Articles by Judie Lipsett Stanford

OPPO Find N5 inner display

News & Features

OPPO Find N5: The Slim, Water-Resistant, Foldable Smartphone That Redefines Everyday Usability

Foldable smartphones are real-world transformers—you get the portability of a regular slab phone for everyday tasks, but when you need more screen real estate, the tablet-sized inner display is right there. In theory, foldables are the best of both worlds. In practice, many struggle with bulk, awkwardly sized front displays, and durability concerns. I have considered the OnePlus Open the best foldable for the US market since 2023. With OnePlus skipping a new foldable release again this year, it only makes sense to turn to its sibling company, OPPO, and its latest foldable, the OPPO Find N5.

Hunt Pro

Crowdfunding, Gear Bits, Outdoors

The Hunt Pro Is a Pocket-Sized EDC Powerhouse That Offers More Than Just Light

The Hunt Pro is making waves on Kickstarter by offering more than a standard pocket flashlight; it’s a practical, compact EDC companion for everyday tasks and adventures. With prices starting at £59 (about $75), it provides five different LED colors and eleven light modes, including SOS and beacon functions, so there is a setting for just about any situation. It also features a built-in pry bar that can handle those pesky chores, like opening a paint can or popping a bottle cap, without resorting to knife blades or other improvised methods.

Snapdragon 6 Gen 4

Gear Bits

Qualcomm Introduces Snapdragon 6 Gen 4: A Smarter, Faster Mobile Platform for Gamers, Creators, and Multitaskers

If you’re looking for a smartphone that can keep up with your daily grind—whether that means gaming with smoother graphics, streaming without annoying buffering, or snapping crystal-clear photos—Qualcomm‘s latest chip might be exactly what you need. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 Mobile Platform promises faster performance, better battery life, and built-in AI features that make everyday tasks feel more seamless.

Heybike ALPHA

Outdoors, News & Features

Get an Early-Bird Deal on the New Heybike ALPHA, a Powerful Mid-Drive E-Bike with Fat Tires & 60-Mile Range

The Heybike ALPHA is stepping onto the e-bike scene with a blend of power, comfort, and everyday practicality. Designed for riders who want an effortless, enjoyable ride—whether for commuting, weekend adventures, or simply cruising around town—this mid-drive e-bike offers a smooth, controlled experience that feels as close to traditional cycling as possible, with just the right amount of pedal assist. For a limited time, the ALPHA is available at an early bird price of $1,599, down from its usual $1,699. That discount makes it an even more appealing option for those looking for a high-performance e-bike without overspending.

MIXX Analog System 5in white sitting on a shelf

Gear Bits

MIXX Analog System 5 Offers The Full Vinyl Experience Without Any Hassle

For those who love the warm, rich sound of vinyl but don’t want to deal with the complicated setup of traditional turntables, MIXX has just dropped a solid solution. The Analog System 5 is a complete vinyl playback system that combines a high-quality turntable with powerful 50W wireless speakers—so you can start enjoying your records right out of the box, with no extra components needed.

OnePlus Watch 3

Gear Bits

UPDATED: OnePlus Watch 3 Debuts February 18 with Sleek Design and 16-Day Battery Life

If you’ve been waiting for a smartwatch that looks as good as it performs, OnePlus has something new on the horizon. The OnePlus Watch 3 is set to launch on February 18 in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and it’s bringing a combination of classic design, improved durability, and impressive battery life. Available in two colors—Emerald Titanium and Obsidian Titanium—this premium smartwatch keeps OnePlus’s signature look while upgrading materials and performance. Whether tracking workouts, managing notifications, or wanting a watch that won’t die on you after a day or two, the OnePlus Watch 3 is built to keep up.

dbrand Aperture for Apple Vision Pro

Gear Bits

Dbrand Aperture for Apple Vision Pro: The Accessory You Didn’t Know You Needed (Because You Probably Don’t Own a Vision Pro)

Apple’s Vision Pro has been out for a minute now, and while it’s undoubtedly an impressive piece of hardware, I think we can agree that it also firmly cements its wearers in the “I have more money than sense” club. At $3,500, you’d think Apple would throw in a carrying case that doesn’t look like a discount lunchbox, but here we are. Enter the dbrand Aperture—a faceplate so unapologetically odd-looking that it somehow makes perfect sense.

PNY USB Type-C Flash Drives

News & Features

PNY Expands Its USB-C Flash Drive Lineup with High-Speed, High-Capacity Options

If you’re tired of slow file transfers and constantly running out of storage, PNY has something new that might catch your interest. The company has just launched its latest USB Type-C flash drives, led by the ultra-fast PRO Elite V3. With storage options reaching up to 2TB and speeds that put standard USB drives to shame, these new additions offer a solid solution for anyone who needs reliable, high-performance portable storage.

The Roku Ultra

News & Features

Roku Super Bowl Deals: Upgrade Your Game-Day Setup with Big Savings on TVs and Streaming Devices

With the Super Bowl just around the corner, it’s time to get into full game-day mode. Whether you’re planning a watch party with friends, stocking up on snacks, or just counting down the days until the Eagles take on the Chiefs, there’s one thing you’ll definitely want locked in: the best way to watch the game. For those thinking about upgrading their setup before game day, we have some solid Roku Super Bowl deals on streaming devices, smart TVs, and even smart home lighting to set the perfect football-watching atmosphere.

Foton Pearled Candle Sweetheart Gift Set

Gift Guides & Round-Ups

Gear Diary’s 2025 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Everyone You Love!

Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be predictable. Sure, flowers and cards are sweet, but what about something unexpected, practical, and genuinely exciting? This year, we’ve rounded up an amazing selection of gifts in all price ranges that show you care—whether it’s helping your loved one do something more efficiently, unwind more comfortably, improve their spaces, or travel in style. We’re positive you’ll find the perfect item in our 2025 Valentine’s Day gift guide!

Majority D100 Bookshelf Speakers

Gear Bits

The Majority D100 Bookshelf Speakers Offer a Stylish, High-Performance Upgrade to Your Audio Setup

If you’re looking to upgrade your home audio without overcomplicating your setup, the Majority D100 Bookshelf Speakers could be just what you need. Offering a powerful 100-watt output, three-driver sound system, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, these speakers deliver crisp, detailed audio that fills the room—whether you’re diving into your favorite albums, watching a movie, or leveling up your gaming experience.

Plantaform Smart Indoor Garden in a living room setting

News & Features

The Plantaform Smart Indoor Garden Grows Fresh Herbs & Greens Year-Round with (Nearly) Zero Effort!

For anyone who loves fresh herbs, crisp greens, or vibrant edible flowers but doesn’t have the space, time, or patience for traditional gardening, the Plantaform Smart Indoor Garden offers a simple, stylish, and science-backed solution. Originally called Rejuvenate and now rebranded as the Smart Indoor Garden, Plantaform’s sleek countertop garden lets you grow up to 15 plants at a time—no soil, no mess, and no need to remember to water daily!

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series

News & Features

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series: AI Smarts, Killer Cameras, and Deals That Might Make Upgrading Worth It

Samsung’s latest flagship phones—the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25—are here, bringing some serious AI smarts along for the ride. Pre-orders on the Samsung Galaxy S25 series start today, and general availability kicks off on February 7. Samsung is boldly pushing toward AI-driven mobile experiences that aim to be more intuitive, helpful, and—most importantly—practical for everyday life.

BLUETTI Charger 1

News & Features

BLUETTI Charger 1: This $249 Gadget Will Charge Your Power Station 6X Faster on the Road

Imagine being on a road trip, camping in the wilderness, or living the van life when your portable power station starts running low. Normally, you’d have to rely on a sluggish car charger that trickles power into your device at a frustratingly slow pace. But what if you could charge up to six times faster using your vehicle’s alternator? That’s exactly what the BLUETTI Charger 1 Alternator Charger delivers. Right now, it’s available for $249 (down from $499), making it a solid investment for anyone who needs reliable, high-speed charging while on the move.  

Gear Diary Best of CES 2025

Events

Gear Diary’s Best of CES 2025: Top Innovations Shaping the Future of Tech

CES 2025 has once again showcased the future of tech innovation, and Gear Diary is proud to spotlight the top 20 products that stood out among the crowd. From game-changing gadgets to devices that simplify daily life, this year’s “Gear Diary Best of CES 2025” award winners represent the perfect blend of functionality, creativity, and style. Whether it’s Lenovo’s dynamic gaming solutions, Hisense’s immersive home entertainment, or Govee’s clever fusion of light and sound, these products are here to inspire, entertain, and elevate your everyday experiences. Read on to discover what earned these innovations a spot on our list.

EVOVACS DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI

Events, News & Features, Outdoors

ECOVACS Brings Exciting Home Robotics Including Smarter Vacuums, Mowers, and Window Cleaners

ECOVACS is pushing the boundaries of home robotics with a new product lineup that promises to tackle cleaning tasks inside and outside your home. From robotic vacuum cleaners to advanced lawnmowers and window cleaning solutions, the brand’s latest offerings showcase how far smart home technology has come—and how it can simplify your everyday life. Whether you’re tired of scrubbing floors, mowing the lawn, or reaching for those high windows, ECOVACS has a product that might just make these chores a thing of the past.

Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra

Events, News & Features, Outdoors

Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra Promises an Effortless Solution to Pristine Pools

The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra is ready to redefine pool cleaning, combining cutting-edge technology with practical design to make maintaining your swimming pool less of a chore and more of a breeze. Fresh from its debut at CES 2025, this flagship Beatbot robotic cleaner promises to address the frustrations many pool owners face while offering innovative features that enhance convenience, efficiency, and effectiveness. Here’s a closer look at what makes the AquaSense 2 Ultra an intriguing choice for anyone tired of the constant grind of pool upkeep.