Smartphones & Gear

Reviews October 12, 2026

TORRAS Ostand Q3 Air Case Review: MagSafe Compatible with Built-in Rotating Adjustable Stand and Drop Protection up to 4m (13ft)

I recently purchased a Pixel 11 Pro XL. When I purchase a phone for $1,000 to $1,300 (or more), I need an impact-resistant case to protect it from inevitable drops. I initially purchased an inexpensive impact-resistant case, but then I heard from other Gear Diary Pixel owners that TORRAS makes a military-grade drop-protection case with a built-in stand for my Pixel: the TORRAS Ostand Q3 Air case. I wanted to try it out. Now for the important question: do I trust it to protect my phone?

Gift Guides & Round-Ups October 1, 2026

Nomad iPhone 18 Pro Cases Dress Up Your New Phone Without Babying It

Buying a new iPhone 18 Pro is the easy part. Deciding how much of that expensive glass and metal you’re willing to leave exposed is where the accessories start multiplying. Nomad has rolled out a lineup of iPhone 18 Pro cases and screen protection for several kinds of owners, from leather traditionalists to people who treat drop protection like a competitive sport. The Nomad iPhone 18 Pro Cases collection includes the Modern Leather Case, Clear Leather Case, Rugged Case, and ProShield Screen Protector, giving you four distinctly different ways to protect Apple’s latest Pro phone without turning it into the…

Gift Guides & Round-Ups September 30, 2026

These UAG iPhone 18 Pro Cases Are Ready for Drops, Daily Abuse, and Everything in Between

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro is the sort of phone most people won’t want meeting concrete without protection, and UAG has already lined up several ways to wrap it in armor. The latest UAG iPhone 18 Pro Cases range from a relatively clean, clear design to a much more rugged option built for people who treat “butterfingers” as a recurring personality trait. There’s also a kickstand-equipped case for hands-free viewing, plus a tempered-glass screen protector that rounds out the setup. Prices start at $24.95 for the glass and run to $84.95 for the toughest case here.

News & Features September 22, 2026

Motorola Signature 27 Preview Pairs Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 with Bang & Olufsen Audio

Motorola has offered an early look at the motorola signature 27, its next flagship smartphone and the first model to showcase the company’s new multi-year audio partnership with Bang & Olufsen. Due in 2026, the phone pairs Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 platform with a 50-megapixel Sony LYTIA 910 main camera, a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, Google Gemini features, and a redesigned cooling system. Motorola is still holding back some details, including pricing and the full spec sheet, but this preview makes the company’s priorities clear: performance, cameras, design, longevity, and better speakers.

ORICO MG7 attached to the back of an iPhone

Reviews September 17, 2026

ORICO MG7 8-in-1 Magnetic Hub Review: A Handy iPhone Dock with One Hot Issue

I’ve tested plenty of USB-C hubs and portable SSDs, but the ORICO MG7 8-in-1 Magnetic Hub takes an interesting approach by combining both ideas into one little MagSafe-compatible accessory. This compact aluminum square sticks to the back of an iPhone (or any MagSafe-compatible phone/case), adds a collection of useful ports, and has room inside for an optional M.2 NVMe SSD.

News & Features September 15, 2026

MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro Takes Flagship Phones to 2nm With Faster AI, 4K240 Video, and Serious Gaming Muscle

MediaTek is pushing its flagship smartphone platform into the 2nm era with the Dimensity 9600 Pro, a system-on-a-chip aimed at phones that need more speed without turning battery life into collateral damage. The chip combines an eight-core CPU, a new graphics processor, expanded on-device AI hardware, faster memory and storage support, upgraded camera processing, and 5G-Advanced connectivity. MediaTek is also introducing the related Dimensity 9600M, designed to bring many of the same ideas to a broader range of phones. The first handsets using either platform are expected during the third quarter of 2026, so they’ll be here fairly soon.

Reviews September 14, 2026

Aulumu SF8 Ultra-Slim Aramid Fiber Case for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Review: A Great Thin Option for One of the Thinnest Foldables

The modern smartphone is a marvel of engineering, but “rugged” isn’t usually the first word that comes to mind. I’ve used cases and bumpers for years, but ever since trying a Latercase aramid fiber case on a previous Pixel, I’ve been hooked on the power of fibers. I’ve dropped multiple phones in these marvelous thin, light cases, and even in the worst drops, only the cases were damaged. The Aulumu SF8 Ultra-Slim Aramid Fiber Case for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 was already in my shopping cart when the fortuitous offer to review it came in.

Events, Health and Fitness, News & Features September 9, 2026

Apple Finally Folds: The $1,999 iPhone Duo Leads a Packed 2026 Hardware Lineup

Apple’s September hardware lineup has plenty of familiar annual upgrades, but the iPhone Duo is the device that changes the shape of the conversation. Apple’s first foldable iPhone opens to a 7.6″ inner display, closes around a 5.4″ outer screen, and starts at $1,999, making it both the most unusual and one of the most expensive iPhones Apple has ever sold. It arrives alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12, and Apple Watch Ultra 4, with Apple Intelligence and Siri AI threaded through nearly everything announced.

News & Features September 1, 2026

POCO F9 Ultra Goes Big on Battery, Gaming, Cameras, and Just About Everything Else

The POCO F9 Ultra arrives with a spec sheet that suggests restraint never made it onto the meeting agenda. The POCO F9 Ultra packs an 8,050 milliamp-hour battery, a 185-hertz AMOLED display, a 200-megapixel main camera, a 5X periscope telephoto camera, 100-watt wired charging, 50-watt wireless charging, Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon processor, and even an independent subwoofer. That’s a lot of hardware for one phone, but specifications are easy. The more useful question is whether the POCO F9 Ultra turns all those numbers into a phone you’ll enjoy carrying, charging, photographing with, and living with every day.

Reviews August 27, 2026

Nimble SHAREPOWER Portable Charger Review: A Small, Portable Charger You Can Easily Split in 2 and Share!

I’m intrigued by unique electronics that I have never seen before. The Nimble SHAREPOWER Portable Charger definitely falls into that camp. I think we all have used portable chargers by now, but the SHAREPOWER Portable Charger consists of two separate and fully functional smaller chargers that can be used together or separated to charge devices. Read on to see how it has held up!

Reviews August 11, 2026

INIU SnapGo Air 10000mAh 25-Watt Wireless Charger Review: No More Excuses for a Dead iPhone

As our lives become more and more dependent on smart devices, we also become even more dependent on charging those devices. And charging methods are usually based on habit or proximity to a power source—especially in an emergency. A good way to add many extra hours or even 1.5-2 days to your iPhone is using a 10,000mAh battery such as the INIU SnapGo Air 10000mAh 25-watt wireless charger.

News & Features August 11, 2026

The New Satechi ChargeView 240W Desktop Charger Powers Six Devices While Showing Exactly Where Every Watt Goes

Satechi is back with a bigger, more capable version of one of its more interesting charging ideas. The new Satechi ChargeView 240W Desktop Charger builds on the company’s earlier 140W model, but this time the focus is squarely on users who have gone well beyond charging a single laptop and phone at the same time. For anyone running a desk full of gear, the extra headroom should make this new model a much more compelling option.

Gear Bits August 3, 2026

RISION Unveils 2 New USB-C Thermal Cameras That Turn Your Phone into an Inspection Device

RISION, a company that specializes in thermal imaging and detection systems, has announced a new family of plug-in thermal cameras that are specifically designed to integrate directly with smartphones, tablets, and laptops. They will offer the new RISION Magic series: the RISION Magic and RISION Magic Pro. The more accessible RISION Magic is designed for homeowners and do-it-yourselfers performing basic household and electronics inspections. The other variant, the RISION Magic Pro, is tailored for professionals, tradespeople, and homeowners alike, performing functions such as investigations of electrical systems and components, HVAC equipment, industrial inspections, and more rigorous mechanical inspections.

Reviews July 31, 2026

BlueParrott Pro B450 Review: A Dream Wireless Headset for Truckers

It is hard to drive and stay connected these days safely. In some states, it’s illegal to have a phone in your hand while driving (which it should be); other states take it a step further and make it illegal to even look at your phone at a red light. While most newer vehicles have an array of screens and other wireless capabilities, most of the larger commercial trucks on the road don’t have that fancy technology. The BlueParrott Pro B450 makes it easy to stay connected hands-free with a customizable button, rotating mic boom, and active noise canceling. The…

News & Features July 22, 2026

Samsung Unpacked 2026 Goes Big on Foldables, AI, and Smarter Galaxy Watches

Samsung launched a gaggle of new devices at its summer Unpacked event in London today. There was a lot of “new” at the event, including some new branding, some new features, and even a new form factor. All told, six new devices are coming in just two weeks at a variety of price points. Samsung is launching the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, and the Galaxy Watch 9 in two sizes — 44mm and 40mm. Here are the highlights from the event.

Reviews July 17, 2026

Motorola Razr Fold Review: Big Screen Ambition Meets Battery Life That Means Business

The Motorola Razr Fold is Motorola’s most direct swing at the book-style foldable phone, and that alone makes it a more interesting device than its familiar Razr name might suggest. The Razr name has always kept the memory of a phone that snapped shut with attitude. This one is different. It opens like a small tablet, closes like a large traditional smartphone, and tries to make the case that a foldable can be practical without feeling like a sensitive science project that happens to make calls.

News & Features July 14, 2026

Brain-Body Therapy App Review: A Strong Idea Held Back by Rigid Workouts

I am a firm believer that exercise is a cornerstone of mental health. We are built to move our bodies one way or another. You don’t have to head out for 10-mile runs every day, but even yoga or stretching can help clear the detritus from your mind. So I was super excited to check out the Brain-Body Therapy App, which aims to combine basic therapy with exercise. Is it the path to a clearer mind and healthier body?

Reviews July 10, 2026

OPPO Reno16 Pro 5G Review: The Android Phone That Made Me Question My Loyalty to Apple

I’ve used iPhones since the original model and, despite occasional Android experiments, never seriously considered leaving Apple’s ecosystem. Retirement and a move to a new country changed that, loosening my ties to the workflow that had kept me firmly in Apple’s camp. So when I was offered the OPPO Reno16 Pro 5G, the timing felt right. I expected an interesting detour before returning to my iPhone. Instead, the experience turned out to be far more compelling than I anticipated. That isn’t what happened. While the final jury is still out, I have to say that I’m loving this phone. In…

Reviews July 1, 2026

Time Atlas App Review: Automatically Record Your Adventures to Relive Later

I still have my first diary from the 1970s, and over the past six decades I’ve filled dozens more. I’d actually rather call them journals or life logs, since I’ve never been the kind of person who writes about feelings much. I use a journal to capture everyday activities and adventures so I can relive them years later. There have even been years when I didn’t keep one at all, and I regret that now. Wouldn’t it be great if an app could automatically record your daily activities and travels for you? There is. It’s called Time Atlas.

Reviews June 23, 2026

INIU Cougar P63 Power Bank Review: A Powerful and Handy Little Charger

I’ve used a lot of portable chargers, some great, some good, and some pretty terrible. One consistent problem, though, is that many older chargers I’ve accumulated don’t have the capacity and output power that phones and tablets now require for fast charging. One of the cool things about the INIU Cougar P63 power bank is that it has multiple USB-C and USB-A outputs and can deliver the higher wattage that newer devices crave. The layout and design are very intuitive and easy to understand. The INIU Cougar P63 power bank has a neat little trick. The lanyard loop attached to the…

Reviews June 22, 2026

Xiaomi 17T Smartphone Review: The Imported Android Phone That Made Me Look Like a Better Photographer

My daily phone is an iPhone Air. I love it, but the one area where it falls short is the camera, which is not as powerful as the ones found on more flagship-level devices. So I am always open to having a second phone around that can double as a dedicated photography tool. The new Xiaomi 17T makes a very strong case for itself when it comes to the fusion of smartphone utility and seriously impressive cameras.

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