Tag: USB-C

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 Review

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 Wireless expands on their multi-platform headset and polishes it to near perfection. While the core design remains the same, the most significant upgrades—namely the massive battery life boost and the addition of the mobile companion app—make this mid-to-high-tier offering a serious contender for the best all-around wireless gaming headset and being able to switch quickly if you have more than one device or console.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 Wireless headset might be new but the brand is seen as a staple in the gaming arena on conosle or mobile phone in which both was tested over the last while and it is a great headset for both gaming and listening to music or streaming videos etc.

You can optimize game audio for every system with the new SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 for PC, PlayStation, or Xbox  Windows and mobile, the addition of real-time audio control via the Arctis App with presets for the Top-3 games on the planet (Call of Duty, GTA, Fortnite), plus a boosted battery with +40% more juice, makes this master of dual-audio multitasking a “must-have.”

Whether it’s gaming on the go, listening to Spotify or watching Netflix while commuting on the train or bus, taking a Zoom call and needing to tune out the noise in a shared apartment, workspace, or coffee shop, at the home office with furry kids running around, in the gym or on a walk, playing some Call of Duty or Animal Crossing at home, and so much more….

The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 series ushers in the next generation of audio power for those living a gaming lifestyle. I am one that uses headphones for everything and even for music and podcasts which I listen to most these headphones are quite remarkable with the audio quality I have to say with great bass and of course the flexibility of the EQ on board and I would not swap them over from gaming to another headset if using they are that good with the audio which is a win.

Featuring 200+ expertly crafted audio preset profiles for immersive gaming, music and entertainment via the Arctis App, an improved 54-hour battery life with optimized fast charging, Neodymium Magnetic Speaker Drivers for outstanding spatial audio, and simultaneous mixable 2.4GHz & Bluetooth audio, the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 stands out as the ultimate choice for multi-platform gaming and multitasking thanks to seamless compatibility, a premium build, and powerful controls.

The only annoyance I had was updating these when I took them out of the box requiring two cables and the dongle which should be a thing of the past and should be done via the app like most headphones and earbuds but other than that these are a must have for the true gamers out there and even for those who like great audio listening to music or streaming movies.

 

Mobile App Arctis

 

Features

  • Presets for Call of Duty, Fortnite, and more to hear footsteps better in game, controlled via the mobile app
  • Mix game & mobile audio for simultaneous listening using 2.4GHz and Bluetooth
  • 50+ hour battery with optimized fast charging
  • Neodymium Magnetic Drivers are custom-designed to produce crystal clear highs, pinpoint mids, and deep bass
  • USB-C plug & play for Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Switch, Mac, VR, handhelds, mobile, and more
  • Premium steel construction with elastic support band for comfort and durability

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Video Review

Apple adds six new Zens chargers for the holiday season

Zens, the market leader in wireless charging, strengthens its partnership with Apple this holiday season with six new products. Building on the success of the Quattro Charger Pro 4 and 4-1 Wireless Charger, Zens continues to combine innovation, design, and ease of use in a way that resonates with Apple users worldwide.

In close collaboration with Apple, Zens introduces two innovative Charging Cables and a next-generation Magnetic Nightstand Charger, available globally via Apple and on zens.tech.

“We’re proud to expand our collaboration with Apple and introduce a gift collection that’s interesting for a broad audience,” says Johan Plasmans, CEO of Zens. “These are everyday practical essentials: beautifully designed, and made to fit right into the Apple experience. With a price range between €50 and €100, and available in clean white/silver or dark cherry, there’s something for everyone this holiday season.”

The gift collection includes:

Zens Charging Cable USB-C-C Pro 2: Designed to power your MacBook or iPad via USB-C while wirelessly charging your iPhone or AirPods at the same time. Ideal for daily use and a great gift for multitaskers who want fewer cables and more freedom.
Zens Charging Cable USB-C-C Pro 3: Foldable, compact, and travel-ready, this cable charges your MacBook or iPad via USB-C, iPhone or AirPods, and Apple Watch simultaneously. Made for Apple users who have it all.
Zens Magnetic Nightstand Charger: Next-generation bedside essential. With USB-C, braided cable and Apple StandBy support, it turns your iPhone into a smart alarm clock. A perfect gift for anyone with an iPhone 12 or newer.

All products are available from today via apple.com, in select Apple Stores worldwide, and as a pre-order on zens.tech (shipping end of November).

See our zens reviews 

 

Paleblue AA and AAA USB-C rechargeable batteries review

Lets all be honest batteries are a pain at time especially when they just die with no warnings and so on and then when you go to use something and they are already dead, yep we have been all there and with Christmas coming up they go up in price and often hard to find and parents will go through any lenghts to ge them for their kids for Christmas morning.

OK we know we can buy rechargable kits off the net for for years and they in general do not last long and like any other bsttery they go missing or someone nicks one from your remote to use elsewhere.

With the new offering from Paleblue you get a nice little kit with a case ans cable and 4 batteries in one pack and this enables you to keep them all in one collection which is a neat idea in my opinion.

Paleblue wants to end the endless daily waste of batteries and this idea will work there is millions disposed of daily which is not good for the environment and these batteries ar here to end this waste and save you money which is a win win for all.

Each pack comes with a lead USB-A to 4 USB-C cables that slot into the top side of the battery the battery also has and indicator light on it to let you know what state it is in..I would suggest also offering a USB-C to USB-C lead going forward.

These batteries are said to replace a 1000 regular batteries now obviosuly I cant tell how long they last right now in this short space of time but will gladly update this post in 6 months or so and see how they fair out but they appear to last as long as regular batteries.

For now they worked on all devices I tested them out on and that is what people want to hear but the longevitiy factor is again something to come back on, as is now I can be sure I will have batteries on the fly ready to go at all times which is great for what I mentioned at the start and with all the downtime over the Christmas I have can certainly give them more run for their money.

Do take note they do get hot but this is to be expected when charging them up. Overall it is a great idea and something that should take off for many to invest in the lates technology out there and playing their part in recylcling.

See the video for more below.

 

AA USB-C Rechargeable Batteries

USB-C Rechargeable
Charge directly with the included USB-C cable. No proprietary chargers or docks required.

90-Minute Charge Time
From zero to fully charged in under two hours for quick turnarounds between uses.

1.5V Constant Voltage
Stable output for better performance in high-drain devices like headlamps, remotes, and game controllers.

Smart Battery Management
Built-in protection circuitry prevents overcharging, overheating, and short-circuiting.

1 Battery = 1,000+ Disposables
Each cell replaces hundreds of single-use batteries over its lifetime, reducing waste and cost.

Responsibly Designed
Packaged in GRS-certified post-consumer recycled plastic, designed with sustainability in mind.

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AAA USB-C Rechargeable Batteries

USB-C Rechargeable
Charge directly with the included USB-C cable. No proprietary chargers or docks required.

60-Minute Charge Time
Fully charged in on hour for quick turnarounds between uses.

1.5V Constant Voltage
Stable output for better performance in high-drain devices like headlamps, remotes, and game controllers.

Smart Battery Management
Built-in protection circuitry prevents overcharging, overheating, and short-circuiting.

1 Battery = 1,000+ Disposables
Each cell replaces hundreds of single-use batteries over its lifetime, reducing waste and cost.

Responsibly Designed
Packaged in GRS-certified post-consumer recycled plastic, designed with sustainability in mind.

Read more about Paleblue 

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Video Review

Twelve South PowerCord Review

The Twelve South PowerCord combines a 30W wall adapter and USB-C cable into a single, streamlined compact design which means a simple solution to your charging needs, For example i have countless plugs and cables hwoever these are all two part accessories while this is one plug and one cable all in one, thumbs up for that.

The plug itself is also small the cable is flat and braided and is robust and comes in tow lengths which is 1.2 or 3 meters it also has 30W PD 3.o charging which means fast charging all round and compatible with USB-C devices.

Overall this is an ideal solution for those who have USB-C devices which is now the norm for at home the office or when travelling and it is about time it is a solid built product which will last and certainly going into my travel bag or for use around the home and office here.

Features

  • No need to match cables to adapters.
  • Fast, 30W PD 3.0 charges all your USB-C devices.
  • Compatible with USB-C phones and devices.
  • Flat, durable cable stays tangle-free.
  • Low-profile plug fits easily in tight spaces.
  • Available in 1.2 m or 3 m

 

Bringing style and substance to everyday charging, the Twelve South PowerCord is available now in either Slate or Dune, from £39 from Twelve South UK and Amazon UK

See our Twelve South Reviews 

Video Review

Magcubic L018 Native 1080P 650ANSI Projector Review

The Magcubic L018 is a budget projector on offer compared to more expensive models out there and gives you a good idea of what to expect and a great starter projector and great for kids offering a big screen it has a decent feature set at a low price point. It comes with a native 1080P resolution, 650 ANSI lumens of brightness, and smart features like auto-focus and a built-in Android 11 OS and not seen on cheaper models it has auto and manual keystone correction.

Design & Build Quality

The L018 has a compact, portable design with a unique 360° rotating stand. This stand is a standout feature, offering exceptional flexibility for projecting onto a wall, ceiling, or floor without needing a tripod but it does also allow a tripod if you need one with the hole on the underside of the base. The build feels solid for a budget device, and its lightweight nature makes it easy to move around your home or take on the go.

Picture Quality & Brightness

The projector’s “1080P” resolution is a significant advantage over many similarly priced competitors that only support 1080P but project at a lower resolution. This results in a sharp, clear image with visible detail. However, it’s important to manage expectations, as the picture quality is still that of a budget device. Best used in dark rooms with the right background or projector screen as tested in this review in the day not so great as most budget projectors are.

The advertised 650 ANSI lumens is a key selling point. In reality, while the projector is bright for its class, it performs best in a dark room. It can project a usable image in a dim room, but ambient light will significantly wash out colors and contrast. This is a common trade-off for budget projectors and the L018 is no exception.

Smart Features and Usability

One of the most appealing aspects of the L018 is its ease of use. The auto-focus and auto keystone correction work surprisingly well, quickly getting the image sharp and straight with minimal effort. While the system can occasionally be slightly off, a minor manual adjustment usually fixes it. The integrated Android 11 system provides a seamless experience for streaming, allowing you to access apps like YouTube and Netflix directly without an external device. However, some users report issues with the app store and certain official streaming apps.

The inclusion of dual-band Wi-Fi 6 is a welcome feature, providing a fast and stable connection for streaming. The Bluetooth 5.2 support is also a plus, letting you connect to external speakers or headphones for better audio, which is recommended as the built-in speakers are adequate but not particularly impressive due to the settings on board and no settings as such to adjust the sound as you will see in the video review the sound will differ depending on how you set the screen type. You can also cast to this in several ways which again makes it more appealing.

The Magcubic L018 1080P 650ANSI Projector offers an excellent balance of features and performance for its price. It’s an ideal choice for a user looking for a portable, all-in-one entertainment solution for movie nights, backyard gatherings, or a dedicated screen in a bedroom. The auto-focus and Android 11 system make it incredibly convenient and user-friendly.

This again as mentioned an ideal starter projector to give you an idea there can be input lag if gaming however most people use these for movies I would also suggest connecting an external speaker better audio all round other than that for the price you cant go wrong really.

Features

  • Delivers ultra-bright visuals with 650 ANSI lumens, providing clear and vibrant images even in daylight. Whether you’re using it indoors or outdoors, this projector ensures consistent picture quality for all your movie nights or business needs.
  • Supports 4K and 1080p resolution playback, letting you enjoy crystal-clear video content with rich detail and color. Whether streaming your favorite shows or gaming, it brings high-definition quality to every frame for an immersive experience.
  • Features auto focus and keystone correction for a hassle-free setup every time. The projector automatically adjusts the image for clarity and alignment, even when positioned at an angle, so you get a perfect picture in seconds without manual effort.
  • Powered by Android 11 OS, this smart projector gives you instant access to popular apps like YouTube, Netflix, and more. Enjoy smooth navigation, fast app launches, and full entertainment freedom without needing a separate streaming device.
  • Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity ensures quick and stable pairing with wireless audio gear like Bluetooth speakers or headphones. Enhance your viewing with premium sound, whether watching solo or entertaining guests in your home or backyard.
  • Compact and lightweight design makes this projector incredibly portable. Whether you’re camping, traveling, or hosting a backyard movie night, it’s easy to pack and carry. Enjoy cinematic viewing anywhere with plug-and-play convenience.
  • Offers wide device compatibility with multiple input options like HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi. Connect laptops, gaming consoles, or flash drives easily. The built-in high-quality speakers also deliver crisp audio, eliminating the need for external sound systems.

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Video Review

Duex Max DS Portable Dual Screen Laptop Monitor Review

Not every creator edits in a cozy home studio. Some need to travel and they got the hotel rooms for their work. Sometimes the workplace is their car. Most YouTubers, vloggers, or content creators travel a lot. So, you know how tight laptop screens can get.

That’s where a portable extra screen changes the game. One simple add-on. And suddenly, you’re working faster anywhere. But not all portable screens are made equal. Some are clunky. Others dim out in sunlight. And a few? Just not worth the price.

This guide walks you through the best screens for creators who travel. Starting with one that hits all the right notes.

  1. Mobile Pixels Duex Max DS

A portable dual screen extender optimized for creators on the go. Whether you’re editing videos in a noisy café or reviewing footage on a train, this screen has your back. Designed with portability and functionality in mind, the Duex Max DS takes the hassle out of expanding your workspace.

Unlike other portable screens that require clamping or specific attachments, the Duex Max DS is sleek, simple, and easy to set up. Just unfold it, plug it in, and you’re ready to work. Its sturdy design ensures no wobble or balance issues, and its color-accurate display makes it a great choice for editing and creative work.

Why It’s First on the List:

  • Clean, simple design that doesn’t get in the way
  • No clamping or attachments needed
  • Solid, color-accurate display perfect for editing
  • Sturdy but lightweight, ideal for travel
  • Easy setup and portability

If you’re a creator who’s always on the move, the Mobile Pixels Duex Max DS makes your workflow smoother and faster, wherever you are.

This is a 14.1 inch screen which can slide either side has standalone settings on screen and can be used in multiple ways which makes is versatile and an excellent productivity tool everyone should have see our video review below for a full hands on.

Features

  • 14.1-inch 1080p FHD display
  • Only 1.8lbs for its size
  • Perfect for 14″ and larger laptops
  • Four viewing modes and eye-care mode
  • Plug and play via USB-C or Mini HDMI
  • Compatible with macOS/ Windows/ Nintendo Switch/ Samsung Dex

2. ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC

If you’ve seen this one, you already know it’s sleek. This option is ultra-thin. But don’t let the look fool you. It delivers the quality. USB-C connection. Clean HD screen. Works with both Mac and Windows without making a fuss. It also has blue light filtering. This helps on those long nights spent editing thumbnails or syncing audio.

Why creators like it:

  • Easy on the eyes, literally
  • No bulky cables
  • Ultra-portable
  • Doesn’t heat up
  • Just works

3. Lenovo ThinkVision M14

You barely feel it in your bag. That’s how light the M14 is. But it still brings a bright and vivid screen. It is perfect for editing reels or watching playback. This screen has dual USB-C ports. It means you can charge while you edit. You can tilt it. Stand it. Prop it. It works from tight spaces, even tray tables.

Why it’s worth your attention:

  • Super light
  • Bright enough for outdoor use
  • Clean resolution for video work
  • Great for quick edits
  • Charges while in use

4. SideTrak Solo

Sometimes, you need a bigger view. That’s where the SideTrak Solo steps in. This is full HD and supports HDR. It’s made for those moments when you’re stitching clips, balancing audio, or working with layers.

It has a matte screen too. So sunlight? No problem. It also plays well with most laptops, thanks to USB-C and HDMI inputs.

Good choice if you need:

  • Bigger screen real estate
  • Vivid display with HDR
  • Versatility in connection
  • No reflections or glare
  • Smooth multitasking

5. ViewSonic VG1655

If you’re starting out or just watching your gear budget, the VG1655 gets the job done. It falls within your budget. This option is light. It has dual speakers and still rocks a Full HD screen. You get USB-C and mini HDMI. Thus, it can be connected to most gear. It also comes with a cover that works like a stand.

Why it’s still a solid pick:

  • Affordable
  • Good audio and visuals
  • Reliable in daily use
  • Slim and light
  • Travel-friendly design

The Final Take

Portable screens aren’t just nice to have. For creators on the go, they’re necessary. They save time. They cut the frustration. And, they make the editing process smoother. Out of all the options, the Duex Max DS stands out. It doesn’t try too hard. It works well, looks clean, and fits real-life travel routines. So, set it up. Plug in. Get back to creating.

 

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Video Review

Groov-e launches new pet-tech range

Groov-e, a leading UK consumer tech brand, is giving pet owners a smarter, more convenient way to care for their furry friends, by introducing a brand-new range of automatic pet feeders. Designed to provide consistent feeding and hydration for those times when a dog or cat is home alone, Groov-e’s new pet tech line comprises a Smart Wi-Fi Pet Feeder, Automatic Pet Feeder, Automatic Wet Food Pet Feeder and Pet Water Fountain.

The new pet-tech range is ideal for dog or cat owners with busy schedules, whether they are out for the day, putting in extra hours at the office or planning a weekend away. These automatic pet feeders and water fountains give users peace of mind that their fur babies are keeping hydrated and not missing meals. Affordable, with prices starting at £24.99, all four products are available now from Groov-e.

 

Smart Wi-Fi Pet Feeder

Price: £59.99

Available from: Groov-e

The Smart Wi-Fi Pet Feeder is perfect for owners of cats and small dogs who want reliable, hands-free feeding routines. Ideal for dry food, users can easily schedule up to ten meals a day via the Tuya app. A voice recording function allows users to record a personal message, calling their pet and providing comfort when it’s time to eat. A 4L capacity and airtight storage keeps the food fresh and dual power options provide convenience and peace of mind. Plus, it’s easy to clean with a removable food tray.

 

Automatic Pet Feeder

Price: £49.99

Available from: Groov-e

The Automatic Pet Feeder allows pet owners to schedule up to six meals a day for their cat or small dog. It has a capacity of 4 litres and is ideal for dry food, keeping it fresh thanks to its airtight storage. A clear LED display and removable food tray make the Automatic Pet Feeder easy to use and clean. It runs on mains or battery for ultimate convenience.

 

Automatic Wet Food Pet Feeder

Price: £44.99

Available from: Groov-e

The Automatic Wet Food Pet Feeder is ideal for pets on wet or mixed diets, keeping food cool and fresh thanks to the included ice packs. Holding four portions with 240ml capacity per compartment, users can programme for meals to be delivered at set times during the day. Easy to clean and battery operated, the Automatic Wet Food Pet Feeder is perfect for owners who feed smaller meals during the day, work long days or are having a weekend away.

 

Pet Water Fountain

Price: £24.99

Available from: Groov-e

The Pet Water Fountain will keep water fresh and clean all day thanks to 24/7 ultra-quiet water flow and a 4-layer filtration system which removes hair and debris from the water. With a large two-litre BPA-free tank, easy-to-clean design and USB-A connectivity, it’s the perfect fuss-free hydration solution for any furry friends. An illuminated fill line in the bowl alerts users when water is running low.

See our Groov-e reviews

myFirst Camera 3 16MP Full HD Kids Digital Camera Review

The MyFirst Camera 3 16MP Full HD Kids Digital Camera is a fun simple to use kids camera to get them started in photography in their early years.

Presented again in a nice package this has all you need inside which is a lanyard strap a cover for the camera itself and includes a micro sd card which is a rare thing these days.

The cover is perfect to protect the camera at home or if on the go out with your child and will protect it if dropped also it does not interfere with the use of the camera.

The camera itself is small and robust with a nice texture to it with a flash, navigation buttons a shooter button and button to toggle between selfies and normal photos. The buttons are all tactile and work well and allow you to navigate through the controls which we go through in the full video review below.

There is a dual lens macro lens and selfie lens on board this camera and you can also take videos with this camera making it a fun gadget for younger kids, the pictures and videos are decent and can be transferred to your laptop via micro sd card and there you can see them in full format and print or share them.

Overall this is an excellent camera for kids to get started and learn photography, see the video for more below.

Features that Your Kids Will Love

  • Dual Lens
  • Macro Lens
  • Selfie Lens
  • Video Recording
  • HD Photos & Video
  • 16MP Camera
  • Photo Templates
  • Memory Up to 32GB

New Macro Lens

Your child can now take close up pics with the new macro lens in our camera! Perfect for those close-ups of lettuce and ladybugs.

Use the lens selector button to switch to a macro lens and see the little things in life. We’ve removed the bars to your child’s photographic creativity!

Quality Photos

With our 16MP camera, you’re assured of quality, high pixel images from your child’s perspective. Your child will take some fantastic HD photos and videos! Share the memories and see the beauty in your child’s eyes.

Selfie Lens

We know how difficult it is to take selfies without dropping your camera. So we’ve added a selfie lens above the screen. With a push of our lens selector button, take selfies with ease. Selfies made easy with myFirst Camera 3.

Durable and Powerful

We’re also throwing in a shockproof pouch. The pouch is made of high tensile strength polymers which resist drops, knocks, and bumps. With 1000mAh battery and supporting up to 32GB microSD card, you can be sure you and your child take plenty of photos and videos, anytime, anywhere! Sweet!

Preloaded Frames

Like its predecessors, our Camera 3 comes with preloaded frames to give your child insta-like photos! Your kid will be spoilt for choice when it comes to myFirst!

Box Contains:

  • MyFirst Camera 3
  • Adjustable Neck Lanyard
  • Designated Pouch (Detachable)
  • Decorative Stickers – 2 Stickers
  • Micro USB Charging Cable
  • Memory Card (Included)
  • User Manual

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Video Review

QDOS PowerMotion Ultra – USB-C to USB-C Cable Review

The QDOS PowerMotion Ultra – USB-C to USB-C Cable is their latest cable on offer within their portfolio of accessories and a cable is a cable to most but in fact this is not the case, we have tested several from the company and some cables offer more than others be it their quality the features and so on.

This cable is ideal for those who want to charge on the go without their mains plug and also ideal for devices such as tablets and phones and it offers more power on the go than your traditional cable and the ones that now rarely come in the box especially with mobile phones.

The cable itself is robust and those often yank a cable from a laptop or phone from a table walking by knows what happens most of the time the cable gets damaged.

What is also key on the cable is the data transfer speed which you will see in the video review below it is much faster than even some decent cables in my collection which most are and this also saves time transferring files from one device to another there is quite a difference.

With a Power & Data Output of 240W and 40Gbps Data transfer it is a must have alongside its durability and it is that simple, see the video below for more.

 

FEATURES

Easy Iconography:
• Device icons on connector ends matches our PowerCube range for seamless product recognition and easy selection

Optimised for:
• USB-C enabled and high-power devices such as; MacBooks/ laptops, iPads/ tablets, iPhones/ smartphones

Universal Compatibility:
• 100% recycled TPE stepped connector ensures seamless compatibility with all devices and cases

Reinforced Connectors:
• Guarantee lasting durability and dependable performance

Nylon Micro-Mesh Braid:
• Provides superior strength, durability and a premium feel

Integrated cable tie:
• Colour-matched and designed for neat storage and compact travel

Durability Tested:
• Withstands 35,000 bends and 60kg of force for exceptional longevity and reliability.

Optimised for future use:
• Durable materials and design ensure lasting functionality with future devices

USB Technology:
• USB 4.0

Power & Data Output:
• 240W Power output
• 40Gbps Data transfer

Length:
• 2 meters

Eco-friendly:
• Housing designed using recycled plastics

Limited lifetime warranty (T&C’s apply)

 

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Video Review