Baseus Sets Sights Beyond Power Banks: Reveals Upcoming EV Charger at IFA 2023

Posted on 31/08/2023 by Sarang Sheth

Known primarily for making some of the most capable charging bricks and power banks for your phone, tablet, and laptop, Baseus plans on being able to go big or go home with its upcoming chargers… literally! At IFA 2023, the company is slated to reveal their latest Nebula Series Green GaN EV Charger alongside other products.

Designer: Baseus

The charger builds on Baseus’ GaN semiconductor innovations that allow for enhanced heat dissipation, maximum efficiency, and power delivery in a compact form factor. Although details on the performance of the Nebula Series Green GaN EV Charger are still surfacing, Baseus touts reduced standby power consumption, all-weather charging (with an IP55 rating), and 11-layer self-check protections.

The charger is accompanied by the Baseus app, which aside from providing charging stats, also allows you to enable remote charging either via Bluetooth (if you’re in the vicinity) or over 5G if you’ve plugged the charger in and want to start a charge cycle remotely. The app will even allow you to schedule charging sessions.

Details of the Nebula Green GaN EV Charger are scarce at the moment, but Baseus plans sharing availability, pricing, and other specs soon.

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JBL Authentics: The Bonkers 270W Smart Speaker (with both Google & Alexa) Makes Waves at IFA 2023

Posted on 31/08/2023 by Sarang Sheth

With an output of 270W, JBL’s new Authentics series may just be the most powerful smart speaker out there. The series boasts not only a “timeless retro design” but also a groundbreaking feature: the simultaneous integration of both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Unveiled at IFA 2023, the JBL Authentics series encompasses three distinct models — the Authentics 200, 300, and 500. Paying homage to the timeless appeal of the 1970s-era JBL L100 speaker, this series seamlessly blends nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. One of the key highlights of this series is the seamless coexistence of Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Users can effortlessly engage either voice assistant by simply invoking their respective ‘hotwords’. It’s important to note that the idea of coexisting voice assistants isn’t novel, with Sonos already offering speakers that house both Google Assistant and Alexa. However, these smart assistants are restricted to responding one at a time. What sets JBL’s innovation apart is the concurrent responsiveness of both Google Assistant and Alexa. Whether it’s the intuitive Google Assistant or the efficient Alexa, users can switch between the two according to their needs and preferences.

Designer: JBL

The Authentics 300 stands out as a portable marvel, designed to accompany you on your musical journey. With a built-in handle that lets you carry it around everywhere and an impressive 8-hour battery life, this model ensures your music keeps playing wherever you go. What’s more, the consumer-replaceable battery adds a layer of convenience to ensure a longer product lifespan.

Drawing inspiration from the design of the JBL L100 speaker, the Authentics 300 features a captivating grid pattern reminiscent of the sound-proofing padding seen in audio recording setups (a feature that the L100 mimicked). The “custom synthetic leather-wrapped enclosure” enhances the speaker’s tactile appeal, while gold-colored aluminum accents give the speaker its undeniably premium appeal. Its high-flying design aside, the speaker still reflects JBL’s commitment to the environment by employing recycled plastic, fabric, and aluminum in its construction. The user-replaceable battery is also a nod to the new EU regulations that require consumer gadgets to now allow batteries to be accessed and replaced by consumers.

Designed for audiophiles, the speaker’s interface comes with dedicated controls for bass and treble, along with a play/pause button, volume control, and even a dedicated button to like tracks. The rear of the Authentics 300 (as well as the 500) features an ethernet port for a dedicated wired internet connection, along with a 3.5mm audio input, a USB-C port, and a power supply port.

As the flagship of the Authentics series, the Authentics 500 captures the essence of premium sound. With its powerful configuration, it offers three 1-inch tweeters, three 2.75-inch midrange woofers, and a 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer. This unique arrangement results in an impressive 270 watts of 3.1-channel sound, enhanced further by Dolby Atmos technology.

The Authentics 500 also mirrors its predecessor’s design inspiration. The iconic grid pattern on the grill, reminiscent of the JBL L100, serves as a captivating nod to audio history. The flagship also comes with the synthetic leather-wrapped enclosure and aluminum accents (employing the same recycled materials as the Authentics 300), but visibly lacks the handle that the Authentics 300 had, making it less transport-friendly.

Connectivity is a breeze, with Bluetooth, aux input, and Ethernet ensuring compatibility with multiple devices. The speakers seamlessly integrate with AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast, with Tidal Connect on the horizon. Moreover, future firmware updates promise the ability to orchestrate stereo and multi-channel sound setups by pairing multiple JBL speakers.

Though the concept of simultaneous voice assistants might be in its infancy, the groundwork laid by JBL, Google, and Amazon is fairly promising. As we navigate this evolving landscape, the notion of both Alexa and Google Assistant coexisting on a single platform isn’t merely a fleeting experiment but a step towards a more intelligent future. Now if only my smart-speaker had ChatGPT built into it…

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Switchbot S10: A Surprisingly Clever Home Robot Cleaner that can even Refill your Humidifier

Posted on 31/08/2023 by Sarang Sheth

SwitchBot’s latest release at IFA 2023 isn’t just another entry in the growing market of home automation. The S10 Floor Cleaning Robot robot takes a step forward by integrating features that make it not just autonomous, but also self-reliant.

The S10 joins SwitchBot’s growing roster of home automation systems. While SwitchBot’s most popular products are its most creative ones too (like the autonomous curtain robot or the ‘button pusher’), the company’s cultivated an entire ecosystem of smart-home tech that build on each other’s capabilities. The S10 does so too, with a combination of advanced navigation, cleaning, and even intelligent water management. The smart floor cleaner navigates your home, cleaning each corner, but also automatically refills its water tanks and drains out the dirty water in the process. Once done, the S10 heads back to its charging dock where it auto-dries its mop head, and if that wasn’t enough, the robot can even refill your humidifier for you. After all, it takes more than a clean floor to make a house feel comfortable!

Designer: SwitchBot

Flagship-level Cleaning Robot with 6500Pa High Suction

The S10 follows SwitchBot’s company ethos of ‘delegating physical tasks to robots’ by being an expert floor cleaner that also auto-maintains itself after every cleaning cycle. 6500Pa high suction ensures the S10 grabs every single particle of dust off the floor or even embedded within your carpet. While on the floor, the S10 scrubs, washes, and cleans with its new roller mop system. However, the second it finds itself on a carpet, the S10 stops the water-spray and auto-lifts the mop-head to ensure your carpet doesn’t get wet at all. Meanwhile, it also self-cleans its mop-head 300 times a minute.

Industry-first Auto Water Refill and Drain System

The most eye-catching feature of the S10 is undoubtedly its auto water refill and drain system. While robotic vacuums have been around for a while, the S10 takes it a step further. It’s capable of autonomously refilling its water tank when needed and draining it after use. This is accomplished through a connection to existing plumbing in your home—be it in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room.

The real advantage here is the convenience and time-saving aspect. Imagine not having to interrupt your day to refill or empty a water tank. The S10 essentially takes the manual labor out of floor cleaning, allowing you to focus on your day-to-day activities without any disruptions.

Charging Dock with Spacious 4L Dust Tank

Designed to be the place where the S10 goes for a quick pit stop, the charging dock also empties out the S10’s dust tank and dries the mop-head while charging the robot. The highly automated process requires no human intervention as the S10 autonomously makes its way to the dock when it needs to charge or empty its dust tank. The spacious 4-liter dust tank also has you covered for weeks, and requires replacing every 70 days.

The 4L dust tank is accessible from the top of the charging dock

Hey SwitchBot, Fill the Humidifier!

Is a product really a SwitchBot product if it isn’t eliminating human intervention altogether? The company is championing what they call the world of IoRT, or Internet of Robot Things, in an effort to make human life more comfortable. The idea started with a simple button that pushes switches at home and has now blossomed into a floor-cleaning robot that will occasionally even fill the humidifier in your house. Designed to work with the SwitchBot Humidifier 2 (available as a standalone device), the S10 can transport water from the Water Station directly to your humidifier, filling it up so you don’t need to.

Smart Sensors: The Brain Behind the Brawn

The S10 comes equipped with smart LiDAR sensors that are the real workhorses behind its effective cleaning. These sensors map out your living space, detect obstacles, and even adapt to different types of flooring. Whether your home has tile, hardwood, or carpet, the S10 adjusts its cleaning mode accordingly, ensuring smear-free cleaning on floors, and moreover, keeping your carpet pristine and dry. The smart AI also avoids obstacles and ventures away from no-go zones, giving you reliable cleaning based exactly on your requirements.

The SwitchBot S10 is scheduled to release on Kickstarter in October with a $1199.99 price tag. The S10 bot joins SwitchBot’s army of IoRT devices designed to help automate life and leave the chores to robots and the living to humans. An app powers the S10, which lets you set routines, delineate no-go zones, and access other functions/stats. SwitchBot is currently displaying the S10 floor cleaning robot along with other devices at IFA 2023 in Berlin.

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“The World’s Toughest Earbuds” from Jabra are Military-Grade and come with Dolby spatial audio

Posted on 31/08/2023 by Sarang Sheth

Jabra Elite 10 TWS Earbuds

In a market dominated by giants like Apple and Samsung, Jabra is stepping up to the plate with their latest offerings that aim to redefine the earbud experience. The Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active, showcased at IFA 2023 in Berlin, are poised to set a new standard for audio quality, durability, and innovation, challenging the status quo in the world of personal audio.

Jabra’s Elite 10 earbuds are designed to be a true testament to the brand’s commitment to audio excellence. Packed with upgraded 10-millimeter drivers, these earbuds promise an auditory experience that’s richer and more detailed than ever before. The company has even joined forces with Dolby to introduce head-tracking spatial audio, aimed at providing a heightened sense of immersion and a wider soundstage. While opinions on head tracking might differ, the option adds a layer of depth for those who seek a more enveloping sonic journey.

Image Credits: CNET

Understanding that comfort is paramount for consumers, Jabra has reimagined the design of their Elite 10 buds. The semi-open design ensures a comfortable fit and eliminates any feeling of ear-clogging or discomfort. Notably, the oval-shaped silicone ear tips offer extended comfort without intruding deep into the ears. Despite this emphasis on comfort, Jabra hasn’t compromised on active noise cancellation (ANC). Utilizing advanced scanning technology, these earbuds dynamically adjust the ANC filter, ensuring an optimal level of noise cancellation tailored to your surroundings.

Jabra Elite 8 Active TWS Earbuds

For fitness enthusiasts, the Elite 8 Active emerges as a standout option. Branded as “the world’s toughest earbuds,” these buds have undergone rigorous testing, surpassing industry standards. Boasting an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and even meeting Military Standard 810H for ruggedness, these earbuds can endure extreme temperatures, shocks, saltwater exposure, and submersion. With Jabra’s signature ShakeGrip coating, they stay securely in place during even the most intense workouts. The Elite 8 Active also has Dolby spatial audio, but it isn’t quite as immersive and effective as the one on the Elite 10 which also offers head-tracking.

Both the Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active share a plethora of features, including wireless charging, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, standalone mono mode, and compatibility with LE Audio. While they currently support AAC and SBC codecs out of the box, a future firmware update will integrate LC3 and LC3 Plus codecs for even better sound quality. Plus, these earbuds offer Fast Pair on Android and Swift Pair on PC for effortless device connection.

The Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active are slated for release in September, promising an upgraded audio experience and durability that’s tailor-made for diverse lifestyles. As Jabra continues to tread its path alongside industry giants, these new offerings beckon a closer look at how they’re set to redefine our auditory encounters.

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Highly repairable Fairphone 5 boasts eight years software update, gets decent hardware out of the box

Posted on 31/08/2023 by Gaurav Sood

The Fairphone 4 launched two years ago left a whole lot to be desired, and the sustainability-focused electronics startup from Amsterdam has now launched the next version to reignite hopes. This is the Android 13 powered Fairphone 5 modular phone which is the most repairable device out there for good reason.

The silver lining with this modern-looking device honing a translucent back panel is its whopping five years of OS support and eight years of security patches promised by the ethical company. They are striving to get that number up to 10 years. Also, there’s a 5-year warranty, so you have nothing to worry about for a long time. How much better can that get?

Pros:

8 years of software support and 5 years of warranty
Decent hardware specification compared to predecessor
Made from ethically sourced material
Upgradable storage of up to 2TB

Cons:

High price tag
Average processor

Designer: Fairphone

Just like their select suite of other products, the Fairphone 5 is made from ethically sourced materials and is designed to be easily pairable at home. Of course, it comes with the freedom to upgrade the hardware, and we’re glad that this time around the device is more of a modern mid-range phone that ignites interest. It has a 6.46-inch OLED display with 1224×2770 resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. On the rear reside the duo of a 50MP primary lens and a 50MP ultrawide shooter. Interestingly, the selfie camera on the front inside the hole punch is also a 50MP shooter.

The number of repairable modules has been increased to 10 as now you can replace the rear camera module and the module having SIM and SD card slots. That beefed-up 4,200mAh battery with 30W charging support is user-replaceable and good for 1,000 charging cycles. Since the phone is targeting a niche set of users, don’t expect it to compete with the current flagships on the market.

It’s powered by the Qualcomm QCM6490 chipset designed specifically for industrial applications and mated to an Adreno 643L GPU and 8GB of RAM. The processor is somewhat similar to the more identifiable Snapdragon 782G in terms of specs. Out of the box, the phone comes with 256GB storage that can be upgraded to 2TB via a separate module. While modular smartphones are not particularly water-resistant, still Fairphone managed to get IP55 water and dust resistance for the device.

For someone who’s looking to buy a mid-range device that has a long-term commitment guaranteed, the Fairphone 5 is a fair recommendation. If so, the device can be pre-ordered right away with shipping in Europe promised on September 14. There are no plans for a US release, but that could change in the coming months. For a price tag of around $750, the Fairphone could just tickle your fancy with the features it has.