Simon Walsh

Over many years, Dyson has become a main innovator in the vacuum, fan, and air purifier space. Not only do the company’s products have a tendency to tackle problems that the rest of the market has missed, its inventions often look better, too. That was the case six months ago when it launched a USB-C smart lamp and today following the debut of its new Pure Cryptomic air purifiers.

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Qi charging is far from new. But like many other technologies, popularity was significantly bolstered once iPhone received support. Since then we’ve seen all sorts of unique and high-end wireless chargers flood the market. With HyperX ChargePlay Base, Kingston is now offering a dual Qi-charger that should fit in nicely with the company’s gaming peripherals and many other devices that support the now-popular wireless charging standard.
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With Sony and Bose’s latest headphones often being hailed as the gold standard, it’s hard for many companies to compete. While Skullcandy is certainly well-known, its offerings can have a hard getting attention when compared with the big players. This could be in for a change however, thanks to the introduction of a new pair of over-ear bone conduction headphones that are seemingly without direct competition.
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Throughout 2019, AUKEY has delivered an entirely new lineup of chargers. Each model features Dynamic Detect technology which is capable of not only safely reducing charge speeds of an individual port, but can also redirecting every bit of available juice to a single USB-C output. While each of its new chargers benefit from this technology, an upcoming 100-watt model with four ports is what will truly allow the technology to shine.
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When it comes to computing, having great peripherals can seriously boost productivity. This is not only true for office work, but also when gaming. With Logitech’s new G604 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse, the company appears to have added yet another robust option in its broad peripheral portfolio. This specific model delivers a ‘best-in-class High Efficiency Rated Optical 16K Sensor’, 15 programmable controls, lag-free connectivity, and more.
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When it comes to streaming and recording hardware, Blackmagic’s offerings in many ways, are the gold standard. This means that its equipment is typically reserved for those with deeper wallets than your average streamer. With Blackmagic ATEM Mini, the company aims to deliver multi-camera production capabilities to streamers and vloggers with more modest means.
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Laser TVs are exciting. They attempt to take the best features found in other TVs and projectors, and merge them into one product. From Optoma to LG, all sorts of manufacturers are investing money in laser TV development. Epson today unveiled its latest laser TV, which aims to be quite competitive thanks to the inclusion of an ambient light-rejecting screen that the company touts as delivering ‘a stunning picture in virtually any lighting environment’.
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Razer is a company that’s heavily-focused on gaming. It makes PCs, peripherals, and even a 120Hz smartphone, all of which are designed to provide a top-tier gaming experience. Despite this, the company is smart enough to know there are loads of mobile gamers that use an iPhone. For this reason, the company is unleashing two Razer Arctech iPhone cases that feature designs and materials made to reduce operating temperatures of both Apple’s current and just announced smartphones.
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With massive gaming and computing displays starting to increase in popularity, LG is attempting to further blur the lines between TVs and monitors. Its latest announcement confirms that some of its 55 to 77-inch TVs will receive a firmware update that yields G-Sync compatibility. The addition of G-Sync to some of its latest televisions should be appealing to PC gamers as it can ultimately provide a smoother gaming experience.
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Another day, another retro console. For several years now, we’ve been inundated by a flurry of game console re-releases. Whether it be the NES, SNES, or PlayStation Classic, a large majority of what we’ve seen has typically been retro hardware released directly from its original manufacturers. Evercade, an upcoming console, takes a different approach by supporting a wide range of titles thanks to direct partnerships with several major publishers.
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As time passes, I become increasingly intrigued by ways to eliminate traditional TVs in my home. When turned on, televisions look fantastic, but this is not necessarily the case when toggled off. Like Samsung’s Frame TV, a new laser projector from Optoma makes it quite simple to bring a modern and sophisticated look to the living room.

Originally unveiled in January at CES 2019, Optoma’s new CinemaX P1 Smart Laser Projector is now available for pre-order. The all-in-one device can project up to a 120-inch 4K image and is paired with a premium NuForce sound bar. Compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT provide a variety of smart integrations.

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Jabra has announced a follow-up of its truly-wireless Elite 65t Earbuds. The new model is dubbed Jabra Elite 75t and has received several notable upgrades including USB-C charging, 50% more battery, and a smaller form-factor that is being touted as a ‘more secure, comfortable fit’.

With up to 28 hours of battery life with the charging case, Jabra’s new earbuds tack on about 15% extra power when compared to AirPods. The charging case now has magnets inside to aide in opening and closing the case, a move Jabra claims was inspired through customer feedback.
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With TV manufacturers innovating by leaps and bounds, the pressure is on the projector market to remain competitive. Optoma is keeping its head down and moving on with three new models hitting the market soon. The model with the highest pixel count is the UHD52ALV, which is a smart 4K projector that features 3,500 lumens of brightness. The other two models are HD39HDR and GT1080HDR. Both of which peak at 1080p, but deliver a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
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Large OLED displays are trending these days with more offerings available than ever before. Just a couple weeks back Dell helped propel the computing industry forward by announcing an Alienware-branded 55-inch OLED 4K Monitor with a killer 120Hz refresh rate. Today we’ve heard that a massive LG 8K 88-inch OLED TV is being readied for launch and will support both Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit technologies.

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Tracking feet in VR has proven to be complex. Top this off with just how ridiculous and uncomfortable it can be to strap on a ton of wearable gear and it’s pretty clear there’s a large number of hurdles that need to be overcome in order for it to become mainstream. With the upcoming launch of 3dRudder on PlayStation VR, Sony’s popular console is receiving another simple way to enjoy even more immersive experiences.
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When it comes to phenomenally large displays, projectors have been one of the most readily available and cost-effective ways to go. While Sharp’s upcoming 8K TV fits neither of those criteria, it’s still a peek into what the future of TV may look like. With a massive 120-inch screen and insane 8K resolution, Sharp’s teased TV is likely to be absolutely stunning.

Sharp’s incredibly large 120-inch 8K TV is pegged to make its first public appearance at IFA, the same trade show where JVC debuted an 8K projector last year. On top of already-impressive specifications, the yet-to-be-shown TV also features 5G connectivity which should provide enough bandwidth to stream massive 8K footage with ease.
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While smartphones have been able to shoot 4K60 video for a few years now, the majority of DSLR and mirrorless cameras have noticeably lagged behind. Despite the fact that many 4K-ready cameras exist, most top out at 30 frames per second. Panasonic leapfrogs this by delivering S1H, a mirrorless 6K camera that can shoot 4K/60 without breaking a sweat.

We first got wind of Panasonic’s 6K camera a few months back, but at that point it was still a prototype. With pre-orders now available, release of the Panasonic S1H is more certain than ever. Continue reading to learn more.
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Sound bars have covered a lot of ground over the last decade. Technology like Dolby Atmos has significantly reduced the gap between surround systems and a mere sound bar with subwoofer. Simple connectivity seems to be the latest push in the space with the launch of two new Denon AirPlay 2 sound bars.

Dubbed DHT-S516H and DHT-S716H, both new models are marketed as premium with 4K HDMI input(s), Class-D amplification, and HEOS, for easy to manage multi-room playback with compatible speakers. Users of Alexa or Google Assistant will also be able to control these sound bars when using either voice assistant.

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It’s been a busy year for Amazon-owned IMDb TV. Debuting less than nine months ago as Freedive, in just a short while its name has been changed, catalog size tripled, and now, mobile streaming is on the way. With IMDb TV on mobile, this business venture is very likely to receive its biggest boost yet, but a lack of transparency surrounding the current number of users makes it unclear if its actually eating any of Netflix or Hulu’s lunch.
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I gave up routine grocery shopping several months ago once I could opt for pickup, and it has been delightful. The next best thing would be delivery, which is a service that is not quite available in my neck of the woods. Despite this disappointment, news of increased AmazonFresh availability boosts my hopes of grocery delivery extending its reach to rural locations over the next several years.
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When it comes to modern home security systems, SimpliSafe goes head-to-head with big players like Ring. With loads of companies jumping on the smart lock bandwagon, today’s announcement of the SimpliSafe Smart Lock isn’t too much of a shock.

The SimpliSafe Smart Lock differentiates itself from the competition by being the ‘thinnest on the market’, while still managing to have physical buttons. Thanks to a competitive price point and acceptable feature set, this lock aims to be the obvious solution for existing SimpliSafe Security System users.

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The launch of AirPods created a booming market for truly wireless earbuds. While Beats’ on- and over-ear headphones have taken a page or two out of AirPods’ playbook with the inclusion of Apple’s in-house wireless chip, none have tried to ditch the band. There is now more pressure than ever with the release of Human Headphones which are ‘the first true wireless over-ear headphones’.

Not only do they ditch the headband, they also can be turned into a ‘powerful Bluetooth speaker’ when both headphones are snapped together. Ambient sound can be configured by tapping the outside of an earpiece, allowing users to choose how much exterior noise makes it in.
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The Dell-owned Alienware brand is known for delivering hardware focused on bringing top-notch gaming gear to those who want it. With a new Alienware 4K OLED monitor with incredible specifications on the way, the brand is lifting gamer’s expectations to even greater heights.

This 55-inch beast was originally announced earlier this year at CES, but today at Gamescom 2019, even more information regarding the specifications, release, and pricing of the new Alienware 4K OLED monitor was shared. Alongside quite a bit of I/O, it will be able to handle 4K at 120Hz, a notable achievement that will pave the way for better refresh rates than what is typically seen in UHD gaming.
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Roughly ten months after the original Instinct was announced, Garmin is back at it again with an option that delivers even more functionality. Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition is in many ways a blending of the Instinct and tactix lineups. As you would expect with a product given the name Tactical Edition, this watch adds military-like features including night vision compatibility, dual-position GPS formatting, and Jumpmaster, an ability to provide skydivers with speed of descent and altitude measurements.

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Bluetooth speakers have become overwhelmingly common. To stand out from competition, companies have had to shake things up with unique features and form-factors that come in all shapes and sizes. The new SOUNDBOKS Bluetooth speaker focuses primarily on the latter while delivering ‘an unmatched sound experience’ paired with the ‘longest battery life of any portable bluetooth speaker’.
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With several successful products under its belt, Oru Kayak is back at it again with its most compact and easy-to-tote option yet. Dubbed Oru Kayak Inlet, the company’s latest model heavily prioritizes portability, weight, and foldability. On top of that, it’s ready to support up to 275 pounds of weight and kayakers up to six foot, two inches tall.

Oru Kayak Inlet weighs under twenty pounds, folds down to 42 by 19-inch dimensions, and can easily be hauled to the water without needing a traditional roof rack. Given the materials used and small size, it can even be checked on planes, making it a great option for folks that travel frequently.

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OWC has taken the wraps off of a new USB-C Hub today. The OWC Travel Dock is a follow-up to the company’s first generation offering and for the most part, is largely the same. For those using USB-C devices like iPad Pro and modern MacBooks, this handy hub will offer provide connectivity for HDMI, SD, and USB-A. It also supports passthrough charging with 100 watt passthrough capabilities, which happens to be a main differentiator between it and its predecessor.

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Despite CarPlay and Android Auto becoming quite popular in newer vehicles, there are many of us that don’t plan on buying a new car anytime soon. Thankfully many companies have stepped up to the plate to deliver aftermarket solutions to consumers. Today’s release is far from Sony’s first attempt to bring aftermarket support for CarPlay and Android Auto to legacy vehicles, but it is however the biggest Sony CarPlay receiver has released to date.
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Back in January, Panasonic HomeHawk FLOOR was an uncertain product. The company launched an Indiegogo campaign which narrowly beat its goal, sliding past by a mere 4%. While the campaign wasn’t a runaway success, the Panasonic HomeHawk FLOOR has officially made it and is readily available to the masses.

Panasonic’s new floor lamp joins the fairly expansive HomeHawk lineup which covers both indoor and outdoor camera solutions. It is easily distinguishable from its competitors thanks to a hybrid design that discreetly wields a built-in camera.
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With the release of two new Marantz AV Receivers, it’s clear that the company has every intention of delivering an option for various sized home theaters. New models arrive on the scene at around the same time the company unveiled an AirPlay 2-equipped stereo receiver. Both models have a total of eight HDMI inputs, providing enough headroom for loads of consoles and streamers. With support for this many devices, both of these swiftly kick inexpensive switches to the curb.
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Apple created a huge market for dongles and hubs when it debuted MacBook Pros that went all-in on USB-C. While many of us have embraced it and moved on, there are quite a few still resistant to the thought of giving up some of their favorite ports. With the latest VAIO, consumers have proof that it is possible to make light and portable laptops with less hardware compromises than what Apple’s current MacBooks have.

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Amazon Prime has become a staple of my household. Our reliance on the service has been bolstered further thanks to Amazon rolling out free one-day shipping for many of its products. This is no small undertaking and the company is betting on Amazon Scout to automate delivery of some packages.

We covered the debut of Amazon Scout back in January and at that time the launch of a mere six units in Snohomish County, Washington made it seem as though the company was taking it slow. With news that Amazon is bringing Scout to Southern California beginning today, a large rollout make come sooner than we initially thought.
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Ever since Apple went all-in on USB-C with its modern MacBooks, many consumers have found themselves missing the wide range of connectivity that used to be available in its older offerings. This has lead many of us to buy various dongles over the years and, much like backpacks, to always be on the lookout for an upgrade. With a sturdy connection and svelte design, the recently-released AUKEY USB-C Hub goes to great lengths to be the ideal dongle for most.
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I bought AirPods immediately after they were released. This was despite the high price tag and questionable style at the time. Fast forward more than two years later and there is an enormous market for truly wireless earbuds. Many sport in-ear designs like the AUKEY Key Series that I reviewed about two months ago.

Unlike others, Happy Plugs Air go head-to-head with AirPods thanks to an extremely similar style. At $90, they cost nearly half the price and at first glance, look identical to Apple’s iconic earbuds. For this reason, this review will pit Happy Plugs Air directly against Apple AirPods.
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Having over 65 years in the high-end audio business, Marantz has become a well-respected brand. With AirPlay 2 functionality often being aimed at the high-end market, it should come as no surprise that the upcoming Marantz stereo receiver supports Apple’s wireless streaming protocol.

The new Marantz stereo receiver has been given a model number of NR1200, and joins a crowded lineup of the company’s other offerings. These new offering sports a moderate price tag that customers will have a hard time undercutting unless they opt for slightly older models that offer less performance.

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When I first ordered my 3D printer, I didn’t know what I’d end up building with it. Like many, I began by downloading projects made by others, but building my own 3D print designs was my ultimate goal. Until I found proper hardware and easy-to-use modeling software, there were several times over the first month or two that I occasionally felt a bit of buyer’s remorse. This feeling quickly disappeared once I started making custom 3D print designs to fix issues lurking around the house. In this guide I’ll cover what I’ve designed recently and how long it took to make.
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After Sony announced that it had shipped 3.2 million PlayStation 4 consoles between April and the end of June, it took just a short while for analyst Daniel Ahmed to identify that it had surpassed the 100 million shipment milestone. When comparing PS4 sales with other consoles that have reached the 100 million mark, PlayStation 4 has managed to reach this goal faster than any other console to date.
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Even if you don’t snore now, many of us worry about picking up this undesirable and unhealthy habit. Luckily Tempur Sealy announced a new product aimed squarely at helping alleviate this problem. Dubbed the TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base, Tempur Sealy’s latest invention aims to mitigate snoring by automatically sensing and tending to sleepers’ needs throughout the night.

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One of the things that I appreciate most about Amazon’s smart home ecosystem is Alexa routines. For those familiar with HomeKit, these are basically the same thing as automations. Unlike HomeKit, Alexa routines do not require a HomePod, iPad, or Apple TV to run them. Any Echo device, even the most inexpensive ones, can control other devices based on a plethora of parameters. In this guide, I’ll dive into the ways that Alexa routines can be triggered and how I am using them.
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With an ever-increasing number of mirrorless cameras entering the market, it can be easy to overlook the compact superzoom  category. The new Sony RX100 VII continues to showcase incredible capabilities despite wielding such a small form-factor. This new release comes just a year after the previous generation, yet still manages to offer several impressive improvements.

Quite a few of the upgrades have been inspired by Sony’s a9, which is a much bulkier camera. While several stand out, bringing 0.02 second autofocus acquisition time to the Sony RX100 VII is something that every user will immediately appreciate.

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Home security has come a long way in the last few years. There’s no shortage of security systems available on the market, some of which are quite affordable and provide free cloud storage. As prices plummet, groundbreaking features are reserved for high-end offerings, which is what the upcoming Fujifilm SX800 is likely to be.

Thanks to its built-in lens, the Fujifilm SX800 will have 40x optical zoom paired with a 1.25x digital zoom that allows users to read a license plate from up to a kilometer away. The company made a video showing off its zoom capabilities. Continue reading to see it for yourself.
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Following the launch of its iPad Pro USB-C hub a month ago, Kanex is back at it again with three new offerings made with the MacBook lineup in mind. Whether you own a modern MacBook Air, Pro, or the recently discontinued 12-inch offering, there’s a Kanex iAdapt USB-C hub that’s ready to bring ports of old back to your Mac.
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A few months back we wrote about Amazon’s rumored Alexa robot, but details were quite light. According to a report published by Bloomberg, the project seems to be ramping up and we now have additional insight about what to expect.

Given a code name of ‘Vesta’, Amazon’s current iteration of the Alexa robot is able to navigate using wheels, differentiating itself from some preceding products that have relied on tracks. It can be controlled with voice and stands at roughly waist-height.
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Hot on the heels of Leica’s new V-Lux 5, the Sigma fp has been announced and is being touted as the ‘world’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera’. Other headlining features include a body that is both dust and splash-proof, providing safety in various kinds of shooting environments.
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