Smartphones & Gear


Steinberg Brings Cubasis 3 Audio Workstation to Android Devices

Back in 2012, Steinberg released Cubasis, a fully-featured DAW (digital audio workstation) for iPad with plug-ins, full audio, MIDI recording and editing, and many other professional features. Having used Cubasis on iPad quite a bit through the years, I have always loved how they were able to pack so many features into a mobile platform. Last year’s Cubasis 3 took things to another level, making the iPad version a true mobile DAW. And now Steinberg has brought the acclaimed full-featured mobile studio to Android.


Qualcomm Brings 5G to the Masses with Their New Snapdragon Chips!

It seems like we’ve been talking about it forever, but 5G is finally picking up steam and being rolled out on a massive scale. The true test of any new connectivity feature, whether it is wifi, Bluetooth, NFC, or 5G, is when it leaps from flagship feature to everyday option, and Qualcomm is taking 5G much closer with their new Snapdragon 690.


AIAIAI Audio’s TMA-2HD Are Customizable Modular Headphones

If you think about it, a pair of headphones are all essentially made up of the same few parts with different companies providing their take on each while the formula remains the same. AIAIAI have taken this to the next logical setup by making the whole process user-configurable. The TMA-2HD are high-end headphones that are one combination of these components, but nothing stops you from changing components yourself after the fact – making them incredibly versatile.  




Nomad Rugged Case Protects Your Pixel Buds in Style

Everyone is used to having a case for your phone, but what about a case for your earbuds? Nomad has produced a beautiful leather Rugged Case for your Google Pixel Buds in both brown and black. Not only does it protect your Pixel Buds case, but it is a premium feeling and looking product that will up your style points every time you take them out of your pocket.


Google’s Pixel Buds Are a Taste of the Future in Your Ears

Totally wireless earbuds once felt incredibly futuristic and out of reach, but they are now pretty commonplace with a virtual smorgasbord of choices available. Google’s Pixel Buds announced last year, but just shipping now, enter this crowded market and do everything you would expect from a quality set of earbuds.


Android 10 Update for Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Released

While we are hearing about everything coming to Android 11 later this year, there are plenty of devices still waiting for Android 10 to arrive. When it comes to Android tablets, the conventional wisdom is ‘you get what you get’ – if you don’t expect any updates you will never be disappointed.



ISOtunes Free Truly Wireless Headphones Block Unwanted Noise without Wires

ISOtunes produces headphones for people who work in loud conditions such as workshops, construction, lawn care, and more. Their headphones are designed to reduce outside noise in order to protect your ears from long term hearing loss. The OSHA compliant ISOtunes FREE is their latest product, offering true wireless connectivity while staying true to their goal of hearing protection.


MediaTek Brings 5G Affordability with the New MediaTek Dimensity 820 Chip

Back in the day when 4G was just becoming a thing, the initial phones that were released all had a major flaw —the battery would drain almost as soon as the phones came off the charger. MediaTek knows that those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it, and so energy efficiency plus power and affordability are all on the menu with the new MediaTek Dimensity 820 chip.



Nine Months with Samsung Galaxy Note 10: My 12 Favorite Things

We recently recounted our six-month experiences with the Google Pixel 4/4XL, and if you took even a brief at my sections, you would see that ‘disappointed’ doesn’t begin to describe my take. My problems had very little to do with Android, as I have had another device that more than met my needs over the same period, so I wanted to highlight some of the coolest features of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus (or 10+, I tend to use them interchangeably).



MediaTek Makes Sure Your Phone’s Engine Keeps up with New Features

Do you know what kind of engine is in your car? It’s ok if you don’t; most people don’t pay attention to what makes their car run, they’re just glad it does. The same goes for your smartphone’s internal processor. The phone does its thing, and you’re happy. Just know that MediaTek is on it with constantly improving processors, including the new Helio G85.


Pitaka Air Case for the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Is Close to Naked Protection

Maybe the thought of putting a thick, bulky case on your already large enough Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra makes you grimace. And let’s say you’ve also decided that a printed vinyl skin’s level of protection is only a half-step up from naked. If you’re looking for a balance between too little and too much protection, you’ll be glad to know that there is a Goldilocks Solution for your needs — the Pitaka Air Case.


Help Settle Anxiety and Manage Panic Attacks with 45 Days of Free Premium Access to Rootd

We’re all going through the pandemic together, yet in many ways, many of us have never felt more alone. Money worries, employment woes, health fears, cabin fever, and anger at this situation, in general, can result in irrational arguments with your partner or other quarantine-mates, angst, malaise, a general sense of depression, and anxiety attacks. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Rootd wants to help.