Articles by Judie Lipsett Stanford

Philips Hue Play Wall Washer Provides a Colorful Power Move for Your Space

If your idea of mood lighting stops at a basic bulb that turns blue when you’re feeling mellow, you might want to sit down for this. The Philips Hue Play wall washer will pull your lighting game out of the dark ages. With its wide-angle ColorCast projection, surprisingly sleek aluminum design, and seamless integration into the Hue smart ecosystem, this isn’t just another accent light. It’s more like a dynamic visual artist for your walls, responding to your media and mood in real time, looking fabulous while doing it. Prices start at $219.99 for one or $384.99 for a two-pack.


Frosteam 3-in-1 Facial Spa Brings Steam, Cold Therapy, and Aromatherapy to Your Daily Skincare Routine

If you’ve ever hovered your face over a pot of boiling water hoping for clearer pores, or jammed your cheeks into a bowl of melting ice water in the name of skincare, you know that home facials are often more hassle than healing. That’s where Frosteam steps in; it’s a sleek, Canadian-designed 3-in-1 device that brings hot steam, cold therapy, and aromatherapy together in one seriously good-looking countertop companion. It’s now available for pre-order on Kickstarter, and it promises to elevate your skincare game without requiring a trip to the spa (or a mess in your kitchen).


Breathe Easier and Smarter with the Blueair Blue Signature: Clean Air That Actually Fits Your Life

Most air purifiers are either eyesores, space hogs, or all bark with very little clean-air bite. But Blueair’s latest release, the Blue Signature, might just be the exception you’ve been waiting for. Designed to look good and work hard, this compact purifier can tackle large rooms, stubborn smells, and airborne nasties without making you rearrange your life or your furniture. And if you’re someone who spends most of your time in a living room that’s constantly assaulted by cooking odors, pet dander, or whatever is drifting in from that cracked window, this one’s worth a closer look.


Power Up Everything: The UGREEN 500W GaN Charger Lets You Fast-Charge Six Devices at Once

If your desk is drowning in chargers for your laptop, phone, earbuds, and more, UGREEN has a smarter solution. The UGREEN 500W GaN Charger, the latest powerhouse in the Nexode lineup, tackles clutter with six ports and enough wattage to charge five laptops and a phone at the same time. It’s compact, efficient, and built for people with serious charging needs. No more cable chaos, no more power adapter shuffle; it’s just one sleek desktop unit that keeps your entire setup running smoothly. Whether you’re working, gaming, or traveling, this charger has the muscle to power your whole digital life.


The PNY Duo Link V3 Is a Fast, Dual-Connector Flash Drive That Keeps Your Digital Life in Sync

If you’ve ever stared at your Android phone’s “storage full” notification like it just insulted your entire family, the PNY Duo Link V3 might be the backup buddy you didn’t know you needed. This sleek, metal, dual-connector flash drive has your back when your mobile storage taps out, cloud sync stalls, or massive file transfer needs to happen now, not “after your data plan resets.” Whether you’re constantly swapping files between your phone and laptop or you’re just tired of deleting photos to make room for new ones, this tiny gadget might just be the solution you’ve been waiting for.


XGIMI MoGo 4 Series Brings Big-Screen Entertainment Anywhere with Sleek, Portable Projectors

If you’ve ever tried dragging a clunky projector to your backyard, a campsite, or your best friend’s rooftop just to stream a movie, you already know it’s a vibe killer. Enter the XGIMI MoGo 4 Series. These two new pint-sized powerhouses, the MoGo 4 and the MoGo 4 Laser, are here to make portable entertainment feel like an experience, not a compromise. With big-screen visuals, rich audio, and a splash of style, they’re ready to transform your next movie night, pool party, or even that hotel wall into your own personal cinema.


Logitech Flip Folio for iPad: A Stylish, Magnetic Keyboard Case That Works Wherever You Do

If your iPad has been begging for a wardrobe upgrade — something protective, functional, and a little more stylish than the usual dull keyboard case — then the Logitech Flip Folio might just be the glow-up it deserves. Shipping starts in June 2025 for the Graphite and Black models and in September for the more fashion-forward Pale Grey, Lilac, and Sand versions. However, this isn’t just about aesthetics; the Flip Folio is all about flexibility, smart design, and keeping you productive (or entertained) wherever you may be.


Howler Brothers x Land Cruiser: A Rugged, Limited-Edition Capsule Built for Adventure and Style

If you’ve ever daydreamed about trading your office chair for a driver’s seat in a vintage Toyota Land Cruiser, windows down, salt in the air, and a surfboard strapped to the roof, then Howler Brothers just made that vision a lot more wearable. Their latest limited-edition capsule, a full-blown collaboration with Toyota and its iconic Land Cruiser, is less “just another branded drop” and more a love letter to vintage off-road adventures with a healthy splash of Costa Rican sun. Howler Brothers x Land Cruiser isn’t just apparel, it’s an attitude, and honestly, it will look great on you.


BLUETTI Apex 300 Launches on Indiegogo: Scalable Backup Power for Homes, RVs, and Off-Grid Living

If you’ve ever awoken in the middle of the night to your CPAP machine going silent during a blackout or watched your RV fridge go dark on a scorching summer afternoon, BLUETTI has something that will simplify your life. The BLUETTI Apex 300 has officially launched on Indiegogo, and this isn’t just another oversized battery with a few plugs. It’s a power station built to think bigger, like a full-home backup, RV-friendly, off-grid-capable kind of big. The best part? You can start with just one unit and scale up as your power needs grow, with no complete system overhaul required.


OnePlus Pad 3: A Tablet That’s Smart, Sharp, Snappy, and Ready to Work (or Play) as Hard as You Do!

OnePlus is back at it, and this time, they’re not playing small. The OnePlus Pad 3 has officially entered the chat as the company’s latest flagship Android tablet, and let’s just say that it’s not here to sit quietly in your tech bag. Launching July 8 in the US and Canada, the OnePlus Pad 3 is all about that sweet spot between productivity and play. Whether you’re juggling work emails while streaming your favorite series or sketching big ideas during meetings that should’ve been emails, this sleek slate might just be your new favorite sidekick.


Wacom Cintiq 16, 24, and 24 Touch ArePro-Level Pen Displays Made for Creators Ready to Upgrade

If you’ve been wanting to upgrade your creative setup without splurging on a high-end pen display, Wacom’s new Cintiq generation might be the sweet spot. The Cintiq 16, Cintiq 24, and Cintiq 24 touch are designed to deliver professional-grade drawing and design tools at more accessible prices. Whether you’re a freelance illustrator in a small space, a student just starting out, or a seasoned pro using older gear, these new models offer flagship-level features without the flagship-level cost. It’s Wacom quality with a more attainable price tag, and that’s worth a second look.


Movcan V30 Max Review: The Heavy Hitter, Dual-Battery, Fat-Tire E-Bike You’ll Love (and Maybe Curse a Little)

I’ll start this review by saying that if you’re hunting for a zippy little e-bike that folds up neatly next to your IKEA furniture and glides quietly through your minimalist lifestyle, this isn’t the one. The Movcan V30 Max isn’t cute or, to quote 2024’s Dictionary.com Word of the Year, demure; it’s big, it’s heavy, and it rides like a caffeinated rhino. But if you want an electric bike that looks like it could plow through a gravel road, a puddle, and maybe a small fence without flinching, this beast might just be your new best ride.


Gear Diary’s 2025 Father’s Day Gift Guide & Giveaway: The Coolest, Smartest, and Most Unexpected Gifts for Every Type of Dad

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and whether you’re shopping for a new dad, a grandpa who’s seen it all, or the guy who insists he doesn’t need anything, our 2025 Father’s Day Gift Guide is loaded with ideas that strike the perfect balance between thoughtful and fun. From under-$50 finds to splurge-worthy gear, this guide is packed with gifts that are useful, stylish, and maybe even a little surprising. We’ve tested them, used them, and picked them with all kinds of dads in mind. As always, there’s a fantastic giveaway waiting for you at the end!


Memrise 30-Day Language Challenge Launches with $1,000 Travel Prize: Learn a Language You’ll Actually Use

Memrise, the app that’s helped 76 million people go from “I know a few words” to “I can actually have a conversation,” is launching its 30-Day Language Challenge on June 2, 2025. The idea is simple: spend just a few minutes a day learning a language. There are no boring drills, no guilt-tripping streaks, and definitely no robotic sentence practice. Stick with it through July 2, and not only will you build real confidence, you might even win a $1,000 travel voucher to put those new skills to work somewhere unforgettable


The Cumulus Machine Brings Nitro Cold Brew, Cold Espresso, and Cold Brew Home, with No Barista Required

If you’ve been chasing the perfect cold coffee experience only to end up with watered-down disappointment or sad, stale store-bought brews, it’s time to reclaim your mornings. Or afternoons. Or that random 8 p.m. craving when you’re not trying to pull an all-nighter; you just want a really good cold decaf espresso. Enter: The Cumulus Machine, a café-quality countertop marvel that delivers nitro cold brew, cold brew, and cold espresso at the touch of a button, and yes, everything it brews comes out chilled and ready to sip. No ice required. No waiting around. And absolutely no barista attitude.


Timekettle NEW T1 AI Translator Wants to Be Your Pocket-Sized Passport to Real-Time Multilingual Conversations

If you’ve ever fumbled through a phrasebook or played charades at a foreign pharmacy just trying to ask for cold medicine (I admit it; I’ve done this), the Timekettle NEW T1 AI Translator might be your new favorite travel companion. This pocket-friendly device promises to make awkward translation apps and unreliable Wi-Fi a thing of the past. Priced at $299, the NEW T1 is being hailed as the fastest offline translation device available, and while that’s a bold claim, Timekettle has packed in some compelling features to back it up.


OnePlus Doubles Down on Personalized AI with the India-Exclusive OnePlus 13s and a Smart New Hardware Button

OnePlus is taking another bold step into the world of artificial intelligence, and this time, it’s putting real tools behind the talk. With a clear focus on making your phone feel like it understands you, not just follows commands, the brand is rolling out a suite of smart features designed to save you time, help you stay organized, and even boost your creativity. That includes the debut of the new OnePlus 13s, a device launching exclusively in India, which introduces a clever hardware upgrade known as the Plus Key.


Nanoleaf Launches Rope Light and Solar Garden Lights, Expands to 2,500 Walmart Stores Across the U.S.

Nanoleaf has just dropped two new lighting products that are anything but boring, and they’re doing it while making a serious retail power move. With the debut of the Nanoleaf Rope Light and the Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights, the company is stretching its smart lighting style both inside and out. And to top it all off, Nanoleaf products are now hitting the shelves at more than 2,500 Walmart locations across the U.S., making it a lot easier for you to get your hands on some affordable home lighting that doesn’t look or feel cheap.


Cruise in Style, Comfort, and Confidence with the Segway E2 Plus II eKickScooter

If you’re tired of spending your mornings stuck in traffic or scrambling to find parking near campus, the Segway E2 Plus II eKickScooter might just be your new favorite way to get around. With a lightweight 36-pound build, upgraded front suspension, and a splash of personality thanks to 256-color ambient lighting, this scooter is clearly not just for kids. It’s smart, stylish, and built for everyday errands, quick commutes, or weekend adventures around town. And for a limited time, it’s up for preorder at $349.99, down from the regular $399.99, with shipping set for June 3.


Snapdragon 7 Gen 4: Qualcomm’s New Sweet Spot for Smarter Phones and Savvier Experiences

Would you be interested if your smartphone could think faster, shoot better photos, sound richer, and game harder without costing you flagship-level dollars? Qualcomm is betting the answer is yes with its freshly launched Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 Mobile Platform. This new chip isn’t here to steal the thunder from ultra-premium flagships, but it’s definitely eyeing the space right below them, packing a hefty dose of high-end features into a more accessible performance tier. And yes, that includes better AI, stronger connectivity, smarter cameras, and audio that’ll finally do your lossless streaming playlist justice.


MediaTek Doubles Down on High Performance and AI with New Flagship Dimensity 9400e and FWA Chipsets

MediaTek isn’t easing into mid-2025 quietly; they’re throwing open the gates with not one, but two major chipset announcements aimed at powering everything from your next flagship smartphone to the next generation of fixed wireless and AI-driven home connectivity. Whether you’re into premium phones or need stronger, smarter internet at home or on the go, MediaTek’s latest moves are about giving you more speed, better efficiency, and serious AI smarts. Let’s take a closer look at both the newly announced Dimensity 9400e and the T930 chipset—two silicon powerhouses designed for very different, but increasingly connected, corners of your tech life.