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CRKD Debuts Daft Punk Fortnite Controller

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CRKD has unveiled its latest addition to the world of rhythm gaming: the Daft Punk NEO S 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Controller. This new offering from CRKD allows gamers to immerse themselves in the Fortnite Daft Punk Experience in style.

Premium Design and Multi-Platform Compatibility

The controller, crafted by the team that developed the iconic hardware for Guitar Hero and DJ Hero, is both a premium gamepad and a collectible homage to the world’s most iconic electronic duo, Daft Punk. The controller features a detachable 5-fret attachment and exclusive Daft Punk-inspired artwork.

The Daft Punk NEO S 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Controller is compatible with PC, Switch, Cloud Gaming, and other rhythm-based games, providing a fresh and exciting gaming experience.

Price and Availability

The NEO S 5-Fret Daft Punk Fortnite Festival Edition is now available for pre-order for $59.99 / €69.99 / £59.99.

Pre-orders are open for this limited edition controller at CRKD shop. Shipping is expected to commence in November.

Level Up Everyday Essentials With Laifen’s Modern Grooming Lineup

When it comes to everyday essentials, the right tools can make all the difference, whether you’re rushing out the door in the morning, winding down at night, or just trying to keep your look in check.

Laifen, a brand that’s been making waves in the grooming and personal care space, has a lineup of products that take routine tasks and give them a much-needed modern twist. We’ve been checking out a handful of their latest gear, and here’s how each one stacks up.

Laifen Swift

The Laifen Swift High-Speed Hair Dryer is one of those gadgets that makes you rethink why you’ve been tolerating your old, clunky dryer for so long. Designed with speed and precision in mind, it can dry short hair in about 30 seconds and long hair in under four minutes. That’s not just “fast,” that’s practically teleportation speeds when dealing with your morning routine.

Beyond the quick-dry bragging rights, it’s engineered to keep your hair looking smooth and healthy. The Swift uses negative ions to break down water molecules, which helps tame frizz and boost shine. Translation: less “puffy lion mane,” more of a “I could totally be in a shampoo commercial.”

It’s also refreshingly lightweight, making it a solid travel buddy or just a wrist-saver for anyone with long hair who’s tired of holding a brick over their head. Add in the quiet operation and sleek design, and you’ve got a dryer that feels as modern as the smartphone in your pocket. Except this one gives you good hair days on demand and without a filter.

For those desiring a quick, effective, and hair-friendly drying experience, the Laifen Swift presents a strong option. It’s available now for $140.

Laifen Wave Special

Oral care gets a serious upgrade with the Wave Special, an ADA-certified brush packing up to 66,000 vibrations per minute. That’s more than enough to sweep away plaque and polish up your smile, but what makes it stand out is the flexibility.

A person holds a Laifen Wave Special electric toothbrush in a green color, with a modern design, near a bathroom sink.

You’ve got four modes (clean, sensitive, whitening, and gum care) so you can switch things up depending on what your teeth, or your coffee habit, need that day. The magnetic charging base is as modern as it sounds, with USB-C support and a battery that lasts up to 30 days.

Sleek and minimalist in design, it’s the kind of toothbrush that belongs on display rather than hidden away in the medicine cabinet. Grab yours in a variety of colors for around $90.

A person holding the Laifen P3 Pro Electric Shaver, showcasing its sleek design and modern features against a soft, blurred background.

Laifen P3 Pro

The Laifen P3 Pro Electric Shaver, priced $180 at launch, is built for anyone who’s tired of half-hearted shaves and buzzing bricks. Its linear motor delivers rapid, consistent strokes for a smoother cut, while the three floating blades adjust to the contours of your face. Translation: fewer missed spots and less irritation.

It’s designed with convenience in mind, offering both wet and dry use. This means that whether you’re a shaving cream traditionalist or a quick shower multitasker, it has you covered. Plus, the ergonomic grip and sleek finish make it feel more like a modern gadget than a grooming chore.

Toss in a fast-charge battery and low-noise operation, and you’ve got a razor that’s equal parts performance and polish. It’s the kind of upgrade that makes you wonder why you ever put up with the old clunky shaver in the first place. Really, why did you?

Laifen T1 Pro

A hand holding the Laifen T1 Pro Electric Shaver, showcasing its sleek design and power button.

The Laifen T1 Pro Electric Shaver ($150) is all about simplicity without compromise. With a single floating blade powered by a linear motor, it’s designed to deliver clean, consistent strokes that adapt to your facial contours. Think of it as the minimalist’s grooming tool: straightforward, efficient, and no-nonsense.

Its compact size makes it easy to handle, whether you’re trimming at home or tossing it in a travel bag. And since it supports both wet and dry shaving, you can keep your routine flexible. Lather it up or go barebones, it doesn’t matter.

Quiet operation, quick charging, and a modern, streamlined design round out the package. It’s proof that sometimes less really is more, especially when you just want a reliable shave without the bells and whistles.

Have I Been Wrong About the Pixel Watch?

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Listen, I’m a huge fan of Android. I’ve been with it from pretty much the beginning. I had the first Moto Droid and the fan-favorite HTC Incredible. It’s been my favorite mobile OS outside of Palm’s webOS, but I’ve also always had a less than stellar opinion of Android’s watch operating systems. 

Whether it’s Android Wear or Wear OS, I’ve always found it lacking in many ways. Historically, it’s had bad battery life, murky update cycles, and less than compelling fitness tracking metrics. This legacy had led me to dismiss the Pixel Watch series from inception. I consistently just didn’t care with each new release.

New Pixel Watch, New Perspective

This started to change a few weeks back when the Pixel Watch 4 was announced. The latest edition sees better battery life expectations, faster charging, and turbocharged Fitbit integrations. All this combined has piqued my interest on finally giving my Pixel smartphone a shot at pairing to a Pixel Watch.

The key new thing for me is the Fitbit refreshed integration. Every other Wear OS device I’ve tried from OnePlus or TicWatch has fallen short of offerings like Garmin and Suunto when it comes to showing truly useful fitness metrics in the companion app. Google having Fitbit, who helped start the fitness smartwatch segment in the first place, has a huge leg up in that regard. It even looks like a future update in October will make it even more advanced, with a deeper UI redesign and Gemini coaching being added.

Close-up of a Pixel Watch displaying fitness metrics and time on a person's wrist.

The Trial Run

I decided before I jumped all in with an over $500 investment on the Pixel Watch 4, to try to pick up a gently used Pixel Watch 3 to test the waters. It should have all the major options the 4 will have, short of a few things like fast charging and slightly bigger screen. I found an open-box option on Swappa for the 45mm variant and have now had it for around three weeks… and I think I like it.

I have been thoroughly impressed with the fitness hardware, for starters. The heart rate sensor, workout tracking, and sleep tracking has been comparable, if not better, than anything I’ve used from Garmin and Suunto. I’ve found my burned calories, step counts, and general workout HR to all be fantastic.

All of this means nothing if you don’t have a companion app that can present the data to you in a useful manner, and again, syncing to Fitbit nails this. I’ve grown accustomed to Garmin over the years as my watch of choice. While the Fitbit data is obviously laid out differently, I do feel like it shows me similar metrics and insights based off the data.

Having a morning report, Readiness score, and general training loads shown in an intuitive dashboard makes Fitbit a bit of a secret weapon for Pixel Watches in my opinion. I had discounted this aspect way too much since Google made this acquisition and was pleasantly surprised.

Still Room To Grow

I’d still like to see Google improve a few things. Battery life can still be better. Around 48 hours is great, but offerings from other fitness watches last weeks. The same is true for the Pixel Watch design, in my opinion. It needs a true bezel casing with a flat display. I’m sorry, but the fully unprotected, domed Gorilla glass isn’t enough and makes the watch look like a toy.

A Suunto smartwatch with a red strap displaying time, date, battery percentage, and heart rate on a textured surface.

The more Google leans into true active users with Fitbit, the more they need to realize these aren’t just casual wearers anymore. In that same vain, I’d love to see Google offer a “pro” model to compete with the Ultras from Apple and Samsung. A titanium build and sapphire glass, at a premium cost of course, could go a long way to fill the void with the adventurer crowd.

I Think I was Wrong

This experiment, and retrospective, forces me to admit I think I was wrong about the Pixel Watch. At least the current two iterations. While I see the hardware design as a growing point, the rest of the package is super solid. Honestly, it’s what I wanted the Apple Watch to be during my time on iOS island. Fitbit is the key feature that pushes it further in my mind. That intuitive, in depth tracking combines with the first party apps and software experience you can’t get anywhere else for us Pixel users. 

Rogbid Unveils Screen-Free Halo Smart Band, A Stylish New Health Technology

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Rogbid is thrilled to announce the launch of its first screen-free smart band, the Halo Band. The Halo Band beautifully combines minimalist design with advanced health technology, setting new standards in wearable fitness. With its sleek, ultra-thin, screen-free profile weighing just 22g, the Halo Band provides a barely-there wearing experience that effortlessly integrates into your lifestyle.

The Halo Band’s Comprehensive Health and Fitness Tracking

Don’t let its minimalist design fool you. Packed with powerful health-tracking features, the Halo Band offers 24-hour continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO₂), blood pressure, and sleep patterns, providing a comprehensive view of your wellness. It supports multiple sports modes, making it the perfect companion on your fitness journey, whether you are running, cycling, or practicing yoga.

Performance, Durability, and Longevity

Runners and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Halo Band’s companion app, offering detailed GPS tracking of running routes for easy performance review and improvement. With an IP68 waterproof rating, the device is resilient and durable, ready to withstand daily life in any environment. The impressive 40-day ultra-long battery life and call reminder feature ensure you can focus on your health without interruptions.

Price and Availability

The Halo Band is available with two premium strap options – nylon and silicone. Choose from four vibrant colors – black, blue, orange, and pink – to match your style effortlessly. The Halo Band is now available at the Rogbid Official Store for just $49.99, including four interchangeable straps for ultimate versatility.

Prime Big Deal: 20% Off CASETiFY & Nex Playground Bundles

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Prime Big Deal Days are here, and there are two exciting offers that you shouldn’t miss out on. From stylish tech accessories to an active play system for the family, here are our top picks for the sale.

Get Ready for Prime Big Deal Days

CASETiFY, the globally renowned lifestyle brand famous for its stylish, customizable, and protective tech accessories, is participating in Prime Big Deal Days on October 7–8. Shoppers have the opportunity to enjoy a 20% storewide discount on select CASETiFY products, excluding iPhone 17 Gen products. This is a great chance to grab fashionable tech accessories at a discounted rate, perfect for early holiday shopping. Early deals are already live across Amazon, CASETiFY.com, and Best Buy.

Nex Playground: An Engaging Deal for Active Families

Meanwhile, Nex Playground, the engaging play system that gets kids and families active, has an attractive Prime Day deal. Shoppers can take advantage of a 20% discount on the Nex Playground unit on Amazon. During Prime Big Deal Days, Prime members will have exclusive access to a 3-in-1 bundle, which includes the Nex Playground, Travel Case, and a 12-month Play Pass subscription, for 20% off.

Nex Playground offers a catalogue of 40+ games featuring popular children’s brands like Gabby’s Dollhouse and How To Train Your Dragon. It’s a great addition to family game nights, accommodating up to four players. It also prioritizes safety with features like a magnetic camera cover and no cloud processing. The system is kidSAFE+ COPPA certified.

Light Up Your Day with Lepro’s Prime Day Deals on Smart Lighting Solutions

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Just in time for Prime Day on October 7-8, Lepro is illuminating the market with discounts of up to 38% on their innovative indoor and outdoor color-changing smart lighting solutions. Customers can avail of these deals to transform their spaces into stylish and ambient havens.

Lepro is not just another smart lighting brand. It stands apart with its unique LLM-based LightGPM™ and LightBeats™ technologies, which allow the generation of custom lighting scenes from voice and text prompts and intelligent rhythm synchronization respectively.

Smart Lighting Prime Day Deals

The Prime Day deals include discounts on a variety of products. The E1 AI Permanent Outdoor Lights are available at discounts ranging from 34% to 36%. The TB1 AI Smart Table Lamp and TB2 AI Smart Table Lamp are available at 28% and 15% discounts respectively. The R2 AI 6 Inch LED Recessed Light is available in 2-Pack and 4-Pack options at 35% and 38% off respectively.

The S1 AI LED Strip Lights range in length from 16.4 ft to 100 ft, with discounts ranging from 11% to 27%. The B1 AI Smart Light Bulbs come in 2-Pack and 4-Pack options at 35% and 33% off respectively.

As a leading provider of smart lighting solutions, LePro is primarily devoted to offering innovative and stylish solutions for indoor and outdoor lighting needs. The company prides itself on making lighting customization easier and more interactive.

MobileX Announces Launch of Gold Network for Priority Data Access

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MobileX, a leading customizable wireless service provider, today announced the upcoming launch of its new feature, the Gold Network. This unique service offers customers priority data on demand, a feature that other carriers have yet to provide. By running on QCI 8, the Gold Network ensures faster speeds and lower latency during periods of peak congestion, whether at crowded events or in busy everyday areas.

Benefits and Access Options for The Gold Network

The Gold Network is designed to deliver improved performance during times of network congestion, allowing customers to enjoy smoother streaming, more reliable video chat, and a more responsive overall experience. Customers can opt for Gold On Demand for a one-time speed boost during high-traffic events, or they can choose Gold Unlimited or Gold Build Your Own for continuous monthly priority data access.

MobileX’s founder and CEO, Peter Adderton, stated that the Gold Network gives customers the power to decide when they want to upgrade to priority access. For those who do not require priority data, they can continue to rely on MobileX’s regular high-speed data, which has now been reduced to $1.90 per GB (from $2.10).

Availability

The Gold Network will be available next month (November) via the MobileX app, under XtraOptions. New customers can download the MobileX app from the Apple App Store and Google Play, or purchase a MobileX SIM starter pack at over 3,700 Walmart stores and on Walmart.com.

T-Mobile Expands T-Satellite with Starlink: Bringing Connectivity to New Heights

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In an exciting development for tech enthusiasts and adventurers alike, T-Mobile has announced a significant expansion of its T-Satellite service, powered by Starlink’s 650+ satellites. This expansion introduces satellite data connectivity for several popular apps, extending their reach to places where traditional cell signals dare not tread.

The Satellite-Powered App Experience

Building on the initial success of T-Satellite’s messaging services launched earlier this year, users in the U.S. can now enjoy essential apps like WhatsApp, AllTrails, AccuWeather, and Google Maps even in the most remote locations. This advancement means that voice and video chats on WhatsApp, among other features, are now possible via satellite, offering users a new level of communication freedom. Picture this: having a video call with friends while hiking in a secluded canyon, with no cell tower in sight.

Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Innovation, and Experience at T-Mobile, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’ve been astounded by the positive feedback from T-Satellite’s initial launch. Extending support to critical apps and services not only enhances safety but also offers peace of mind to our users, allowing them to stay connected anywhere they can see the sky.”

Apps That Go Beyond Boundaries

The integration of satellite connectivity has opened up a new realm of possibilities for app usage. Notable mentions include:

  • AllTrails: Navigate and explore over 500,000 trails with real-time location sharing, no matter how far off the grid you go.
  • AccuWeather: Access hyper-local forecasts and storm alerts, ensuring you’re prepared for any weather conditions, no matter where your adventure takes you.
  • CalTopo: Perfect for planners, offering custom map-building capabilities for hikes and trips, now enhanced with real-time satellite connectivity.
  • onX Suite: From hunting to offroading, these apps provide comprehensive data for outdoor enthusiasts, even in the most isolated areas.
  • X: Stay updated with trending topics and social media interactions, maintaining your digital presence even in remote locales.

For businesses, the T-Satellite service offers vital connectivity enhancements. Integrations with platforms like Dialpad and FLORIAN enable seamless communication during outages or in areas lacking terrestrial coverage, proving invaluable for field teams and first responders.

Seamless Connectivity for All

Using satellite-ready apps remains straightforward for T-Mobile customers. The phone automatically switches to satellite mode when terrestrial signals are unavailable, maintaining a seamless experience without the need for manual adjustments. This ensures that the critical services offered by these apps are available wherever you are, without the data-heavy demands of traditional networks.

T-Satellite service is included at no extra cost in T-Mobile’s premium plans, and for a modest fee, users of other networks can also benefit from this groundbreaking service. The initiative isn’t just for existing customers; developers are encouraged to connect with T-Mobile to explore the potential of keeping their apps live and accessible in this new era of connectivity.

With T-Satellite, T-Mobile is reshaping the landscape of connectivity, ensuring that being off the grid no longer means being out of touch. Whether you’re scaling mountains or simply escaping to a remote retreat, staying connected is now as easy as looking up at the sky.

Mecool MEgo1 4K Google TV Streaming Stick Review

Mecool probably isn’t on your radar if you need a streaming device for your television, but maybe they should be. The company makes a wide range of options running Android TV and the newer Google TV software by Google. I’ve recently been testing the latest addition to the Mecool lineup in the MEgo1 4k Streaming Stick.

Design

The build of the MEgo1 is pretty standard for a TV streaming stick. You get basically a glorified thumb drive with a male HDMI port on one end. The only other port is the power input, provided in this case by a USB-C option. There’s also the Mecool branding and blue LED status light to let you know you have it powered on and ready to stream.

Internally, the MEgo1 is powered by a Realtek RTD1325 ARM chipset, paired with 2GB of RAM and only 8GB of storage. This should be fine to run most apps, but I’m immediately concerned out of the box that I’ll be running out of storage. 

The included remote is very good. Mecool has followed the Google TV remote guidelines almost to the specs, and that’s a positive. The MEgo1 layout is intuitive, modern, and uncluttered while still offering the buttons you truly need. There are dedicated shortcuts for YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ at the bottom which should cover some of the most used apps in any household at this point.

Setup and Performance

Getting a Google TV device up and going is easier than it’s ever been. Logging into the MEgo1 takes just a few minutes with Google’s fantastic account setup from your phone’s existing accounts. Using a QR code to the link, the two devices syncs the needed information seamlessly over Wi-Fi.

Daily use of the Mecool MEgo1 Streaming Stick has been OK. When you first get it setup and settled, the UI is fairly snappy and transitions are decent between apps. I had no issues getting my favorite apps installed and ready to veg-out on the couch. 

It’s when you get these apps installed and used for a few days, you start to see some limitations. I’d estimate that I’m more the majority than the minority that in today’s streaming situation, it takes you at least five services to enjoy all the media subscriptions you’re paying for. 

Due to the size and RAM caching of these apps, the 2GB of RAM and the internal storage only being 8GB starts to show after a few weeks of use. It didn’t take long to start seeing more stuttering when moving between the interface as RAM became scarce. 

The same is true for actually memory becoming full as the apps offloaded data into the internal storage. The issue arrives almost immediately due to the 8GB of storage also includes the underlying operating system taking up well over half at around 4.5GB. This leaves user apps with a paltry 3.5 to 4GB of real storage at their disposal.

I think for most users, especially at $70, there’s a need for at least double of each of these defaults found on the MEgo1. I’d worry less about 4GB of RAM, and even 16GB of storage would still make me nervous. One of the most seen complaints around the launch of Google’s own Chromecast with Google TV is that it only comes with 16GB of storage.

“For a user looking to get a 4K Google TV stick, the Mecool MEgo1 is a confounding product. Priced at $70, its middling specs make it a tough sell when similar devices from competitors are a third of the price, and a better-specced Mecool box is available for the same cost.”

Software

The Mecool MEgo1 is a pretty standard affair for Google TV devices. You have Android’s television operating system with a fairly clean, and snappy interface. It’s focused around the company’s user data and tries to surface the next available show you want to watch based off your history and trends.

It is nice that the MEgo1 is certified for all the major streaming apps. Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video are all here with full 4K support. This can be a deal-breaker for some brands, but Mecool has this covered with zero issues in my testing. When you need to find that niche streaming app, the full Play Store is available as well.

A living room setup featuring a television displaying the Google TV interface with various streaming options and a blue wall behind it.

Final Thoughts

The Mecool MEgo1 is a bit of a confounding product addition for the company. Historically, their streaming devices are usually on the high-end with a budget pricing. The MEgo1 is somewhat of the exact opposite. The middling, and almost minimal specs, for a price of $70 makes this a hard sell. You can easily get a similar streaming stick running Google TV from other brands for around a third of the price, or for the about same price, you can get a better streaming box from Mecool like the KM9 Pro.

Your Next Adventure Just Got a Major Upgrade with the Suunto Vertical 2!

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Hold onto your hiking boots, folks! Suunto just dropped the Vertical 2, and trust us, this isn’t just another GPS sports watch—it’s positioning itself as the new generation of the ultimate companion, ready for both the highest peaks and your everyday adventures. Whether you’re an extreme expedition fanatic or just trying to track that daily run, Suunto designed the Vertical 2 to seamlessly blend endurance and performance.

Let’s dive into the major features that are going to make this watch a must-have on your wrist!

Brighter, Faster, and Built to Last

Say goodbye to squinting at your maps! The Vertical 2 boasts a larger, brighter, and energy-efficient 1.5-inch AMOLED display. With a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and utilizing LTPO-Display-Technologies, this screen promises exceptional clarity and readability, even when you’re staring straight into the sun. Maps and metrics will stay crystal clear no matter the environment.

Running demanding navigation tools requires serious speed. Suunto upgraded the processor and expanded the memory, making the user interface faster and smoother than before. Plus, this update ensures the watch is ready for all kinds of future software updates.

For the serious data junkies, the Vertical 2 features a completely redesigned optical heart rate sensor. This improved tech offers even higher accuracy for heart rate measurement right at the wrist, supporting everything from training and recovery tracking to general health monitoring. It also includes HRV measurement (Heart Rate Variability).

Never Get Lost (Or Stuck in the Dark!)

If you love tackling mountainous or hilly terrain, the new Climb Guidance function is a game-changer. This feature helps users prepare and navigate by providing real-time elevation profiles, color-coded route sections, and advanced notifications about upcoming ascents and descents. It brings detailed insights into gradients, distances, and altitude differences, significantly improving both route planning and on-trail navigation.

You’ll get sophisticated navigation tools supported by free, detailed offline maps right on the watch and in the Suunto app. These detailed maps include contour lines, paths, and terrain features, making route planning precise. And for those spontaneous moments, Quick-start navigation allows you to change your route mid-activity without pausing the recording!

Here’s a practical addition for safety and comfort: an integrated LED flashlight built right into the bezel. Perfect for low-light situations, the flashlight has adjustable brightness levels, a red light mode for night vision, and key safety modes like SOS and Pulse functions—light when you need it most, whether you’re in a tent or an emergency situation.

Endurance That Won’t Quit

The Vertical 2 is known for its rugged design and exceptional battery life.

  • Marathon Battery: Even in the most accurate Dualband-GNSS mode, the Vertical 2 manages an impressive 65 hours of GPS-tracking. For daily use, you can expect up to 20 days of Smartwatch usage, and it can be fully recharged in just two hours!
  • Tough as Nails: Designed for long days and built for durability, the watch is available in robust stainless steel (87 grams) or lightweight titanium (74 grams). It features sapphire crystal and is waterproof up to 100 meters (10 ATM). Plus, three side buttons ensure easy operation in any weather—even while wearing gloves.
  • Sporting Smarts: Beyond adventure, the Vertical 2 supports training with over 115 sport modes (including 22 new options for trail running, cycling, swimming, and skiing). You also get features like sport-specific heatmaps, weather alerts, recovery trackers, and the Suunto Coach for data-supported training guidance.

The Suunto Vertical 2 stainless steel model is priced at $599.00, and the titanium version is $699.00. You can snag one starting September 30, 2025, on suunto.com and at selected retailers worldwide. Go get your next adventure started!