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  • Which Cordless Vacuum is the Best?

    Which Cordless Vacuum is the Best?

    Everyone hates vacuuming! Although a necessity for keeping carpets clean, vacuums can be difficult chore and a even more difficult purchases due to the wide variety of brands and features to choose from.
     

    One thing that does makes the chore of vacuuming more bearable is a cordless vacuum. Not having to pick around chairs and tables to get to those out-of-the–way spots is a great feature, to be sure! The question is, which cordless vacuum is the best bang for your buck?

    You don’t want to buy a lemon and have to return it, so we’ve got a list of our favorites. If you’re looking to clean up with no cord, check out our roundup: it doesn’t suck, I promise!

    Shark Navigator Freestyle SV1106

    For an impressively low $130, you can pick up this excellent stick vacuum from Shark. It’s quite light and very easy to use and store! It’s also very powerful, great for big messes, and possesses two distinct brush speeds. This lets is work optimally on both carpet and hard floor! While it’s not quite as powerful as most upright vacuums, the low price and great versatility easily make up for it. If you have pets that shed a lot, this is a great choice, is it’s powerful enough to suck up pet hair. That all said, you can’t beat that price!

    Hoover Linx BH50010

    Hoover’s a respected name, and for good reason. This entry to our list retails for $200, which is a fine price, all said. While this vacuum has a shorter handle and no bag, it’s a very modern and useful appliance. It’s got edge-to-edge brush bristles and works great on carpet and floor. This one’s powerful and sports great performance even on rough messes. Not to mention, that shorter handle can recline all the way back to help you get those very out of the way spots. A great buy for the money, and well worth your consideration!

    Electrolux Ergorapido EL2055B 2 in 1

    For $279, this upright vacuum is a great deal. It’s super lightweight and very easy to maneuver around corners. It’s got great detachable tools for getting under sofas and close to walls, too! THat said, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. For one thing, it only takes name-brand Electrolux filters. That’s an odd feature for a household appliance in 2018, to be sure. What’s weirder, it only works with name-brand accessories. What gives, Electrolux? More importantly, though, the vacuum isn’t as good on carpeted surfaces as we’d hoped. That said, this is still a fine pick if you’re looking for a great, light vacuum.

    Our Favorite Cordless Vacuum: Shark IONFlex 2x DuoClean IF251

    Easily the most expensive on the list, this entry from Shark retails for $450. However, it’s worth every penny of that steep price: it’s a supremely high-end piece of household technology. It sports two battery packs that last a very long time, and while you’re using one you can charge the other. The vacuum has a handheld mode that helps you hunt down those out of the way messes. And, of course, it’s just a great vacuum and picks up dirt like no one’s business. In a crowded field, this high-end cordless vacuum is the best of them.


  • 5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    It’s 2018 folks, and the future is here. Astronauts are driving Tesla’s through space and the Reese’s company is doing some really innovative stuff with popcorn. With all this technology around us, it’s easy to take it all for granted and we sometimes don’t get all the use we can out of it and take advantage of smart home gadgets.

    And the most important place you can use all this cool tech to your advantage is right in your very own home. Here are some amazing new smart home gadgets to make your life easier…

    1. The iRobot Roomba

    Ever since it’s inception in 2002, the Roomba vacuum has been an integral piece of smart home tech. With the ability to program this round robot to vacuum your home 7 days a week it can be a real time saver. With the latest 980 Model, the Roomba is more advanced that ever. With cutting edge mapping technology and dirt detection programs, this “set it and forget it” vacuum is a must have! For dog or pet owners life myself, I can stress it’s value enough. I have a lot on my plate and one thing I don’t to concern myself with is the daily sweeping thank to “Roger the Roomba”. Yes I named my Roomba, he’s family, folks. Word of advice…there are several competitors is the robot vacuum department, do yourself a favor and stick with the iRobot Roomba. You may a little more, but in this case “you get what you pay for”. This was been probably the best $900.00 I’ve ever spent.

    2. The Nest Thermostat

    Coming in at a price tag of $279.00, the Nest Thermostat is well worth the extra cost. Thanks to it’s smart and adaptive AI, the Nest knows when your home and learns your work schedule to monitor the A/C usage. You can also control the thermostat right form your Nest App on your mobile device to fine tune your A/C needs. For a native Floridan like myself, A/C usage and consumption is a real beast you have to tame. In the summer months, electric bills can soar thanks to primitive thermostats. There is nothing like a thermostat shutting down for the day knowing your at work, and then turn on a half hour before you get home so you don’t walk into a hot and muggy house. It’s just bliss. Once I had installed the Nest, I noticed an immediate 50% drop in my A/C consumption and a large drop in my electric bill respectively. This is a must have in your home.

    3. Brilliant Light Switch

    With the ability to control your homes, light, music, ambiance, and even take pictures with voice commands, the Brilliant light switch is a 2018 must have gadget for your home. Brilliant light switch also connects to several of your home’s smart gadgets such as Nest, Alexa, Sonos Speaker, Ring doorbell system, and more. Starting at $200.00 per panel, Brilliant Switch is a costly addition but this innovative new gadget gives your home a brain.

    4. Amazon Echo and Echo Dot

    This smart home “must” is quickly finding it’s way into every home, world wide. Alexa and Echo Dot, is a voice-controlled system that used to play music, make calls, send and receive messages, read the news, set alarms, and even order and Uber or takeout! With the capability of syncing up to Amazon-Fire, Apple Music, Audible, Pandora, and more, you easily find usage and justification for this piece of smart tech in your home. At a price tag of $150.00, the Amazon Echo has many uses to help in your home and is a fantastic smart home gadget. Word to the wise, Alexa has a built in microphone for consumer purposes that is ALWAYS LISTENING…Use responsibly. 

    5. The Ring II doorbell system

    The Ring Video Doorbell, provides you with the capability to see who is at your door from the safety and comfort of  your bed or couch. It lets you accept or deny visitor calls if you’re not home, and uses motion detection to alert you of activity on your doorstep even when the bell hasn’t been rung. By working off your home’s Wifi and mobile data, the 1080HD  camera will alert your smart phone of any activity at your door step day or night. For an extra $3.00 a month, you can pay for cloud storage and have all moments video recorded for later purposes if desired. The newest model also has a 2 way intercom system, and infrared night vision. For that extra bit of security at a relatively inexpensive cost of $199.00, this doorbell is the must have for any smart home.

    The Conclusion

    With so many smart gadgets available, some better than others, these products can make our homes better, safer, and more convenient. 2018 is going to be a big tech year and the “smart home” business is growing evermore advanced daily. If you can pick-up just one of these items this year, you’ll be headed in the right direction. I’m still anxiously awaiting the release for Rosie the robot maid, but I may have to hold my breath for awhile.


  • Top Ten Home Security Cameras

    Top Ten Home Security Cameras

    If you’re interested in home security, odds are that you would like to install a home security camera. However, there are tons of options out there for which one you should pick. Dealing with security companies and pushy salesmen is awful, to boot. So, what are you supposed to do? Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten home security cameras. If you’re hoping to secure your home, here’s a great place to start!

    Top Ten Home Security Cameras

    10. Netgear Arlo Go

    Photo Credit: Arlo

    This wireless camera works with Alexa and shoots in 720p. It offers both cloud storage and on-site storage, which is a cool plus. It can send you live feed straight to your phone if you pay for the cell service. However, it is pretty expensive: this camera will cost you around $430. That’s a pretty hefty price tag for a device that only shoots in 720p.

    9. Reolink Argus 2

    Photo Credit: Amazon

    This camera is a straightforward if dependable entry. It’s wireless and powered by its own internal battery. It doesn’t have a terribly loud siren, which is somewhat disappointing. It also can’t integrate with smart home devices, which is unfortunate. However, it’s weather-resistant and works great as an outdoor camera. This one will run you $130, which is a great price.

    8. Ring Spotlight Cam Battery

    Photo Credit: Amazon

    Triggered recording and a bright spotlight are two big upsides to this camera. It shoots sharp footage and has a very loud siren, which is great. However, you have to have a subscription to Ring’s service in order to view the recorded video. If you already have Ring devices at your house this one is a no-brainer. It’s also wireless and works with Alexa, making it a true smart-home device. It’s also pretty affordable, running $200.

    7. Nest Cam IQ Outdoor

    Photo Credit: Slashgear

    Nest’s first entry on this list is excellent, shooting 4K footage 24/7. It’s totally weatherproofed, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. It even has close-up tracking and HDR, making it great for those who need to really see what’s happening around their house. It will set you back, though: it runs $350.

    6. Tend Secure Lynx Indoor

    Photo Credit: Cnet

    This camera makes the list for just how darn affordable it is. It only runs around $60, yet it still shoots in 1080p. That’s a great value, but it’s somewhat offset by the lack of smart home integration. That said, it offers free cloud storage and even has facial recognition! It only works indoors, though, so keep that in mind.

    5. Nest Cam IQ

    Photo Credit: Nest

    Another entry from Nest, the indoor version of IQ is also a solid option. It costs a bit less, coming in at $300, but it offers many similarly excellent features. The Nest Cam IQ has two-way audio, letting you talk to people you can see from the camera. It has a ton of great smart home integration and shoots in 1080p. If you’re looking for a solid, if pricey, indoor camera, this is a fine option.

    4. Wyze Cam V2

    Photo Credit: TechHive

    If you though the Tend Secure Lynx Indoor was affordable, check out the Wyze Cam. This camera will run you a bank-shattering $20. Yeah, twenty, as in the same price as seeing a movie and getting some popcorn with it. For twenty bucks you get a camera that shoots in 1080p and offers local and cloud storage. It’s not the most high-tech thing in the world, but it will secure your home. If you’re looking for a simple, straightforward and affordable camera, go with this one. It’s a great deal!

    3. Netgear Arlo Pro 2

    Photo Credit: Storage Reviews

    This expensive but hefty camera is likely the best overall on this list, but it’s far too expensive to recommend to everyone. It will set you back $430, which is a lot, but you get a ton of features. The system shoots 1080p video, is completely waterproof and is wireless. This camera works great both outdoors and indoors and offers cloud storage for free. It even pre-buffers your videos when you go to watch playback! If only it was more affordable.

    2. iSmartAlarm iCamera Keep Pro

    Photo Credit: iSmartAlarm

    While this camera retails for $200, it offers a number of premium features. Mechanical tilt and pan let you feel like a master of security. You also get free cloud and local storage for all the footage you capture! As you would expect, it shoots 1080p and it even offers time-lapse shooting. The only downside to this camera is that it only works indoors!

    1. D-Link Full HD Wi-Fi Camera DCS-8300LH

    Photo Credit: Amazon

    A fully-integrated home security camera that offers 1080p shooting and Alexa support? Yes, please! Free cloud and local storage along with great voice commands make this one of the best home cameras. It even costs less than most of the competition: it’ll only set you back $90. While the other cameras on this list are great, the D-Link Full HD Wi-Fi Camera is the best overall interior home security camera. The only real downside here is some minor distortion from the style of body, but that’s not enough to make this anything less than the best bang for your buck.

  • Cutting-Edge Tech You Can’t Have Yet

    Cutting-Edge Tech You Can’t Have Yet

    If there’s anything we love, it’s new cutting-edge technology. Crowdfunding sites are a great place to look for new, up-and-coming gadgets that push the bar ever higher. If you’re like us, you love to check these cool new gadgets out. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the game in the world of tech, this article is for you. Today, we’re looking at the coolest cutting-edge tech you can’t have yet!

    Coolest Cutting-Edge Tech You Can’t Have Yet

    Masterkey 4.0

    If you’ve ever watched hard science fiction films, you’re familiar with the concept of projection keyboards. In fact, they’re readily available in our own world. The idea is that the projector casts a keyboard onto your desk, and then uses sensors to tell what key you’ve pressed. The lack of tactile feedback and the presence of your fingers blocking the projection are stumbling blocks for the technology, however. That said, we’re still interested in Masterkey 4.0.

    Instead of being simply a projection keyboard, the Masterkey 4.0 is a full projection computer. It uses its front lens to project the display onto a wall, while the back lens projects a keyboard. While it’s not the most practical thing ever, it’s decidedly cool. For those who need an extremely compact computer, this isn’t the worst solution. It can fit in a pocket and could be an answer for those who need a computer smaller than the smallest netbooks.

    Viable Straw

    Straws aren’t the sole culprit when it comes to environmental issues but reducing their usage will certainly cut back on plastic waste. Products like Viable Straw are a great alternative that can help reduce the impact we have on the environment. The nifty little straw is telescoping and fits in a handy carrying case. Even one of these straws can prevent hundreds of plastic straws from being thrown away. That’s a pretty big deal, and nothing to scoff at!

    Vector

    This tiny AI robot is really quite interesting. It promises to recognize the faces of distinct individuals and react to its environment. The tiny robot companion has tons of unique animations and can respond in ways that seem natural and endearing. It’s a charming little device that is not dissimilar from science fiction robots like the Droids of Star Wars. It even functions as a walking Amazon Echo-style smart speaker, responding to and answering questions. We’re very interested to see where this kind of technology goes.

  • 5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    It’s 2018 folks, and the future is here. Astronauts are driving Tesla’s through space and the Reese’s company is doing some really innovative stuff with popcorn. With all this technology around us, it’s easy to take it all for granted and we sometimes don’t get all the use we can out of it and take advantage of smart home gadgets.

    And the most important place you can use all this cool tech to your advantage is right in your very own home. Here are some amazing new smart home gadgets to make your life easier…

    1. The iRobot Roomba

    Ever since it’s inception in 2002, the Roomba vacuum has been an integral piece of smart home tech. With the ability to program this round robot to vacuum your home 7 days a week it can be a real time saver. With the latest 980 Model, the Roomba is more advanced that ever. With cutting edge mapping technology and dirt detection programs, this “set it and forget it” vacuum is a must have! For dog or pet owners life myself, I can stress it’s value enough. I have a lot on my plate and one thing I don’t to concern myself with is the daily sweeping thank to “Roger the Roomba”. Yes I named my Roomba, he’s family, folks. Word of advice…there are several competitors is the robot vacuum department, do yourself a favor and stick with the iRobot Roomba. You may a little more, but in this case “you get what you pay for”. This was been probably the best $900.00 I’ve ever spent.

    2. The Nest Thermostat

    Coming in at a price tag of $279.00, the Nest Thermostat is well worth the extra cost. Thanks to it’s smart and adaptive AI, the Nest knows when your home and learns your work schedule to monitor the A/C usage. You can also control the thermostat right form your Nest App on your mobile device to fine tune your A/C needs. For a native Floridan like myself, A/C usage and consumption is a real beast you have to tame. In the summer months, electric bills can soar thanks to primitive thermostats. There is nothing like a thermostat shutting down for the day knowing your at work, and then turn on a half hour before you get home so you don’t walk into a hot and muggy house. It’s just bliss. Once I had installed the Nest, I noticed an immediate 50% drop in my A/C consumption and a large drop in my electric bill respectively. This is a must have in your home.

    3. Brilliant Light Switch

    With the ability to control your homes, light, music, ambiance, and even take pictures with voice commands, the Brilliant light switch is a 2018 must have gadget for your home. Brilliant light switch also connects to several of your home’s smart gadgets such as Nest, Alexa, Sonos Speaker, Ring doorbell system, and more. Starting at $200.00 per panel, Brilliant Switch is a costly addition but this innovative new gadget gives your home a brain.

    4. Amazon Echo and Echo Dot

    This smart home “must” is quickly finding it’s way into every home, world wide. Alexa and Echo Dot, is a voice-controlled system that used to play music, make calls, send and receive messages, read the news, set alarms, and even order and Uber or takeout! With the capability of syncing up to Amazon-Fire, Apple Music, Audible, Pandora, and more, you easily find usage and justification for this piece of smart tech in your home. At a price tag of $150.00, the Amazon Echo has many uses to help in your home and is a fantastic smart home gadget. Word to the wise, Alexa has a built in microphone for consumer purposes that is ALWAYS LISTENING…Use responsibly. 

    5. The Ring II doorbell system

    The Ring Video Doorbell, provides you with the capability to see who is at your door from the safety and comfort of  your bed or couch. It lets you accept or deny visitor calls if you’re not home, and uses motion detection to alert you of activity on your doorstep even when the bell hasn’t been rung. By working off your home’s Wifi and mobile data, the 1080HD  camera will alert your smart phone of any activity at your door step day or night. For an extra $3.00 a month, you can pay for cloud storage and have all moments video recorded for later purposes if desired. The newest model also has a 2 way intercom system, and infrared night vision. For that extra bit of security at a relatively inexpensive cost of $199.00, this doorbell is the must have for any smart home.

    The Conclusion

    With so many smart gadgets available, some better than others, these products can make our homes better, safer, and more convenient. 2018 is going to be a big tech year and the “smart home” business is growing evermore advanced daily. If you can pick-up just one of these items this year, you’ll be headed in the right direction. I’m still anxiously awaiting the release for Rosie the robot maid, but I may have to hold my breath for awhile.


  • Which Cordless Vacuum is the Best?

    Which Cordless Vacuum is the Best?

    Everyone hates vacuuming! Although a necessity for keeping carpets clean, vacuums can be difficult chore and a even more difficult purchases due to the wide variety of brands and features to choose from.
     

    One thing that does makes the chore of vacuuming more bearable is a cordless vacuum. Not having to pick around chairs and tables to get to those out-of-the–way spots is a great feature, to be sure! The question is, which cordless vacuum is the best bang for your buck?

    You don’t want to buy a lemon and have to return it, so we’ve got a list of our favorites. If you’re looking to clean up with no cord, check out our roundup: it doesn’t suck, I promise!

    Shark Navigator Freestyle SV1106

    For an impressively low $130, you can pick up this excellent stick vacuum from Shark. It’s quite light and very easy to use and store! It’s also very powerful, great for big messes, and possesses two distinct brush speeds. This lets is work optimally on both carpet and hard floor! While it’s not quite as powerful as most upright vacuums, the low price and great versatility easily make up for it. If you have pets that shed a lot, this is a great choice, is it’s powerful enough to suck up pet hair. That all said, you can’t beat that price!

    Hoover Linx BH50010

    Hoover’s a respected name, and for good reason. This entry to our list retails for $200, which is a fine price, all said. While this vacuum has a shorter handle and no bag, it’s a very modern and useful appliance. It’s got edge-to-edge brush bristles and works great on carpet and floor. This one’s powerful and sports great performance even on rough messes. Not to mention, that shorter handle can recline all the way back to help you get those very out of the way spots. A great buy for the money, and well worth your consideration!

    Electrolux Ergorapido EL2055B 2 in 1

    For $279, this upright vacuum is a great deal. It’s super lightweight and very easy to maneuver around corners. It’s got great detachable tools for getting under sofas and close to walls, too! THat said, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. For one thing, it only takes name-brand Electrolux filters. That’s an odd feature for a household appliance in 2018, to be sure. What’s weirder, it only works with name-brand accessories. What gives, Electrolux? More importantly, though, the vacuum isn’t as good on carpeted surfaces as we’d hoped. That said, this is still a fine pick if you’re looking for a great, light vacuum.

    Our Favorite Cordless Vacuum: Shark IONFlex 2x DuoClean IF251

    Easily the most expensive on the list, this entry from Shark retails for $450. However, it’s worth every penny of that steep price: it’s a supremely high-end piece of household technology. It sports two battery packs that last a very long time, and while you’re using one you can charge the other. The vacuum has a handheld mode that helps you hunt down those out of the way messes. And, of course, it’s just a great vacuum and picks up dirt like no one’s business. In a crowded field, this high-end cordless vacuum is the best of them.


  • 5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    It’s 2018 folks, and the future is here. Astronauts are driving Tesla’s through space and the Reese’s company is doing some really innovative stuff with popcorn. With all this technology around us, it’s easy to take it all for granted and we sometimes don’t get all the use we can out of it and take advantage of smart home gadgets.

    And the most important place you can use all this cool tech to your advantage is right in your very own home. Here are some amazing new smart home gadgets to make your life easier…

    1. The iRobot Roomba

    Ever since it’s inception in 2002, the Roomba vacuum has been an integral piece of smart home tech. With the ability to program this round robot to vacuum your home 7 days a week it can be a real time saver. With the latest 980 Model, the Roomba is more advanced that ever. With cutting edge mapping technology and dirt detection programs, this “set it and forget it” vacuum is a must have! For dog or pet owners life myself, I can stress it’s value enough. I have a lot on my plate and one thing I don’t to concern myself with is the daily sweeping thank to “Roger the Roomba”. Yes I named my Roomba, he’s family, folks. Word of advice…there are several competitors is the robot vacuum department, do yourself a favor and stick with the iRobot Roomba. You may a little more, but in this case “you get what you pay for”. This was been probably the best $900.00 I’ve ever spent.

    2. The Nest Thermostat

    Coming in at a price tag of $279.00, the Nest Thermostat is well worth the extra cost. Thanks to it’s smart and adaptive AI, the Nest knows when your home and learns your work schedule to monitor the A/C usage. You can also control the thermostat right form your Nest App on your mobile device to fine tune your A/C needs. For a native Floridan like myself, A/C usage and consumption is a real beast you have to tame. In the summer months, electric bills can soar thanks to primitive thermostats. There is nothing like a thermostat shutting down for the day knowing your at work, and then turn on a half hour before you get home so you don’t walk into a hot and muggy house. It’s just bliss. Once I had installed the Nest, I noticed an immediate 50% drop in my A/C consumption and a large drop in my electric bill respectively. This is a must have in your home.

    3. Brilliant Light Switch

    With the ability to control your homes, light, music, ambiance, and even take pictures with voice commands, the Brilliant light switch is a 2018 must have gadget for your home. Brilliant light switch also connects to several of your home’s smart gadgets such as Nest, Alexa, Sonos Speaker, Ring doorbell system, and more. Starting at $200.00 per panel, Brilliant Switch is a costly addition but this innovative new gadget gives your home a brain.

    4. Amazon Echo and Echo Dot

    This smart home “must” is quickly finding it’s way into every home, world wide. Alexa and Echo Dot, is a voice-controlled system that used to play music, make calls, send and receive messages, read the news, set alarms, and even order and Uber or takeout! With the capability of syncing up to Amazon-Fire, Apple Music, Audible, Pandora, and more, you easily find usage and justification for this piece of smart tech in your home. At a price tag of $150.00, the Amazon Echo has many uses to help in your home and is a fantastic smart home gadget. Word to the wise, Alexa has a built in microphone for consumer purposes that is ALWAYS LISTENING…Use responsibly. 

    5. The Ring II doorbell system

    The Ring Video Doorbell, provides you with the capability to see who is at your door from the safety and comfort of  your bed or couch. It lets you accept or deny visitor calls if you’re not home, and uses motion detection to alert you of activity on your doorstep even when the bell hasn’t been rung. By working off your home’s Wifi and mobile data, the 1080HD  camera will alert your smart phone of any activity at your door step day or night. For an extra $3.00 a month, you can pay for cloud storage and have all moments video recorded for later purposes if desired. The newest model also has a 2 way intercom system, and infrared night vision. For that extra bit of security at a relatively inexpensive cost of $199.00, this doorbell is the must have for any smart home.

    The Conclusion

    With so many smart gadgets available, some better than others, these products can make our homes better, safer, and more convenient. 2018 is going to be a big tech year and the “smart home” business is growing evermore advanced daily. If you can pick-up just one of these items this year, you’ll be headed in the right direction. I’m still anxiously awaiting the release for Rosie the robot maid, but I may have to hold my breath for awhile.


  • Infinite Battery? The Matrix Powerwatch X

    Infinite Battery? The Matrix Powerwatch X

    Wearable technology is at a bit of a crossroads. Most people who are interested in the tech have pretty much seen everything the field has to offer. However, technology is a notoriously ever-moving industry. Tech companies are not content to see customers hanging on to gadgets they bought four, five, even six years ago. As such, wearable tech has seen a ton of crazy innovations recently to catch consumer interest. Notably, the Ticwatch Pro recently incorporated a revolutionary dual-screen display to help cut down on battery usage. Enter the Matrix Powerwatch X.

    The Matrix Powerwatch X promises infinite battery life. No, really, as long as you’re wearing it and supplying it with body heat, it’ll last you forever. Well, until the you’re out of body heat, huh? Jokes aside, let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of this interesting new smartwatch.

    Matrix Powewatch X Feature Roundup

    The Pros

    There’s a lot to love about a smartwatch that won’t run out of juice as long as you’re wearing it. The screen is always-on and displays simple information. Steps, time and basic notifications are all visible on the monochromatic display. While the information isn’t very detailed, it’s all easily readable and presented well. The watch is big, bulky and sturdy. In fact, if you don’t like the idea of carrying a huge watch around, don’t even bother with this one. That said, it’s rugged and tough, and will even survive in the pool. It’s waterproof and rated for up to 200 meters of depth. Not too shabby!

    The Cons

    On the flip side, this watch is pretty basic. Sure, it’ll last you forever and ever on battery life, but you pay for that functionality. Both literally and in terms of features on the watch. The Matrix Powerwatch X costs a whopping $280, which is a lot for a watch with such simple functionality. The fitness tracking is incredibly basic, tracking only steps and calories burned. The watch offers notifications but doesn’t display the content of messages. The only thing it notifies you of is the message coming in. While that would’ve been fine in 2005, this is 2018!

    The Bottom Line

    While the ever-charged technology on display here is awesome, it’s not attached to a particularly useful smartwatch. If you absolutely love the idea of an always-charged smartwatch and don’t need a ton of robust features, then maybe you’ll like this watch. However, if you already own an Android Wear or Apple Watch, you’re in possession of much more powerful and robust technology.

    It’s hard to justify spending $280 on a watch that has functionality on par with a $40 smartwatch. The question you need to ask yourself with this smartwatch is “do I find an always-charged battery to be worth $280?” If the answer is no, you can skip this (admittedly interesting) watch.

  • IFA 2018 Rumor Roundup

    IFA 2018 Rumor Roundup

    IFA occurs yearly in the German capital, rounding up tons of new types of consumer technology. Everyone who’s anyone in the world of technology will be there, and we can expect to see tons of new types of tech. From smartphones to smart home speakers to anything else you could think of, it’ll all be there. Today we’re rounding up the rumors and news slated to come through at IFA 2018. Who are some of the big names we can expect to see?

    Big Names to Watch for at IFA 2018

    Sony

    Sony is an oddball in the world of consumer electronics. While they offer a ton of premium electronics, they’re actually terribly unprofitable in this sector. Sony is currently afloat only thanks to their video game division. As such, there is tremendous pressure on this wing of the company to begin to turn a profit. Sony’s showing at IFA 2018 is expected to show off their smartphone range. Their Xperia XZ3 and XZ3 Compact are expected to make a big showing, given Sony’s dedication to their smartphone line. Also, likely to appear is the LF-S50G, Sony’s smart home speaker. Attempting to break into the smart home market in 2018 is incredibly difficult, but Sony seems like they’re really trying to hack it.

    Samsung

    While Samsung’s Note 9 has already been unveiled, the company is likely to show off their Galaxy S4 tablet. Tablets are struggling to break even in the tech market at the moment, as phablets and smartphones edge them out. In a similar vein to that, wearables have been underperforming recently but may be a focus of Samsung’s show at IFA 2018. The Gear S4 watch, perhaps under the name Galaxy Watch, could be making an appearance. Oddly, we may even see the Gear Fit 3 fitness tracker alongside the more smart-functionality focused Galaxy watch.

    Acer

    Computer maker Acer is expected to come into IFA 2018 with new gaming-focused PC rigs. PC gaming has seen an explosion in popularity in recent years, and Acer is certainly looking to cash in on this wave. The recent downturn in cryptocurrency values and growing uncertainty around them has led to decreased prices for GPUs. This, in turn, has further increased popular attention and demand for PC gaming. Acer showed off a number of exciting new gaming rigs at IFA 2017, and is expected to show off a similar lineup this weekend.

    Lenovo

    Chinese computer maker Lenovo will almost certainly be talking VR this year. Last year they introduced their Lenovo Explorer VR headset. While it caught a great deal of attention, it didn’t exactly catch in the crowded and underhyped VR market. This year they’re likely to focus on their more affordable Mirage Solo that was announced recently. Another potential point of focus for Lenovo may be a new version of their ThinkPad laptop, perhaps geared to go head-to-head with the Dell XPS 15.

  • Galaxy Note 9 and Other Top Android Phones

    If you’re looking for the very best Android phones, odds are good the name Galaxy has come up a lot in your searches. Of course, Galaxy is an awesome brand. However, it’s not the only game in Android! Today, we’re looking at the top Android phones!

    Top Android Phones

    5. OnePlus Six

    One Plus Six equals a great phone, not seven! This Chinese smartphone maker is a well-respected name in the Far East. Sporting a great portrait mode, a bright, vivid display and a good price tag, this is hard to beat. You can get the OnePlus Six online for around $650, making it a pretty reasonable purchase for a high-end Android smartphone. The only downsides are no waterproofing and unavailability on Verizon and Sprint.

    4. Huawei P20 Pro

    Stellar cameras make this a must-have for shutterbugs. The three cameras can snap amazing photos in low light, making it great for those night owls. It’s a little pricey, at around $760 or more, but it’s a rather premium device. It lacks a headphone jack and doesn’t support wireless charging, though, so that’s a bummer.

    3. LG V30

    LG is a perennial smartphone maker for a reason: they make good products. The V30 is no exception: it’s waterproof, sports a great camera and has exceptional battery life. There’s a lot to love about this little wonder! The ergonomics are a bit lacking, sadly, making this a slightly awkward phone to hold. That said, it’s still a great purchase at $650, easily one of the best Android phones on the market.

    2. Samsung Galaxy S9

    Unsurprisingly, Samsung’s flagship Galaxy phone snags the number 2 spot. It’s not as expensive as it was, coming in around $620. That said, it’s got premium features: wireless charging, water resistance and a blazing fast processor all make this phone great. The face-unlock feature is a joke, though, clearly a rushed attempt to match Apple’s Face ID. However, it’s a small spot for an otherwise stellar phone.

    1. Samsung Galaxy Note 9

    The current cream of the crop when it comes to Android phones, the Galaxy Note 9 is a beast. The huge, gorgeous display catches the eye, and looks great in any lighting. The S Pen is awesome for productivity, allowing you to doodle and scribble and take notes. The built-in Bluetooth button on the pen can allow for some neat remote functionality, too. It can be a shutter for the selfie cam, flip the pages in a slideshow presentation and more.

    Oh, did we mention the Dex mode that emulates a desktop? Yeah, this phone is so strong it can pass as a laptop for a second. That said, you pay for these features: the Galaxy Note 9 retails for $1,000, the same as the iPhone X. That’s a huge price for this huge phone! However, you get what you pay for, as this is easily the best Android phone on the market.