Review: Tabs is a reliable & cost-effective home security solution

Review

The desire to keep tabs on our homes while away seems to have been on everyone’s minds throughout last year, with DIY home monitoring and security systems growing to fill the demand. Just about all of the solutions on the market are geared towards smart home owners, tinkerers and just all-around tech-savvy folks. But as we covered at the beginning of the January, Tabs is a new security solution with simplicity at the forefront of its design.

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Review: MagLock Sunglasses offer stellar comfort with unique function

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It’s hard to imagine how a company could bring innovation to a product like sunglasses, yet Distil Union was able to deliver just that with its new MagLock Sunglasses. As the name suggests, these shades feature magnets in the temples for a useful clipping feature to prevent drops and loss. But more than just a cool new feature, I’ve found these sunglasses to be really comfortable and functional. Read on for all the details.

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Review: Urban Armor Gear’s iPhone X cases feature great styling & protection

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When it comes to protecting our devices, a case is generally seen as the easiest way to do so. What brand, however, is always a hard decision. I’ve used Urban Armor Gear cases for years, and even have one on my iPad Pro right now. Putting a Urban Armor Gear case on my iPhone X was a no brainer, but they offer several styles, so which should you choose?

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Review: LEGO’s 7,500-piece Millennium Falcon is the ultimate collector’s item for Star Wars fans

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The Millennium Falcon may just be the most well-known vehicle in all of science fiction and beyond. Making its big-screen debut in A New Hope just over 40 years ago, the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy has solidified itself as a cultural icon. And over the past few decades, has been commemorated through tons pop-culture references, collector’s items and even LEGO kits.

In fact, just about all of LEGO’s largest and display-worthy sets have come from a galaxy far, far away. So when it came time for LEGO to pay tribute to Star War’s 40th anniversary, it only made sense to recreate the iconic starship in what is the largest kit ever produced. With over 7,500 pieces, 10 Minifigures and 4 feet of details, LEGO’s UCS Millennium Falcon stacks up to be one of the most complex, well-designed and impressive sets ever released.

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Hands-on: Toast for Xbox One X is a unique real wood skin [Giveaway]

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All electronics look the same. You and a friend might have the same phone, laptop, or even gaming console. Sure, there are sometimes different variations within devices, be it black or white, or maybe Xbox One X compared to the normal Xbox One S.

No matter what, though, the stylings of the units will always look the same. Similarly, gaming consoles, in particular, stand out when they are on an entertainment center, which can sometimes be the goal, and other times be the exact opposite of what you want. Head below to read our full thoughts from installation to final product on Toast for the Xbox One X.

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Review: Apogee’s next generation Lightning & USB MiC+ for iOS/Mac

Apogee has been one of the top names in digital audio in the music production world for years. It successfully jumped into the mobile game with its iOS friendly interfaces among other things a few years back, and recently launched the second generation MiC+ USB/Lightning Microphone. Apogee rarely opts for affordability over quality, but we had to give it a run for its money anyway.

We have now had a chance to go hands-on with the company’s latest portable mic over the last little while. Apogee has certainly stepped its game up here, but is it still worth the world-class price tag? Head below for our full review…

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Review: Mophie’s powerstation AC is the best power bank out there, if you have $200

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Mophie kicked off 2018 with the release of its new powerstation AC external battery pack. This on-the-go power supply caught the eye of Mac users with its impressive 22000mAh capacity, USB-C PD support and the added bonus of an AC outlet. As the ultimate review test, I took Mophie’s latest release to Las Vegas in my CES backpack as the lone power supply for my MacBook and Nintendo Switch.

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Review: Jedi Challenges brings a galaxy far, far away to the comfort of your own home

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The latest installment in the Star Wars franchise has been in theaters for some time now. And while 3D and IMAX viewings have given fans an even more immersive way to experience their favorite galaxy from far, far away, they fall short of what many fans, including myself, are clamoring for. That’s where Lenovo’s latest smartphone accessory comes in, the Jedi Challenges Augmented Reality Kit.

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Review: JBL’s Boombox does a fantastic job at bringing back an age-old classic

There are tons of Bluetooth speakers on the market. You’ve got budget options and super high-end options. There are also a few in the middle, and sometimes it’s hard to decide what speaker you should buy.

If you’re just looking to listen with a few friends, then most budget options will work great for you. Rugged? There’s an option for that as well. JBL has a speaker, the Boombox, that falls somewhere in the middle and if you’re looking for great sound, plenty of features, and a fairly decent price for it all, read on.

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Review: Technic BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is a sturdy kit and an even more solid bargain

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Growing up, I was never a huge fan of cars or motorcycles. That carried over into the LEGO sets I longed for, with most of my collection centered around spaceships and the like. So when it came to the Technic kits, ones primarily consisting of vehicles, they never really caught my eye.

But that changed earlier this year with the release of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure set, the first licensed motorcycle in the lineup. And after getting my hands on it, I’ve realized everything I’ve been missing out on  with the Technic series.

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Hands-on: Bento Stack is a great organization tool for Apple accessories

Apple accessories, there are tons of them. You have Apple Watch bands, Apple Pencil, iPad chargers, iPhone and MacBook chargers, and more. Anytime you leave the house or go on vacation, if you’re anything like me, there’s a mad rush to make sure you don’t forget any cables to keep everything charged.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone on vacation only to forget my Apple Watch charger, or even worse, my MacBook Pro charger. Even if you do remember to bring all of your cables along, they always get tangled, right? Well, Bento Stack has changed how I pack for trips and has become a must-have in my gear bag when leaving the house for more than a few hours.

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Review: WaterField’s Arcade Gaming Case is a premium bag for your Switch

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There’s no doubt that if you’re reading this, you either have a Nintendo Switch or plan to get one soon. Maybe you’ve owned a Switch since release, or maybe you just opened one up on Christmas morning. Either way, you’ll want a safe and stylish way to transport your Switch around. I know I did, and the pink and neon green Splatoon case that I got with my Switch bundle grew old really fast.

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Hands-on: Echo Spot makes a great first impression as a bedside companion

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In the past decade, alarm clocks have all but faded out of existence for many thanks to the rise of smartphones. And even though smartphones have replaced just about every household item from timers to grocery lists, the introduction of the Amazon Echo and Alexa have begun yet another shift. So in a natural turn of events, Amazon has brought Alexa voice control and a 2.5-inch screen to your nightstand with the release of its latest Echo device, the Spot. After spending some time with Spot, we’ll be diving into a hands-on review and our first impressions.

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Review: IK’s latest iRig Keys I/O hybrid MIDI controller doubles as an audio interface

IK Multimedia has released loads of new generation products for portable and mobile musicians over the last 12 months. From the iRig HD 2 condenser mic and the sub-$100 iRig Pre guitar interface, to the new Syntronik for Mac/iOS, IK has something for everyone this holiday season. Back in August, the company debuted its latest MIDI controller product known as iRig Keys I/O. As expected with IK, this appeared to come along with everything you could want in a sub $300 controller, but this time around IK decided to take it one step further with a more all-in-one approach.

The controller keyboard-meets-audio interface brings a lot to the table for the price tag, but is it all a little too good to be true? We decided to put the company’s latest flagship driver to the test over the last couple weeks in a typical home studio environment across a number of different projects. Head below to find out more…

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Review: WaterField’s Air Porter laptop bag offers executive style and function

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When it comes to choosing the right bag to take with you on a flight, it can be challenging. Most airlines limit you to one bag below your seat and one in the overhead compartment. Normally, you can’t easily access the overhead compartment once you take off, so fitting what you’ll need for hours in a cramped space below your seat can sometimes be hard. WaterField decided to take matters into its own hands and make the Air Porter, a laptop bag designed for the world traveler.

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Review: Pad & Quill’s Bella Fino iPhone X Wallet Case delivers w/ premium materials & a snug fit

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Pad & Quill has always made fantastic cases and holders for Apple’s expensive handheld devices. So we couldn’t wait to get our hands on the latest generation of wallet cases for Apple’s new edge-to-edge iPhone X.

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Review: LEGO’s Finn & Phasma BrickHeadz are adorable additions to your Star Wars collection

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In the past year or so, collectible figures like Funko POP! have become more and more popular. Looking to jump in on the demand, LEGO has since launched its own line of figures deemed BrickHeadz. We’ve seen some pretty iconic characters join the ranks from Marvel, Disney, and DC. More recently, LEGO announced that it would be filling out the Star Wars lineup just in time for the latest addition to the film franchise. Finn and Phasma were the first two publicly released figures, follow along for our hands on.

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Review: VIZIO’s Chromecast-enabled M-Series 4K TV is a living room star under $700

Over the last month or so, I’ve been pairing my new Xbox One X with VIZIO’s 2017 M-Series 4K Ultra HDTV. Specifically the 55-inch M55-E0 model that boasts integrated Chromecast features and HDR10 support.

Priced at $700, but available for around $500 during Black Friday, I was intrigued to see how VIZIO’s mid-range lineup pairs with the latest gaming technology. We already know this brand has long been a consumer favorite blending solid features and affordability. But with the market saturated with so many 4K options this holiday season, I needed to know if this model could standout from the noise.

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Trek is a motorized camera slider system with the unique ability to curve

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People are always looking for a way to take better photos or videos with their cameras or smartphones. One way to set your video apart from someone else’s is unique movement, like from a slider. Until now, sliders have either been expensive or manual, they’ve almost always been only in a straight line, and really never very portable. Trek is a slider that is motorized, very portable, can take tight turns (and even do 360-degree), can extend or shrinks as much as you need, and is quite affordable compared to the competition.

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Hands-on: Satechi’s Wireless Charger is one of the best-looking iPhone X compatible charging solutions [Video]

We previously rounded up several wireless chargers for Apple’s latest iPhone Kit, including the Belkin and Mophie chargers sold in Apple Stores. Yet, Satechi’s Wireless Charger is one of the best-looking wireless chargers that we’ve seen thus far.

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Review: ElevationDock 4 lives up to its self claimed title of ‘the best dock for iPhone’

With so many options on the market, ElevationLab makes the seemingly bold claim that its new ElevationDock 4 is “the best dock for iPhone.” However, it didn’t take me very long with the product to realize that the company isn’t exaggerating, it is hands down the best iPhone dock I’ve ever used. Here’s why…

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Review: Seaboard Block brings 5D MIDI touch control to an affordable price tag

After being unveiled back in the summer, the latest ROLI Seaboard recently showed up at the office much to our delight. The Seaboard Blocks is the first time ROLI has brought its unique 5D MIDI touch technology down to an affordable price tag, so we couldn’t be more excited to get a chance to go hands-on…

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Review: Abode’s DIY Security System sports extensive features at a budget-friendly price

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Concerns of home security are on the rise and the introduction of DIY systems have offered an interesting proposition for adopters of home automation, do-it-yourselfers and those seeking more budget-friendly options. While full security systems from companies like ADT were once the preferred means of gaining peace-of-mind when away from home, SmartThings, Wink and others have joined the ranks to offer competitively feature-packed and cost-effective solutions. Abode enters the fray with an extensive list of supported devices and flexible features at an entry-level price. Head below to see how the system stacks up.

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Xbox One X Project Scorpio Unboxing: First impressions w/ Microsoft’s new 4K console [Video]

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Today is Xbox One X day! Whether you were lucky enough to get your hands on a console, or waiting for a potential Black Friday deal, chances are your interest has been piqued. I opted for the Day One Project Scorpio Edition personally. It arrived this afternoon and I thought we’d give Electronicsforward readers a quick unboxing. Head below for a video and a few first impressions.

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Review: JBL’s Pulse 3 waterproof speaker offers solid sound, built-in light show, and more

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I’ve been testing out JBL’s Pulse 3 Bluetooth Speaker for the last couple weeks which features a cool 360-degree lightshow, waterproof design, nice sound quality, and good battery life. Keep reading after the break for our full review of this fun and functional portable speaker.

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Hands-on: DotStone 4K HDMI bi-directional switcher [Video]

After recently acquiring the Atomos Sumo Studio Monitor/Recorder (hands-on coming soon), I was looking for a way to connect two HDMI camera sources to the unit without having to unplug one cable to plug in another. The Sumo features a single HDMI input, so unless I wanted to convert from SDI to HDMI, a switcher was my best bet.

I opted for this sub-$12 DotStone HDMI Switcher 2 Ports Bi-direction Manual Switch. It may not sound like much on the surface, but I’ve been extremely satisfied with the unit’s performance. It allows me to easily switch between HDMI camera inputs with a single button press. Best of all, it requires no power adapter. Watch our brief hands-on video for more details.

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Review: BenQ’s PD2710QC monitor is great for MacBook Pros with its built-in USB-C dock

For the last few weeks I’ve been trying out BenQ’s PD2710QC 27-inch monitor as my daily driver. With an integrated USB-C dock, slim bezels, and a fair price, this monitor is worth checking out, particularly if you have Apple’s newer MacBook or MacBook Pro.

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Hands-on: Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster f/0.95 25mm, a budget GH5 lens that affords plenty of bokeh

Panasonic’s 12-35mm f/2.8 is my go-to native GH5 lens for every day shooting. It features a 35mm equivalent range of 24-70mm, and is fast enough to provide nice bokeh when needed. Yet, sometimes you need an even faster option, and for those cases, the Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster f/0.95 25mm prime is an excellent budget lens.

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Hands-on w/ Logitech’s new MX Speakers, Craft Keyboard, ERGO Trackball, more

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Logitech has taken full advantage of the last few months, unveiling a number of new Mac and PC accessories in its Craft, MX and G lineups. That includes the much anticipated Craft keyboard as well as the return of the trackball with its new Ergo mouse. All told, five new products were introduced and I’ve spent the last few weeks tinkering with each. Head below for a brief hands-on look with each of Logitech’s new accessories.

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Bosch Flexclick Review: A compact cordless drill with a (literal) twist

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The versatile Bosch drill system, which has been available in Europe for some time, is finally here! The Bosch 12V Max Flexiclick 5-in-1 Drill/Driver System is officially being released in the US today!

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Hands-on with the Arc De Triomphe, LEGO’s latest brick-built Architecture set

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LEGO’s line of Architecture kits are known for being exciting, detail-packed builds and even better display pieces. In the past few years we’ve seen iconic buildings like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and more. But now LEGO has extended its collection of French monuments with the recently unveiled Arc De Triomphe. Today we’ll be taking a hands-on look at the brick-built rendition of the famous 17th century landmark.

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Hands-on: SNES Classic Edition – a near perfect dose of nostalgia [Video]

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I’ve been a gamer since as far back as I can remember. I bought my first Nintendo back in the mid-80’s and was hooked from there. I’m no longer as big of a gamer as I once was, but I remain a fan of Nintendo to this day.

Hence, it’s no surprise that both the NES and SNES Classic Edition consoles resonated with me. The SNES Classic Edition in particular, since the original is my favorite gaming console of all-time. Unboxing this little guy brought back a wave of nostalgic memories in an instant, and I couldn’t help but smile as I held the miniature SNES in my hand.

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GreenWorks Pro 60V Review: Farewell gas outdoor tools, I’m all electric now

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About 18 months ago we started a new daily roundup of the best green and alternative energy deals, focusing on outdoor equipment, solar power and the like. In that time our sister site Electrek has grown in leaps and bounds as interest in this category has taken off. Curious what all the fuss was about, I’ve spent the last few weeks toying around with GreenWorks’ 60V lineup that includes a mower, leaf blower and string trimmer.

As someone that isn’t particularly well-versed in outdoor tools, I was anxious to see if this alternative to my inventory of gas equipment would fit the bill. Spoiler, it did and in my case, it’s far superior.

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Hands-on: QardioBase 2 smart scale is the perfect weight-logging iPhone companion

Ever since getting my first Fitbit way back in 2013 I’ve been addicted to tracking as much data about myself as I can. Over the years I’ve used a variety of gadgets, but haven’t found a smart scale I’ve really loved. After Qardio unveiled its new QardioBase 2 smart scale I was hesitant to give it a shot. But after going hands-on I just might have found the ideal weight and measurement tracking scale.

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Hands-on: Giottos’ Rocket Air Blaster is a great tool for cleaning your camera lens [Video]

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Cleaning debris from a camera lens isn’t a glamorous task, but it’s something that you’ll want to do on a regular basis to keep your photos and videos looking sharp. Dust and debris are bound to make their way to your camera lens, and even the sensor for interchangeable lens cameras. That’s where Giottos’ Rocket Air Blaster comes it. It’s a simple, effective, and inexpensive tool for quickly maintaining your expensive camera equipment. Have a look at our brief, hands-on video walkthrough for more details.

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Review: Speck’s Ruck is a cost-effective backpack for students and commuters alike

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Having a reliable backpack is just as important as the gear we stow in them. And now that the school year is back in full swing for many, you may have realized that last year’s bag just isn’t cutting it anymore. If you haven’t been sure which bag is worthy of being your daily driver, Speck’s new Ruck backpack is absolutely worth a look. Head below for our hands-on review to see why.

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Review: Mario, Link and other classics come to life as Pixel Pals – just $15/ea.

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If you’ve seen any of our desks here at 9to5, whether it be from videos or reviews, you know that we often have bobbleheads or other trinkets laying around. Well, this week I added a few more to my workspace and gaming setup. PDP’s Pixel Pals lineup takes classic characters, such as Mario or Zelda, and puts it in a miniature 8-bit light-up form.

At around $15 each, this is a must-have for any gamer. Head below for a quick hands-on.

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Jaybird Run Review: Truly wireless headphones gunning for Apple’s AirPods

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Jaybird has today unveiled the newest addition to its lineup of sports-focused headphones, taking its first shot at a truly wireless experience in the process. The new Run in-ears feature all of the active lifestyle features that one expects from Jaybird, including a sweatproof and water-resistant design. But in an already crowded market, will it will find a place dominated by AirPods and other major players?

I was able to get an early run with Jaybird’s latest over the last few weeks. Taken from an Apple-geared perspective, here are my thoughts on the new $180 Jaybird Run truly wireless headphones.

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Review: Nyko’s ChargeBlocks keep your Nintendo Switch controllers ready for action

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One of my favorite things about the Nintendo Switch is the versatility it offers. With the system, you aren’t limited to just one method of control, but rather have several different options for playing your favorite games. However, you’ll still need to keep everything charged. Thanks to Nyko, it’s incredibly easy to do just that.

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Fluance AB40 SoundBase Review: Bass you won’t believe

For most of us, the TV is where we spend more time than anywhere else when it comes to entertainment, and a huge part of the experience with your favorite movies, video games, and especially music comes down to the audio.

There are two ends of a spectrum when it comes to your TV audio experience. On one hand, there’s the speaker built into your TV, and on the other, expensive surround sound systems. Sound bars have proven to be a great middle ground, but Fluance’s SoundBase takes that idea to a whole new level.

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Review: Classicbot is the perfect desktop mascot for Apple fans

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The Classicbot Classic is an adorable little desktop figure designed after vintage Mac computers. It looked like the perfect mascot to any Mac-fan’s office set-up when we first caught a glimpse of it. Much to our surprise (and delight!), we recently had one show up in the mail so we could get up, close and personal with the cute little guy.

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Husqvarna Automower: the iOS controlled mower that cuts your lawn so you don’t have to [Video]

When it comes to smart homes and IoT devices, the majority of products on the market are for the inside of your home. While there are many smart home/HomeKit devices that can add convenience and some fun to your life, I hadn’t heard of anything that can free up hours of your time, until I learned more about autonomous mowers.

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Hands-on: DODOcase Leather Apple Pencil Sleeve [Video]

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With the release of the new iPad Pro back in June, Apple unveiled fresh accessories like the iPad Pro Leather Sleeve and the Apple Pencil Case. Both of these accessories focused on storing the Apple Pencil, something that had been somewhat overlooked with the first generation iPad Pro.

As expected, third parties have stepped up to the plate to offer alternative options. One such accessory maker, DODOcase, provides several iPad Pro-centric accessories that we’ve covered in previous posts. In addition, the San Fransisco-based company also makes a sleeve solely dedicated to the Apple Pencil.

In this brief video walkthrough, we take a hands-on look at DODOcase’s Leather Apple Pencil Sleeve. Is this $34.95 accessory worth considering?

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Review: LEGO rolls out new BB-8 kit w/ over 1,100 pieces and interactive movable parts

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Back in 2015 with the release of The Force Awakens, a new fan favorite character emerged in the form of the lovable BB-8. Now with the second film in the trilogy coming to theaters in just a few months, LEGO has decided to give the droid the star treatment with a fully brick-built model. With over 1,100 pieces and a few noteworthy play features, the LEGO BB-8 is great for collectors and all-around fans alike.

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Review: RAVPower 15000mAh Solar Charger is a versatile option for on-the-go lifestyles

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onHaving a reliable way to charge your devices when on-the-go has become a necessity for many. While the market is filled with various power packs all sporting different specs and features, RAVPower has entered with a versatile 15000mAh Solar Charger. With a rugged design, impressive battery capacity and the ability to recharge itself in sunlight, you’ll want to head below to see how the RAVPower Charger stacks up.

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My first real drone experience: DJI Phantom 3 Standard [Video]

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The DJI Phantom 3 Standard doesn’t feature the ease of use of the Spark, the portability of the Mavic Pro, or the professional level features of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro, but it provides a stellar bang for the buck at refurb pricing.

This drone is especially nice for those who may just be starting out, as am I. After mostly-avoiding the quadcopter craze over the past few years, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard is my first real experience with a drone; now that I’ve tried it I have to admit I’m hooked.

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Hands-on: Anker’s Eufy Genie is a $30 entry-point to Alexa smart speaker ecosystem [Deal]

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A few weeks back, Anker unveiled its new Genie Smart Speaker under its Eufy sub-brand. Without stepping on Amazon’s toes too much, it promised the full voice-assistant experience at a lower-price point than the in-house Echo Dot. Already priced at $20 less than the obviously comparable Dot, Eufy Genie sports many of the same features in a similar but unique form factor.

I’ve been testing out Anker’s latest creation for a while now and it’s time to deliver a verdict. It just so happens, the Genie Smart Speaker is also getting its first notable discount today, too. So at the deal price of $30, is the Eufy Genie a worthwhile investment?

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Review: Sensibo Sky is a simple yet productive solution to a smart A/C lifestyle

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Throughout these last few weeks of the summer I’ve had the opportunity to try out a unique smart home device. Air conditioning costs truly add up, and there’s nothing I needed more than something to help me avoid excess fees.

Sensibo is a tiny device that connects your average wall/window air conditioner unit to the internet. It can be used with any model that has a remote control, including many brands like Frigidaire, LG, TCL, and much more. It started out as an Indiegogo campaign and collected over 200% of its needed funds to take off.

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