Design

The shape of the HD-Force isn’t quite square or a cylinder. Let’s call it a squircle. It’s covered in woven gray fabric that gives a pleasing aesthetic and the material adds to the environmental protection from the elements.

On the top of the Treblab HD-Force is a soft touch area that houses the button controls. There’s also an LED array for battery indications and status. Around the rim of the entire top is another LED ring that pulses different colors to spark up your listening experience. To each side are connections for the attached handle that makes taking this speaker on the go a breeze.

There’s a branded Treblab tag at the bottom of the front of the HD-Force. Around the back on one corner, you also get a covered expansion port bay. Behind the rubber flap, you get a 3.5mm jack, USB-A, microSD slot, USB-C charging port, and a dedicated reset button.

Controls

Let’s circle back to the controls for a moment. These are pretty consistent with most universal Bluetooth controls. The buttons have dedicated functions for play/pause, volume up/down, and power. You can take these controls further with a long press of the volume up button will skip to the next track. The same will take you back a track with the volume down.

The LED ring can be turned on and off by double-pressing the power button. A single press of the power button will switch between audio modes. This rotates between the Bluetooth, Aux port, and microSD card playback options.

Audio

The quality of audio produced by the HD-Force is very good. Even though this speaker is around the same size as a roll of paper towels, its output punches well above its weight class. The HD-Force has plenty of power to push out good bass but doesn’t drown out the rest.

When listening to higher-octave music, the highs, and mids come through with clarity and crispness. Even podcasts sound good on this device allowing the natural tones of just voices to be heard clearly.

Battery life

The endurance between charges is also good with the Treblab HD-Force. The company rates the speaker to last up to 25 hours at 50% volume and I’d say this is fairly accurate. I’ve used this exclusively during my workdays in my home office to play a mix of YouTube Music playlists and podcasts. The HD-Force lasted me around four full workdays of at least six hours of total playback.

When you do deplete the internal power pack on the Treblab HD-Force, you can charge it back to 100% within around eight hours via the USB-C port. That’s a little longer than I expected, but the power bank is rather large at 10,400mAh.

Speaking of the power bank. The USB-C and USB-A can be utilized in reverse. You can plug your other devices like a phone or tablet into these ports to recharge them. It’s a nice touch for a device that’s meant to be used while you are mostly away from outlets.

Conclusion

Treblab has returned to the market with another solid option with the HD-Force wireless speaker. The combination of compact size with large sound makes this device very compelling. Add the IPX6 water resistance, the easy-to-carry handle, and the overall cool design and the HD-Force should be on your list of new tech to add to your home.

Lastly, we have to talk about price. It’s unavoidable really. The Treblab HD-Force is $140 full retail from Treblab’s website or $130 on Amazon. This puts it somewhere just an impulse buy for me, but I still believe it’s well worth the cost.

• Purchase the Treblab HD-Force from Treblab
• Purchase the Treblab HD-Force from Amazon

So far renders suggest, the Reno 10 series smartphones boast a completely new rear design compared to its predecessor Reno 9 series smartphone launched last year. Moreover, the Reno 10 Pro will feature a 6.7-inch curved display and it will measure 163.2 x 74.2 x 7.9mm (10.2 mm at the rear camera bump). The smartphone will have a center punch hole cutout for the selfie camera and USB Type C port and a speaker grill at the bottom side, which you can see in the images. 

Previous leaks suggest the upcoming OPPO Reno 10 Pro will be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chipset. The rest of the details of the Reno 10 Pro are still under the box but in the coming time, we’ll get to know more about it. 

Talking about the rest two variants of the Reno 10 series- the Reno 10 and Reno 10 Pro+, according to the rumors, the base variants i.e the Reno 10 Pro will feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED curved display, a 32MP selfie camera, and 2x portrait lens. Whereas, the top-end variant the Reno 10 Pro+ is said to feature a 6.4-inch curved 1.5K AMOLED 120Hz display, a 50MP primary camera sensor, and a 4,700mAh battery with 100W fast charging support. Under the hood, it is expected to come with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage.

Source

Read on to learn what we thought of the Kaja Audio Go-To Wireless Earbuds.

Noteworthy Features

• Play time per charge: 6+ hrs (~20hrs at 50% volume)
• Max hours per single case charge: 70 hrs
• Charging time 0% to 100% in about 1.5hrs
• IPX4 water resistance level
• 6mm dynamic driver
• Noise cancellation type: Dual mics ENC

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Thoughts and Conclusion

The Kaja Audio Go-Tos have a sleek, minimalist design that is both stylish and comfortable. They are lightweight and come with (two sets) soft, flexible silicone ear tips that provide a secure fit. The earbuds are IPX4 water-resistant so you can wear them without concerns whether working out or running errands.

The Go-To’s are equipped with a variety of features that make them ideal for everyday use, particularly the long battery life. At six hours of listening per charge (or longer at 50% volume), you can get upwards of 70 hours from the case and earbuds.

The Go-To’s are Bluetooth compatible with all major smartphones and tablets, pair easily, and offer touch controls on each earbud. We like that these can work independently of each other and always appreciate support for Google Assistant (or Siri).

The sound is a bit more flat that we might have liked but it was in line with other earbuds in this price point. We’d have liked an EQ setting or app to go with the earbuds but understand that could be a stretch for the budget.

As a pair of earbuds for the everyman we think the Kaja Audio Go-To’s are worth a look. They are a decent “go-to” pair for working around the house, commuting, exercising, biking, and other daily activities. We’ve not had any problems with these thus far and feel like the brand is off to a decent start.

You can learn more about the Kaja Audio Go-To Wireless Earbuds and/or purchase yours for about $80.

With this capacity, I was able to charge multiple devices with the HaloLock Kickstand. Of course, I can get pretty much three full recharges of my iPhone with the MagSafe option. Luckily, the USB-C charging port is capable of output as well as input to also charge my other peripherals as well. On a recent trip, I topped off my iPhone by around 40%, my earbuds, and my iPad by 60% while waiting on my plane.

In terms of charging speed, the ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Power Bank does not disappoint. It features 20W fast charging wirelessly and 18W wired, which means it can quickly charge your phone to full battery capacity in a short amount of time. This is especially useful when you’re in a rush and need to charge your phone quickly.

Final thoughts

Overall, the ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Power Bank is a great charging accessory that provides excellent performance and versatility. Its dual charging capability, built-in kickstand, and portability make it a must-have accessory for anyone who needs to charge their phone on the go.

The full retail cost of the ESR HaloLock Kickstand is $60 directly through ESR and is available in black and white variants. If you act right now, Amazon has the Kickstand for $50 with an additional 15% clip coupon.

• Purchase the ESR HaloLock Kickstand from ESR Gear
• Purchase the ESR HaloLock Kickstand from Amazon

Another problem we tend to find with power strips is that power blocks and plugs don’t all face the same direction. More often than we’d like, a charger eats up two spots because of its design.

Enter CuBLOCK, a modular power strip that takes things to the next level. The CuBLOCK Modular Power Strip is a unique and innovative product that allows you to customize your power strip to your specific needs.

The CuBLOCK is also crafted well with a colorful and versatile powering experience. Keep cables organized with 90° adjustable plugs, and rest easy knowing that the CuBLOCK is certified to work in eight countries: US/Canada, Australia, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK.

Dimensions

The CuBLOCK base measures 12 1/4 inches x 2 1/2 inches x 1 3/4 inches (314mm x 64mm x 45mm), and each cube measures 2 inches x 2 inches x 1 3/8 inches (50mm x 50 mm x 35mm). When assembled, the CuBLOCK measures 12 1/4 inches x 2 1/2 inches x 3 1/8 inches (314mm x 64mm x 81mm).

To be clear, once you have this completely put together to your liking, it does take up a fairly sizable amount of space. This unit is more about its practicality and functionality than its overall profile.

Design

With detachable plug extensions that accommodate sockets of different countries, as well as accessory plugs like a 45W USB charger, sensor lamps, Bluetooth speaker, and more to come, the CuBLOCK provides versatility and flexibility in a way that traditional power strips simply can’t match.

One of the standout features of the CuBLOCK is its lock mechanism. Once the modules are plugged in, they can be secured with up to 20 pounds of force to prevent accidental detachment. Additionally, the CuBLOCK has a safety switch that shuts off when an overload occurs, ensuring that your devices are protected from power surges.

We were sent a test unit that features Lunar Grey, Borscht, Hedge Green, Rose Sorbet, and Diamond Soft Blue. They complement each other nicely and help make it easy to quickly identify your different plugs. Another option offered includes some softer pastel shades.

In addition to the USB and AC plugs there are blocks for a Bluetooth speaker, a nightlight, and others are planned.

Specs

The CuBLOCK has an impressive range of specs, including a flame retardant rating of UL94 V-0, a max power rating of 1875 watts (15A/125V), and a cable length of 6 feet/1.8m. The AC joule rating is 185 joules, while the USB power input is AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz.

The USB power output includes:

• USB-C: 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20v/2.25A, 45W max
• USB-A: 5V/3A, 9V/2.0A, 12V/1.5A, 18W max
• USB-A + USB-C: UCB-C: 5V/3A, 27W max
• USB-A: 5V/2A, 10W max

The CuBLOCK is an ideal product for people who need a power strip that can keep up with their ever-changing lifestyle. Whether you’re a busy professional who travels frequently or a student who needs a reliable charging solution, the CuBLOCK is the perfect choice.

With its modular design, sleek look, and impressive range of features, the CuBLOCK is sure to become a must-have accessory for anyone who wants to stay connected and powered up.

If you own or operate a rental property, Airbnb, or something to that effect, you might want to consider something like this. This goes double if you tend to host international travelers. It would also make sense to have one of these in a conference room for when gathering a team of employees from around the globe.

The CuBLOCK Modular Power Strip is an interesting take on the concept of power strips. Its modular design and customizable features make it a standout product that’s perfect for anyone who needs a versatile and flexible powering solution.

You can learn more about the CuBLOCK at Kickstarter where’s already been backed with more than two weeks to go. If interested, you can fund the project and order yours today. As of now there are two additional modules on the way alongside a new color option.

The Moto G 5G (2023) kicks off at $250 (~₹20,000) and it will be available starting from May 25 via Motorola’s official website, Amazon, Best Buy, and network carriers such as T-Mobile Metro and AT&T in the US. It comes in Black and Silver two beautiful color options.

Under the hood, Moto G 5G (2023) is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ chipset paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage is further expandable up to 1TB via micro-SD card. The device boots Andriod 13 based on MY UX 5 out of the box. It features a dual rear camera setup at the back. The rectangle-shaped camera module houses a 48MP primary lens paired with a 2MP Macro camera and there’s an 8MP snapper at the front for selfies and video chats.

You’ll get a big 6.5-inch HD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate support. The device is backed by a massive 5,000mAH battery with 15W fast charging support. Connectivity options include a 3.5mm headphone jack, 5G connectivity, Bluetooth v5.1, WiFi 5, and USB Type C for charging and data transfer. Other highlights of the Moto G 5G 2023 smartphone include a side-mounted fingerprint, face unlock, stereo speaker, and Dolby Atmos support.

Moto G 5G (2023) Specifications

1. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm mobile platform)
2. Variants: 4GB RAM, 128GB storage (expandable up to 1TB)
3. Software & UI: Motorola MY UX 5 based on Android 13
4. Display: 6.5-inch LCD display, HD+, 120Hz refresh rate
5. Rear Camera: Dual camera setup 48MP primary + 2MP macro
6. Front Camera: 8MP
7. Security: Fingerprint sensor (side-mounted)
8. Connectivity: WiFi 5 (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.1, 4G, 5G
9. Battery: 5000mAh with 15W fast charging (USB-C)

Xiaomi’s best camera smartphone Xiaomi 13 Ultra initially launched with three color options- Olive Green, Black, and White and now the Xiaomi 13 Ultra gets three more color options including Starry Sky Blue, Ginkgo Yellow, and Chixia Orange. These Limited Edition Custom color variants will be available in a sole 16GB + 512GB model option and are priced at ¥6,499. Pre-orders for these three new custom color variants will start from May 6 in China via Xiaomi’s official website and one thing to keep in mind it will available in Limited quantities.

Xiaomi’s this latest smartphone offers a professional camera experience no matter the conditions, it delivers outstanding photography results. Xiaomi and Leica pack a Summicron Lens in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra offers high imaging performance. Let’s have a look at the specifications and pricing of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra smartphone.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra features a Quad camera system at the back with Leica’s customized optical lens covering focal lengths. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra has an ultra-large 1-inch 50MP Sony IMX989 primary camera with a two-step aperture switching between f/1.9 and f/4.0, Hyper OIS, EIS, and 8P Lens support. The primary lens is paired with a 50MP Ultrawide shooter (with a focal length of 12mm), a 50MP super-telephoto lens (with 120mm focal lengths), and a 50MP telephoto lens with 75MM focal length. In addition to that, there are also 46mm and 240mm lengths through the In-sensor-Zoom. The camera has the ability to offer users more freedom in customizing the exposure settings based on different scenarios. It has a 32MP under-display snapper for selfies and video chats. The device is capable enough to record stable 4K 60fps video recording without frame rate drop due to temperature. 

Under the hood, the device is equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor which adopts 4nm process technology paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The smartphone inherits Xiaomi’s self-developed Loop LiquidCool technology which ensures equivalent thermal conductivity of more than three times that of traditional VCs and heat dissipation capacity exceeds 10W.

In terms of design, Xiaomi 13 Ultra boasts the classic look of Leica’s M camera series and it has a big circular camera module embedded with a unibody metal frame and leather texture finish. The leathery back finish design offers a more secure grip and resists smudges and fingerprints, and it has a second-generation antibacterial nanotech silicone coating and its bacterial inhibition rate can reach as high as 99% which the brand claims are nearly suitable for any environment.

 The Xiaomi 13 Ultra flaunts a 6.73-inch Pro Grade WQHD+ AMOLED curved display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2600 nits of peak brightness. The smartphone has Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support which offers an immersive viewing experience, vivid colors, and astonishing brightness and contrasts. It has a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection on top. The device boots Andriod 13 based on MIUI 14 out of the box and it weighs 227 grams. 

Xiaomi packs a big 5,000mAh battery in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra with 90W fast charging tech. Xiaomi also added a new Hibernation Mode in the device which automatically detects the low battery and limits background activities and extends battery life up to 60 minutes. 

Xiaomi 13 Ultra comes in three variant options in China- the 12/256GB starts at RMB 5,999 (~$870), the 16/512GB variant costs RMB 6,499 (~$943) and the 16/1TB variant is priced at RMB 7,299 (~$1059).

Source

Read on to learn what we thought of the TOPDON TC001.

Noteworthy Features

• Resolution: 256×192 Pixels
• Object Temperature Range: -20~550°C (-4~1022°F)
• Compatible with Android Phone / Tablet & Windows Laptops
• Includes 9 different color palettes
• Two year warranty

Gallery

Thoughts and Conclusion

The TC001 has a wide temperature range of -4°F to 1022°F (-20°C to 550°C) and a resolution of 256 x 192 pixels, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

The thermal imager has a durable and ergonomic design, with a ruggedized casing that feels like it will stand up well to drops and impacts. Plugged in via USB-C, it can measure temperature to 0.1ºC accuracy, giving users an excellent look at the temperatures in the environment.

The TOPDON TC001 is a versatile and reliable thermal imager that can be used for a variety of applications, including HVAC, electricians, automotive repair, farmers, and more. Use it with your Android phone or tablet, or Windows laptop, pair it with the mobile app, and you’ll have a completely different perspective on things.

The app’s main page features four tabs: Thermal Imaging, Temperature Monitoring, Gallery, and Personal Information. In the Personal Information tab, users can calibrate the thermal sensor and switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

The Thermal Imaging tab allows users to check the temperature of their surroundings and offers various options, such as selecting a point or drawing an area to check temperature, adjusting the color palette, setting temperature limits, and using an Image in Image feature.

The Temperature Monitoring tab monitors changes in temperature of a specific spot and creates a live graph for analysis.

It is perfect for jobs such as security purposes, insulation inspection, cylinder inspections, water leak inspection, and HVAC system inspection.

The mobile app received an update while we were testing the unit, picking up a couple of handy features. You can see a preview of that on the left. We were able to adjust the colors and markup the image after it was captured.

New Features

• A “Second Editing” function lets users perform additional processing on photos that have been taken, such as points, lines, planes, pseudo-colors, etc.
• Added “Isotherm Ruler” function for second editing
• User can set the temperature and change the color of the thermal image on the second editing page

While I appreciated the TC001 around the home, I can imagine someone whose job relies on dealing with extreme temperatures or leaks really loving it. It may not be the sort of tool you’d use on a daily basis, but there are few things you can have in your toolbox to rival its capabilities.

You can learn more about the TOPDON TC001 and/or purchase yours for about $299.

The Govee AI Gaming Sync Box Kit comes with a sync box, power adapter, and remote control. The sync box has three HDMI inputs and one HDMI output and supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz. The sync box connects to your smart home devices using Wi-Fi, and it supports a wide range of smart home platforms, including Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

The Govee AI Gaming Sync Box Kit has several benefits that can enhance the gaming experience. Firstly, it allows users to sync the lighting of their PC or gaming console with the on-screen action in real-time, creating an immersive and dynamic gaming experience.

Secondly, the Govee AI Gaming Sync Box Kit supports a wide range of smart home platforms, making it easy for users to integrate it into their existing smart home setup. Finally, the Govee AI Gaming Sync Box Kit supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz, ensuring that users can enjoy high-quality visuals.

The Govee AI Gaming Sync Box Kit is primarily targeted towards gamers who want to enhance their gaming experience by syncing the lighting of their smart home devices with the on-screen action. It’s also suitable for users who want to create an immersive home theater experience by syncing their smart home devices with their TV or projector.

I love using the kit for ambient lighting or decorating the office. Even if it’s just a simple soft white background glow, a breathing set of colors, or static color, it helps enhance the setting.

The Govee AI Gaming Sync Box Kit is designed to be controlled using the Govee Home app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app provides an easy-to-use interface that allows users to control the lighting of their smart home devices, including RGB light strips, light bulbs, and lamps.

Users can choose from a range of lighting effects, including static colors, dynamic effects, and even customize their own effects. The app also includes a music mode that syncs the lighting with the beat of the music, creating a fun and dynamic atmosphere.

The Govee Home app also allows users to set up schedules and timers for their smart home devices, ensuring that they turn on and off at the right time. Additionally, users can control their devices using voice commands through Alexa and Google Assistant.

One potential drawback of the Govee AI Gaming Sync Box Kit is that it requires a Wi-Fi connection to connect to smart home devices. This could be an issue for users who have a weak Wi-Fi signal in their gaming room or home theater.

Additionally, the Govee AI Gaming Sync Box Kit only has three HDMI inputs, which may not be enough for users who have multiple gaming consoles or other HDMI devices. And while it doesn’t necessarily concern me, I’ve noticed that reviews on Govee’s website would appreciate having support for HDMI 2.1. According to an official response, it’s on the horizon and is currently being developed.

Conclusion

The Govee AI Gaming Sync Box Kit is a unique and innovative product that can enhance the gaming experience by syncing the lighting of your smart home devices with the on-screen action in real-time. It’s an ideal choice for gamers who want to take their gaming experience to the next level.

As someone who has started integrating Govee options to the office, the AI Gaming Sync Box Kit is a wonderful addition. I appreciate the app’s rich suite of options and the seemingly endless way I can spruce up the room. Whether I’m gaming or plugging away through a backlog of emails, the vibe is always right. Video and gaming is more immersive and it’s an excellent mood setter for music, too.

Learn more about the AI Gaming Sync Box at Govee’s website where it’s currently available for about $235. A limited-time promotion lets you bundle the Neon Rope Light for Desks for just $65 more.

Furthermore, the latest leaks reveal the full specifications of the Motorola Razr 40 ultra foldable smartphone. According to the reports, Razr 40 Ultra will feature an AMOLED 2640 x 1080p resolution main display with a 144/120Hz refresh rate and the cover will come with a 3.5-inch cover screen with a 1056 x 1066p resolution. 

The foldable smartphone is said to feature a dual rear cameras setup at the back- a 12MP primary camera joined by 12MP ultrawide shooter with an SK Hynix Hi1336 sensor and it will come with a 32MP selfie snapper for selfies and video chats. The front camera will be equipped with the OmniVision OV32B40 sensor. 

Under the hood, Motorola’s Razr 40 Ultra will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor paired with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. Compared to its predecessor, the Razr 40 Ultra gets the same processor. Reports suggest that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 5 will feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It seems that the Razr 40 Ultra already get the competitor. The device will boots Android 13 based on My UX. 

Earlier reports suggest the smartphone will have a 3,640mAh battery (which is up from 3500 from its predecessor) with 33W fast charging tech support. It will come in Blue, Black, and Barberry color options.

Source | Image Source

The Passkey works very efficiently on Apple, Android, and other devices that support the feature. Speaking about its real-world uses, compared to passwords, passkeys are more secure and easy to use. For eg, if you want to sign in to your Google account and you have the passkey feature enabled then you can simply log in to your account, apps, or any sites the same way you unlock your smartphone by using Pattern, Fingerprint or Face unlock.

Moreover, one of the best advantages of the passkey is, it is very resistant to cyber attacks such as phishing, malware, and passwords attack. Apple also embedded the Passkeys into iOS during the launch of iOS 16. Every Apple device which is on iOS 16 or above have now passkey support. 

“Last year — alongside FIDO Alliance, Apple, and Microsoft — we announced we would begin work to support passkeys on our platform as an easier and more secure alternative to passwords. And today, ahead of World Password Day, we’ve begun rolling out support for passkeys across Google Accounts on all major platforms. They’ll be an additional option that people can use to sign in, alongside passwords, 2-Step Verification (2SV), etc.”, said Google 

Activating the Passkey is very easy, just log into your Google account and then go to the Create a Passkey option and create a Passkey for your Google account. One thing to keep in mind, you can set the passkey as a default method for signing in but it’s not yet possible to completely remove the password for the Google account. If the passkey isn’t working, you still have a password option to log into your Google account. 

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For those of us still holding onto wired headphones with a dedicated hi-res audio player or even a simple dongle, Apple makes a great USB Type-C dongle by the way, there is still a market for high-end wired earbuds. A prime example is the latest MS5 in-ear monitors from Hidizs that the company was nice enough to send out for review.

Design

My first impression after opening the Hidizs MS5 is that this is a premium product. You can tell immediately from the feel of the MS5 monitors in your hands and the generous amount of high-quality accessories. For starters, there are three sets of ear tips to adjust the tuning, including one for vocals, bass, or balanced.

Speaking of tuning, there’s also a set of interchangeable metal filters, one for increasing bass and another for treble, while the balanced filter comes preinstalled.

The Hidizs MS5 uses a specialized two-pin cable that connects via a 3.5mm to your audio source. The included cable is the highest quality and most robust 3.5mm cable I’ve ever seen. It consists of 504 6N single crystal copper silver-plated wires in a thick braid with metal accents. This gives the cable a hefty weight and makes it feel strong and luxurious. It’s also wonderful at resisting tangling.

With all of these premium accessories, you’re going to need a way to carry them around. Fortunately, Hidizs includes a PU leather case to make it easy to take the MS5 on the go with plenty of padding to ensure everything stays protected. It even has the logo embossed on the top which I thought was a nice touch.

Finally, we come to the star of the show, the gorgeous Dark Angel Sculpture designed MS5 monitors. Hidizs created the MS5 mimicking the human ear mixing a skin-friendly resin back and weight-saving one-piece aluminum alloy cavity to reduce weight and make them as comfortable as possible to wear.

Comfort

As I mentioned, Hidizs includes three sets of ear tips to fit on the interchangeable tuning stems. I was a little disappointed because–with my small ear canals–I found the vocal tips to be the most comfortable and secure, yet I would have preferred to wear the balanced or bass tips. It would have been great if all three sets shared a similar size, but for most users, this won’t be an issue unless you have smaller ear canals like me.

Regardless, I was able to find a comfortable fit with the supplied ear tips and the MS5 monitors fit my ears perfectly.

Now, we come to that sturdy luxurious cable included in the box. While I love the feel and quality of the two-pin cable, the weight and thickness become an issue when it comes to overall comfort. My ears began feeling fatigued early on into listening sessions due to the weight of the cable. It was so heavy it felt as if it was constantly tugging down on my ears and creating pressure due to the weight and stiffness.

It wasn’t unbearable, but I’ve certainly used more comfortable cables in the past, and luckily, these are replaceable despite how nice they feel in your hand.
Features

The Hi-res certified Hidizs MS5 features a new custom 10mm liquid silicone driver. It has a body made of Kevlar surrounded by liquid silicone to create a thin dynamic driver with high elasticity. This is paired with a total of four Denmark Sonion Balanced Armature Drivers to handle the high, midrange, and low frequencies.

Furthermore, Hidizs uses an exclusive soldering process with gold tin wire to prevent oxidation and to increase stability.

Sound quality

The MS5 has an open and airy sound that leans towards higher frequencies. This gives them stunning clarity capable of revealing details in tracks and gives instruments plenty of space for separation. A side effect of this is that the MS5 is also very vocal-focused, and the treble can be a little piercing at times completely overshadowing the deep rich bass that the MS5 is capable of producing.

Even after playing around with the different ear tips and filters, I still couldn’t quite tone down the higher frequencies which caused the MS5 to become fatiguing to listen to after a while. Not even using the bass tips with the bass filter seemed to do it.

Eventually, I made some adjustments via the equalizer on my music app and I was able to tame the higher frequencies and tune it for the warmer sound signature I prefer. At that point, I was able to appreciate all of the benefits the MS5 offer, such as its open soundstage, rich deep bass, and finally a full-bodied sound thanks to some tweaking.

If you’re a fan of stunning clarity with a focus on the higher frequencies and vocals, then you’ll love the MS5 out of the box. However, if you prefer a warmer sound with a more reserved high end, then it’s possible to get the MS5 there, but it’ll require an equalizer in your music app, which unfortunately, not every app provides, especially streaming apps.

Final thoughts

Hidizs has combined high-quality materials and accessories to create a premium in-ear monitor package with its latest release of the MS5. The monitors are lightweight, strong, and capable of producing clear stunning audio quality.

However, they can be a little too strong in the higher frequencies out of the box. The high-caliber cable also works against the user, in this case, by causing ear fatigue due to its weight and thickness.

Fortunately, both of these issues can be addressed by the use of an equalizer and replacing the cable. This makes it worth giving the MS5 a try knowing that you’ll be able to rectify any minor complaints and salvage a well-built pair of IEMs.

The Hidizs MS5 retails for $499 but can currently be purchased for $379 during the pre-sale which ends on May 5, 2023.

Buy from Hidizs

Read on to learn what we thought of the Phiaton BonoBuds Lite.

Noteworthy Features

• Bluetooth 5.2 technology to provide a stable and reliable wireless connection with your device
• Touch controls allow you to play, pause, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate voice assistants with ease
• Auto-pairing feature connects them to your device as soon as you take them out of the case
• Up to 11 hours of playtime on a single charge; charging case can provide up to 17 additional hours of battery life
• IPX4 rating means they are sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for use during exercise and other outdoor activities

Gallery

Thoughts and Conclusion

The Phiaton Bonobuds Lite are a true wireless earbud model from Phiaton, which is designed to provide a comfortable fit and high-quality sound at an affordable price point. They’re quite similar to the Bonobuds save for a few minor distinctions.

The Bonobuds Lite feature 5.8mm dynamic drivers to deliver a relatively deep bass with clear highs. The earbuds support the SBC and AAC audio codec, which mean high-quality audio streaming.

The earbuds provide up to 11 hours of playtime on a single charge, and the compact charging case can provide up to 17 additional hours of battery life.

The Bonobuds Lite come with multiple sizes of ear tips to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for a wide range of ear sizes. The earbuds are also lightweight and compact, making them easy to wear for extended periods of time.

The Bonobuds Lite have touch controls that allow you to play, pause, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate voice assistants with ease. The earbuds also have an auto-pairing feature that connects them to your device as soon as you take them out of the case.

The Bonobuds Lite have an IPX4 rating, which means they are sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for use during exercise and other outdoor activities.

For about ten bucks more you can get the standard Bonobuds which offer a better overall sound and faster charging. The trade-off, though, is the battery life which is nearly 50% longer here.

You can learn more about the Phiaton BonoBuds Lite and/or purchase yours for about $50.

CPU Selection

It serves as the brain of any computer, responsible for executing instructions and managing data. As a gamer, choosing a CPU that delivers fast and efficient processing power is crucial. Look for multi-core processors with high clock speeds, as they will provide smoother gameplay and reduce latency. Additionally, consider processors with a large cache size and efficient thermal design power (TDP), as these attributes can further enhance your gaming experience.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

The graphics processing unit (GPU) renders games’ images, animations, and visual effects. A powerful GPU can dramatically improve the quality of graphics and the overall gaming experience. When selecting a GPU, pay close attention to its clock speed, memory bandwidth, and architecture; higher values typically result in better performance. Moreover, consider compatibility with the latest DirectX and Vulkan APIs to ensure your system can run the newest games without issue.

System Memory (RAM)

System memory, or random access memory (RAM), stores data that the CPU and GPU need to access quickly. The more RAM a system has, the more data it can store for faster retrieval. For gaming purposes, it’s recommended to have at least 16 GB of RAM. However, if you plan to run multiple applications simultaneously or engage in resource-intensive tasks, 32 GB or more might be necessary. Opt for high-speed RAM (DDR4 or DDR5) with low latency to ensure the fastest possible data transfer.

SSDs and HDDs

Storage drives come in two primary forms: solid-state (SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs). SSDs offer much faster data access times than HDDs, making them an excellent choice for gaming PCs. It can significantly reduce load times and improve the responsiveness of your system. It’s advisable to choose an SSD with a capacity of at least 500 GB for your primary drive, where your operating system and favorite games will be stored. Consider using an HDD with a larger capacity to store less frequently accessed files and media for additional storage.

Thermal Management

Effective thermal management is critical in maintaining the longevity and performance of your gaming PC. A well-designed cooling system can prevent overheating, leading to hardware failure and decreased performance. In general, there are two cooling systems: liquid and air. Air cooling relies on fans and heat sinks, while liquid cooling uses a circulating fluid to dissipate heat. Both methods have advantages, but liquid cooling is more efficient and quieter. Consider your specific needs and budget when choosing a cooling solution.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

The power supply unit (PSU) is responsible for converting and distributing electrical power to the various components within your gaming PC. Selecting a PSU with sufficient wattage to support all the hardware in your system is essential. As a general rule, choose a PSU with 20-30% more wattage than the total power consumption of your components. This extra headroom ensures your PSU won’t be overtaxed, improving its lifespan and stability. Opt for a PSU with a high-efficiency rating (80 PLUS Gold or better.

Motherboard Selection

The motherboard is the central hub that connects all the components within your gaming PC. When choosing a motherboard, ensure it supports the specific CPU and RAM you’ve selected and provides sufficient expansion slots for your GPU and other peripherals. Look for a motherboard with multiple high-speed USB ports, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and support for NVMe SSDs for faster storage access. A quality motherboard offers robust power delivery, ensuring your components’ stable operation and overclocking potential.

 PC Case

Selecting the right case for your gaming PC is crucial for aesthetics and functionality. The case should provide ample room for all components and facilitate effective cable management. Consider cases with good airflow design and support for your chosen cooling solution (air or liquid). Look for cases with tool-free installation features, dust filters, and sound-dampening materials to make assembly and maintenance more convenient. Finally, choose a case with a design that suits your taste, ensuring your gaming PC reflects your style.

Sound Card

Although many motherboards come with integrated audio, dedicated sound cards can offer an enhanced audio experience for gamers who prioritize immersive sound. A high-quality sound card will provide better audio processing, reduced latency, and support for surround sound systems. When selecting a sound card, consider its compatibility with your chosen motherboard and the type of audio output you plan to use, such as headphones or external speakers.

Monitor and Peripherals

While not part of the gaming PC, the choice of monitor and peripherals can significantly impact your gaming experience. Look for a high-resolution monitor with a fast refresh rate (144Hz or higher) and low input lag to ensure smooth visuals and responsive gameplay. Additionally, consider investing in a gaming keyboard and mouse with customizable buttons, ergonomic design, and high-quality switches for improved comfort and precision.

In conclusion, building a custom gaming PC that maximizes performance requires carefully balancing component selection and budget. By focusing on the most critical components, such as the CPU, GPU, and RAM, and considering aspects like thermal management, connectivity, and aesthetics, you can create a gaming system tailored to your needs. Remember that investing in quality components will provide a more reliable and enjoyable gaming experience, ultimately resulting in a machine that delivers outstanding performance for years.

EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement