Gear Bits




Urbanista Malibu Is an IP67 Dust and Waterproof, Light-Powered Speaker Ready for Outdoor Fun

How often have you been at the lake or pool while enjoying good music and great company, only to have the battery on your portable speaker die or for someone to drip all over your speaker? With the Urbanista Malibu, neither of these problems would be an issue; not only is it IP67 waterproof and protected against sand, dust, and dirt, but it uses integrated Powerfoyle solar cell technology, so it can self-charge any time it is exposed to indoor or outdoor light! The sustainability doesn’t end there; the Urbanista Malibu is made from recycled plastic and fabrics!


The Brand New 98″ TCL S5 98S550G Will Enlarge and Elevate Your TV Watching Experience

Here’s some exciting news from TCL! Not only are they the official TV partner of the NFL, but they’ve just introduced a seriously impressive new TV model – the TCL S5 98S550G. It’s a whopping 98″, perfect for all you movie buffs and sports fanatics out there. And guess what? It’s not the only option – TCL’s got a whole lineup of 98″ TVs to choose from, including the new 98S550G, the 98R754, and the 98QM850G.


Unleashing the Power of the Meta Llama 2 LLM: MediaTek Boosts On-Device Generative AI for Edge Devices

The next big thing is always around the corner in the tech world, and artificial intelligence is the newest and most exciting innovation. Sure, AI can power ChatGPT and other engines, but it can also make devices more efficient, learn our habits to adjust our tech to meet our needs, and even improve everything from emailing to photography. MediaTek is looking to help boost that to the next level with their partnership with Meta, Facebook’s parent company, to use the Meta Llama 2 LLM (Large Language Model) to bring on-device generative AI to our pockets and homes.



Pitaka Dreamland ChromaCarbon Band for Apple Watch Review and Giveaway

I recently reviewed Pitaka‘s new ChromaCarbon watch bands. Combining carbon and aramid fiber, the bands are light, solid, and colorful. The Pitaka Dreamland ChromaCarbon Bands are even more stunning. Their intricate designs, inspired by great architecture, are unlike anything we’ve seen. The $129 watch bands even come with a Rubik’s Cube of similar design. And… we are giving one away.


The Anymaka Portable Hammock Stand Sets Up in 3 Seconds, Promising Tree-Free Relaxation Just About Anywhere!

Kev and I have been bitten by the camping bug, as evidenced by our new off-road setup. We’ve got camp chairs, but on every excursion, one of us will mention how nice it would be to have a hammock along. We could buy a packable one, but a lot of times, strapping a hammock to a pair of trees is impossible, impractical, or not allowed, and most portable hammock bases are too large or too unstable for our needs. That’s why the anymaka portable hammock appeals to me.


The $49 Wearable XEdge Flounder Multitool Is the Perfect EDC for People Who Don’t Want to Wear Batman’s Utility Belt

The XEdge Flounder multitool is a little wonder that’s not your run-of-the-mill everyday carry; it’s a little marvel that combines elegance and efficiency in one compact package. I’m impressed by the range of functions this mini-sized titanium, CNC-machined multitool has packed into its sleek design. Not only is it a mini pry bar, but it’s also a bottle opener, bit driver, nail puller, box opener, graphite everlasting pen, firestarter, pocket saw, and more!







MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ Makes 5G Even More Affordable

Connectivity isn’t just about being able to post fun selfies on Instagram. It’s a lifeline to a world that’s become increasingly digital. So it’s become incredibly important to offer 5G at every phone level, whether the budget line or the ultimate flagship. MediaTek aims to bring 5G to the masses, and they’re getting one step closer with the new MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ series!




Qualcomm Brings Powerful Speed and Visuals with Snapdragon 4 Gen 2!

We depend on our phones for so much, and the baseline expectation of what you expect just keeps getting higher. Luckily, Qualcomm is ready to keep up with the demand, and they’re consistently refining their Snapdragon platform, from the highest flagships to everyday devices. Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is coming to bring the power to more budget-friendly devices worldwide!


DCV Airbase Quad & Airbase Duo, World’s First Swappable Battery Solar Generators, Soon to Be On Kickstarter

Some of the issues people see with Solar Generators are the heavy weight and the lack of swappable batteries. Decarbon Venture has introduced a new line of power products, the DCV Airbase Quad and DCV Airbase Duo, which are half the weight and deliver twice the power of other similar products. Co-founder Geoff Elwood developed the idea while living off-grid in the Australian Outback during the pandemic.