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MOZA Mini MX gimbal review

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Smartphone gimbals have been around for quite some time now, but I have never had the chance to use one. When I saw the MOZA Mini MX make its way into our review queue, I had to call dibs. Considering this is my first gimbal I will be writing this review as a beginner of sorts.

Packaging

In a lot of ways the unboxing experience is my favorite part of a new toy and the MOZA Mini MX was no exception. The packaging wasn’t super fancy or anything, but the way it was presented was very pleasing to the eye. There really wasn’t a lot to it, the gimbal, a soft case, tripod, charging cable, and booklet. Minimal, but well presented. 

Setting up

I had asked on Twitter what were some things to look out for when reviewing a gimbal, and one of the suggestions was to see how well it did with a heavy phone. The heaviest phone I currently have is the Samsung Galaxy S20FE so that’s what I used for this review.

The process was fairly simple, although unfolding the gimbal was a bit of a challenge. Before I was able to actually use the gimbal the booklet says you need to download the MOZA Genie app. Once I got the app downloaded and the gimbal unfolded I was ready to go.

I put my phone in the gimbal, which ended up being a bit top heavy due to the fact I was trying to not hit the power button on the phone with the gimbal mount. My worries were unfounded; the way the gimbal holds the phone actually didn’t hit any buttons on the phone at all. Getting the gimbal linked with the app was fairly painless.

One thing that kind of bugs me though is the fact that I have to manually connect Bluetooth every time I turn on the gimbal. The gimbal will still work, but you won’t be able to use any of the buttons to take pictures or start recording video. It’s easy enough to get Bluetooth to connect, it’s just something I feel should be automatic and not manual.

Of particular note, Moza doesn’t include a charging brick in the packaging. I generally charge my devices with an Aukey 30W PD charger I have next to my bed but neither that nor the 60W MacBook Pro charger would charge the gimbal. I ultimately used a charging brick I received with my LG G8 in order to get the gimbal to charge.

Sample Videos

Here’s a quick beginner’s tip: make sure your smartphone is as centered as possible. If you’re too heavy on one side, the gimbal will fail and just flop around. As someone once said “perfectly balanced, as all things should be.”

Features

There are a handful of built in shooting modes and some will take advantage of the gimbal itself while others rely more on the included tripod. Including the tripod is clutch, especially if you want to use your smartphone to livestream or to just set up for a picture.

Back to the shooting modes, you get; Vertigo, Sport Gear, Time-lapse, Slow Motion, Inception and Fast Tracking. I seriously doubt I’ll be using much of these on the regular, but as I always say, “I’d rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it”.

Build quality

When unfolding the gimbal it can feel a little loose. Not cheaply made or anything like that, but almost too smooth in a way. Once it locks into place though, it definitely doesn’t feel like it will come out unless forced.

The MOZA Mini MX has some heft to it, it is solid, but not overly heavy. I don’t get worried that I have to baby the gimbal for fears that it will be quick to break. I am definitely impressed with the build quality.

It’s also light enough that it won’t kill my arm after holding it for a good while. I’m looking forward to using this for birthday parties and events where kids open their presents.

Overall impressions

Once everything is set up it works incredibly well. The MOZA Mini MX has a long battery life (20 hours), and even comes with it’s own tripod.

Really, the only thing I would change is the fact that you have to manually connect Bluetooth. It’s definitely not a deal breaker but just something to be aware of and hopefully something that could be fixed in a software update.

I would say the MOZA Mini MX is a great gimbal for a beginner or even a backup for someone that might have a more feature packed (read: expensive) one. Currently the MOZA Mini MX is going for $90 on Amazon. If you’re looking for a low cost gimbal, the MOZA Mini MX is definitely highly recommended.

What age should children get their first phone?

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One of the most popular questions we get from friends, family, and readers is, “how old should my child be before I get them a phone?”

Given that smartphones have been around more than a decade you’d think we would have that answer by now. Alas, there’s no age that we can point to that says a child is ready to have a phone.

A recent study finds that more than half of all kids have a smartphone by the time the age of 12, but it’s not uncommon to see children much younger who have their own device. In fact, according to Common Sense, about one in five kids have a phone by age eight.

The more we entertain the topic of children and phones, the more we realize there is an answer. It’s just not related to a specific age. Indeed, maturity should dictate whether your child can handle a phone, not age.

Why does my child need a phone?

A lot of first-time parents assume that they’re only having the conversation because their kid wants a phone. This might be the case; however, there are times when it might a phone makes practical sense.

There are plenty of people who believe that their son or daughter should have a phone “because they’re in school now.” The same can be said of children in extracurricular activities or when they begin to stay overnight at a friend’s home.

Indeed, it does make sense in select situations to give your child a phone, even if on a temporary basis.

Here are a number of factors to consider as to why it might be easier if your child has a phone.

  • Does your child regularly get rides on the bus or from others?
  • Is your child involved in after-school activities?
  • Do the child’s parents live in separate locations?
  • Does your son or daughter stay home for small periods of time?

If you answer yes to a few of these questions, it may be time to consider giving them a phone. Even if on a part-time or “check out” basis, it could give parents peace of mind knowing that their child is a call or text away.

Likewise, it gives the kid a quick way to contact someone in an emergency or to check in from time to time.

Is my child ready for a phone?

Instead of considering age we should look to responsibility to determine if they’re ready. Ask yourself the following questions as these qualifiers are where you might start when considering giving your child their first phone.

  • Does my child understand that phones cost (a lot of) money?
  • Does my child keep track of their belongings?
  • Does my child respect other people’s property?
  • Can I trust my child?

If you find yourself struggling with a few of these, you may want to have a chat or two. On the other hand, if you’re confident in answering yes to the questions, we suggest trialing a phone.

As long as your child has a basic understanding of value and respects people and their property, it could be worth exploring the notion.

Start small

You’ve decided that it makes sense to introduce another phone to the house, now what? You don’t need to add a new line of service or open a new account. Start small and figure out what the natural boundary is for your child.

Surely, you have an old phone lying around. Consider formatting it and using it as a Wi-Fi device with messaging applications. Observe how your child handles it in the home, in the car, or when out and about.

There are plenty of low-cost prepaid and MVNO carriers who offer service with minimal minutes or data needs. If your phone is unlocked, or can be unlocked, it may be advisable to start with one of these carriers. You can likely find a plan that costs less than $20 that doesn’t require a long-term commitment.

Set rules

Another way to keep things in line is to limit the amount of usage. Rather than giving your child a phone that’s available at all hours of the day, maybe you want to start with 60 minutes. Perhaps extra time can be earned with homework, chores, reading goals, or other means.

There are a number of great Wi-Fi solutions which give parents the ability to control when a particular device can access the network. Take Eero, Amplifi Instant, or Nest Wi-Fi, for instance. These are excellent ways to ensure your son or daughter isn’t up at all hours of the night playing games when they should be sleeping.

Amplifi Instant

Likewise, there are some great apps (Digital Wellbeing) and parental controls (Family Link, Google Play Store settings) that can be enabled which can be used to limit access to specific apps. Maybe you start with unlimited access to reading apps and only 60 minutes of games per day.

Continued conversations

This is just the beginning. Both you and your child are new to this and may not always get it right. Be sure to keep an open line of communication between each other.

Every situation is different so don’t try to keep up with others or feel pressured. You might find that your son or daughter ultimately wanted a phone to play games or read. On the other hand, if it’s Instagram, Snapchat or social media that they’re after… well, that’s a whole other topic.

Knocki: Turn any surface into a smart remote control

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Some of you may not be old enough to remember The Clapper from the mid-80s. But for those of us who do, we loved it. There was something really awesome about being able to turn out a light just by clapping your hands.

Fast forward to today and we’ve become accustomed to smart homes with routines and automation. Whether it’s a light bulb, thermostat, or a deadbolt lock, we rely on our connected devices.

If you’re looking to take your smart home to new levels, consider the Knocki. Available for just $69.99 in the AG Deals Store, it’s the Wi-Fi puck that turns pretty much any surface in your home into a smart remote control.

You can use Knocki to turn walls, tables, or other surfaces into gesture-enabled interfaces. Want to dim the lights, find your lost phone, or turn on your TV? No problem. Once you decide where to attach it you can define all of the really cool things you want it to do through its mobile app.

Maybe you’d like to knock twice on your nightstand to start your coffee pot. Or, perhaps you’d like to mount it in the living room so you can dim the lights and turn on Netflix.

Thanks to compatibility with Philips Hue, IFTTT, SONOS, Harmony, Nest, Spotify, SmartThings, and other services, it’s super simple to integrate it with your favorite apps, devices, and more.

Order Yours!

Normally priced $99, AndroidGuys readers can purchase a Knocki for as low as $69.99 right now. That’s a cool $30 left in your pocket which can be put towards a few smart bulbs.

Save 29% Today!

Best cases for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus

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Are you the proud owner of a Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus smartphone? We think you’re going to love it because it’s one of the best devices of the year. Now, let’s make sure that gorgeous phone doesn’t get scratched or broken, alright? You need a protective case!

What follows are some of the best cases you’ll find for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus. The collection isn’t everything available, of course, but it is a pretty diverse selection.

BodyGuardz Ace Pro

Lightweight, sleek, and ever so protective of your phone, this case absorbs and dissipates impact. Highly transparent, it lets your handset’s color shine through. As low as $35.

Gear4 Denali

One of the toughest cases you’ll find without adding a bunch of bulk, the main strength comes from a reinforced backplate. Toss in the D30 material and you’ve got a phone that withstands 16-foot drops. The gray and orange finish just also happens to be pretty easy on the eyes, too. As low as $50.

MNML

Thin is is with this case. Seriously, this is about as thin of a protective layer you can find for your phone. It keeps your device guarded against scrapes and scratches yet adds almost zero thickness to your phone. Like a fraction of a millimeter. Pick it up in a handful of finishes, including frost. As low as $27.

SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Pro

This dual layer rugged case features a built-in kickstand that doubles as a ring holder. Oh, and it has a rotating holster, too. With a 20ft drop test rating it ensures no matter where you use this phone its accessible and protected. As low as $27.

Speck Presidio Perfect-Clear

Truly clear, this case lets users show off the unique color of their handset. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty, protects against drops of up to 13 feet, and also has Microban protection for bacteria. As low as $40.

VRS Design Damda Glide Pro

With a tough exterior and rugged aesthetics, this case is constructed from a TPU material and metal stripe for protection against drops. Built for an active lifestyle, it will stand up to stains, fingerprints, and scratches. Our favorite part, though, is the sliding mechanism that lets us carry 3-4 cards and leave the wallet behind. As low as $40.

Spigen Liquid Air

Constructed from a shock-absorbing TPU material, this thin case is tougher than it looks. Its patterned design is not only cool looking but it also makes it easier to hold your phone. As low as $20.

Tech21 EvoCheck Smokey/Black

Sturdy and strong yet not overly bulky, this case will safeguard against drops up to 12 feet. With just the right bit of thickness along the edges, you’ll appreciate the added lip around the camera. The accent design looks cool regardless of which color phone you have. As low as $40.

Otterbox Symmetry

Comprised of more than 60% recycled plastic, this one-piece case is both thin and tough. Offered in a variety of colors, it’s infused with an additive that blocks microbial growth. Tested for a crazy amount of drops, it’s also backed by a lifetime warranty. As low as $50.

Incipio Duo

This two-piece protective case is slim and easy to hold with a soft-touch finish that doesn’t scratch or discolor. It’s also reinforced to allow for drops up to 12 feet and comes with a lifetime guarantee. The antimicrobial protection wipes out 99.9% of surface bacteria and germs, too. As low as $30.

Caseology Parallax

Available in a variety of colors, this one has military grade levels of protection. Compatible with wireless charging, it’s slim and secure and the patterned back provides a great ergonomic grip. As low as $25.

Urban Armor Gear Pathfinder

One of the tougher looking cases found on this list, it boasts an armor shell with an impact-resistant core. Oversized buttons make it easy to locate without fumbling. Sold in two colors, it has a honeycomb design which accents your phone in just the right way. As low as $40.

Survivor Strong

Minimal in design, there’s more going on here than meets the eye. Two layers of protection help keep your phone safe to big drops while it stays thin enough for wireless charging and zero interference in 5G connectivity. As low as $30.

Treblab HD Max Bluetooth Speaker review

Andrew Allen
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Treblab has been making quality audio devices for years now with the brand becoming a popular pick of online marketplaces like Amazon. The company’s latest offering is the Treblab HD Max wireless speaker. After time with the device I have come away impressed.

Rugged Design

The first thing you’ll notice when taking the Treblab HD Max speaker out of the box is that it is built like a tank. The unit weighs in at around six pounds and comes with its own carrying strap. I don’t think this is a bad thing though.

Treblab intends for the HD Max to be used in some rigorous environments and has built it accordingly. The casing is a nice mix of thick soft-touch rubbers and nylon which leads to a speaker that really feels like it belongs in a Jeep Wrangler.

To further this, Treblab has made sure the HD Max speaker meets the IPX6 water resistance rating as well. This truly makes the audio device capable to withstand a common house party or a week in the wilderness.

The button layout is pretty standard with a volume up, play/pause, volume down, and power. It does have a microphone for taking phone calls if you’d like but I haven’t found a button to launch Google Assistant.

Booming sound

Looking the part is one thing, but how does the Treblab HD Max perform as a boombox? Very well. This speaker will not disappoint. The unit has a punchy bass and rich audio playback balance. It immediately became the best speaker in my house.

This is all understandable with a 50W speaker and four drivers powering the audio. There’s also a passive subwoofer on board. Overall, the sound is crisp, rich, and loud enough to fill any room without distortion.

There are also three different playback modes that try to auto-equalize the audio based on surroundings. Indoor gives you the best balance of mids, highs, and bass for the richest playback option. Bass Boost is pretty self-explanatory and pumps up the boom for punchy music. Finally, Outdoor seems to tamper things for a more natural balance that carries more in an open space.

Battery life

Another great feature of the Treblab HD Max is the built-in 12000mAh battery pack. With this powerbank you can enjoy up to 20 straight hours of playback at 30 percent volume and five hours at 100 percent.

Not only can you power the speaker, but the USB-A 2.0 pass-through will also charge your other mobile devices while on the go. Both charging external devices and recharging the HD Max via USB-C only charges at 5-volts.

I found battery life and charging to be on point with the manual. You get standard 5-volt rates on smartphones and topping off the Treblab HD Max takes about 5 hours to get back to 100 percent.

Stereo audio is an option

You can even pair two HD Max speakers together in stereo mode to add more robust audio to your mix. Once you’ve set up the first speaker with your phone, you simply turn it off and start the sequence over.

Power on both speakers. Double-clicking the power button on the initial device should get a blue and green flashing indicator. Then place each speaker close to one another. A soft pairing tone should sound and you’ve successfully got both speakers working in unison.

Conclusion

I’m usually not a huge Bluetooth speaker guy. I much prefer WiFi solutions like Chromecast, but Treblab has a great package in the HD Max. This utilitarian monster has amazing sound, a durable build, and a bottle opener!

The Treblab HD Max is available now on Amazon now for $170. While that’s a bit much for a speaker, it’s totally worth it with this one. Oh, and if you add our code HDOFF10NOW you’ll get 10% off your purchase.

Moto G10 and G30 announced for Europe

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Motorola on Tuesday announced a pair of new affordable smartphones with the introduction of its Moto G10 and Moto G30. Set to launch in Europe, the two are launching points for new models.

Both phones come with 6.5-inch IPS LCD displays at a 720 x 1,600 pixel resolution. The Moto G30 has a 90Hz refresh rate and 13-megapixel cutout display notch; the Moto G10 has a 60Hz refresh and 8-megapixel selfie camera.

The two phones are powered by Android 11 and house four cameras on the rear. Moreover, they’re both water repellent and have 3.5mm headphone jacks as well. Here’s a breakdown of the major specifications for the Motorola G10 and G30.

Motorola G30

  • 6.5-inch Display (90Hz) 1600×720 pixels
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (2GHz) octa-core processor
  • 6GB RAM
  • 128GB internal storage w/ microSD (up to 512GB)
  • 5000mAh battery w/ 20W charging
  • Rear Camera
    • 64MP sensor | 16MP output (f/1.7, 1.4um) Quad Pixel technology
    • 8MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | 118° ultra-wide angle
    • 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75µm) | Macro Vision camera
    • 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75µm) | depth sensor
  • Front Camera
    • 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12um)
  • Colors: Dark Pearl, Pastel Sky
  • Price: £159.99

Motorola G10

  • 6.5-inch Display 1600×720 pixels
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (1.8GHz) octa-core processor
  • 4GB RAM
  • 64GB/128GB internal storage w/ microSD (up to 512GB)
  • 5000mAh battery w/ 10W charging
  • Rear Camera
    • 48MP sensor | 12MP output (f/1.7, 1.6um) Quad Pixel technology
    • 8MP (f/2.2, 1.12um) | 118° ultra-wide angle
    • 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75um) | Macro Vision camera
    • 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75um) | depth sensor
  • Front Camera
    • 8MP (f/2.2, 1.12um)
  • Colors: Sakura Pearl, Aurora Grey
  • Price: £129.99

The Moto G10 will go on sale for just £129.99 (~$180 USD) while the G30 will be as low as £159.99 (~$220 USD) in select European markets in the coming months.

Save nearly 30% on the Xpods Pro wireless earbuds

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It can be somewhat of a challenge to find wireless earbuds that provide great sound quality. Finding wireless earbuds noise-canceling capabilities? Equally tough. What about those with great battery life? How about something that has all three features?

The Xpods Pro True Wireless Earbuds, on sale for just $46.99 in the AG Deals Store, pack a whopping 25 hours of play-time per charge. The earbuds themselves last for up to five hours; the case also charges them up with an additional 20 hours.

Additionally, they come with customizable tips that contour to your ears so you don’t have to worry about them falling out. Bluetooth-enabled and offered in three colors (red, black, white), they come with built-in microphones, touch sensor controls, and precision-tuned drivers.

Xpods Pro Features

  • Precision-tuned drivers for richer acoustics
  • Latest Bluetooth technology ensures faster data transmission & solid signal connection
  • Advanced wireless play allow the best sound for both music & calls
  • Built-in microphones ensure that your voice comes through crisp & clear Flexible silicone eartips lock in sound & seal out distracting ambient noises
  • Intuitive touch sensor controls for easy navigation
  • Up to 5 hours of playtime on a single charge

Order Yours Today!

Right now, the Xpods Pro are on sale for only $49.99 in the AG Deals Store. Save 28% on them while the discount lasts.

Discover Editor X: the advanced web creation platform for designers and agencies

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As more and more brands lean on their digital presence for success, web experiences are increasingly in the spotlight. Designers are constantly innovating as they craft inspiring visitor experiences for each new project. It’s therefore no surprise that the platform they choose has to meet an incredibly high standard. Editor X is a cutting-edge platform that empowers designers to meet any client need with responsive web design, rich business infrastructure and reliable cloud hosting. It’s become extremely popular among professional web creators for a few reasons.

CSS control, combined with smooth drag and drop.

The Editor X workspace is wide and intuitive—very similar to the experience on a lot of native design and prototyping tools. With resizing handles at the sides of the canvas, you can see and design sites for every viewport width, and you can also add up to 6 custom breakpoints. For quick adjustments by eye, you can drag elements and gridlines with your mouse—but you can also access a range of CSS functions to precisely control the size, position and behavior of any element on any screen.

Integrated business solutions

Editor X also offers a suite of built-in business and marketing solutions, from online stores with reliable payment solutions, to booking systems, blogs and SEO tools. Each solution is fully maintained and secure, so you’ll never need to worry about the security of client sites.

Powerful CMS

These days dynamic, data driven sites are in high demand, with businesses wanting to update their content regularly and easily. Editor X has its own integrated content management system, where every kind of content can be stored behind the scenes and updated by clients without touching the site layout or design.

Custom code capabilities

You can build highly complex sites on Editor X without touching a line of code, but there’s also the option to turn on dev mode. This opens up tons of additional capabilities, from writing custom Javascript to connecting to external APIs, so you can build really advanced web applications.

If you’re looking to master Editor X, there are a few ways to get started. Firstly their educational hub, Academy X, is filled with video tutorials, lessons and hands on exercises. And another great way to dive in, is by exploring their beautiful array of designer-made templates. They’re fully customizable and free to play with, so you can break them apart and see how they were built before tackling your next project.

It’s no wonder this platform has caught the eye of professional web creators. Go ahead and try it yourself at editorx.com.

Teracube 2e gains retail availability

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The sustainable smartphone that is the Teracube is formally back with a successor today. Indeed, the Teracube 2e, which recently racked up more than $300,000 on Indiegogo, is available for retail purchase.

The Teracube 2e is comprised of 25 percent recycled plastics and comes with a fully biodegradable protective case. Equipped with a 4,000mAh replaceable (yeah, you read that right) battery, users can easily swap it out and avoid leaving an otherwise functioning device behind.

One of the key features of the Teracube is that it is DIY repairable, which means you can fix or replace some of the components yourself. For those who don’t feel like messing around or getting their hands dirty, the company backs it with an industry-leading Four-Year Premium Care Warranty with two-way free shipping and flat-fee ($59) accidental repairs.

We were pretty impressed with the first generation of the Teracube phone and it was about $90 more expensive. We have to imagine that this version should be equally impressive.

As far as specifications are concerned, the Teracube 2e is mostly in line with entry-level devices. It’s powered by Android 10 and features a 6.1-inch display at 720 x 1560 pixel resolution. The phone is promised to receive three years of Android and security updates.

Teracube 2e Features

  • Operating System: Android 10.0 with Google Play Store
  • Processor: MediaTek Helio A25 Octa-core processor 1.8Ghz
  • Memory: 4GB RAM with 64GB storage
  • Screen: 6.1” HD+ IPS Display (720X1560)
  • Rear Camera: 13+8MP
  • Front Camera: 8MP
  • Battery: 4000mAh replaceable lithium-ion polymer battery
  • Connectivity: WiFi A/B/G/N/AC, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC (Supports Google Pay)
  • Ports: Headphone Jack, USB-C port, Dedicated Dual SIM with separate Micro SD slot
  • Warranty: 4 Year Premium Care with Flat Fee Repairs

Under the hood we find a MediaTek Helio A25 Octa-core 1.8GHz processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. A microSD expansion card slot allows for (up to 128GB) external media should one need more space.

Rounding things out, the Teracube 2e comes with a fingerprint reader, 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Type-C charging port, and the aforementioned 4,000mAh battery. Depending on the type of person using it this could yield around two days of usage.

The Teracube 2e is an unlocked phone that works with a variety of GSM carriers, including T-Mobile, AT&T, and their respective prepaid and MVNO brands. Worth pointing out, of course, is that this one doesn’t have support for any 5G networks.

Learn more about the Teracube 2e, or purchase one for yourself at the company’s website for $199. Note this is only offered to consumers in the US and Canada.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 available to pre-order

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Samsung on Tuesday announced that its Galaxy Chromebook 2 is now available for pre-order. First introduced as part of the virtual version of CES 2021, the unit is offered in two colors: Fiesta Red and Mercury Gray.

The pre-orders for the Galaxy Chromebook 2 run from February 16 until the end of the month (28th) through Samsung.com and Best Buy. Consumers who pre-order the new device can earn up to $50 which can be used towards select purchases at the place where the pre-order was made.

The Galaxy Chromebook 2 will be available for general purchase starting March 1. Customers who buy the unit before March 14 will receive up to $30 off of their next purchase from either Samsung.com or Best Buy.

We’re really interested in the Galaxy Chromebook 2; we named it one of the best devices from CES 2021. Not only does it keep the main hardware and capabilities in line with its predecessor, the price comes in at a fraction of the first generation. There’s a trade-off, of course, but it comes in the display resolution. Out is the 4K screen while in comes the QLED display, the first for a Chromebook.

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