One of the things I’ve come to appreciate, as I’ve learned more about MediaTek, is how many of the everyday electronic items I use — and depend on — have MediaTek chips in them. Yet, I doubt that I’ve ever given much thought about what was making these devices work, which honestly says a lot about MediaTek’s ubiquitousness.
It’s stressful to be out and about and then suddenly realize that your smartphone’s battery is about to die. You can keep that from happening with one of the latest Aukey power banks. Each of these delivers up to 18W of power with PD 3.0 output (USB Type-C) and Quick Charge 3.0 output (USB Type-A), and they’ll work with all of your portable gear.
The LG Wing 5G is one of the most intriguing phones I’ve ever tested. I’ve got the Verizon version in hand, and the AT&T version will be available soon. While phones with swivel displays are not unique or new, the LG Wing 5G is the first and only 5G smartphone to use this form factor. Their iteration of a swivel display is surprisingly innovative, intuitive, and cool.
The new Google Pixel 5 is here, which means you’re going to need to get a great case for it. The Incipio Grip for the Pixel 5 offers just what you need — display face-down protection, antimicrobial defense, and drop protection; it is scratch-resistant, wireless charging compatible, and yes, it is 5G compatible.
Having a Smart Display in your living space makes for a great central hub where you and other family members can check schedules, play music or Youtube video, make video calls, control your Google or Alexa integrated home, and display favorite photos. Having that display also function as a family tablet when it’s not docked adds extra convenience and value. The Lenovo Smart Tab M8 and Smart Tab M10 are 2-in-1 devices that can serve as smart displays or as stand-alone tablets.
2020 has presented us with many challenges regarding how we can get through our days safely. One of the best things we can do for ourselves and others is to wear a mask, but those who wear glasses have to deal with our lenses fogging. Many of us are driving again or are back in our offices, and pollutants, bacteria, and other irritants are all around us. KeySmart has two new products to help, KeySmart FogBlock and KeySmart CleanLight Air.
Mark Levinson, by Harman, makes audio equipment that many of us can only ever aspire to own. I’ve been able to listen to several of their system set-ups in person, and each time I’ve walked away thinking that if I ever become rich and famous, I’d be tempted. If you’re already in a position to buy, then you’ll be glad to know that they’ve expanded their offering of luxury-line components. Even though the prices are still quite aspirational, they are a little more obtainable than Mark Levinson’s typical price-points.
OnePlus continues to live up to its mantra of “Never Settle,” which has never been more evident than its latest flagship, the OnePlus 8T. Boasting a 120Hz screen refresh rate, Warp Charge 65, quad-cameras, Android 11, and the top of the line Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G Mobile Platform, this mobile powerhouse is a stunner.
If my daily driver were an iPhone, I would probably get an Apple Watch and call it good — even though a rectangular watch face has never aesthetically appealed to me. But I predominantly use Android smartphones, which made the stylish and health-centric Huami Zepp E Circle an enticing choice.
Amazon’s Prime Day event is running October 13th through 14th, giving you two days to save big on lots of items Amazon sells. Since Amazon basically sells everything, this has turned into a highly anticipated annual event. Here are some of the deals that have arrived in my inbox; I will add more over the next couple of days, so be sure to check back!
Location trackers have been around for years, but most of them rely on a second device’s Bluetooth connection to work indoors or a battery-hungry GPS connection to work outdoors. The new Tack GPS is small and lightweight, and it will bring peace of mind to people who have young children, active senior parents, pets, or other tracking needs. The battery lasts a proven 30 days, and it has independent connectivity; most importantly, it will be affordable.
Word on the street is that Apple won’t be including a wall charger with their new iPhone 12 devices, but they’ll likely be selling an optional new 20W fast-charger. iPhone 12 buyers now have a choice to make: spend at least $30 on an Apple-branded 20W block, or take a look at the less expensive offerings from other companies. If you want one of the smallest fast-chargers available without paying Apple prices, a great choice would be the 20W Anker Power Port III Nano.
Did you own an Apple iPhone 6, 6S, 6S Plus, SE, 7, or 7 Plus? If so, you might be able to claim $25 compensation as part of the up to $500 million settlement Apple has made as a consequence a class-action lawsuit filed against them for admitting to slowing down older iPhones to get better life from aging batteries and keep the iPhones from crashing. But time to file any claim is about to run out.
If there is one thing that 2020’s new tech has shown us, folding screens and dual screens are a popular feature that people want, even if they aren’t always affordable. Smartphones that can seemingly do it all are de rigueur, and sometimes it takes more than just a single screen to make that happen. The 5G LG Velvet starts as an agile, fashionable, and versatile Android smartphone; the addition of its optional and removable Dual Screen case provides a second display for those times when you need a phone that can do more.
Arlo makes one of the best DIY home security systems that you can buy, and I’m excited that they’ve just announced two new wire-free devices in their Essential Series, the Arlo Essential XL Spotlight and the Arlo Essential. What sets the Essential Series apart from their Pro series is that these devices connect directly to your home’s WiFi, with no need for a SmartHub, and they can act as a standalone security solution or complement your existing Arlo home security system.
Lenovo supports the Linux community. That has never been more evident than with their announcement of expanding their certification program that we covered in June to include PCs preinstalled with Ubuntu. There will now be nearly thirty Ubuntu-loaded devices available from Lenovo, including thirteen ThinkStation and ThinkPad P Series Workstations and fourteen ThinkPad T, X, X1, and L series laptops.
One of the things that I used to love about MacBooks was their MagSafe charger; it would quickly and easily plug in, and if someone jerked the cable while you were working, it would simply disconnect from the port without sending your expensive laptop clattering to the floor. The iCharge Pro Cable uses a similar idea, but it works with USB Type-C, Apple Lightning, and MicroUSB mobile devices.
Are you a camper? Some people are, some people think they could be, and some people are not. I like the idea of camping, but when I think about sleeping unprotected — except for a sheer nylon tent barrier protecting me from wild animals, snakes, bugs, and the elements out in the middle of nowhere — it freaks me out, no joke. Car camping, though? That’s a possibility; with the Luno Air Mattress, it’s now possible, safe, and, most importantly, comfortable.
Remember when phones were more individual and fun? Some might slide or flip open to reveal a keyboard, while some were shaped like everything from a make-up compact to a 1960’s spy camera. These days we have slab phones and folding phones, and while the technology is light years ahead of where it was decades ago, the designs can be a bit too similar. LG is breaking from that mold, though; today they have introduced their new LG WING 5G, and it is something interesting and different.
Huawei has just refreshed its popular MateBook line with the new MateBook X and MateBook 14. One of the things that sets these laptops apart from most of the others is that they have a document-friendly 3:2 aspect ratio, which is fab for reading documents, browsing the web, writing, and general productivity. Whether you need a new travel laptop or a laptop that can do it all, you’re going to want to take a look.
One of the things people rarely discuss openly is sexual health, but just like every other facet of our day-to-day lives, it plays an important part. At IFA, several manufacturers are showcasing their sexual health aids — including the companies MysteryVibe and MYHIXEL.