Not long ago, a “portable” backup power solution for your MacBook meant bringing a dedicated, heavy battery slab and an adapted Apple MagSafe block. Now, most laptops including MacBooks are powered by USB-C; battery technology has caught up, become more powerful, and it’s downsized. The mophie powerstation USB-C 3XL can recharge your laptop and it’s the size of a paperback.
Originally an Indiegogo campaign, the Soul Electronics X-Shock Bluetooth Headphones offer a lot to love, and a few things to improve on to truly make them a contender in the wireless headphone world.
I’m always looking for a light pair of Bluetooth headphones that sound good and are comfortable to wear, so I was pleased when recently sent a pair of the Aiwa Arc-1 Bluetooth Headphones to try. They incorporate a two-piece, stiff bio-cellulose composite speaker cone with a flexible surround, and they are not only comfortable, but they also sound great!
I am completely sold on the idea of truly wireless earphones. While the selection is growing, finding quality is often difficult. Phiaton Corporation today announced the BOLT BT 700 wireless earphones featuring armature drivers and a portable charging case that doubles as a wireless speaker on Kickstarter ($79/$139). I was lucky enough to get an early sample so let’s take a look.
The first few things you notice about the new Samsung Galaxy Note 9 are how huge it is, the awesome screen, cool S-pen, and all that glass on the front and back. And while that looks pretty cool, like most people I quickly found myself in a panic as the phone nearly slipped from my hands and thought “this thing really needs a case!” The folks at UAG (Urban Armor Gear) have released a few solutions and provided us with a sample of the Monarch series case.
If you are looking for an affordable pair of wireless Bluetooth Headphones that are not just great for wearing in the office to tune out your co-workers, but great for everyday wear including the gym, you should check out the Aermoo B3 Wireless Headphones.
Have you ever held your phone up above your head (just a little higher!), hoping that the added height would improve your cell signal? No judgment; I think we’ve all tried it at least once… and then realized it doesn’t work. Something that actually will help you improve your in-car signal, though, is the SureCall N-Range cellphone signal booster.
This time of year is super crazy here in Texas. As I chase the Friday Night Lights dream, I find myself constantly on the road. There are no charging stations on football fields and school buses. I always need a way to keep my phone charged often deep into the night. The RazorMega ($69.99) from MyCharge looks to be the perfect tool.
We’ve made no secret of our fondness of Jabra’s audio products. They sound fantastic and, with each iteration, get better and better. The Jabra Elite 65t and Jabra Elite Active 65t are no different. They are comfortable, hold a Bluetooth connection well, get good battery life, and sound amazing. Priced at $169.99 and $189.99, they even work with Amazon Alexa!
Bose is often regarded as the go-to choice for noise-canceling headphones and earbuds and their recent QuietComfort 20 headphones are no exception. Boasting one of the most comfortable headphones I’ve worn in years, they offer truly impressive noise-cancellation.
For the longest time, it seemed like the portable speaker trend was headed toward smaller and more compact speakers, but you know what? Big spaces need big sound, and that’s just what you’ll get with the Braven BRV-XXL. It’s not a small speaker by any means, but the sound it puts out makes bringing it along worth it!
Did you put in an order for the Tesla Model 3? I know two people who did, and I’ll admit that I’m a little jealous. What seemingly obvious feature did Tesla forget? Wireless charging! How do you fix that? With the Nomad Tesla 3 Wireless Charger, of course!
Are you looking for a high-capacity battery pack that can charge your laptop, tablet, DSLR camera, phone, and almost anything else you might carry? Take a look at the redesigned Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC Power Pack. It has two USB Type-C ports, 2 USB Type-A ports, an AC outlet, wireless charging, and it includes all the cables you might need!
Recently we enjoyed the new Surf waterproof Bluetooth speaker from ION Audio, but for those times when we want to enjoy the patio or entertain friends or family, the pool may not be an option. Introducing the Tiki Sounds Outdoor Illuminated Speaker system.
We recently looked at the Scosche MagicMount Pro Charge and the Speck Presidio Mount Case designed to take advantage of its magnetic wireless charging. The Scosche BoomBottle MM is part of the same line. It is a Bluetooth waterproof speaker with magnets to hold an iPhone in a Speck Presidio Mount or attached steel plates in place; it’s awesome.
Summer is all about spending time by the pool, hanging out on the back deck, travel, and camping. The TYLT Block Party gives you a way to stay charged while outdoors while enjoying your favorite music. The Block Party is a combo portable Bluetooth speaker and 20,000mAh battery that can charge up to four devices at the same time.
I’ve enjoyed reviewing “true wireless headphones” that completely cut the cord. Unfortunately, most have some issues. For example, the Rowkin Bit Charge earphones sound great but their 2-3 hour battery life is disappointing, and they can lose their stereo connection. I was curious if the Rowkin Surge Charge fixed these issue and I’m happy to report they do!
The Novoo AC Power Bank would be a fantastic sidekick for any technology-obsessed traveler who needs juice at all times. With its multiple power output options and huge battery capacity, the Novoo power bank makes it easy to keep all of your devices charged while on the go.
It’s easy to forget as our gadgets go wireless that sometimes wired has a place. I haven’t reached for wired headphones in a long time, and using the Brainwavz B200 made me realize I’ve been seriously missing out!
If you’re now the proud owner of a Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9+, then there are two accessories that we recommend to help protect your shiny new toy and to extend its battery life.
We’ve become used to seeing 10,000 and 20,000mAh portable batteries that cost anywhere from $50 – $100 (or more). But what if I told you that you could get a powerful 20,000mAh Orico portable battery that can charge everything from your laptop to your smartwatch for $35? You’d want one, right?