Anker is adding more muscle to its compact Nano lineup with three new chargers designed to handle everything from daily smartphone top-ups to powering laptops. The refreshed range includes the Anker Nano Charging Station (130W, 6 Ports), the Anker Nano Charger (70W, 3 Ports) with USB-C Cable, and the Anker Nano Charger (35W, Built-in Retractable USB-C Cable). Each model takes advantage of GaN technology for smaller footprints, higher efficiency, and cooler operation.
Anker Nano Charging Station (130W, 6 Ports)
The new flagship of the Nano series, this slim hub pushes out a combined 130W of charging power. With four USB-C ports and two USB-A ports, it’s built for multitaskers who need to top up multiple devices at once. Anker says it can charge two 15-inch MacBook Air units to 50% in about 30 minutes or a 14-inch MacBook Pro to 50% in just 27 minutes.
Despite its output, the charging station measures just 0.75 inches thick and weighs 320g, making it easy to slip into a bag. Safety hasn’t been overlooked either as ActiveShield 2.0 protection monitors temperature and adjusts power output up to three million times a day.
Anker Nano Charger (70W, 3 Ports) with USB-C Cable
This mid-range option balances portability and performance. The 70W Nano Charger is TÜV Rheinland-certified and uses double GaN chips to reduce heat during extended charging sessions. It offers two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, delivering up to 70W max output when using a single device, or up to 65W combined when powering multiple devices.
It’s slim enough to hug the wall tighter than most traditional chargers, with a 41% smaller volume compared to Anker’s previous 70W model. Available in blue, pink, white, and black, it includes a USB-C charging cable in the box.
Rounding out the lineup is the pocket-friendly 35W Nano Charger. It integrates a 2.2ft retractable USB-C cable, saving travelers the trouble of packing extras. The built-in cable supports up to 20,000 bends and retractions, while the charger itself features foldable plugs to prevent scratches when tossed into a bag.
This compact unit can fast charge an iPhone 15 Pro Max to 50% in about 30 minutes, and its dual-port design means two devices can charge at once. Safety is handled by ActiveShield 3.0, which continuously monitors temperature and power output.
Availability
Anker’s expanded Nano lineup is designed to cover a wide spectrum of charging needs, whether that’s a desk-friendly hub for laptops, a slim wall charger for everyday use, or an all-in-one travel companion. More details on the new Nano chargers can be found on Anker’s official website.
Meross is back in 2025 with a few new smart home devices to make you more comfortable with less fuss. All three devices feature Matter compatibility, which allows them to easily integrate with major smart home ecosystems like Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings.
This smart thermostat is designed for heating systems, specifically radiators. It is a radiator valve that connects to a Meross Matter hub to function. Key details include:
Heating Control: It provides smart control over radiator heating, allowing you to set schedules and adjust the temperature remotely via the Meross app or your preferred smart home platform.
Energy Saving: It has an open-window detection feature that automatically shuts off heating when it senses a sudden temperature drop, helping to save energy.
Installation: It comes with six different valve adapters to fit a wide range of radiators.
Note: This device requires a Meross Matter Hub to connect and operate.
This is a smart thermostat specifically for electric underfloor heating systems in the United States. It’s designed to replace a traditional thermostat and works with most 120V and 240V electric floor heating systems. Notable features are:
Floor Heating Control: It provides precise temperature control for underfloor heating, allowing for custom schedules and remote operation.
Display: It features a large, backlit LCD screen that is easy to read.
Sensor Support: It includes a built-in air temperature sensor and also supports an external floor sensor to accurately monitor the floor’s temperature.
Installation: This device requires a neutral wire for installation.
Synology’s “Plus” series has long been the go-to NAS line for small businesses, home offices, and power users. Models like the DS920+ and DS923+ struck a near-perfect balance of performance, flexibility, and ease of use. If you’re in the game of enhancing your home setup and moving a bit into the small office and team space, Synology’s stuff has been tried, tested, and trusted.
That legacy continues, though not without some caveats, with the new DiskStation DS925+. It’s faster, smarter, and more refined, but it also marks one of the most controversial turns in Synology’s hardware philosophy.
If you’ve been paying close attention to this particular space, you’ve probably already seen a fair share of headlines around the brand’s moves in 2025. And we’ll certainly get into that.
This review unpacks both sides of the equation: the welcome performance upgrades, and the company’s new approach to drive compatibility and network expansion that might leave some loyal users reconsidering their next NAS.
Design and Build: Familiar Looks, Subtle Shifts
At a glance, not much has changed. If you’ve seen one of these unit, you can probably draw a picture of its predecessor or successor. The DS925+ sticks to Synology’s trusted aesthetic: a matte black, minimalist box that fits cleanly into a desk setup or server shelf. The four front-facing bays support 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, with tool-free installation for the former and tray locks for physical security. Cooling is managed by dual 92mm fans at the rear, and ventilation runs along the sides and base.
Idle acoustics are rated at a low 20.5 dB(A), though drive selection can impact that. With enterprise drives, I understand that you may hear it pushing past 48 dB(A) under heavy use.
Synology’s DS925+ strikes a balance of power and polish, giving small teams and home offices a NAS that feels seamless from setup to everyday use.
Under the Hood: More Multitasking Muscle
Synology’s shift to an AMD Ryzen V1500B CPU gives the DS925+ a solid edge over its predecessor. It’s a quad-core, eight-thread chip running at 2.2 GHz. This means more cores and threads than the dual-core R1600 in the DS923+, even if the base frequency is slightly lower. This translates to stronger multitasking for things like Docker containers, virtualization, and file-sharing.
The unit ships with 4 GB of DDR4 ECC memory and supports up to 32 GB via two SODIMM slots. While expandable, the base memory may feel tight for power users, especially as competitors start shipping with 8GB or more by default.
On the bottom are two PCIe 3.0 M.2 NVMe slots that support SSD caching or can be used as a dedicated storage pool… but only if you use Synology’s branded NVMe SSDs.
Connectivity: Gains and Losses
Here’s where things get complicated.
The DS925+ adds two 2.5GbE LAN ports as standard. This is a long-awaited upgrade that doubles theoretical throughput over the dual 1GbE ports found on previous models. These ports support link aggregation and SMB Multichannel for increased speed and failover.
But in the same breath, Synology has removed the PCIe slot. That means no more optional 10GbE expansion. You’re locked into a combined max throughput of 5Gbps, which is fine for many users but could be a hard limit for others.
Also new is a USB-C expansion port for connecting the DX525 5-bay unit, replacing the old eSATA interface. There are still two USB-A ports, but they’re now limited to external storage only. There is no support for peripherals like printers or wireless adapters.
Setup and the Drive Lockdown
Physically setting up the DS925+ is as clean and intuitive as you’d expect. Drive installation is still tool-free, RAM and NVMe upgrades are easy to access, and the entire process is well-documented. But once you power it on, you’re met with a change that has sparked some of the most vocal backlash Synology has seen in years.
With the DS925+, Synology introduces a hard enforcement of its new drive compatibility policy. On a fresh install, if the system detects drives that aren’t officially certified, meaning Synology-branded models, it will halt setup. Not warn. Not prompt. Halt.
Why It Matters
This policy isn’t entirely new; Synology began tightening compatibility enforcement on some of its business-oriented models a few years ago. But bringing it to the mainstream “Plus” line, where many tech-savvy home users, small businesses, and prosumers have historically relied on flexibility and cost-conscious component choices, is a sharp turn.
The Fallout
Across forums, Reddit threads, YouTube reviews, and user communities, the reaction has been intense. Long-time Synology users who previously praised the brand for its reliability and openness now find themselves priced out. Or perhaps worse in their eyes, forced to buy into a closed ecosystem that didn’t exist when they made their last NAS purchase.
Reviewers have echoed this tension. While many continue to praise DSM, Synology’s software suite, and the DS925+’s performance upgrades, the drive policy is repeatedly flagged as a major downside. The most consistent complaint? It fundamentally alters the value equation. A NAS that used to work seamlessly with trusted Seagate or Western Digital drives now requires users to pay a premium for Synology’s rebranded models, with no clear technical justification for the enforcement beyond ecosystem control.
Workarounds and Risks
Yes, there are unofficial bypasses such as scripts that advanced users can run via SSH to disable the drive check. However, using them means walking away from official support. For users running mission-critical data or who want peace of mind, that’s often not worth the risk. And for newcomers or IT staff managing multiple devices, these backdoor methods are a non-starter. Ask yourself as a tinkerer or novice user looking to grow into a small office setup – are you willing to goof around with your data?
It’s Not Just About Drives
The removal of the PCIe slot for 10GbE upgrades struck a similar chord. Reviewers and power users alike see it as a deliberate limitation, not a technical one.
Combined with the drive policy, it has led many to describe the DS925+ as Synology’s “Apple moment”, meaning it’s a pivot toward a vertically integrated, appliance-like model where hardware choice is traded for simplicity, and user control is traded for brand loyalty.
As a faithful and devoted Android user, I’ve long been about choice. I love when I can pick and choose the stuff I want and have it work just as well with various apps, services, carriers, other OEMs, and the like.
What pains me, though, and it’s been this way for me in many ways over the last few decades, is the trade-off. More specifically, it’s the less-than-perfect experience that comes with cobbling. As much as I hated Apple’s approach in the early days of the iPhone, I was jealous of the “it just works” approach.
Keeping everything under one roof, or tightening things up does have its benefits. Google’s taking control of the Nexus and then Pixel line of phones has ushered in a truly cohesive experience with the best of Android and smartphone promises that are delivered.
I get why Synology would want to do this. But as someone who doesn’t truly need a system like the DS925+ for daily usage, I can see why it might anger or irritate those who do. Nevertheless, you’ve probably made up your mind over whether you’re still considering one of these so let’s move on.
DSM and Applications: Still the Best in Class
Once you’re in, DiskStation Manager 7.2 continues to shine. DSM remains the strongest argument for choosing Synology. It’s stable, intuitive, and packed with useful applications:
Photos: Smart media management with AI-assisted sorting and facial recognition.
Active Backup Suite: Free backup software for Windows, macOS, servers, and VMs.
Virtual Machine Manager: For running Windows, Linux, or even DSM inside a VM.
Surveillance Station: Supports up to 40 IP cameras with advanced NVR tools.
Docker/Container Manager: Full container support for custom workloads.
It’s all license-free, and in many cases, business-grade.
Performance: Strong, But Strategically Capped
Real-world performance is strong, though ultimately limited by Synology’s choices. It’s here where I have to rely on the findings and experiences of others to help me appreciate performance.
With a single 2.5GbE connection, transfer speeds hover around 280-300 MB/s. Bonded connections (using SMB Multichannel) can approach 500 MB/s if your switch and client support it. That’s easily more than fast enough for most home users, photographers, or small teams.
But internal NVMe performance is constrained. Drive-to-drive transfers max out around 450 MB/s, and even single NVMe reads top out at 670 MB/s.
For media tasks, Plex runs well for most formats, including 1080p HEVC and 4K H.264. But without GPU support, this NAS can’t handle heavy 4K HEVC transcoding. If you rely on Plex to transcode large UHD files on the fly, you’ll run into CPU bottlenecks.
Energy Use
Power draw sits around 12W in idle, 38W during active use, and peak at around 62-64W when under full load. That’s relatively efficient from what I gather for a four-bay NAS with this much performance.
The Real Value: Software, Support, and the Drive Tax
At $639 for the diskless unit, the DS925+ is competitively priced. Then you’ll factor in the mandatory Synology drives.
Four 8TB Synology HAT3310 drives can cost around $800. By contrast, equivalent drives from Seagate or WD often cost hundreds less. The upcharge becomes even more dramatic with M.2 SSDs, where Synology-branded options can cost four to five times more than alternatives. A single SNV5420-800G runs $285 by itself when I checked for this review.
So while DSM and Synology’s enterprise-grade tools add serious long-term value, the upfront cost of ownership has climbed sharply. This is why I feel like heavier users, early adopters, and Synology fans made up their minds on the DS925+. It’s also easy to understand why a line is drawn.
Warranty and Support
The DS925+ comes with a three-year warranty, with an optional upgrade to five years via Synology’s Extended Warranty Plus. That plan includes advance replacement shipping, which can be a lifesaver in business environments where downtime matters.
Similarly, the Plus Series drives from Synology are also backed by a three-year warranty. And when it comes to peace of mind, things ought to be tighter and better than ever, right?
Who It’s For
Small teams and businesses that will fully leverage DSM’s license-free backup, sync, and productivity tools
Existing Synology users looking to upgrade from older models and are comfortable accepting the new drive policy
Buyers who want stability and support and are willing to pay for it up front
Who Should Pass
Budget-conscious users or those who want flexibility in choosing drives
Media professionals or power users who need 10GbE or GPU-enabled transcoding
Open platform enthusiasts who dislike vendor lock-in
Final Thoughts: Synology’s Defining Line in the Sand
Awarded to products with an average rating of 3.75 stars or higher, the AndroidGuys Smart Pick recognizes a balance of quality, performance, and value.
Products with this distinction deserve to be on your short list of purchase candidates.
In the end, the DS925+ is a bit of a paradox. It’s the best the “Plus” line has ever been in some respects. It’s faster, smarter, and more capable out of the box. At the same time, it’s also the most divisive, drawing a clear line between those who are content inside Synology’s increasingly curated ecosystem and those who remember when this tier of NAS was a blank canvas for their own build-out.
For some, that trade-off is well worth it. You get a rock-solid software experience, excellent documentation, tight integration across tools, and peace of mind in knowing exactly what Synology will support. For others, especially those who built their setups around mixing and matching drives, swapping NICs, and staying agile, it feels like the door is closing.
Personally, I get both sides. I’ve felt the allure of a frictionless, cohesive system, and I’ve also felt the sting when a favorite brand pivots toward tighter control. Whether the DS925+ earns a spot in your setup likely depends less on what the spec sheet says and more on what kind of user you are. Or want to be.
If you just need a reliable NAS that “just works,” this one will likely make you very happy. If you’re the kind of person who likes to tweak, stretch, and grow into your gear on your own terms, you might be better off looking elsewhere.
And that’s what makes the DS925+ such a defining release for Synology. It’s not just a product update for 2025. This generation is more a statement of where the company is heading. Whether you’re on board with that or not, it’s probably time to decide.
THINKWARE, a leader in dash cam technology, has rolled out its most advanced model to date: the ARC700. Positioned as the flagship of the ARC lineup, the ARC700 brings sharper video, smarter recording, and driver-friendly features in a compact dual-channel design.
4K Vision Up Front, 2K Out Back
At the heart of the ARC700 is Sony’s STARVIS 415 sensor, paired with THINKWARE’s proprietary IQ Tuning technology. Together, they deliver true 4K UHD recording in the front and 2K QHD in the rear, footage sharp enough to catch every detail, from license plates to roadside nuances. The dash cam supports flexible recording modes, including 4K at 30fps or 2K at 45fps, giving drivers options for smoothness or resolution depending on the scenario.
Dual HDR processing ensures balanced exposure in tricky lighting, making everything from sun-drenched highways to dim side streets more accurately rendered. Super Night Vision 2.0 further boosts clarity in low light, so grainy nighttime footage is one less worry.
Intelligence Behind the Lens
The ARC700 isn’t just about pixels. THINKWARE says its IQ Tuning was refined after analyzing more than 1.5 million real-world recordings, allowing the system to compensate for sensor limits and optimize footage for clarity. This means clearer faces, plates, and signs even in fast-changing conditions.
On top of that, the dash cam offers smart surveillance for parked vehicles. Drivers get 24/7 monitoring with motion and impact detection, a TimeLapse mode for longer coverage, and a 3X Energy Saving option to extend recording time. A radar module add-on (sold separately) can even record buffered events leading up to incidents which is perfect for catching what really happened before a bump in the lot.
Built for Everyday Drivers
Ease of use is front and center in the ARC700. A new high-stability mount keeps the unit secure while still allowing for quick detachment if needed. The dash cam ships with both hardwiring and 12V cables, plus a 64GB SD card, so it’s ready to go right out of the box.
Connectivity is equally streamlined. With built-in 5GHz Wi-Fi and GPS, drivers can download footage quickly and tag locations automatically. The THINKWARE Dash Cam Link app rounds it out, offering remote control, settings adjustments, and access to video on the fly.
Safety Extras and Pricing
Like past THINKWARE models, the ARC700 comes with Safety Camera Alerts for red-light and speed cameras, as well as supercapacitor-backed emergency saves to protect footage during power loss.
The ARC700 is priced at $329.99 USD or $449.99 CAD and is available through THINKWARE’s online store, Amazon, and select automotive specialty retailers.
In a world where content is king and video reigns supreme, brands are constantly seeking innovative ways to connect with their audiences. Remote videography has emerged as a powerful tool in this quest, offering flexibility, efficiency, and a unique edge in creating compelling content. By integrating this modality into your marketing strategy, you can capture high-quality video content that resonates with viewers across the globe. Below, we explore the intricacies of remote videography and how you can harness its potential to boost your brand’s presence.
Understanding Remote Videography and Its Impact on Marketing
Remote videography is a process where video content is produced and directed from a distance, utilizing advanced communication tools and technology. This method allows brands to create professional videos without the physical presence of a production team on site. Adopting this approach, companies can overcome geographical barriers and reduce production costs, while still achieving their desired quality and audience impact.
In the context of marketing, remote videography provides an opportunity for brands to tell their stories in new and engaging ways. Whether it’s customer testimonials, product demonstrations, or behind-the-scenes glimpses, remote video content can add credibility and authenticity to marketing campaigns. This is particularly vital in an era dominated by digital media, where video is often the most shared and engaged with form of content online.
With the rise of remote videography, marketers now have the flexibility to pivot quickly in response to changing trends and audience preferences. It allows for faster content turnaround times, which is key in maintaining relevance and keeping up with the fast-paced nature of social media and online platforms. Additionally, it enables collaboration with talent and influencers from across the world, expanding the reach and relatability of marketing campaigns.
Incorporating remote videography into the marketing mix can also facilitate a more personalized approach. By bringing together diverse perspectives from different locations, brands can create a more inclusive and comprehensive marketing strategy that addresses various customer segments and niche markets. This ultimately results in a more impactful and effective marketing approach.
Strategies for Integrating Remote Videography into Your Brand’s Storytelling
To successfully weave remote videography into your brand’s narrative, it’s important to start with a clear vision and storyline. Conceptualize how elements of remote video content can complement and enhance your existing marketing messages. Consider using this medium to showcase your brand’s global footprint, feature customer experiences from different regions, or highlight the versatility of your products or services.
When crafting your brand’s story, consistency is key. Ensure the style, tone, and quality of remote video content align with your brand’s overall aesthetic and values. One way to maintain uniformity is by providing remote videographers with brand guidelines, which can include specifics on color schemes, messaging, and the overall feel of the video content.
Interactive content is a cornerstone of effective storytelling, and remote videography can play a significant role here. Invite viewers to participate in challenges, ask questions, or share their own stories through user-generated content. In doing so, you transform passive viewers into active participants, fostering a deeper connection with your brand.
Combining remote videography with other marketing channels can amplify your storytelling efforts. Use social media, email newsletters, and your brand’s website to share and promote your remote video content. This integrated approach creates multiple touchpoints with your audience, thereby strengthening their engagement and recall of your brand’s story.
Tips for Hiring and Collaborating with Remote Videographers
Selecting the right remote videographer is critical to the success of your video content. Look for professionals who not only have a strong portfolio but also demonstrate an understanding of your brand’s vision. It’s also wise to consider their technological prowess and ability to troubleshoot remote shooting challenges.
Clear communication is at the heart of effective collaboration with remote videographers. Outlining project objectives, deadlines, and deliverables from the outset will set clear expectations and help the production process run smoothly. Frequent check-ins and updates can also help maintain project momentum and alignment between both parties.
Equipping your remote videographer with the right tools and resources is essential for producing high-quality content. Discuss the technical requirements and support your videographer might need, such as access to cloud storage, editing software, or specific equipment to ensure they can deliver to the best of their abilities.
Building a rapport with your remote videographer can lead to better working relationships and, as a result, better content. Foster a collaborative environment where creativity is encouraged, and feedback is exchanged constructively. This not only improves the project at hand but also paves the way for successful future collaborations.
Maximizing Audience Engagement with Innovative Remote Video Content
Engagement is the cornerstone of successful video marketing. Innovative remote video content can keep your audience interested and invested in your brand. Consider incorporating interactive elements such as polls, quizzes or live Q&A sessions to create a dynamic viewing experience that invites audience participation.
Tailoring content to different platforms can also optimize engagement. Short, snappy videos may perform better on social media, whereas longer, in-depth content could be more suitable for your website or YouTube. Understanding where your audience spends their time and how they consume content is essential in making these decisions.
Technological advances offer opportunities to push the envelope with remote videography. Experimenting with various formats like 360-degree videos, augmented reality (AR) experiences, and personalized video messages can set your brand apart from competitors and captivate your viewers’ attention.
Lastly, don’t shy away from storytelling that evokes emotion. Remote video content can be an excellent medium for highlighting real stories that resonate on a personal level with your audience. Authenticity in these narratives will foster trust and loyalty among your viewers, which is invaluable to any brand.
Measuring the Success of Your Remote Videography Campaigns
To gauge the effectiveness of your remote videography efforts, it’s important to establish clear metrics and goals beforehand. Track metrics such as view counts, engagement rates, and conversion rates to see how well your content is performing against your objectives. Monitoring these metrics can also provide insights into areas for improvement.
Customer feedback is another powerful indicator of success. Encourage viewers to share their thoughts on the video content and pay attention to the comments and discussions it generates. This direct feedback can be used to refine your approach and better cater to your audience’s preferences.
Video analytics tools can provide in-depth data on viewer behavior, such as average watch time, drop-off rates, and click-through rates. These insights help in understanding how well the content retains viewers’ attention and drives the desired actions. Analyzing this data can sharpen your content strategy, making future remote videography campaigns even more successful.
Consider the long-term impact of your video content on brand awareness and perception. Remote videography campaigns that contribute to a positive shift in how consumers view your brand are invaluable. This might be evident through an increase in brand mentions, higher social media following, or improved sentiment analysis results.
Altogether, remote videography presents a plethora of opportunities for brands to intensify their marketing strategies and connect with audiences on a deeper level. Through careful planning, collaboration, and continuous measurement, businesses can create powerful, engaging video content that resonates and drives growth. By keeping these considerations in mind, your brand can leverage the full potential of remote videography to achieve and even exceed your marketing goals.
EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement
Govee has pulled back the curtain, quite literally, on its newest smart lighting system, the Curtain Lights Pro. Announced in Seattle, the latest addition to the brand’s growing lineup is designed to make home spaces brighter, more playful, and more interactive. From family movie nights to TikTok recording sessions, the lights aim to double as both décor and creative toolkit.
Packed with LEDs and Processing Power
At the heart of the Curtain Lights Pro are 960 RGBIC LEDs arranged in a 30×32 matrix, providing ultra-HD visuals that look crisp whether displaying a child’s doodle or a full-blown animation. Govee says its upgraded processor is twenty times faster than previous models, supporting complex visuals at a smooth 30Hz refresh rate. Thanks to Uni-IC Control Technology, each LED can independently display one of 16 million colors, giving users granular control over how their space looks.
AI-Powered Customization
For those who would rather not fuss with manual setup, Govee has integrated its AI Lighting Bot. Simply type or speak a prompt such as “birthday party” or “sunset vibe” and the system generates lighting scenes in seconds. A 30-layer editing canvas allows image and GIF uploads for more advanced customization, while a library of 250 pre-built scenes covers holidays, milestones, and everyday moods. Music lovers can lean on ten audio-reactive modes that sync with playlists for impromptu living room raves.
Smarter, More Connected
The Curtain Lights Pro is fully compatible with the Govee Home app, plus voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. For households invested in smart ecosystems, the new model adds Matter compatibility, making it easier to integrate across platforms.
Scheduling is handled through the Auto-Run feature, shifting lighting automatically throughout the day, from soft sunrise tones in the morning to relaxing evening glows. The system can even sync with movies and games, expanding the on-screen action to the walls around you.
Govee Lights Up Family Fun and Creator Spaces with New Curtain Lights Pro with Popular Puzzle Game Block Blast
Gaming Comes Alive with Block Blast!
In a quirky crossover, Govee has teamed up with Hungry Studio’s puzzle hit Block Blast! to bring gameplay beyond the screen. As players shift blocks in the app, corresponding animations and colors light up on the Curtain Lights Pro, turning casual sessions into interactive family events. Jason Wang, VP of Brand Marketing at Hungry Studio, said the collaboration helps “transform living rooms into vibrant game arenas, where each move can light up the walls with dynamic colors and animations.”
Price and Availability
The Govee Curtain Lights Pro is available now for $199.99 through Govee.com and Amazon.
Smart eyewear newcomer L’Atitude 52°N made its global debut at IFA 2025 in Berlin, pairing a brand launch with an award win. The company’s first collection of premium smart glasses, The Departure Collection, not only drew attention on the show floor but also earned the Best of IFA NEXT Award, a recognition reserved for startups and visionaries pushing the boundaries of consumer tech.
Award Recognition at Launch
The accolade was handed out by a panel of international journalists and industry experts, highlighting the company’s early momentum in the growing smart eyewear space. Founder Gary Chen, a veteran with over 18 years in technology and mobile communications, described the honor as a milestone in making wearable innovation more approachable.
Blending Design and Intelligence
L’Atitude 52°N positions its smart glasses as a balance of form and function, frames that could pass for an everyday favorite but with discreet tech baked in. The glasses are designed for a style-conscious audience that views wearables as natural extensions of daily life. An integrated AI assistant, trained in art and culture, adds a layer of exploration by offering insights and recommendations tied to urban experiences.
Key Features of The Departure Collection
Ultra-wide 107° camera with both portrait and landscape modes
Live translation for cross-language communication
Hands-free intercom strap supporting up to eight users offline
Premium construction with TR90 frames, titanium hinges, and IP65 protection
Exploration modes for museums, city tours, and cultural discovery
Three Models, Six Colors
The collection is launching with three distinct frame designs:
Berlin | 52°N – A bold navigator silhouette with a creative, urban edge
Milan | 45°N – A versatile panto style blending elegance with everyday wear
Antwerp | 51°N – A minimalist rectangular option for understated sophistication
Each model comes in two colorways, giving wearers flexibility to match their personal style.
A Brand Rooted in Berlin
L’Atitude 52°N has planted its global headquarters in Berlin, nodding to the city’s creative energy and diversity. The brand name itself references the city’s latitude, reinforcing a theme of exploration and curiosity that threads through its product design.
More details about L’Atitude 52°N and its smart glasses can be found on the company’s official website.
Vitesy has returned to IFA Berlin with an updated version of its Shelfy smart device, a gadget designed to help families cut food waste, save money, and keep fridges smelling a little less… adventurous. The refreshed Shelfy introduces new features aimed at boosting performance and sustainability, while keeping its focus on extending food life and reducing bacteria.
The launch comes at a time when food waste in Germany alone totals more than 10 million tonnes annually. Vitesy positions Shelfy as both a financial ally for households and a greener alternative to tossing out spoiled produce.
What’s New This Time Around
The upgraded Shelfy brings a handful of refinements over the original release. Most notable are a new color option, improved battery performance, and the addition of blue LED lighting, which enhances the device’s photocatalytic process for tackling bacteria and odors. The improved charging cycle means less time tethered to a cable and more time keeping the fridge environment clean.
The Shelfy will be available from September 16, 2025, directly from Vitesy at a retail price of £119, with a launch offer set at £109.
Freshness on Autopilot
At the core of Shelfy is its advanced photocatalytic technology, which removes up to 97.5% of bacteria in the fridge’s air within just 10 minutes and reduces odors, whether fish, cheese, or last night’s leftovers, by around 80%. By neutralizing ethylene gas, the device slows down ripening, giving fruits and vegetables as much as 12 extra days of shelf life.
This means fewer forgotten cucumbers turning to mush and fewer trips to the grocery store, small victories that add up quickly.
Key Features at a Glance
No filter replacements: A washable ceramic-coated filter that avoids recurring costs and waste.
Smart sensors: Tracks fridge temperature and door openings to fine-tune energy efficiency.
Blue LED light: Boosts photocatalysis efficiency.
Three adaptive modes: Eco, Crisper, and Performance settings for different needs.
Battery life: Up to three weeks per charge via USB-C.
Full app integration: The Vitesy Hub app delivers fridge analytics, storage advice, and energy tips.
Smart home support: Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Built for Sustainability
Vitesy has engineered Shelfy with a zero-waste mindset, avoiding glue and harmful chemicals in production, using plastic-free packaging, and working with sustainability partner UP2You. It’s a compact solution that reflects a broader eco-conscious philosophy.
With rising grocery prices, the company frames Shelfy as less of a gadget and more of a one-time investment that can pay for itself by reducing spoiled food. For eco-minded households, that makes it both a practical and environmentally friendly kitchen upgrade.
GRAVITY has announced its latest creation, the Universe Time, a futuristic clock that brings magnetic levitation and sci-fi aesthetics to the living room or office desk. Combining art, engineering, and a dash of playful interactivity, the device is positioned as less of a timekeeper than an experience.
Floating Time, Literally
The centerpiece of Universe Time is GRAVITY’s proprietary 720° Free Float technology, which suspends a pointer in midair at any angle without breaking its position. The effect creates the illusion of time orbiting like a planet in space. Unlike traditional levitating gadgets that lock into a single orientation, the pointer here remains stable no matter how it’s positioned.
Owners can tap into a tactile experience by pressing on the pointer, which responds with a repulsive push while still holding steady in its orbit. For those who enjoy a hands-on challenge, GRAVITY even suggests carefully balancing the pointer into position manually—like docking a spacecraft with a steady hand.
Planetary Time Simulation
Universe Time isn’t limited to Earth’s standard 24-hour cycle. The device lets users experience planetary time modes, simulating the rotation speeds of worlds like Mercury, Venus, or Jupiter. That means you can watch hours speed by in minutes or slow down time for a meditative focus session. Pointer speeds can be adjusted from 0.1x to 10x, making the clock a tool for concentration, relaxation, or just showing off to friends.
Sci-Fi Design Meets Smart Control
The clock doubles as a piece of futuristic décor. Its HSL light ring, made of 60 customizable LEDs, outlines the floating pointer with colors and dynamic effects that users can fine-tune via the companion app. The app itself is styled like the helm of a spaceship, offering settings for mode, brightness, and animations while storing user preferences for future sessions.
From a design standpoint, GRAVITY describes Universe Time as sci-fi art, aiming to transform any space into a futuristic bridge inspired by the cosmos.
Under the Hood
Practical details haven’t been overlooked. The device runs on a 5,000mAh lithium-ion battery, charged via USB Type-C with PD 12V/2A input. It weighs about 904 grams, measures roughly 162 × 158 × 151 mm, and operates within a temperature range of -10°C to 35°C.
Availability
GRAVITY has not yet announced pricing or release details, but more information about Universe Time can be found on the official site at www.gravityplayer.com.
Shenzhen-based Wan AIChef Technology has rolled out its flagship AIChef Ultra at IFA Berlin 2025, serving up a bold blend of high-tech cooking and personalized nutrition. Under the banner “AI Fusion–Cooking Evolution,” the launch positions the device as both chef and diet coach, promising to spice up kitchens with a dash of artificial intelligence.
Smarter Cooking with AI
The AIChef Ultra is a countertop gadget and a culinary multitasker with brains to match. Its AI-powered ingredient recognition can spot what’s on your cutting board in seconds, then pair it into recipes faster than you can say “dinner’s ready.” Precise thermal control keeps temperatures within a razor-thin margin of ±3℃, bringing restaurant-level consistency to home cooking.
Features
Smart ingredient recognition – spots foods in seconds.
Chef-level precision – holds heat within ±3℃.
Personalized nutrition – meal plans tailored to your health.
Batch cooking – multiple dishes, one session.
Recipe hub – 1,000+ evolving global dishes.
AI cooking model – trained on pro recipes for consistent results.
Multi-mode cooking – steam, stir-fry, grill, and more.
Award-winning design – Red Dot honors and 25 patents.
On the health side, the system moonlights as a personal nutritionist. It can perform a quick health scan and generate meal plans tailored to individual profiles, turning the nightly “what’s for dinner?” question into a guided experience rather than a guessing game. And with batch cooking intelligence, multiple dishes can be prepared at once, perfect for households juggling different tastes.
Proprietary Core Technologies
Wan AIChef isn’t shy about the brains behind its Ultra. The system is powered by four proprietary innovations:
Zhurong Cooking Model – an AI engine trained on millions of data points and thousands of professional recipes.
Tianchu Smart Ingredient Recognition – a patented scanner that spots ingredients and matches them to suitable dishes in seconds.
Danchao Precision Thermal Control – patented heating technology that maintains rock-solid stability for consistent results.
AiOS Dietary Smart Brain – a built-in nutritionist that runs quick scans and suggests meals that fit personal health needs.
As CEO Stanley Huo put it, the AIChef Ultra aims to blend technology with nutrition science to make everyday cooking both simpler and smarter.
Award-Winning Design and Global Vision
The Ultra has already earned accolades like the Red Dot Award and boasts 25 invention patents. A research team of more than 600 professionals continues to refine its AI-driven cooking ecosystem.
Beyond kitchens, Wan AIChef is applying its expertise in community dining halls and corporate cafeterias through initiatives such as Caring Canteens, which focus on improving nutrition and efficiency for large groups, particularly elderly diners. It’s not just about cooking smarter at home, but feeding communities more thoughtfully too.
Specs and Market Position
Under the sleek finish (available in Slate Cliff Gray, Obsidian Black, Titanium Alloy Black, and Titanium Gray), the AIChef Ultra packs serious hardware. Think an NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano CPU, a 12-megapixel camera for real-time ingredient monitoring, and a capacity of 35 liters. Cooking modes include steaming, boiling, stir-frying, stewing, braising, pan-searing, and grilling, basically, all the greatest hits.
Pricing in is set at roughly $5,000 which is not exactly pocket change, but then again, neither is hiring a live-in chef and/or nutritionist.
Availability and Outlook
With early units already in the hands of select users and partnerships forming with leading nutrition research institutions, Wan AIChef is looking beyond Berlin to kitchens worldwide. The AIChef Ultra is as much of a smart appliance as it is a vision of how AI could help turn everyday meals into precision-driven, health-conscious creations.
