Smartphones & Gear

HUAWEI Mate X2

News & Features February 23, 2021

Huawei Mate X2 Launch Teases Excellent Hardware That Won’t Be Coming to the US

Due to the United States’ trade sanctions against Huawei, Samsung and Motorola make the only folding screen smartphones currently available here. But if you live elsewhere and don’t rely on Google apps or services, this might interest you. The Huawei Mate X2  has just been announced; it’s their foldable flagship smartphone updating the 2019 Mate X, and it appears to be an amazing piece of hardware. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-PCMCYcvBM&authuser=1

AfterShokz OpenComm Bone Conduction Stereo Bluetooth Headset

Reviews February 18, 2021

AfterShokz OpenComm Bone Conduction Stereo Bluetooth Headset Review

I’m a huge advocate of AfterShokz, especially if you’re the type to listen to music while running, walking, hiking, etc. Having your ears open while still being able to enjoy music is a home run. AfterShokz thinks hearing your surroundings is important when you’re working too, and they’re applying their bone conduction headphones concept to a work-centric headset with the AfterShokz OpenComm. Does bone conduction spiff up well for the office? Read on to find out!

MediaTek M80 5G Modem

Gear Bits February 1, 2021

MediaTek M80 5G Modem Brings mmWave 5G Support for Even Speedier Browsing!

5G is, if not yet everywhere, in a lot more places than it used to be. While it seems to be the biggest in cities, the suburbs and the rest of the world will eventually get that sweet, sweet speedy internet on the go. You may not be paying attention to how you’re getting that 5G, but under the hood of all your devices are new chips and modems to handle all that internet, and they’re making sure you’re getting the most out of your connectivity with their new MediaTek M80 5G modem.

Jays T-Seven True Wireless

Reviews February 1, 2021

Jays T-Seven True Wireless Review: True Wireless Earbuds Packed with Tech for a Reasonable Price

True wireless earbuds have gotten dramatically better since they made their first appearance a few years ago. New models offer improved connectivity, increased battery life, and better sound. Many even offer active noise cancellation and battery cases that are Qi-wireless charging enabled. The new Jays t-Seven True Wireless earbuds offer all of these advances at an accessible price.

Goal Zero SHERPA 100PD Power Bank Review: It Saved the Day When the Power Was Out

Reviews January 26, 2021

Goal Zero SHERPA 100PD Power Bank Review: It Saved the Day When the Power Was Out

A storm some weeks ago left us in the cold, literally. We had no idea how long the power would be out, but my wife and I still needed to work. Thankfully, we’d been sent the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD Power Bank and Yeti 200X Portable Power Station for us to check out; these power sources kept our phones, tablets, and computers going until our electricity returned.

Google Pixel 5

Reviews January 25, 2021

Google Pixel 5 Review: You Can’t Always Get What You Want

The Google Pixel 5 was released last October as the follow-up to the Pixel 4. Rather than offering an XL version as Google had done with previous Pixel flagship models, the Pixel 5 was more of a “take it or leave it” proposition. It came in one size, a choice of two colors, and only one user memory option. There are some upgrades and some compromises, but overall it’s solid. Even so, I can admit that I wasn’t as enthused with it from the start as I had been with the Pixel 3 XL and the Pixel 4 XL.

Huawei P40 Pro+ Review

Reviews January 15, 2021

Huawei P40 Pro+ Review: Amazing Hardware, Killer Camera, Crippled Software

For a few years now, Apple and Samsung have battled for leadership in the global smartphone market share. This is particularly obvious in regions like the US, where both brands dominate. But did you know that Chinese manufacturer Huawei is consistently in the top three as well? In fact, it was #1 in Q2 2020 — yes, the same Huawei that the US government put on an entity list in 2019, barring it from doing business with US companies like Google.

OnePlus Nord N10 5G Review: A Return to OnePlus’ Roots

Reviews December 28, 2020

OnePlus Nord N10 5G Review: A Return to OnePlus’ Roots

OnePlus released the Nord in Europe some time ago with the promise that it would eventually arrive on our US shores. They later released the OnePlus Nord N10 5G and Nord N100 in Europe with promises to eventually bring them to the US. I’ve been testing the European OnePlus Nord N10 5G, and I am quite impressed. It is an excellent phone in its own right, and it represents OnePlus returning to its roots and the approach that first put it on our radar.