can save up to 30% on titanium ring styles, making this an ideal time to invest in advanced personal health monitoring.

The smart ring, known for tracking sleep, energy levels, and comprehensive health insights, comes with an added financial benefit: purchases are eligible for FSA and HSA reimbursement. This promotion provides an excellent opportunity for health-conscious consumers to upgrade their wellness tracking technology at a reduced price point.

Moonbird

A person uses a portable breathing device shaped like a cartoon character, holding it close to another device and resting on their knee, with a festive background of blurred lights.

Moonbird, the science-backed breathing device, is launching its first-ever sitewide 30% discount for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Using the code BFCM30P, consumers can purchase the clinically validated wellness tool at a significant markdown through the holiday shopping period.

The device, which helps users manage stress and improve sleep through guided breathing techniques, has already gained traction among over 70,000 users, including healthcare professionals and busy parents. This limited-time promotion makes the moonbird more accessible to those seeking evidence-based wellness solutions, with the discount applying across the company’s entire product line.

OpenRock and Creative

Two models of Creative's bone conduction headphones submerged in water, showcasing their waterproof design.

Audio enthusiasts can explore OpenRock’s wireless sports earbuds, now 40% off, with models like the S2 and Pro featuring innovative sound technologies. Creative’s Outlier Free Pro+ bone conduction headphones are also 40% off at $89.99, boasting waterproof design and built-in 8GB storage.

Deals are available from November 20th to December 1st on Amazon and respective brand websites, providing budget-friendly options for health, fitness, and personal tech upgrades.

Remember to Check Back Later!

This is just one of several deal collections we’re publishing this season. Stay tuned for more limited-time offers as Cyber Monday approaches.

Coros Pace 4 Review

Coros has been a name in the running smartwatch arena for many years now. The company makes watches hyper focused on good GPS and health tracking while not breaking the bank. I’ve been using the latest addition of the Coros Pace 4 for a few weeks now, and the company has another contender, but I do have some reservations when compared to the rest of the market.

Design

The Pace 4 checks in with a compact and comfortable build, familiar to anyone coming from the Pace series. The case is made from lightweight materials that, and you’ll almost forget you’re wearing it during a long run. Arguably, the most visible design upgrade is the 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen (390 × 390) with a 2.5D curved edge, replacing the MIP display of prior models. 

That alone gives the watch a more premium feel, even though there are some MIP Stans that will disagree. I found the display a worthy upgrade. Having the AMOLED panel lends to a battery overall experience indoors, and the brightness outdoors hasn’t been an issue at all. There’s a slight delay on the raise to wake at times, but otherwise it’s been very good.

The light weight and 43mm size work especially well if you have narrower wrists or prefer something less bulky. The all-plastic polymer build means it doesn’t carry the heft or luxury feel of premium metal watches that may put off some. I’d challenge as a pure performance running watches, the Pace 4 hits a sweet spot.

Features

The Pace 4 offers a rich feature set for runners and fitness enthusiasts who care about performance more than flashy “smartwatch” extras. Key features include dual-band (multi-frequency) GPS, personalized marathon training plans, training-load metrics, and a new voice-logging capability called Voice Pins. These pins are an interesting concept exclusive to the Pace 4 I haven’t seen elsewhere.

The watch uses the dual mic system to take in voice memos and dictate them into text notes on an activity. You can do this during or after the completed run or workout. It’s a nice way to quickly take down mental notes pertaining to maybe your mental state or even the weather that day. I thought it was gimmicky at first, but in practice it’s kinda nice. The company also mentioned, in the product briefing, that a future software update would make the Action button for Voice Pins to dual as a shortcut for controlling music playback from the connected phone.

You have all your day-to-day fitness monitoring expected on a Coros: step count, active calories, floors climbed, HR variability tracking, sleep trends, and a full suite of sensors (optical heart rate, barometric altimeter, SpO₂) packed into the watch. I’ve found the sensors and GPS all to be accurate in my testing. I did see the heart rate monitor dip either low or higher than my AmazFit Helio Band (with bicep band) on a few workouts and take a few minutes to lock into the correct pacing. I took note of it, but it’s not outside blips I’ve seen on other wrist sensors.

The companion apps is also very minimal, but functions well. I found my daily activities, health metrics, and map features easy to find. The training profiles and coaching are also very solid in the Coros application. Other metrics like Sleep and Recovery have also been logged as expected, and I found this on par with other devices I’ve tested recently. All have slightly different algorithms, but the overall data has been similar.

Smart features are present but very modest. Coming from any competitor, I’ve found this the largest area in of improvement. You’ll find music file storage, weather widgets, notifications, but no full streaming service support or offline maps. In these options, weather is the most robust and the remaining are extremely limited. 

Notifications in particular need a makeover. You get them for apps installed on the paired smartphone, but they are incredibly small font with text only and offer zero interaction with the notifications on the phone. Even dismissing them on the watch does nothing to the synced phone. I found them so anemic, that I simply disabled them entirely, as they didn’t offer value to my vibrating wrist.

I have no doubt some of this is intentional by Coros. The company seems to pride itself on being a bare-bones fitness wearable maker. Even so, I’d like to see the company expand these features as at least options. The fitness market is on a crash course with true smartwatches from Apple and Google as they catch up to the health tracking side of things. Being this far behind on the flip of the coin is concerning when compared to the likes of Suunto, Garmin, and AmazFit being much more robust already.

Lightweight, accurate, and built to go the distance, the Coros Pace 4 nails the essentials for runners who want pro-level performance without the premium price tag

Battery Life

One thing that doesn’t leave something to be desired is battery life. Even with the new AMOLED screen, the company rates the device of up to 19 days on time. This is an incredible estimation and I’d say very achievable. I average less than ten percent battery burned in a day of normal usage.

Daily use isn’t the only place it shines. Endurance runners should also be interested in the Pace 4 with the 31 hours of dual GPS performance. That’s a crazy amount of battery sipping with a watch this compact and lightweight. Coros knows it’s market in this regard and has nailed the time away from the charger.

Oh, and I love the keyring charger and carrying setup! This sleek little USB-C charging adapter is a fantastic way to always know where your charger is while on the go. All you need is a USB-C cable you probably already have in 2025.

Final Thoughts and Pricing

If you’re in the market for a running watch that delivers serious performance, strong battery life, and a comfortable design, and you’re fine with fewer “smartwatch” extras, then the Pace 4 is an excellent pick. It ticks the boxes that matter for training and running, while keeping cost in check at just $249 USD.

Competition is strong from options like the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Suunto Run, but existing Coros users may want to stay in the ecosystem, and new users would enjoy better battery life, and GPS, with the Pace 4.

Baseus Inspire Trio: Smarter ANC, Better Comfort, and Stronger Battery Life

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Every September, IFA turns Berlin into a proving ground for next-gen gear. Among the splashy TVs and ambitious smart home demos, Baseus used this year’s show to roll out a trio of personal-audio upgrades that feel purpose-built for how we actually listen today.

The new Inspire lineup leans hard into comfort, smarter tuning, and cross-device convenience, with a few crowd-pleasing spec sheet surprises along the way.

We’ve had each of its new models here in the office, testing them out and using them in various scenarios over the past few weeks. We’re big fans of all three and think they’re certainly worth your attention.

Read on to learn more about the new Baseus Inspire line of audio products and find out what we think of them.

Baseus Inspire XH1 Headphones

The Inspire XH1 Noise-Cancelling Headphones land as Baseus’s headline act, pairing Sound by Bose tuning with a feature list that punches above the asking price. Dolby Audio, Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, and a wide 20Hz–40kHz range give these over-ears clarity you’d usually expect from pricier models, while the 35mm dynamic drivers add warmth without muddying the mix.

Baseus levels up personal audio with hardware that’s comfortable, capable, and clearly built around how people actually listen day to day.

For commuters and office workers, the adaptive ANC system is a strong companion, dropping noise by up to -48dB. Transparency mode keeps you aware when needed, and the “CloudComfort” build with velvet-soft protein leather pads helps the 275g frame feel lighter than it looks.

Battery life is a quiet standout. With up to 100 hours of playback (ANC off at 50% volume), the XH1 avoids the daily-charging routine. Bluetooth 6.1 keeps connections stable, and multipoint pairing makes device-hopping easy.

Setup is straightforward. Pairing is quick, multipoint works reliably, and the Baseus app offers extras like presets, an 8-band EQ, ANC controls, and a low-latency mode. LDAC support and a bundled aux cable add flexibility for wired listening.

The default tuning won’t be perfect for everyone, and some users may want to lean on EQ for the best balance. Advanced features are optional but may require a bit of manual tweaking.

Comfort is solid for the price. Padding on the ear cups and headband is generous, and long sessions are generally doable with only mild ear warmth over time, which is common for over-ears.

Battery life remains one of the XH1’s strongest traits. The quoted 100 hours (ANC off) and roughly 65 hours (ANC on) are excellent for this bracket, and quick charging provides several hours of playback from a short top-up. Real-world endurance varies with volume, codec choice, and ANC use, but sentiment around battery performance is overwhelmingly positive.

Sound quality is well-regarded for the price, offering full bass and a fun, consumer-friendly signature suited for music, video, and calls. ANC and transparency are solid but not flagship-tier.

Build quality is reassuringly premium. Materials feel sturdy, the finish is clean, and conveniences like foldability, wired playback, and an included case round things out.

The Baseus app adds SoundFit audio tuning for personalized profiles. Available in Sunset Coral, Twilight Blue, Starlight Off-White, and Cosmic Black, the Inspire XH1 retails for $149.99.

Baseus Inspire XC1 Earbuds

The Inspire XC1 Open-Ear Earbuds are Baseus’s pitch to active listeners who want awareness without giving up great audio. The clip-on design uses curved-fit bionic architecture and airy cushions that sit comfortably on the ear, making them a low-fatigue option for all-day wear.

Baseus didn’t skimp on the guts. Sound by Bose tuning is backed by a Hybrid 2-Way Driver System that mixes a balanced armature with a 10.8mm dynamic driver. Add Dolby Audio, Hi-Res Audio, and LDAC, and the XC1 lands surprisingly close to over-ear clarity while keeping your ears open to the environment.

For calls, a four-mic AI system cleans up your voice, and the IP66 rating shrugs off sweat and sudden weather. Battery life hits 8 hours per charge or up to 40 hours with the case, and multipoint pairing keeps them ready for work, workouts, and everything between.

The comfort story is genuinely encouraging, especially if traditional in-ear designs tend to bother you or if you wear glasses. They sit lightly and stay out of the ear canal, which many people appreciate. Still, if you listen for several hours at a time and hope for absolutely no fatigue, you may notice a bit of pressure after longer sessions.

Battery life is solid for this style of earbud. A full workday or a long stretch of errands shouldn’t be an issue, and the case adds plenty of extra runtime. Just keep in mind that the “8-hour” figure is more of an ideal scenario; higher volumes or LDAC streaming will trim that down a bit.

Sound quality is quite capable for an open-ear model at this price. You get a pleasant, easy-listening profile that works well for everyday use. If you’re hoping for powerful bass, tight isolation, or extra-precise detail for critical listening, these naturally won’t outperform sealed, premium earbuds. It’s more about staying aware of your surroundings and feeling comfortable than achieving full immersion.

The design makes the most sense for people who value openness, comfort, and situational awareness—whether that’s during workouts, commuting, or just moving through a busy day.

Offered in Starlight Off-White and Cosmic Black, the Inspire XC1 comes in at $129.99.

Baseus Inspire XP1 Earbuds

Rounding out the trio, the Inspire XP1 True Wireless Earbuds take a more traditional in-ear approach, backed again by Sound by Bose and Dolby Audio. These are tuned for people who want immersive audio and effective noise control in a compact, travel-friendly shape.

The ergonomic design leans on umbrella-style ear tips that improve both comfort and seal, giving the XP1 an edge in passive isolation before ANC even kicks in. A six-mic AI call system keeps conversations crisp, even in noisy spaces.

Battery life lands at 8 hours on a charge and 45 hours total with the case. Bluetooth 6.1 keeps gaming and streaming responsive, and the IPX4 rating covers sweat or light rain without anxiety.

We found the pairing and setup process to be very smooth, with the app offering plenty of customization. Battery life lands near the claims, giving us a good week’s worth of workouts and commutes without worry, with some left over.

Sound is a major strength here. If you want earbuds that feel premium without premium pricing, this is a strong candidate. Just temper expectations slightly if you’re coming from ultra-high-end reference gear. Otherwise, the EQ and audio settings, paired with the design, make for a enjoyable experience.

A hand holding a black charging case with two wireless earbuds inside, surrounded by product packaging in the background.

The design is very well executed for the category and price point. If you prioritize a stylish yet functional set of earbuds that look good and wear well, this model hits a lot of marks.

Available in Cosmic Black and Starlight Off-White for $129.99, the Inspire XP1 targets commuters, remote workers, and frequent travelers who want a blend of polish and practicality.

Five Clever Upgrades to Brighten, Secure, and Simplify Your Everyday

Welcome to the latest edition of the Weekend Recommender. Our team has been busy this season, exploring gadgets and devices galore, and today we’re bringing you a handpicked selection of several standout items that deserve your attention.

This week’s collection features an innovative mix of smart home security, audio excellence, intuitive controls, and brilliant lighting solutions. From sophisticated biometric access to customizable illumination that transforms workspaces, we’ve assembled products that blend cutting-edge technology with practical everyday utility.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your home security, upgrade your listening experience, or simply add more convenience to your daily routine, these discoveries offer clever solutions that might just become your next can’t-live-without essentials.

Flic Duo

A person holding the Flic Duo smart remote, showcasing its dual-button design, with smart home devices and shelves in the background.

Meet the Flic Duo, the smart remote that’s gonna change the way you look at home control. This sleek dual-button device combines minimalist design with powerful functionality, offering over 20 gesture combinations to manage your entire smart home ecosystem. With its intuitive interface, featuring push, double push, hold, swipe, and twist actions, the Flic Duo transforms from a simple wall switch to a versatile handheld controller.

Perfect for both tech enthusiasts and family members who prefer simplicity, the Flic Duo integrates seamlessly with popular platforms including Matter, Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Sonos. Use it to control lighting, adjust music, trigger custom routines, or manage temperature, and all without reaching for your phone or shouting voice commands.

The device boasts impressive battery life (up to three years), visual feedback through a 3-color LED, and works either directly with your smartphone or with a Flic Hub for expanded functionality. Recently honored with three “Best of CES 2025” awards, the Flic Duo represents the next evolution in smart home control, bringing tactile simplicity back to increasingly complex connected environments.

Whether mounted on a wall for the whole family or carried as a personal remote, the Flic Duo delivers reliable, instantaneous control that makes smart home management genuinely intuitive.

TCL D2 Pro Smart Door Lock

A TCL D2 Pro Smart Door Lock featuring a palm vein recognition scanner and a numeric keypad, designed for advanced home security.

The TCL D2 Pro Smart Door Lock brings cutting-edge security to your doorstep with its revolutionary palm vein recognition technology. Forget fumbling for keys or remembering codes because your palm is now your key, with impressive 99.99% accuracy and lightning-fast 0.3-second unlocking.

This sleek, aerospace-grade aluminum device offers unmatched versatility with six different ways to unlock: palm vein scanning, app control, keypad, physical key, FOB, or voice commands through Alexa and Google Assistant. Perfect for tech-savvy homeowners and busy families, it works reliably in all conditions, whether your hands are wet, dirty, or you’re juggling groceries.

Security meets convenience with features like auto-lock when you leave, real-time notifications, and remote access management. Grant temporary access to guests or service providers with customizable schedules, all controlled through the intuitive TCL Home app.

Built for durability with IP55 waterproof protection and operating temperatures from -25°C to 70°C, the D2 Pro’s 10,000mAh rechargeable battery delivers up to 8 months of power. Your data stays secure with 100% local storage and there are no cloud servers involved.

SOUNDPEATS H3 Earbuds

Two sleek SOUNDPEATS H3 earbuds with a semi-transparent design, showcasing a modern aesthetic and advanced audio technology.

The SOUNDPEATS H3 delivers audiophile-grade sound in a sleek, portable package that punches well above its weight class. Featuring a sophisticated triple-driver system, two balanced armature drivers paired with a 12mm dynamic driver, these earbuds produce rich bass, detailed mids, and crystal-clear highs that will satisfy even the most discerning music lovers.

What sets the H3 apart is its impressive tech stack. With Qualcomm’s QCC3091 chipset supporting multiple high-resolution codecs including LDAC and aptX Lossless, you’re getting wireless convenience without sacrificing audio quality. The semi-transparent housing with precision-engineered aluminum details isn’t just for show, it’s part of the acoustic design that enhances sound reproduction.

Battery life is equally impressive, offering up to seven hours of playback per charge and 37 hours total with the case. A quick 10-minute charge delivers two hours of listening time, making it perfect for those on the go.

The AI-powered adaptive noise control system with four distinct modes (Adaptive, Indoor, Outdoor, and Traffic) provides up to 55dB of noise reduction, while six built-in microphones ensure crystal-clear calls even in noisy environments. For personalization, the PeatsAudio app offers a 9-band EQ to fine-tune your listening experience.

With IPX5 water resistance, dual-device connectivity, and ultra-low latency gaming mode, the SOUNDPEATS H3 is the perfect companion for music enthusiasts who demand premium sound without premium pricing.

Tronsmart T8 Portable Outdoor Speaker

A blue Tronsmart T8 portable outdoor speaker with a textured finish, placed on a wooden surface next to a small white object and a potted plant.

The Tronsmart T8 is built for bold, immersive sound that travels with you. Its 2.1-channel system combines dual full-range drivers, a dedicated woofer, and passive radiators to deliver 360-degree surround sound with crisp clarity and punchy bass, all powered by SoundPulse audio tuning. At 40 W output, you can count on rich, room-filling audio whether you’re indoors or out. The speaker also supports custom EQ settings, letting you tailor the sound to your music or mood.

For stamina in the wild, the T8 is up to the challenge. It packs an 18-hour battery life (via a 9,000 mAh cell) and recharges fully in about 4.5 hours, ideal for long days outdoors. Its IPX7 waterproofing ensures protection from rain, splashes, and even brief immersion, so it’s rugged enough for poolsides, trails, and beach days. The intuitive classic knob dial offers quick, tactile control over volume, and there’s built-in ambient lighting that pulses with the beat for an added visual flair.

As for aesthetics and cost, the T8 is available in black, blue, and gray color options with a current street price of $60 from Tronsmart.

Enbrighten UltraBrite Hex Lights

A collage of images showcasing Enbrighten UltraBrite Hex Lights installed in different settings: a home office with hexagonal light patterns, a garage ceiling, and a gym area with weights.

The Enbrighten UltraBrite Hex Lights will illuminate your spaces with an innovative modular design. These customizable LED light fixtures allow you to create the perfect lighting configuration for any environment, whether you’re detailing cars, setting up a workshop, or upgrading your home gym.

With 24 light bars delivering a powerful 24,000 lumens of bright white 5000K light, these hex-shaped modules can be arranged in countless patterns to suit your specific space. The patent-pending snap-in connectors make installation a breeze, while self-anchoring screws eliminate the need for drilling pilot holes or using sheetrock anchors.

What truly sets the UltraBrite Hex Lights apart is their versatility. The complete kit includes everything needed for DIY installation: direct-wire adapter for traditional home wiring, plug-in cord for standard outlets, or an E26 adapter for existing light sockets. Control brightness with three settings using the included RF remote, which features both wall mount and magnetic options.

ETL safety certified and expandable up to 50 light bars, these fixtures are perfect for professionals who need precision lighting for detailed work and homeowners looking to transform their spaces with modern, efficient illumination. The preinstalled 3M tape supports the fixture during installation, making this a truly user-friendly lighting solution.

OnePlus 15 Review

OnePlus seems to be at a turning point with the OnePlus 15. The company has really found its true hardware chops since around the OnePlus 12 forward. With last year’s OnePlus 13, they also seemed to have rediscovered the software personality that we all loved from the OEM’s early days. 

We now have the OnePlus 15 and that hardware and software have both evolved again. As we go through this full review, you’ll see the company still has pops of heritage, but many aspects of the physical and coded design are heavily influenced by a certain non-Android phone maker. While that may sound jarring, let’s dive into the details to see just how much of a negative all this ended up being.

Editorial note from OnePlus pertaining to the availbility in the United States: As is the case with every smartphone manufacturer, the United States’ Federal Communications Commission certifies OnePlus devices before they are sold in the U.S. As a result of the government shutdown, device certifications have been delayed. Subsequently, U.S. sales for the OnePlus 15 will be postponed until they have been secured.

The OnePlus 15 has already finished all the required tests from the FCC’s recognized labs and the certification application has been formally submitted. We are hopeful that approvals can be generated quickly and as a result, we can bring the OnePlus 15 to our customers in the U.S. expeditiously.

People who are interested in purchasing the OnePlus 15 in the U.S. should visit OnePlus.com/us, enter their contact information, and they will be notified when the device is on sale. The OnePlus 15 will be available for purchase in Canada starting November 13, as scheduled, at OnePlus.com/ca_en. — Spenser Blank, Head of Marketing & Communications, OnePlus North America

Design and Specs

As mentioned, the kinda chunky, but comfortable, foundations we’ve had since the OnePlus 11 is now gone. Immediately after removing the OnePlus 15 from the box, I missed both this “in-hand feel” and the almost trademarked round camera module. Instead, we have an industrial design that can very easily, and has been, mistaken for an iPhone 16 Pro Max.

You now have a very square, aluminum chassis with hard edges and angles. Even the new camera array is a similar square housing with the sensors inside the bump. What isn’t disappointing is the fit and finish. OnePlus 15 really found its stride here from a materials and engineering aspect. This phone feels premium and sturdy all around.

I wanted to hate this new design, but I’ve grown to really like it. It’s allowed the screen size to stay roughly the same 6.8” of the previous OnePlus, while making it much smaller of a phone footprint. I can almost use the OnePlus 15 one-handed, much like I do the much smaller Pixel 9 Pro.

Another big change is the notification slider that has been synonymous with the OnePlus brand since its inception. It saw another brief omission back on the OnePlus 10T and was promptly brought back with the 11 series. This replacement feels more permanent for future devices being swapped for the Plus Key. I’ll dive more into this in the software side, but it’s essentially a customizable shortcut key for various core features.

Image depicting the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and its associated chips, including the Touch Response Chip and G2 Wi-Fi Chip, displayed in a promotional style.

Internally, the OnePlus 15 moves the needle following the company’s usual bang for buck philosophy. This is showcased by using a triple-chip architecture to make sure all your processes run as smooth as possible.  You have the first phone with the Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 mobile processor. This onboard chip sets a new standard for power and efficiency for Android phones. It increases performance by 20% while staying 35% more efficient.

The phone rounds out this powerful new SoC with dedicated chips for both touch response and Wi-Fi. These are pretty self explanatory giving each function its own chip to not bog down the Snapdragon any more than needed for ongoing tasks like internet connection and screen touches.

Display

A close-up of a smartphone displaying a colorful home screen with app icons and a digital clock showing the time as 1:21 PM on Tuesday, November 11.

The OnePlus 15 screen panel is one of the best I’ve ever held. This industry-first 1.5k display is capable of 165Hz when needed and has fantastic sharpness and viewing angles. At just under 6.8-inches, this new tech makes the screen perfect for anyone needing a mobile gaming device. This makes the visuals capable of full 165 frames per second to make sure you don’t miss a single second of playtime.

This is assisted by the touch response chip as well. Most other flagships can only muster 1440Hz of touch sampling rates, but the new engine in the OnePlus15 allows for up to 3200Hz. The turbocharged responsiveness gives this phone a true competitive edge in UI transitions and especially to mobile gamers.

Last, we need to just talk about how much real estate the screen encompasses. The new OnePlus 15 design allows for almost full screen to screen coverage of the front of the phone. It creates and immersive interaction that makes using this phone day to day a real treat.

With a 165Hz display, 7300mAh battery, and triple-chip engine, the OnePlus 15 blends power, speed, and endurance into a phone that’s built to handle everything your day, and games, can throw at it, even as it borrows a few cues from Apple’s design and software style.

Cameras

Another big departure from the last few generations of OnePlus flagships, is the lack of Hasselblad partnership for photo processing. The OnePlus 15 is the first device to use the DetailMax Engine, in favor of Hasselblad. I had my reservations with this move, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised in the resulting photo quality of this phone.

Close-up of the camera module on the OnePlus 15 smartphone, featuring three camera lenses and a flash on a matte black surface.

I’ve taken photos in more varied environments than I normally would for a phone review, and the OnePlus has nailed it. It’s so good, I think I’ve grown to liking these photos more than my coveted Pixel 9 Pro. The images are sharper, the zoom is slightly better, and the overall results are just very good.

I’ve dropped my full gallery below to check them out, but from stadiums at noon to night shots in a hazy bar, the results have been flagship worthy. Kudos to the OnePlus and DetailMax Engine teams for pulling this switch off without a consumer downgrade.

Software

The OnePlus 15 is the company’s first release running Android 16 with OxygenOS 16. This is something I’ve grown to have a love hate relationship with during my testing. Let’s start with, none of my opinions in this department are signs of bad performance or lack of design. I simply have reservations about some of the obvious impersonation going on from the latest offerings from iOS. On full software support, the OnePlus 15 will be supported for 4 years of OS updates starting with OxygenOS 16 out of the box, and 6 years of security updates.

It’s hard to ignore that OxygenOS 16 is borrowing heavily from Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language. I’d honestly say that OnePlus has done a better job in making it feel consistent, but it’s still there and in your face. Personally, I find it jarring coming from other Android phones that the company has made so many tweaks to just general OS elements just to make it favor Apple’s OS instead.

The app tray, home screen, and quick settings menu are all mimicking that UI more than a more “stock” Android on the OnePlus. OxygenOS started leaning this way with the version 15 update earlier this year, but I felt it kept more personality and vibes from previous OnePlus software.

All that said, OxygenOS 16 has grown on me and is blazing fast on the OnePlus 15. Windows snap in and out of view. Transitions are buttery smooth, even when the phone is taxed with numerous apps or games. I’ve found I like the way the universal search implements the AI first, and then goes to the web if needed. Many parts of the operating system refresh makes a ton of sense and are a joy to use, despite my personal preference of Android builds closer to AOSP stock.

Speaking of AI, that new Plus Key defaults to the new Mind Space app. This allows users to click the Plus Key and save the contents of the “screenshot” into the Mind Space application for further analysis and searching. You can even interact with the snapshots via AI prompts for questions surrounding the content. 

My initial reaction was this was a gimmick, but I found it worked well into my workflow as a hybrid of Pixel’s Screenshot tool and Pocket save for later type apps. I can easily stage website snippets into Mind Space for later research. Interacting thru prompts with Gemini for screenshots have been a very useful implementation of how AI can work in my usage.

AI is also present in many other forms. You can use it to help rewrite texts and emails. Additional elements are AI translations, AI Voice Transcripts from text messages or text based files, and AI Voice Recorder that takes down your live conversations. 

Lastly, we have to talk about the other feature that grows the weird infatuation with Apple in this release cycle. OnePlus has an existing app called O+Connect that has always allowed you to share files with iOS users, but this year it expands to file transfers, notification sync, and screen mirroring to Macs. The even more shocking is it support based functionality with Apple Watches and allows them to sync to the wearable app O+Health much like the OnePlus Watch 3.

Battery Life

Let’s start this with the internal specs and move to the real world results. OnePlus has moved in from traditional lithium-ion battery packs and replaced them with new silicon, carbon-based cells. This creates a more efficient and easier to cool pack for your power banks. 

The OnePlus 15 pairs this with a massive, 7300 mAh sized battery. As you might have guessed, this makes for a hard to kill battery experience. I’ve been averaging 2 days of heavier usage and up to 3 days of lighter screen on times. That’s insane! 

I logged lighter use as anything under four hours of screen on time, and heavy use as over four hours. Battery life is very subjective to things like heat and cell signal strength, but I have no doubts in saying this is the best Android phone available for battery life in 2025. You should get more than a full day when needed, unless you’re some kind of maniac mobile gamer.

A OnePlus 15 smartphone packaging displayed on a table, featuring a vibrant red box with the OnePlus 15 branding, accompanied by a charger and a red USB cable inside.

When you do need to charge, in typical OnePlus fashion, it won’t take long. And, they still include the fantastic 80Watt SUPERVOOC cable and charging adapter in the box! It takes less than a shower to get this thing from 20% to full power again.

It even supports the crazy fast 50Watt AIRVOOC wireless charger from last year’s launch. You’ll need one of the optional magnetic cases from OnePlus, but having this on the 15’s spec sheet just rounds out how well this device performs.

Final Thoughts

The OnePlus 15 is the best phone the company has ever produced. I don’t think that’s up for debate. The slim, metal design brings it truly into the premium smartphone category. Combining that fit and finish with the Triple Core engine, 7300mAh battery, and 165hz screen, and you have a phone that should be capable of laptop level performance for most people. 

The only elephant in the room is the new design language and many hours of engineering that were focused on obvious copying of Apple. And interconnectivity with them as well. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means. There’s a ton of features that make this the best Android phone of 2025 on paper, but many will take these interesting choices made by the OnePlus team to heart.

If you are one of the people that have to have this powerhouse of an Android phone, you can snag the OnePlus 15 now from the company’s website. Full pricing and deals are below.

The handset pricing for the OnePlus 15 differs between the United States and Canada based on storage configuration and currency:

United States Pricing (USD)

  • 12G+256GB Variant: The price is $899.99 USD. This configuration is exclusively available in the Infinite Black color.
  • 16G+512GB Variant: The price is $999.99 USD. This variant will be offered across all colorways.
  • General Note: Pricing in the United States is subject to change due to current market conditions.

Canadian Pricing (CAD)

  • 12G+256GB Variant: The price is CA $1,299.99. This configuration is only available in the Infinite Black color.
  • 16G+512GB Variant: The price is CA $1,399.99. This variant will be offered across all colorways.

Offer details:

  • Pick 1 FREE gift: (Limited stock; first come, first serve)
    • OnePlus Watch 3 43mm worth CA$399.99, for 512GB variant only.
    • OnePlus Buds Pro 3 worth CA$269.99
    • OnePlus AIRVOOC 50W Magnetic Charger worth CA$109.99
    • OnePlus 15 Phone Case
  • Trade-in offer:
    • Save up to CA$1249 with eligible trade-ins.
    • Guaranteed CA$150 instant credit when you Trade-in ANY phone, in ANY Condition
    • Guaranteed CA$150 Cash Back bonus when you buy with trade-in
  • Student Discounts:
    • 5% off for students only
  • Bundle offer:
    •  Up to 30% off on phone accessories

Accessory Pricing

Accessory pricing is standardized across the US and Canada but listed in the respective currencies:

  • The OnePlus 15 Sandstone Magnetic Case is priced at $24.99 USD / $44.99 CAD.
  • The OnePlus 15 Hole-Pattern Magnetic Case is priced identically to the Sandstone case at $24.99 USD / $44.99 CAD.
  • The premium OnePlus 15 Aramid Fiber Magnetic Case is priced at $39.99 USD / $59.99 CAD.

Level Up: Journey’s New Universal LOC8 Line Brings Cross-Platform Tracking to Everyone

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We’ve become big fans of Journey Official over that past few years. I originally discovered the company during my time trying to convert to iOS, and had very good impressions from all their devices we’ve featured since. My one big reservation about them is they seemed content to only build devices for the Apple ecosystem.

Thankfully, that’s now changed. The company has just announced a new “Universal” line of LOC8 tracking devices that works with both Apple’s Find My protocol, but adds Google’s new competing platform Find Hub support. We were so excited, I reached out to see if we could feature the entire new lineup in a Level Up, and Journey was happy to oblige.

LOC8 Urban Key Organizer Universal

Product packaging for the LOC8 Urban Key Organizer Universal by Journey, featuring a sleek design that holds 1-6 keys and is compatible with Apple Find My and Android Find Hub.

I hate how disorganized keys can be in your pocket. Traditional keyrings can be bulky and cumbersome in no time. The LOC8 Urban Key Organizer fixes this, offering a sleek leather design to neatly tuck your keys away more easily. Using a bolt system, you can fold up to six keys into the Organizer much like a pocket knife and flick them out when needed.

Journey solves a real pain point with Universal LOC8: reliable tracking that follows you across devices, platforms, and everyday gear.

To top off the unique storage option, you get the new LOC8 Universal LOC8 system as well. This internal tracking device lasts up to four months per charge, making it ideal to always find your keys stuck in the couch. Using both Android and iOS, I’ve had zero issues locating the LOC8 Urban Key Organizer Universal any differently from first party options. It just works.

The Urban Key Organizer Universal is $110 from Journey Official and offers a fantastic peace of mind for always knowing exactly where your keys are at all times. You can snag this accessory in both brown and black leather variants.

LOC8 Finder Fob 2 Universal

A box of the LOC8 Finder Fob 2 Universal by Journey, featuring compatibility with Apple and Android systems, with USB-C charging indicated. In the background, a small penguin figure is visible.

Next up is Journey’s more general tracker, the LOC8 Finder Fob 2 Universal. I don’t mean general in a bad way, it’s just this is the “do it all” option in the new Universal lineup. The Finder Fob 2 isn’t meant for a specific purpose in mind and can be attached to pretty much anything like purse, wallet, or backpack using the integrated loop.

The Finder Fob 2 has a dedicated speaker for giving you audio feedback when searching for your belongings. It also comes with a standard USB-C charging port for easy recharging. Each charge lasts up to six months of normal use. 

Again, the peak feature is seamless integration with both Apple and Google’s ecosystems. Having an “AirTag” that can work with across mobile platforms has been great in my usage. I change phones a lot and still use an iPhone from time to time, and not having to nuke my setup each time I travel has been fantastic.

You can purchase the LOC8 Finder Fob 2 Universal in Sparkle Grey or Black for just $30.

LOC8 Laptop Sleeve Universal

LOC8 Laptop Sleeve Universal packaging featuring a sleek black design with a gray accent, displaying details about compatibility with Android and Apple Find My systems.

The final piece of this trio of great new devices is the LOC8 Laptop Sleeve Universal. I’ve reviewed a similar unit from Journey and always impressed on the attention to details in a pretty non-techie option. The stitching on the leather and gray fabric is on point. It’s a level of production you don’t see often, is all.

There’s a magnetic closure in my LOC8 Laptop Sleeve sample to hold in up to a 14-inch laptop. The company offers a larger model for up to a 16-inch machine. The closure snaps shut to help secure that mobile PC investment, but leaves just enough space open to allow for you to charge the laptop if needed inside the sleeve. Again, the little things.

Inside that same flapped enclosure is the housing for the Android Find Hub and Apple Find My technology. When the LOC8 Laptop Sleeve Universal needs to be recharged, you’re just going to need a standard USB-C. I’ve really enjoyed this generation of LOC8 devices, embracing existing charging protocols like Qi and USB-C instead of proprietary alternatives.

The LOC8 Laptop Sleeve Universal is available in a single color of gray and black. The 14-inch laptop model retails for $120 while the larger variant adds another $10.

New Mobile Payment Methods Accelerate Casino Apps in South Africa

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Mobile gaming is undergoing a quiet revolution in South Africa. Driven by a surge in smartphone adoption and a leap forward in payment technologies, Android casino apps are riding the wave of change. Operators are embracing innovations — from instant EFTs to digital wallets and QR-based transfers — and players are reaping the benefits of a more fluid, mobile-first gaming environment.

The Broader Online Gaming and Entertainment Landscape

Across South Africa’s expanding digital entertainment scene, online gaming continues to evolve through technology, regulation, and shifting user habits. Platforms now operate within a more structured framework, emphasizing secure access and compliance with national laws. This broader transformation extends beyond gaming, encompassing streaming, virtual events, and interactive mobile media that shape how South Africans engage with entertainment today.

Among South Africa’s best casinos, a variety of regulated platforms offer a wide range of games — from classic table titles and themed video slots to live-dealer experiences supported by real-time streaming. These features are often paired with transparent payment systems and user verification tools that prioritize data security and ease of access. The goal is to create a cohesive, reliable entertainment framework where users understand how payments, gameplay, and account safety interact.

At the same time, other entertainment sectors such as e-sports, digital sports simulations, and interactive streaming experiences are drawing interest from similar audiences. This convergence of platforms shows how fintech, media, and entertainment design increasingly intersect. Within this landscape, advances in seamless digital transactions — particularly instant and low-friction payments — are shaping the next phase of online entertainment.

Rapid Growth of Mobile Payments

In South Africa, the banking and fintech sectors have introduced payment methods that remove many of the friction points of traditional transfers. Services like instant EFT gateways now enable real-time payments on smartphones without requiring card details. Digital wallets from major banks and independent fintech apps are gaining strong momentum, while QR-based transfers and direct-bank integrations are making it easier for players to move funds quickly and securely.

For Android casino platforms focused on South Africa, these innovations are game-changing. Rapid, secure payment options mean fewer obstacles in the deposit-and-play flow — and that aligns perfectly with a mobile-first audience accustomed to instant digital experiences. Many casino platforms now treat payment variety as a competitive advantage, ranking it alongside game selection and app performance.

What’s New in Mobile Payments for Casino Apps

Modern mobile payment tools are transforming how South Africans play on Android casino apps. The combination of fast, secure, and mobile-optimized solutions has become a defining feature of the market. Instant EFTs settle in seconds, digital wallets allow one-tap top-ups, and QR-code transfers turn a simple scan into a completed payment. Pay-by-phone and airtime-linked deposits expand accessibility, while fintech APIs enable seamless bank-to-bank transactions that process deposits and withdrawals in real time.

Together, these methods redefine the player experience. Deposits happen faster, and mobile apps feel smoother to use — no longer constrained by long banking delays or multiple verification steps.

What makes this shift even more significant is how it blends convenience with inclusion. By reducing dependence on traditional card systems, these payment options open mobile gaming to a wider range of users — including those who rely primarily on digital wallets or bank-linked mobile apps. The result is a more connected ecosystem where accessibility and efficiency drive growth hand in hand.

Why Android Casino Apps Are Benefiting

Android remains the dominant mobile platform in South Africa, and casino operators are capitalizing on that. With payment systems now designed for mobile, Android casino apps are becoming more accessible and intuitive. Players expect a simple process: open the app, deposit funds, load a game, and start playing. The latest payment technologies make that flow natural.

Fewer barriers mean apps can focus on richer gameplay and a smoother user experience. As mobile infrastructure becomes faster and more reliable, payment innovation is turning into a key growth driver.

Key Players and Technology Enablers

The payment landscape in South Africa is being reshaped by fintech innovators. Companies offering instant EFT services have established real-time payment systems that now handle billions in local transactions. Emerging fintechs providing direct-bank API connections simplify integration, allowing gaming operators to add multiple payment options through one unified platform.

Meanwhile, local banks have evolved their own digital wallets, giving users familiar, trusted tools for instant transfers. The synergy between financial technology and the gaming sector is fostering a frictionless environment where payments are no longer a barrier but a feature that enhances engagement.

This growing collaboration between fintech firms and gaming operators is also accelerating regulatory maturity in the payment space. As frameworks around digital transactions tighten, compliance and transparency are becoming central to how payment systems are built and maintained. 

Fintech providers are investing heavily in encryption, identity verification, and data protection, ensuring that every transaction is both fast and verifiable. The result is a more stable foundation for mobile gaming — one where trust and technology advance hand in hand, reinforcing confidence across the entire ecosystem.

What Users Experience on Android Casino Apps

For South African players, the difference is noticeable. Deposits take seconds instead of minutes, and withdrawals follow faster processing cycles. Payment choices have expanded, allowing players to pick from bank transfers, QR payments, or wallet top-ups directly within the app interface. Currency support in ZAR eliminates unnecessary exchange steps, while mobile-optimized verification reduces the hassle of manual data entry.

This evolution has made casino apps feel more like native digital platforms — streamlined, immediate, and responsive. Familiar payment methods increase trust, and smoother flows keep users in the app instead of redirecting them through browsers or external gateways.

Market Impact

The rapid modernization of payment systems is having a ripple effect across the South African mobile-casino sector. The combination of easy deposits, reliable withdrawals, and widespread smartphone use is drawing more players into mobile-first gaming. Operators that quickly integrate these solutions gain an edge by removing the most common source of user frustration: payment friction.

Mobile-friendly infrastructure also enables new market entrants to launch faster and more efficiently. As instant transfers and digital wallets become standard, the distinction between “mobile” and “desktop” gaming continues to blur. In practice, the phone is now the casino — fast, personal, and always connected.

Key traits of mobile-optimized platforms:

  • Support for instant EFT or bank-transfer gateways
  • Integration of local digital wallets and QR-based systems
  • Full ZAR support and local-bank compatibility
  • Embedded payments within the Android app
  • Transparent fees and rapid processing for deposits and withdrawals
  • Clear visibility of available payment methods inside the cashier screen

The Road Ahead

As the technology matures, mobile payment systems are expected to become even more embedded in casino ecosystems. The next wave of innovation may include biometric verification, real-time settlement powered by decentralized ledgers, and universal wallets that work across multiple gaming and lifestyle platforms.

With these advancements, Android casino apps in South Africa will continue to evolve into seamless entertainment hubs. Payment will no longer be a separate step — it will simply be part of the flow.

Where Payments Meet Experience

The rise of instant EFTs, digital wallets, and QR-based transfers is more than a technical upgrade; it marks a turning point for mobile gaming in South Africa. By removing friction and delivering speed, these payment innovations empower both operators and players. The result is a faster, safer, and more intuitive mobile experience — one that mirrors the habits of a connected generation. As casino apps continue to integrate these tools, South Africa’s mobile gaming landscape is poised for sustained growth built on convenience, trust, and innovation.

This shift also signals a deeper evolution in player expectations and app design. As payment speed and reliability improve, users begin to value seamlessness over novelty — prioritizing platforms that blend financial and entertainment experiences into one cohesive flow. 

Casino operators, in turn, are rethinking interface design, focusing on simplicity, security cues, and real-time responsiveness. In this way, mobile payments are not just powering transactions; they’re shaping how trust, convenience, and engagement converge in South Africa’s next generation of mobile gaming.

EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement. AndroidGuys received compensation for the aforementioned content.

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EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus Review

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The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus is a two kilowatt hour class portable power station designed for people who need serious output without committing to a sixty pound brick. It pairs a 2048 watt hour lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a three thousand watt pure sine wave inverter, a thoughtful DC setup, and app based controls that clearly target RV owners, van lifers, and home backup users who like to tinker.

EcoFlow positions this model in the middle of its DELTA 3 lineup, with smaller and larger variants available, but this version hits a sweet spot for mixed use. On paper it offers:

  • 2048Wh LFP battery, rated for over four thousand cycles to eighty percent capacity
  • 3000W continuous AC output, 6000W surge, with X Boost up to 3800W for resistive loads
  • 1000W max solar input
  • 1800W max AC charging, zero to eighty percent in a little over an hour
  • A 30A Anderson DC port, plus a 140W USB C port for high performance laptops
  • Wi Fi and Bluetooth connectivity with app based scheduling and charge control

The spec sheet is strong. The real story is how it feels to live with that hardware day to day.

Close-up of the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus portable power station displaying a digital screen with input and output readings, alongside multiple AC and USB ports. Background shows a kitchen setting.

Design, Build, and Portability

Chassis and Layout

The DELTA 3 Max Plus uses a gray and black shell with a dense, “pro gear” feel. It does not flex or creak, and nothing about it suggests a budget power box. EcoFlow uses an EV style cell to chassis structure on the inside, which makes the unit more rigid and adds some drop resistance from low heights. At just under 50 pounds, it is not something to throw around, but it feels like it can handle being moved regularly.

Port layout is practical.

  • Front: four 120V AC outlets, one 140W USB C, two 45W USB C, and one USB A
  • Back: AC charging input, solar and DC inputs, one 30A Anderson port, and one 12V car socket

Everything is clearly labeled, and the display gives quick readouts for input, output, and remaining runtime.

Portability

At 48.7 pounds, this is right at the upper edge of what most people will want to lift on their own. EcoFlow built in two large side handles that encourage a two handed carry, which makes sense given the weight and the compact footprint.

What you do not get are wheels or a telescoping handle. Some heavier “Pro” class stations include those to make movement easier, but EcoFlow clearly opted to keep this unit shorter, more compact, and easier to tuck into tight spaces in an RV garage, van cabinet, or closet.

The result is a “luggable” power station rather than something you roll around the house. If a user expects to move it frequently across longer distances, that missing wheel kit will be noticed. If the priority is a powerful station that fits in small spaces and only moves occasionally, the trade off makes more sense.

Ports and Output: AC, USB, and DC

AC power: Three Thousand Watts to Play With

The DELTA 3 Max Plus delivers up to three thousand watts of continuous AC output with up to six thousand watts of surge capacity. In practice, that means it can comfortably handle:

  • Standard home essentials like fridges, chest freezers, and fans
  • Mid to high draw appliances like kettles, microwaves, and space heaters
  • Power tools such as circular saws, shop vacuums, and some air compressors

In testing, the inverter held a three thousand watt load for an extended period and did not trip until the load exceeded roughly 3800W. But seriously, this was me loading it with as much as I could and not at anything that I’d ever ask of it in the real world, let alone an emergency. So, that is more headroom than the spec sheet promises and gives some confidence when running borderline loads, but that’s totally unofficial stuff.

USB power: Built for Modern Laptops

The USB setup is clearly tuned for modern devices:

  • One 140W USB C port for high performance laptops and larger tablets
  • Two 45W USB C ports that share a forty five watt budget for phones, tablets, and smaller notebooks
  • One 18W USB A port for legacy devices and accessories
Close-up view of the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus power station's port layout, featuring two AC outlets, one 140W USB-C port, two 45W USB-C ports, and one 18W USB-A port.

The standout here is that single 140W USB C port. For remote work, creative projects, or field editing, being able to plug a power hungry laptop directly into the station without using a separate brick is a genuine quality of life upgrade.

DC Power: The 30A Anderson Port is the Star

DC output is where the DELTA 3 Max Plus leans into “prosumer” territory. You get:

  • One 12.6V, 10A car socket (around 126W)
  • One 12.6V, 30A Anderson port, with a combined DC output ceiling of about 378W

That 30A Anderson connector is a big deal for RV, van, and off grid users. It is the standard way to feed a DC fuse panel or directly power twelve volt refrigerators, pumps, fans, and lights. Running these loads on DC avoids the inefficiency of inverting to AC only to have an appliance convert it back down to DC internally.

Close-up view of the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus power station's rear panel featuring various input and output ports including a 30A Anderson DC port and a 12V car socket.

If someone is building a small DC system or replacing a DIY battery box, this port alone makes the DELTA 3 Max Plus a very compelling centerpiece.

Battery System: Capacity, Longevity, and Realistic Output

LFP Chemistry and Cycle Life

EcoFlow uses a 2048Wh LFP battery pack in this model. LFP is now the preferred chemistry for stationary and semi stationary power because it is more stable, more tolerant of repeated cycling, and less prone to dramatic capacity loss.

The DELTA 3 Max Plus is rated for more than four thousand full cycles before the pack drops to about eighty percent of its original capacity. For someone cycling it regularly, that translates to roughly a decade of expected battery life.

The capacity is also expandable to around ten kilowatt hours when paired with compatible EcoFlow expansion batteries, including some earlier models. That makes it suitable as the core of a larger home backup or RV system if a user decides to grow into more storage over time.

The “ten year battery, five year appliance” Gap

The unit carries a five year warranty in total, extended from three years when the user registers the product through the app. The battery, however, is designed to last closer to ten years.

This flips the usual concern. In older NCM based stations, the battery was often the first thing to age out. Here, the cells will probably outlive the inverter, fans, control board, or other electronics, none of which are user serviceable.

A close-up view of a hand gripping the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus portable power station, showcasing its robust design and accessible control panel.

It is helpful to think of the DELTA 3 Max Plus as a five year appliance that happens to be built on a ten year battery. The hardware is robust, but if anything fails outside the warranty, the full unit is at risk, not just the cells.

Usable Capacity and Efficiency

The 2048Wh rating is the raw battery capacity, not what actually reaches connected devices. In testing:

  • AC output delivered about 1740Wh, which works out to roughly 85 percent efficiency
  • DC output delivered about 1830Wh, or just over 89 percent efficiency

Those numbers are solid for a unit in this class. They also reinforce the benefit of running compatible gear off the DC ports when possible for a bit more runtime.

Charging Performance: Fast, Flexible, and Sometimes Expensive

Charging is one of EcoFlow’s strong suits, and that carries over here.

  • AC wall charging: up to 1800W, zero to eighty percent in about sixty four minutes, with adjustable charge rate in the app
  • Solar input: up to 1000W under ideal conditions, zero to eighty percent in about an hour and a half
  • Vehicle alternator input: up to 1000W when paired with EcoFlow’s 800W Alternator Charger accessory
  • EcoFlow Smart Generator: up to 2600W, with an advertised zero to eighty percent charge in around forty three minutes

The ability to tune AC charge speed in one hundred watt increments is genuinely useful. It lets the user slow things down overnight for quieter fan operation or avoid tripping a weaker household circuit while still topping off the station.

The catch is that the headline fastest charging times rely on proprietary accessories. The alternator charger and Smart Generator are sold separately and are not cheap. If someone stays within standard AC and solar charging, they still get fast performance, but the marketing numbers around sub hour charges tell only part of the story.

App and Software Experience

EcoFlow’s companion app is one of the reasons people migrate to this ecosystem in the first place. On the DELTA 3 Max Plus, it unlocks a deeper level of control than the on device interface.

via EcoFlow

Key capabilities include:

  • Real time monitoring for input and output power, remaining capacity, and estimated runtime
  • Adjustable AC charge rate and DC input current, so users can match charging behavior to their wiring and noise tolerance
  • Charge and discharge limits, such as stopping charge at eighty percent and stopping discharge at twenty percent to extend long term battery health
  • Schedules for charging or discharging, which are handy for time of use electric plans where off peak power is cheaper
  • A Storm Guard mode that listens for severe weather alerts and automatically tops the battery to full before a predicted event

For day to day operation, it feels like a “pro level” dashboard that matches the hardware.

The weak spot is analytics. The device clearly tracks power usage and solar generation internally, but the app does not offer historical graphs, summaries, or cost calculations by day, week, or month. For data driven users who want to optimize solar input, household loads, and savings, that missing insight is may leave them wanting.

There is also a recurring theme in community feedback around firmware updates occasionally introducing new bugs or breaking features. The safe move with a unit like this is often to only update when there is a specific fix needed, not just because an update is available.

UPS Performance: What to Expect

EcoFlow promotes the DELTA 3 Max Plus as having sub ten millisecond “NAS level” UPS performance. In controlled tests that I found, the switchover time has been measured at roughly 7.9ms, which does technically land within that claim.

The real world experience is more mixed. Users consistently report that desktop PCs, NAS devices, routers, and even 3D printers often reboot when the grid drops and the unit switches from pass through AC to inverter power.

The underlying reason is that this behaves more like an Emergency Power Supply than a traditional line interactive or online UPS. In standby it passes wall power straight through. When a power cut happens, it must switch the output over to its own inverter. The gap is short, but the brief dip or unclean transition is enough for the sensitive power supplies in many computers and servers to treat it as a fault and shut down.

Practically speaking:

  • It works well as a backup for appliances, lights, and less sensitive gear.
  • It should not be trusted by itself to protect critical desktops, NAS devices, or networking equipment from reboots and potential data loss.
Close-up view of the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus power station's textured top and ventilation grid.

The workaround, if someone absolutely wants to use this as part of a computer backup solution, is to plug a small traditional UPS into the DELTA 3 Max Plus and then plug the sensitive equipment into that UPS. Indeed, that also adds cost and complexity, and it undercuts the appeal of the built in UPS marketing.

All that is to say, don’t buy one of these with the full expectation that it’s going to work 100% of the time in those situations.

Noise and Thermal Behavior

On light loads, the DELTA 3 Max Plus is quiet enough to blend into the background, with fan noise sitting in the mid twenties decibel range. Under heavy loads closer to its three thousand watt ceiling, fan noise climbs into the low forties. That is clearly audible but still relatively quiet for an inverter working at full tilt.

Thermally, the unit manages its own heat well. Exhaust temperatures under maximum load remain within reasonable ranges, and in everyday use it can quietly run something like a refrigerator for more than a day without drawing much attention to itself.

Pricing and Value

EcoFlow lists the DELTA 3 Max Plus with a suggested price around $1,899, but it is often (and currently) discounted to $1,099 USD. Expansion batteries, solar panels, the alternator charger, and the Smart Generator are all added costs.

Viewed against competitors, EcoFlow’s main angle is performance per pound. It is the only sub fifty pound option that I have found in this group that delivers a three thousand watt inverter and competitive solar and AC charging. That weight savings of about thirteen to fourteen pounds is not a small detail when a user has to lift and stow the unit repeatedly.

The flip side, of course, is cost. Compared to another key player in the space, the EcoFlow usually commands roughly a three hundred dollar premium. For some users, the lighter chassis, better app experience, and higher power to weight ratio will justify that. For stationary use where the station rarely moves, the cheaper and heavier option may be more attractive.

Warranty

EcoFlow backs the DELTA 3 Max Plus with a five year warranty. Out of the box it is covered for three years, and registering the product through the EcoFlow app extends it by another two. Given the intended use cases and the long cycle life of the battery, that five year window is a meaningful part of the value equation.

Strengths

  • Three thousand watt AC inverter with real world headroom
  • Sub fifty pound weight in a category where rivals are well over sixty pounds
  • Long life LFP battery with expandable capacity
  • 30A Anderson DC port and 140W USB C support serious DC systems and modern laptops
  • Fast and flexible charging with fine grained control in the app

Weaknesses

  • Built in UPS behavior may not be reliable enough for desktops, NAS units, and other sensitive gear
  • App lacks historical usage and solar production analytics
  • Fastest advertised charge times depend on extra, proprietary EcoFlow accessories

Final Thoughts

The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus is a thoughtfully designed power station that leans into higher output and lower weight, wrapped in an interface that rewards users who like to dial in their own charging profiles and schedules. It feels purpose built for people who move their power station often and care about both AC performance and efficient DC integration.

It is also not a perfect fit for everyone. The UPS behavior may not live up to the marketing for sensitive electronics, and the app stops short of offering the kind of history and analytics some prosumers expect.

If someone needs a compact, sub fifty pound power station that can comfortably run three thousand watt loads, feed a serious 12V DC system, and plug into a broader EcoFlow ecosystem, the DELTA 3 Max Plus is an easy model to short list. As long as it is treated as a power station first and an UPS only in a loose sense, it can be a very capable centerpiece for backup, RV, and off grid setups.

Vuephoria Launches vFrame, a Digital Frame Built for Photo and Video Memories

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Vuephoria has introduced the vFrame, a digital display designed to blend favorite photos with HD motion video in a single keepsake. The company positions it as an heirloom-quality frame that moves beyond static images, giving families an easy way to relive major milestones like weddings, graduations, new babies, and big game moments without digging through crowded camera rolls.

Two Models Designed for Everyday Spaces

The vFrame arrives in two designs. The Wall vFrame is a $349 model intended for prominent placement at home, while the Desk vFrame comes in at $299 and suits desks, countertops, or bedside tables. Both versions use a 10.1-inch HD IPS touchscreen, offer unlimited wireless video uploads through Vuephoria’s iOS and Android app, and work entirely cord-free thanks to a rechargeable four-hour battery.

Cozyla Smart Frame Technology supports full-length video playback, and built-in speakers deliver clear audio so voices, laughter, and toasts all feel natural. Each unit includes free shipping, a month-long return window, and a one-year warranty.

Bringing Photos and Motion Together

An elegant digital frame displaying a sunset beach family photo above a motion video of children playing in the sand, showcasing the vFrame's ability to blend images and video.

Vuephoria describes the vFrame as a new way to revisit meaningful memories. A single tap can cue up a birthday toast or a child’s first steps, preserving both the image and the accompanying moment. Instead of being buried in cloud folders, these memories are surfaced in a frame that stays in view and ready to replay.

Wall vFrame

The device’s high-output speakers help give more life to recorded moments, making the frame suitable for shared spaces in the home or for gifting to family members who appreciate a more tangible way to reconnect with their loved ones.

Selfie Toast for Instant Video Tributes

One of the vFrame’s more playful features is Selfie Toast, a video-tribute tool designed for events. Friends and family can record short clips on any phone and send them to the frame’s dedicated email address. The vFrame displays them almost instantly, even during the celebration. It essentially works as a digital guestbook filled with brief, personal messages.

A digital display frame featuring two photos: one of a couple in formal attire and another of a woman with a bridal hairstyle, placed on a desk next to a laptop displaying the Vuephoria logo.
Desk vFrame

Vuephoria sees this being used across weddings, graduations, retirement parties, milestone birthdays, and other gatherings where a mix of heartfelt and lighthearted messages can help capture the atmosphere of the day.

A Keepsake for Families and Gift-Givers

Vuephoria designed the vFrame for a broad range of users, from families and grandparents to event planners and gift-givers. It serves as a display piece and a memory hub, whether it’s part of daily home decor or a custom memento for a special occasion.

More details on the Vuephoria vFrame are available on the company’s official website.