Smartphones & Gear

The Samsung Galaxy X Fold 3 opened with a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 next to it

News & Features August 11, 2021

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G Will Have You Dancing in the Rain as You Unfold Your World

Today’s Galaxy Unpacked event introduced the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. Samsung has made these third-generation foldables more durable — they are even water-resistant now. So if you’ve considered the previous generations of the Galaxy Z folding smartphones but weren’t quite compelled to buy one yet — whether because of their prohibitive prices, their perceived delicateness, or because you felt the technology was still too new — I suspect that you’ll be interested in today’s reveal.

Xiaomi MIX 4

News & Features August 10, 2021

The Xiaomi MIX 4 Flagship Looks Amazing; Too Bad It Won’t Be Easy to Get in the US!

If you want more proof that the smartphones we routinely see in the US aren’t quite as exciting as the smartphones other countries have to choose from, take a look at the brand new Xiaomi MIX 4. Not only does this phone have a durably elegant and lightweight ceramic unibody, but it also has a 6.67’’ AMOLED full-screen display with the latest CUP (Camera Under Panel) technology. That means there’s no blacked-out front-facing camera area when you’re looking at the display. But there is plenty more to be impressed by with this latest Xiaomi device.

OmniCharge Omni Mobile 25600

Reviews, Travel August 9, 2021

Omnicharge Omni Mobile 25600 Review: Powerful, Portable, and Laptop Capable

Let’s say that you are going on a weekend trip, and you want to make are that you’ll be able to keep your laptop, phone, and tablet charged without bringing a bunch of extra cables and wall adapters. What if that trip happens to be somewhere remote without easy access to power from wall outlets. What would you pack? If you’re looking for the easiest, most powerful, and most portable power solution, my suggestion would be the Omnicharge Omni Mobile 25600.

Nomad MagSafe Mount Stand

Reviews August 3, 2021

Nomad MagSafe Mount Stand Review: Holds Your iPhone at a Convenient Viewing Angle while Charging

Nomad has been on a roll releasing accessories that work with Apple’s MagSafe Mount. In April, they released a horizontal MagSafe Mount. Reviews were excellent but often included a request — people wanted a vertical version, so they could see their iPhone while it wirelessly charged. The new Nomad MagSafe Mount Stand has just been announced; it allows you to view your mounted iPhone either horizontally or vertically.

Einova Power Ring

Reviews July 20, 2021

Einova Power Ring Review: Put a Ring on It and Charge Wirelessly from Anywhere

We take our phones everywhere and constantly rely on them as a lifeline to the world. As a result, a plethora of portable power banks and accessories for holding and propping our mobile phones has exploded with options. Einova thinks they have a solution that solves several problems at once with their Einova Power Ring Qi power bank. Is this the solution you’ve been looking for? Read on to find out!

Freedom Phone

Editorials July 16, 2021

Freedom Phone Is a Dumb Purchase, but You Do You

Here’s a fun fact for you: Toyota designs their Lexus and Toyota logos to be the same size; it’s so they can easily swap the designs. Yes, a Lexus will be nicer, but why design two different steering wheels if the same dimensions can work for both brands? At the same time, you’d probably feel pretty dumb and angry if you bought a Lexus from a dealer only to discover they had charged you Lexus prices for an old Corolla with a Lexus badge. And if that sounds far-fetched, well, just ask anyone who was suckered into buying a Freedom…

MediaTek Helio G96

Gear Bits, News & Features July 16, 2021

MediaTek Announced Helio G96 and Helio G88 Chips to Make Your Next Phone Zippier!

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that you don’t need to know what’s under the hood of your phone. It makes calls, and it takes pictures; what else do you need to know? But phones are the center of so much of our lives that getting the best bang for your buck matters, even if it’s not a flagship phone. And that’s why MediaTek has the new Helio G96 and Helio G88 chipsets.

Google Pixel Buds A-Series Review: Rich Sound for Less

Reviews July 14, 2021

Google Pixel Buds A-Series Review: Rich Sound for Less

As an avid Pixel phone user, I was excited that Google developed its own earbuds. I sat out on their first iteration of the true wireless version but jumped in with the Google Pixel Buds A-Series. The idea of wireless buds designed to work with my phone is an exciting idea for a non-iPhone user. The last week, both my son and I have put them through their paces.

Nomad Leather Loop

Reviews July 13, 2021

Nomad Leather Loop for AirTag Review: A Simple Yet Essential Accessory

When Apple’s new AirTag’s were released, my Tile Trackers became obsolete. Apple’s approach to locating keys and other everyday daily carries is more tightly integrated with iOS in ways Tile can’t match. But Apple offers no way to attach the pricey trackers to your daily carry. The new Nomad Leather Loop for AirTag elegantly solves that problem.

Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charger

Reviews July 13, 2021

Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charger Review: Elevated Essential Charger for Your Everyday Carry Apple Items

When I purchased my iPhone 12 Pro Max back in 2020, one of the highlighted features was the MagSafe Charging. I went out of my way to purchase Apple’s charging puck for it at an astounding $39, but unfortunately, the lack of a dock option made it less useful than I had hoped. To the rescue came the Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe 15W Charging. 

Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders: Qualcomm and ASUS Debuting a Beast of a Smartphone!

News & Features July 8, 2021

Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders: Qualcomm and ASUS Debuting a Beast of a Smartphone!

In case you weren’t aware, in March, Qualcomm set up a program called Snapdragon Insiders. It all kicked off with a simple video done by Christiano R. Amon, the President and (at the time) CEO-Elect of Qualcomm. Amon promised access to Qualcomm experts, the latest updates from Snapdragon, and tech-reader collaborations. Months have passed; Amon is now the CEO of Qualcomm, and the Snapdragon Insiders program now has 1.6 million members. To celebrate, today they are announcing their first Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders that utilizes the best Snapdragon has to offer in a mobile experience.

Cleer Enduro ANC Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones Review

Reviews June 29, 2021

Cleer Enduro ANC Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones Review

I recently reviewed the Cleer Ally Plus II wireless earbuds, and they are a fantastic choice for anyone on the go. The Cleer Enduro ANC Noise Cancelling Headphones provide a more robust sound profile and a staggering 60 hours of battery life for over-the-ear fans. This battery life is with using active noise canceling and with some fantastic audio performance. Let’s take a look.

Cleer Ally Plus II

Reviews June 23, 2021

Cleer Ally Plus II Noise Cancelling True Wireless Earbuds Review: Reasonably Priced with Long Battery Life and Excellent Sound

Cleer has released the second iteration of the Ally Plus true wireless earbuds. With long battery life and active noise canceling, and other features, the Cleer Ally Plus II True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds strive to be perfect for anyone on the go. The Cleer+ app allows for adjustments and getting settings perfect for just about any situation.

Nokia G20

Gear Bits June 23, 2021

Nokia G20 Keeps Going and Going with 3 Days of Battery Life!

It can be hard to balance features and reliability with budget-end phones. Plus, all too often, anything that isn’t a flagship can sometimes be forgotten or behind the curve in terms of security updates and other features. Nokia isn’t making you choose between features, security, and budget with the Nokia G20!

Infinix Hot 10S Review: Offers Flagship Features at a Budget Price

Reviews June 17, 2021

Infinix Hot 10S Review: Offers Flagship Features at a Budget Price

Infinix Hot 10S sounds like a chicken wing special from a punk bar in a sci-fi movie. Still, it’s actually a surprisingly compact and powerful Android phone that boasts an incredible battery life, a very impressive camera, and a processor and software set focused on giving you a truly kickass gaming experience on the go!