Bluetooth | Gear Diary

Lenovo Self-Charging Bluetooth Keyboard Review: The Solar-Powered Typing Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed

When we first saw the Lenovo Self-Charging Bluetooth Keyboard at CES 2025, I was super excited. It’s a little weird to get excited about what is, in effect, a regular old keyboard, but Lenovo made several tweaks that turned a simple keyboard into a truly pleasant experience. Sometimes it’s the game-changers that catch your attention, and sometimes it’s the little things that make your life that much easier. This keyboard is definitely the latter, but it’s still a home run for the category!

Front view through Alpine DVR-C320R Dashcam

Reviews

Alpine Halo 9 and DVR-C320R Dashcam Review: The Ultimate Wireless Infotainment and Dashcam Upgrade for Any Vehicle

If your car’s factory stereo feels outdated, clunky, or downright primitive, Alpine has a compelling upgrade that might just transform your entire driving experience. The Alpine Halo 9 digital media receiver, especially when paired with the DVR-C320R dual-camera dashcam, delivers a massive infotainment and safety overhaul. With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a stunning 9″ high-definition touchscreen, and 1080p front and rear dashcam recording with night vision, this setup brings your car into the modern era with convenience, clarity, and peace of mind in a sleek, user-friendly package.

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.

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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.

The finished Porterhouse steak sitting on a cutting board in front of the MEATER Pro XL

Reviews

MEATER Pro XL Review: 4 Wireless Probes Deliver Unmatched Accuracy and High-Temp Cooking Power

The MEATER Pro XL is a game-changer for anyone serious about precision cooking. Known for pioneering wireless meat probes, MEATER has significantly upgraded its technology with the Pro XL, offering four stainless steel probes capable of monitoring up to 1000°F ambient temperatures. Each probe features five internal sensors, ensuring precise temperature readings for perfect results every time. Whether you’re searing a steak or slow-cooking a brisket, the MEATER Pro XL is designed to simplify your cooking experience. With a sleek base station, improved app features, and fast charging, this device elevates your cooking to a professional level with ease.

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Limited-Edition SOUNDBOKS 4 x Steve Angello Bluetooth Speaker Unites Great Sound and Style

SOUNDBOKS has teamed up with Swedish House Mafia’s Steve Angello to create a Bluetooth speaker as bold as the music it’s built to play. The SOUNDBOKS 4, already a top-tier speaker known for its power and durability, now comes in a limited-edition design that channels the energy of Angello’s music. This makes the SOUNDBOKS 4 x Steve Angello Bluetooth speaker a must-have for any serious EDM fan or anyone who just loves great sound.

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Sonos Roam 2 Review: Convenient Bluetooth, WiFi and Apple Airplay 2 Integration in a Truly Portable Speaker

Sonos consistently sets the bar high with its innovative, high-quality multi-room speakers. As an avid user of Sonos products, I’ve integrated their speakers into my home, leveraging their seamless connectivity and superior sound quality in every room. Their latest offering, the $179 Sonos Roam 2, is a portable speaker option that allows you to have Sonos sound just about anywhere.

Morel Audio Biggie Wireless Portable Speaker

Gear Bits

Morel BIGGIE Portable Speaker Provides Impressive Wireless Sound in a Stylish Package

Morel, known for its premium speaker designs, has introduced its latest innovation, the BIGGIE portable speaker. Designed to deliver impressive audio performance in a compact, stylish form, the Morel BIGGIE is crafted for accurate bass and clear high frequencies. Integrated advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology further enhances sound quality, promising a powerful and immersive listening experience despite the speaker‘s compact size.

Reviews, Outdoors

House of Marley Get Together 2 Mini Review: Excellent, Robust Sound, Sustainable Materials, and Unique Design Set This Bluetooth Speaker Apart

Wireless speakers have been around for a long time and are available in every price range. In order to stand out in the marketplace and be priced at $129.99 (down from the original $169.99), the House of Marley Get Together 2 Mini would need to excel in many ways to justify the cost. Do they succeed? In my opinion, wholeheartedly yes.

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Vigilant Audio SwitchOne Review: Wireless Powered Speakers That Pack a Punch

Audio is a large part of my life, whether it is the sound from watching television or listening to music in my home bar. I love great-sounding speakers and have tried many Bluetooth options in my bar without finding any that I liked. I was recently sent the Vigilant Audio SwitchOne Wireless Powered Speakers to try out, and they did not disappoint.

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PhiGolf 2 Review: Elevate Your Golfing Experience to New Heights

Imagine being able to swing a golf club inside, see the outcome of your shot onscreen immediately, and not break your wife’s favorite vase; with the PhiGolf 2, you can. A remarkable piece of technology that brings the excitement of golf into your living room or backyard, the PhiGolf 2 offers innovative features, realistic gameplay, and impressive specs; it sets a new standard for virtual golfing experiences.

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Alpine iLX-507 Digital Multimedia Receiver Review: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Make It a Fantastic Upgrade to Any Car Stereo System

What’s even more convenient than Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? WIRELESS Apple CarPlay or Android Auto! The new Alpine iLX-507 7″ Digital Multimedia Receiver allows you to turn on your car and automatically connect your iOS or Android device to two of the best auto smartphone platforms out there.

Man wearing a Jabra Engage 75 in a call center setting

Reviews

Jabra Engage 75 Review: Give Your Office Calls Superpowers

As fall approaches, more and more people are returning to in-person work. But the pandemic has changed life forever, and Zoom calls are here to stay. A light, comfortable and effective headset like the Jabra Engage 75 is key to working efficiently.

Reviews

Scosche BoomCan MS Review: A Mini MagSafe Compatible Wireless Speaker

The Scosche BoomCan MS is a powerful Bluetooth speaker designed specifically to work with Apple’s MagSafe, but it also works fine with any Bluetooth-enabled device. As small as it is, the 3W BoomCanMS delivers bigger sound than your phone’s speaker can; it’s also small enough to go anywhere and doubles as a phone kickstand. Is Scosche on to something here?

Reviews

Yamaha YH-E700A Wireless Headphones Review: Over-the-Ear Comfort with Excellent Sound

Yamaha continues to impress with their Bluetooth headset lineup with the YH-E700A Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones. Yamaha fits a ton of tech in these large headphones, including Yamaha True Sound, Advanced Active Noise-Cancelling, Listening Optimizer, Ambient Sound, Listening Care, Bluetooth 5 with aptX Adaptive, and more. Retailing at $349.95, the Yamaha YH-E700A are over-the-ear wireless headphones for serious audiophiles.

Reviews

Kokoon Nightbuds Review: Better Sleep Through Sound

Some time ago, I told Judie that I’d hit a period where falling asleep was difficult. She told me about the Kokoon over-the-ear sleep headphones she had backed on Kickstarter, and she’d be happy to send them to me. She did, and the Kokoon headphones were a huge help, and now the new Kokoon Nightbuds have just been released for those who prefer in-ear buds to over-the-ear headphones for sleep.

Reviews

Yamaha TW-E5B True Wireless Earbuds Review: They Live up to the Yamaha Name

Yamaha has always been known for quality audio-visual equipment, and these new wireless earbuds don’t break from that mold. The Yamaha TW-E5B True Wireless Earbuds offer great sound detail, crystal-clear calls, IPX5 water (and sweat) resistance, and 30 hours of total battery life. Retailing at $149.95, they’re a great option if you’re in the market.

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Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone-Conducting Headphones Review: Great Sound and Increased Safety

For the past few months, I’ve been using the Shokz OpenComm bone-conducting earphones when I’m walking my dogs. And for the past two summers, I’ve used their OpenSwim version while doing laps in my pool. Most recently, I’ve been checking out the Shokz OpenRun Pro model. Their top-of-the-line offering, at $179.95, isn’t cheap, but I’m incredibly impressed.

Gear Bits

The Haymaker Claims to Be the Only Headphones You’ll Ever Need; Is That Even Possible?

It took almost three years of tinkering and perfecting, but The Haymaker has finally launched. Dubbed ‘the only headphone you will ever need,’ The Haymaker was designed to be perfect for travelers, fitness junkies, audiophiles, gamers, and more. The company says that you can use these headphones in almost any situation, and they claim to impress the moment you open the box.

Reviews

Brydge MAX+ for iPad Pro Review: The Best Wireless Keyboard with Trackpad That You’ll Find for the 11″ & 12.3″ iPad Pro and 11″ 4th Gen iPad Air

Judie and I backed the first Brydge keyboard for iPad on Kickstarter, and we’ve been a fan of their keyboards ever since. Their latest, the Brydge MAX+ for iPad Pro keyboard, is, by far, their best yet. The funny thing is that it isn’t the actual keyboard (although it is excellent) or the trackpad that makes it stand out.

Reviews

The Jabra Evolve2 75 On-Ear Headphones Review: Perfect for Modern Hybrid Work

Hybrid working situations are the new standard these days, and the Jabra Evolve2 75 is an excellent set of headphones for taking calls both on and off the clock. The Evolve2 75 is perfect for dialing into work from home or taking calls from the train. starting at $349, it’s a great option no matter your working situation.