Magnetic charging makes attaching a battery easy, but it doesn’t guarantee that the battery will fit your phone’s shape. Apple’s folding iPhone Duo introduces a shorter body that gives accessories less room to stretch. BMX’s SolidSafe Duo responds with a compact, 5,000mAh power bank designed around those proportions, bringing a rotating stand, color display, and attached USB-C cable along for the ride.
The difference starts inside, where a custom-shaped battery cell lets the enclosure follow the Duo’s footprint instead of extending beyond its edges. The black, CNC-machined aluminum housing has rounded corners and a broad face that sits below the cameras. That gives the accessory a more deliberate relationship with the phone, although matching its outline doesn’t make the added thickness disappear, of course.
A circular ring folds out from the back and rotates 360°, giving the phone support in portrait or landscape orientation. Reading a recipe on the counter could give way to watching a video over lunch without detaching the battery. The stand makes particular sense for an unfolded screen, which offers more room to watch but also more phone to hold in your hand.
Nestled inside that ring is a full-color display showing the power bank’s remaining charge and live charging wattage. The distinction matters because the percentage belongs to the accessory, not your iPhone. It also gives you a way to check both your reserve and the current power output, rather than assuming that an attached battery is always charging at its advertised maximum speed.
The attached USB-C cable doubles as a lanyard, so wired charging doesn’t begin with a search through your bag. Plug it into a compatible device for up to 20W output, or use it to refill the power bank at up to 15W. It’s a simple detail, but it keeps the wired option available even when the rest of your charging gear is elsewhere.
Wireless charging, meanwhile, tops out at a claimed 15W, below the iPhone Duo’s supported 25W maximum. You’re getting a tailored shape rather than the phone’s fastest wireless charging. Connecting two devices also changes the numbers, splitting output between 10W over USB-C and 5W wirelessly. That could help another device through the afternoon, but neither connection retains its single-device maximum in that arrangement.
The SolidSafe name also needs a little unpacking. BMX uses semi-solid-state cells and says their reduced liquid electrolyte content helps lower fire risk compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries. That’s a reduced-risk claim, not a promise that the battery can’t fail. The rigid aluminum enclosure also helps dissipate heat, according to BMX, rather than preventing the pack from becoming warm while it charges your phone.
Available for $79.99 in the US, SolidSafe Duo adds about 0.43 inch of thickness and 4.47 ounces to your phone. Those numbers deserve as much attention as its compact outline, particularly when the phone itself already folds shut. Having a stand and cable built into the battery means fewer loose accessories to pack, but a thicker stack to slide back into your pocket.
Kevlar has spent most of its career in serious places, like bulletproof vests, racing tires, and the occasional helmet. Chemist Stephanie Kwolek invented it at DuPont in 1965, and I doubt anyone in that lab imagined a functional fabric like Kevlar would one day be asked to look classy. Today the fiber basically has a second life as a fashion fabric. I find that delightfully absurd, like learning your bodyguard also had a career as a swimsuit model. Benks has been leaning into that split personality for a while, and its latest drop takes it somewhere sunnier.
Meet Haven Azure and Haven Rouge, two Kevlar cases for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, priced at $69.99 each. Benks weaves the pattern directly into the Kevlar fiber using a 600D floating jacquard technique, rather than printing it onto the surface. That means the design is part of the weave itself, not just a layer of color that can scuff off. Azure ripples in layered blues, Rouge glows in warm reds, and both wrap the phone in a slim, full coverage shell. Building on the ArmorAir, the Haven series features a taller raised metal camera frame for enhanced lens protection, along with an upgraded ArmorKey that fully covers the Camera Control button. The result is a slim, full-coverage case that offers more comprehensive protection without compromising its refined design. Same tough stuff, just dressed for vacation.
Jacquard weaving builds a design into the cloth by lifting individual threads in a programmed order, a trick Joseph-Marie Jacquard automated with punched cards in the early 1800s. Silk mills near Lake Como, Benks’ stated inspiration, have long used the technique for ties. Benks applies the same logic to Kevlar, letting some threads float over others so colors and shapes appear in the weave. The 600D figure is a denier rating, which tells you how thick the yarn is. According to Benks, strands finer and more densely woven than the common 1500D give a smoother surface and a slimmer case. A loom from 1804 would recognize the idea instantly.
Getting color into Kevlar takes effort, and most of us picture the fiber as black and nothing else. Benks says the Haven colorways are woven into the fiber structure, with no laminated surface layer to peel, so the texture you feel is the weave itself. The brand has been heading here for a while, from the Knight ArmorAir with its champagne horse that reads like pixel art made from industrial fiber, to these flowing ripples. Benks bills the 600D Kevlar jacquard as an industry first, and the product shots show why it wants the credit. Big diagonal sweeps also suit a phone better than tiny repeating logos ever could.
Azure Cools Things Down, Rouge Warms Them Up
Azure sets a deep navy base and runs a diagonal band of lighter blues down the back, a bit like sunlight breaking up on lake water. Benks describes the pattern as gentle ripples in layered blue tones. Look closely at the product shots and the lighter threads read like tiny stitched pixels, which gives the band a cross-stitch charm. Rouge flips the mood with a burgundy base and a pale gold band, and Benks calls the shade Rouge Valley Red, with woven contour lines meant to recall warm valleys at dusk. Honestly, Azure feels like a lake breeze and Rouge feels like a glass of wine.
Benks shows both cases on all four iPhone 18 Pro colors, which are Black, Glacier, Burgundy, and Silver. Rouge on Burgundy looks like the obvious match, since phone and case speak the same dark red language. Azure beside Glacier makes sense too, though the blues also look sharp against Silver and Black. Each colorway has a matching ArmorPop grip and stand at $29.99 for anyone who wants the full set. The Haven tagline is “somewhere between here and away,” which also describes my mental state every Friday afternoon. Pick the mood first, then let your phone color follow.
Metal Frame, Enclosed Keys, Built-In Magnets
The iPhone 18 Pro is the first iPhone with a physical variable aperture, so its camera plateau deserves a proper guard. Haven wraps it in a raised metal frame that Benks says helps shield the lenses from scratches and bumps. Raised screen edges keep the display off flat surfaces without adding bulk. Enclosed ArmorKeys cover the side buttons, camera button included, and Benks promises crisp, responsive clicks. Cutouts line up with the ports, and the Kevlar texture wraps around the edges for a slip-resistant grip. A built-in magnetic core handles MagSafe accessories, so your charger, wallet, and grip stay where you put them.
Haven Azure and Haven Rouge are listed at $69.99 each on Benks’ site, with versions for the iPhone 18 Pro and the Pro Max (they’ll fit the 17 Pro series too). The cases boast a one year warranty, free shipping on orders of $39 or more, and a 30 day return window. Matching ArmorPop grips sit on the same product pages if you want to coordinate. Protection and personality have usually sat on separate shopping lists for phone cases, and weaving color straight into Kevlar is a neat way to merge them. Kevlar went from body armor to brunch, and I suspect it has a few more lives left.
Razer's original Kiyo webcam was the first I ever tried where content creators were the target audience. While its video quality didn't stand out, its built-in ring light was something unique and genuinely useful.
Fast forward to late 2026, and I'm again looking at a Razer webcam: the Kiyo V2 Pro. This is 100% a webcam designed for content creators, and at $300, it's a pretty serious investment, though it's still less than a good mirrorless camera and easier to use.
It's a product I was immediately interested in, not because I'm some big-time streamer, but because I was such a fan of what the Kiyo has done in the past. It looks impressive, and it boasts some top-end specs.
But having spent some time getting to grips with the Kiyo V2 Pro, my opinions are mixed. It's a good webcam, of that there's no doubt, but given its price and how it's been to use, it's harder to give a blanket recommendation. It says Razer on the box, but it doesn't feel completelylike the Razer product experience I'm used to.
Razer Kiyo V2: Specifications
Specification
Details
Video Resolution
4K 60 / 30 FPS
1440p 60 / 30 FPS
1080p 60 / 30 / 24 FPS
720p 60 / 30 FPS
Video Formats
MJPEG up to 4K 60 FPS, 1080p 60 FPS
H.264 up to 4K 60 FPS, 1080p 60 FPS
NV12 up to 4K 30 FPS, 1080p 60 FPS
Image Sensor
8.3 MP Sony STARVIS™ 2
Field Of View
86° (wide angle, configurable)
Focus Type
Auto / Manual
Focal Length
4.8 mm (24 mm for full-frame equivalent)
HDR Support
Yes (at 30 FPS)
Image Customization
Fine image customization with Razer Synapse software
Mounting Options
Fixed L-shape mount (with ¼” thread to mount on tripods)
Built-In Privacy Shutter
Yes
Connection Type
USB Type C to USB Type C (Supporting USB 3.0)
Cable Length
2 m / 6.56 ft
Built-In Microphone Type
None
Polar Patterns
None
Noise Cancellation
None
Audio Codec
None
The Kiyo V2 Pro is a serious (and large) piece of hardware
This is the Big Show of webcams. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
There's no other way of saying it — the Razer Kiyo V2 is enormous. It has a clip on its base to hang it on the top of a monitor, but unless you have a giant monitor, don't even try it.
I slapped it on the top of one of my 24-inch monitors, and it wasn't very stable up there. There's absolutely no chance you can use this attached to a laptop lid. Realistically, you'll need to do as I have and mount it on a tripod.
That's fine, though; after all, it's targeted at content creators. The sort of person who takes their setup seriously enough to have all manner of things mounted around their setup. It does make it less portable, though. Even one of the renders I saw during a pre-brief showed a laptop user with the Kiyo V2 Pro at the side on a tripod.
But it's not exactly portable.
It's also not for you if you need a microphone to use for video calls, because it doesn't have one. The Kiyo V2 Pro is purely a camera. You'll have to supply the audio. Again, given the target audience, it's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it's something to be aware of.
It's definitely a sizeable webcam. Daniel RubinoIt does get warm under long use, but the ventilation is ample. Daniel RubinoThe privacy shutter is immensely satisfying. Daniel Rubino
Despite the size, I do like the design, and I love the physical privacy shutter. You twist the ring on the front of the webcam, and the blades come across. Most satisfying.
The size also means some pretty serious hardware stuffed inside. Including, because it's 2026, AI. In this case, it refers to pretty basic stuff like auto framing, but it's all done on the camera, not in software, and as such doesn't use any of your PC's resources for it.
Also crammed inside and not remotely related to AI is an 8.3 MP Sony STARVIS 2 sensor with a 24 mm full-frame-equivalent focal length. In video terms, it means you can shoot 4K footage at up to 60 FPS, and you'll be well framed even without applying any zoom or crop. It's wide enough to include your well-designed streaming backdrops, but not so wide that you look lost.
The L-frame base also gives you some easy adjustments to its position, without having to faff about tweaking a tripod. It's far easier to raise and tilt a little with this, and it's sturdy enough to hold the hefty 380 g body securely.
There may be some problems eminating from here... (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
I do have one fairly pressing concern, though. Our Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Rubino, and I have this webcam, and both of us have experienced the same issue with making it work at all.
The long and short seems to be that it works fine with the Razer cable that comes in the box. But with others, it's not as simple. The webcam will fire up for a short period of time and then disable. Synapse won't see it, and Camo Studio gives an error message that the USB port isn't delivering enough power.
I've tried it with every suitable cable I have, and it's the same result every time. Razer has confirmed to me that it should work fine with a minimum USB 3.2 spec USB-C cable that can handle 5 Gbps data and above. But the USB-C cable lottery seems to be a thing, so look after the one it comes with for sure.
The Kiyo V2 Pro needs software to get the best from it (but not Razer's)
Away from the hardware is where the experience falls a little flat for me. I use a lot of Razer products, and I'm used to having all the customizations I need inside the Synapse app. Set it up, close it, and forget about it.
The Kiyo V2 Pro isn't like that, though. It is supported by Synapse, but with only a very basic feature set (despite what the spec sheet may say). To get the best from this webcam, you need to use third-party software, such as Camo Studio, which you get an included lifetime Pro license for with the Kiyo V2 Pro.
On one hand, it operates a little like the camera on your smartphone. It's a piece of hardware with an app, but it also has lots of things that other apps can tap into. Normally, Razer makes a full package to stand out; in this instance, it relies on others to make its hardware shine.
Camo Studio is included with the Kiyo V2 Pro, and you'll need it (or another app of your choice) to really get the most from the webcam. (Image credit: Windows Central)
Camo Studio is a good app, and it's one I already used to make a far lesser-quality webcam, slightly less terrible. There are a ton of options to tweak, including ISO, exposure, zoom, white balance, and saturation — basically anything you'd want to adjust on a regular camera. It is fantastic, and all you need to do is select "Camo" as your webcam in OBS Studio or any other app.
You can also build out your own profiles for different purposes. For example, I use the 1080p profile for work calls because Google Meet doesn't seem to support 4K, so it's wasted. When I capture game content in OBS, I record at 1440p because that's what I play at, so it makes sense to have a matching webcam profile. Whatever you need, you can build, and your visual customizations will automatically apply to whichever you have selected.
But you really do need to spend some time dialing it in. Out of the box, it'll just look like video from any webcam. Compared to my ancient Logitech C922, default settings make it hard to tell which is which. The Kiyo V2 Pro has better colors and is sharper, but it's not a slam dunk. I still haven't really perfected it, but there's no shortage of tweaks that can be made.
Should you buy the Razer Kiyo V2 Pro?
It's good, despite some flaws, but it also might not be right for you. Which is fine. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
So, should you buy a Razer Kiyo V2 Pro? It's not a simple yes or no and depends on what you really want from your camera.
A couple of years ago, it would have been an easy "yes." But there's a lot of competition out there (some of which we'll be featuring on the site soon enough), and it's priced at the highest end.
Some may see Razer's passing off of software duties as a plus for the best manual control, but others may lament that there's less plug-and-play aspect to it. Unless you're prepared to get in the weeds a bit, you won't get the result you're looking for.
But where it does stand apart from much of the competition is that the Kiyo V2 Pro can not only do 4K, but it can do it at 60 FPS. A lot of 4K webcams top out at 30 FPS, and for content creators, that might just be the edge they need. The Kiyo V2 Pro has the same sensor Elgato uses in the Facecam 4K but with a wider aperture and handles low light better.
So the answer to whether you should buy it leaves me saying that you shouldn't avoid the Kiyo V2 Pro. It's very deliberately a niche product, and if you're looking for a camera that can give you 4K60 video straight into your PC, then go for it. Likewise, if you're looking for manual controls, jump right in. You'll be very happy.
It won't look as good as a mirrorless camera, say, but it's less expensive and easier to live with. And that last part gets my vote every single time.
4K60
Razer
Kiyo V2 Pro
"Capture ultra-sharp, fluid video with reduced motion blur using an 8.3MP Sony STARVIS 2 sensor, ideal for streaming, content creation, gaming broadcasts, and professional video calls".
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I love doing interviews, chatting to developers and such, but I absolutely hate having to transcribe them afterwards. Not because of my company, of course, but the prospect of listening to my own voice on recording fills me with a dread I still haven't got over in my grand old age. Not only that, but transcribing is a painstakingly tedious process that, before suitable programs came in to help us, we used to do by listening to said recordings at half speed and trying to pick out suitable quotes. Now, there are plenty of tools to help, including the Comu Action Pro, a sleek device that records and transcribes audio on the fly.
Transcribing is the perfect task for AI
(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
While there are plenty of reasons to curse AI, handling banal tasks such as this for me is one of its genuine godsend use cases and something I've been using Otter.ai for, for quite some time.
Now Otter.ai is fantastic, but it's also bloody expensive. You get 3 free audio imports, and that's it; after that, you have to cough up $16.99 a month (or pay $100-ish for the year). Well, guess who was on her 7th burner email address and forgot to cancel her "free trial"? This person right here.
To make this mistake sting even more, I was introduced to the Comu Action Pro not long after the yearly, yes, YEARLY Otter.ai fee had left my bank account. Alas, I had the opportunity to really test them against each other, so every cloud has a silver lining and all that.
What is Comu Action Pro?
The Banana scale, never fails. (Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
The Comu Action Pro (also known as the less catchy Comulytic TN20) is a sleek, credit card-sized device which slides right into your pocket or bag. It does cost $169.99, and I know what you're thinking: damn, that's expensive, and you were just complaining about the Otter subscription. However, it's a one-off up-front spend for something that will then transcribe unlimited audio files for you, with no subscription required. Despite my hefty payment to Otter, I am still limited to 10 imports a month, which soon got swallowed up with an event like Gamescom.
Spec-wise, for such a tiny, unassuming-looking device, it packs a 6-microphone adaptive array, a live AMOLED waveform display, USB-C charging, real-time translation across 113 languages, and a massive 60+ hour battery life.
To be upfront, there are optional premium subscriptions for extra AI magic you can use with Comu, like automatic slide generation and generating meeting minutes, but I'm not interested in that; I just wanted the core transcription, which it handles beautifully and without ongoing subscription fees. Yes, $169.99 is a mighty hefty upfront cost, but it’s the price I pay for having a personal assistant without being locked into a recurring monthly fee.
What's free and what isn't
If you want to use the Comu Action Pro to its full AI potential, here's a breakdown of what is free and what requires a subscription (but to be clear, I haven't used the latter because I was trying to find an alternative to subscriptions!).
Feature
Free to use
Premium Tier ($14.99 per month or $119.99 per year)
AI Recording
Unlimited
Unlimited
Speech to text transcription
Unlimited
Unlimited
Basic Summaries
Unlimited
Unlimited
Real time translation
1 session per month (113 languages)
Unlimited
In depth analysis
3 per month
Unlimited
AI workflow tools (slides and email etc)
Manual generation using 500 monthly credits
Auto generation and 5000 credits per month
Ask Comu AI Assistant
Basic search functions and manual folder tagging
Unlimited AI assistant queries and auto-classification
Using the Comu to make my work much easier
Jennifer Young - Windows CentralJennifer Young - Windows CentralJennifer Young - Windows Central
I've put the Comu through its paces at both Gamescom and Blizzcon this year, and it's safe to say it's earned its keep. I haven't had to worry about upload caps, and I'm not constantly fiddling with my phone on a busy show floor trying to launch the voice recorder app. The Comu is a simple hit-a-button device: hit the button to record; hit it again to stop. The recording then uploads to the app and transcribes to my phone. It's been a huge relief for me rushing between developer appointments.
The included software with Comu has also been a win for my colleagues. I wasn't sure I could use it for audio not recorded on the device, but it works just as well with files sent to me from other people's phones and has handled them with an impressive degree of accuracy, even though they were recorded in less-than-perfectly staged environments. It's certainly more accurate when picking up audio with its own mics, but given the deafening background noise at conventions, I've been impressed by how few words it has messed up. Plus, I actually had the conversation myself; you would hope I could spot and correct myself when something is relayed not quite as what was said!
Ultimately, the Comu Action Pro has quickly become an essential part of my travelling gear bag. It spares me hours of manual transcription and delivers reliable, local-first audio capture without locking me into a subscription. There are various extras you can use and pay for if you are interested, but I didn't have a use case for testing them in this review; I prefer to keep AI for the boring tasks rather than the creative ones.
If you do a lot of in-person reporting and hate transcribing as much as I do, this little card is worth checking out.
Comu
Action Pro
The Comu Action Pro (also known as the Comulytic TN20) is a sleek, credit-card-sized AI recorder built to turn your interviews and meetings into actual, useful notes without locking you into annoying monthly subscription fees. Featuring a 6-microphone array and a massive 60+ hour battery, it easily cuts through background noise to give you free, unlimited transcriptions. Beyond just converting speech to text, its app uses clever AI tools to turn your recorded chats into editable PowerPoint slides, clean quote lists, or draft follow-up emails (though some of these features do require a subscription), making it a personal assistant in your pocket.
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If you're wondering why your favorite PC games don't look their best despite running on a monstrously powerful PC, it's probably down to an outdated monitor that can't keep up with the graphical luxuries of modern games.
Fortunately, Dell is offering two of its high-quality Alienware gaming monitors to satisfy your gaming standards with limited-time discounts. They include the Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED (AW3225QF) at $749.99 at Dell (was $999.99) and the Alienware 500Hz IPS (AW2524HF) at $449.99 at Dell (was $549.99).
"It’s hard to imagine anyone complaining about any aspect of the Alienware AW3225QF. It delivers a supremely colorful image with incredible contrast, accuracy and fidelity. Its gaming performance is as good as it gets. Once you see it, you’ll want it." ~ Christian Eberle, Contributing Editor, Tom's Hardware
"If you’re willing to sacrifice the G-Sync module, Alienware’s AW2524HF can save you a bit of money in the 500 Hz monitor category. It still delivers the same incredible motion resolution and low input lag of its more expensive stablemate and boasts excellent image quality as well." ~ Christian Eberle, Contributing Editor, Tom's Hardware
If you're the kind of gamer who wants to play at 4K for the most detailed graphics possible, the Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED (AW3225QF) that's now on sale for $749.99 at Dell is for you.
It can render images and videos with broad contrast and rich colors thanks to its OLED panel, and its Dolby Vision integration allows it to automatically optimize brightness and shadow details via HDR tone mapping when watching movies or streaming videos.
Plus, the Alienware AW3225QF supports a 240Hz refresh rate at full 4K resolution (as tested by our sister site Tom's Hardware), so it can achieve extremely detailed images and razor-sharp motion without compromising visual fidelity or inducing much input lag.
On top of that, it has a solid and attractively designed build, and its 1700R screen curve adds wrap-around immersion to games while keeping text and geometric layouts untouched to make them easier to read.
The Alienware 500Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2524HF) on display (Image credit: Tom's Hardware (Christian Eberle) | Dell)
However, if you're more interested in giving your games the smoothest performance rates possible for frame-perfect gameplay, then you're better off with the Alienware 500Hz (AW2524HF) that's now on sale for $449.99 at Dell.
This monitor features an overclockable refresh rate of 500Hz. This destroys any trace of standard motion blur and sample-and-hold limitations in a game to create perfect-motion resolution, as our friends at Tom's Hardware similarly found.
Add on top sub-millisecond response times, and you've got a gaming monitor that can ensure you suffer absolutely zero perceptible input lag while playing games. That way, you will be able to enjoy skill-based action games at their best and not have to worry about input lag costing you a match in esports competitions.
It's also no slouch in the visuals department, as the Alienware 500Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2524HF) offers excellent color saturation and contrast. Plus, it has solid build quality, so you won't have to worry about it falling to bits anytime soon.
How do I prevent Burn-in on the Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3225QF)?
The Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3225QF) uses Pixel Refresh and Panel Refresh features to clean up its pixels in order to prevent Image Burn-in (a nasty condition that permanently damages a screen's coloration).
Can the Alienware 500Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2524HF)'s screen flicker or revert to a lower refresh rate?
It can happen if your cable connection to the Alienware 500Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2524HF) is loose or if you're using cables that don't support DisplayPort 1.4 bandwitch. Also, forgetting to upgrade your computer's GPU drivers can also cause the Alienware 500Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2524HF)'s screen to flicker and revert to a lower refresh rates.
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Elgato, the tech company that prides itself on high-quality accessories for streaming, content creation, and gaming, has launched its first wireless microphone called the Elgato Wave Go.
This extension of Elgato's 'Wave ecosystem' is a combined clip-on and handheld microphone system that allows its users to record audio any time, anywhere, on their terms, with studio-level quality, processing, and routing.
Here's everything you need to know about how the Elgato Wave Go works, which you can buy right now on Elgato's official store for $99.99.
The Elgato Wave Go has a convertible design that allows users to record audio in two ways while being connected to a phone via a USB-C receiver.
While in Clip-on Mode (which is a 7g transmitter the size of a coin), it can mount magnetically onto clothing with custom tuning that restores clarity and audio presence quality at chest distance.
In Handheld mode, Elgato Wave Go's transmitter fits inside a Smart Handle to become a full-sized interview mic with integrated controls, charging, and a sound profile that's been tuned for warmth and presence audio levels when used close up.
This microphone also features toggleable noise cancellation to block out annoying background noise, automatic EQ Shift and Auto Gain systems to apply different sound profiles and audio gain levels depending on its position and mode (without needing to mess around with its settings), and compatibility with the free Wave Go app on iOS and Android for users to customize these aforementioned features to their preference.
The Elgato Wave Go in Handheld mode. (Image credit: Elgato)
On top of that, the Elgato Wave Go will last you for a good long session, as its transmitter can run for up to 8 hours on a single charge or a full day while recording audio.
Its Smart Handle can be recharged alongside the transmitters when it's docked inside (even while recording), and it can store up to 5 full recharges so it can operate for at most 48 hours. The Elgato Wave Go can have all its components recharged while inside its carrying case, which can connect to USB-C chargers.
Its USB-C receiver also has pass-through charging, so you can recharge the Elgato Wave Go while connected to your phone.
The Elgato Wave Go in Clip-On mode. (Image credit: Elgato)
Lastly, the Elgato Wave Go can integrate with Elgato's free mixing software called Wave Link. When this mic is used in tandem with the app, users can route audio, apply effects, control its settings via Stream Deck, and unlock Voice Focus, which cleans up reverb and background noise while recording audio indoors.
If this lightweight, convertible microphone with expert sound quality, portability, and customization sounds appealing for your content creation needs, you can buy the Elgato Wave Go on Elgato.com for the MSRP of $99.99 (other retailers will sell it shortly after). The Elgato Wave Go will be available in 40 countries and regions.
Elgato is also offering a Sky Blue variant of the Elgato Wave Go for a limited time on its website. Plus, the microphone will have a second transmitter sold separately for an MSRP of $29.99 (or $14.99 when bought together with the Elgato Wave Go).
Let your voice be heard in your content with the Wave Go wireless microphone. It can be used in hand or clipped onto your shirt collar, convey and record your voice with pro-level quality, and last you over 48 hours before needing to recharge.View Deal
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Your phone can shoot video, run a demanding game, and carry an entire music library. It can also leave you holding a warm slab of glass, untangling a charging cable, or trying to photograph someone under terrible lighting. Those are the gaps worth designing for. A useful accessory should fix a specific irritation without creating three more, preferably through a mechanism you can understand before opening a thick instruction manual.
These nine selections tackle cooling, listening, cable clutter, misplaced cards, awkward camera controls, and backup power. Some attach to the phone; others give it a useful companion on your desk or in your bag. Start with the problem that actually bothers you most each day.
1. OnePlus Ice Card Mini
OnePlus has squeezed a phone cooler into a small card footprint rather than a bulky gaming attachment. The Ice Card Mini is listed in OPPO’s China store and described as a 50-gram body measuring 70mm by 53.4mm. Its thermoelectric chip works with an air-cooling system, while magnets hold the accessory against the phone. That compact packaging is the appeal: cooling becomes something you might carry alongside a cable, rather than reserve for a dedicated desktop gaming setup.
The practical tradeoff is power. The Mini draws up to 3.5W through USB-C and can run from a phone, power bank, or wall adapter. An included magnetic plate lets you attach it to phones without built-in magnets. It gives heat-conscious gamers a relatively discreet option, but drawing power from the phone adds another demand on its battery.
What we like
Compact, 50-gram magnetic format.
USB-C power accepts several sources.
What we dislike
Consumes power rather than supplying it.
2. StillFrame Headphones
If earbuds bother your ears, a phone’s music library deserves another way out. StillFrame Headphones, designed by Tatsufumi Funayama, use an on-ear format with a stainless steel headband and magnetically attached fabric cushions. Circular and square geometry share the housings, with circuitry deliberately exposed. The retro reference has a practical point: you can choose headphones that sit against your ears without choosing the bulk of a conventional over-ear design for everyday listening.
Bluetooth 5.4 handles wireless listening, while the supplied USB-C cable supports wired playback. The headphones include 40mm drivers, noise cancellation, and a transparency mode; the maker claims up to 24 hours of playback. Those choices make StillFrame worth considering for desk listening or commuting when you prefer an alternative to in-ear buds. There’s one unusual operating detail: both sides need charging and separate button presses to power on. Light construction also doesn’t prove comfort or effective noise cancellation by itself.
Both sides require charging and separate power-on presses.
A full charge takes approximately three hours.
3. SuperCalla Magnetic Charging Cable
A charging cable shouldn’t need its own accessory just to stay organized. SuperCalla builds the organizer into the cable, placing magnets at intervals along its length. Line them up and the cable holds a coil or folded arrangement without a separate tie. The useful distinction is that these magnets manage the cable’s shape; they aren’t detachable charging connectors. For a bag that also carries keys, headphones, and adapters, keeping the loose length contained addresses a very ordinary frustration quite directly.
The manufacturer’s USB-C to USB-C listing separates a 60W, USB 2.0 version from a 100W, USB 3.1 Gen 2 option. That matters because neat storage says nothing about charging speed or file transfer performance. Choose the connector and electrical specification your phone actually needs, then treat the magnetic organization as the bonus.
What we like
Magnetic organization without a separate cable tie.
Multiple folding and coiling arrangements.
What we dislike
Cable variants have different data capabilities.
Dated shipping information needs clarification.
4. Battery-free Amplifying iSpeakers
The Battery-free Amplifying iSpeakers take a pleasingly literal approach to phone audio: put the phone in a shaped metal enclosure and let the geometry do the work. Designed by Ooi Masato and made in Japan, the accessory uses duralumin rather than a powered amplifier. There’s no Bluetooth pairing, battery gauge, or charging cable involved. For someone who wants to listen aloud at a desk, it offers a dedicated place for the phone without adding another electronic device to the routine.
The attraction is simplicity, not a promise of room-filling volume. The phone remains the sound source, so this makes more sense as a casual listening accessory than a replacement for powered speakers. Check your phone and case fit before buying, along with the position of the speaker opening. Optional +Bloom and +Jet modules redirect sound and are sold separately. It’s an appealing desk object for people who value avoiding chargers and want their phone to have a permanent desktop home.
A magnetic wallet makes leaving the house with less stuff appealing, right up until you detach it and forget where it went. MOFT’s Trackable Snap-on Phone Stand & Wallet builds Apple Find My support into a folding accessory that also serves as a grip and stand. The current product listing specifies two cards and a 6mm thickness. Its usefulness comes from keeping those functions together, rather than asking you to carry a wallet, separate tracker, and stand every single day.
Find My gives the wallet a way to report its location and sound an alert, making it easier to look for when separated from your phone. MOFT claims around six months between wireless charges, and the folding construction supports portrait, landscape, and floating viewing positions. The limitation is equally clear: this is an Apple-oriented solution with room for just two cards. Its tracking battery is built in and nonreplaceable, so rechargeability is welcome but doesn’t resolve eventual battery serviceability concerns.
What we like
Find My tracking without a separate tag.
Wallet, grip, and stand share one folding structure.
What we dislike
Holds only two cards.
The tracking battery is not replaceable.
6. WUBEN E1 Magnetic Phone Light
A good phone camera still depends on the light in front of it. WUBEN’s E1 gives you another source to position, combining an adjustable ring light with a magnetic phone mounting arrangement. Brightness is adjustable, and warm, neutral, and cool settings let you choose the color of the light rather than accept whatever the built-in flash provides. The hinged support lets you redirect the light and use the assembly as a stand for your phone too.
This makes the E1 interesting for video calls, close-up filming, and selfies where a small adjustable source is more useful than simply pushing exposure higher. WUBEN rates output at up to 300 lumens, but that specification alone doesn’t establish how flattering the light will look. It recharges through USB-C and needs magnetic phone compatibility or an adapter ring. Check the selected retail bundle carefully: the product page lists the bracket separately among its variants; don’t assume the mount is included.
What we like
Adjustable brightness and three color-temperature settings.
Hinged mounting adds control over light direction.
What we dislike
Adds another battery to recharge.
Bracket inclusion requires careful checking.
7. Leica LUX Grip
Touchscreens are wonderfully adaptable until you want a control you can find without looking. Leica’s LUX Grip attaches magnetically to a compatible iPhone and adds a two-stage shutter button, two customizable buttons, and a control dial. Half-press the shutter to focus, then press fully to take the photograph. That physical sequence is the point: it brings a recognizable camera action to a device otherwise dominated by glass, giving regular phone photographers a different way to hold and operate their camera.
The aluminum housing weighs approximately 130 grams, and Leica specifies roughly 1,000 exposures per charge. There’s an important software boundary, though: the grip works with the Leica LUX app, not Apple’s built-in Camera app. Registration includes twelve months of LUX Pro, with paid access afterward if you retain the subscription. It’s a specialized choice for someone happy to adopt Leica’s workflow. It does not change the iPhone’s sensor or optics, and it cannot double as a phone-charging power bank either.
What we like
Physical shutter and configurable controls.
Supports portrait and landscape attachment.
What we dislike
Limited to the Leica LUX app.
Pro access becomes paid after the included year.
8. KUXIU D5 Charging Station
The annoyance here lives around the phone: an Apple Watch charger, an earbud cable, and adapters competing for desk space. KUXIU’s D5 gathers three compatible devices into one wireless charging station, with an adjustable phone platform and a motorized Apple Watch module that retracts into the body. The hidden watch charger is an unusually specific design decision. You only need that protrusion when a watch is charging, so the dock needn’t keep it permanently extended across your desk between sessions.
The display shows input voltage, current, and power, plus individual charging status, giving the dock more feedback than a single indicator light. KUXIU also includes an active cooling fan that can be switched off. Phone charging is advertised at up to 25W, but actual speed depends on the handset’s support. The watch module is specifically for Apple Watch, and earbuds need a wireless-charging case. For a compatible trio, the benefit is consolidation, not a guarantee that everything suddenly charges faster.
What we like
Three charging positions in one station.
Retractable watch module and informative display.
What we dislike
Watch charging is Apple Watch-specific.
Maximum phone charging speed depends on compatibility.
9. RetroWave 7-in-1 Radio
A smartphone becomes a much less useful companion when the battery runs down, and there’s no outlet nearby. The RetroWave 7-in-1 Radio brings a modest backup battery together with things a phone shouldn’t have to supply indefinitely: a flashlight, an SOS siren, and radio reception. Its 2,000mAh battery can provide a phone top-up, while AM, FM, and shortwave listening work without an internet connection. The tuning dial also provides a direct physical control instead of another screen to navigate.
Bluetooth playback gives RetroWave an everyday role as a phone speaker, while USB and microSD playback let it handle music independently. That matters for an emergency companion: it has reasons to stay accessible rather than disappear into a drawer. Be realistic about its charging options. USB is the primary method, the hand crank is intended for emergencies, and solar charging is supplementary. The small battery won’t replace a substantial power bank, but it offers a useful reserve alongside standalone functions.
Phone charging alongside independent radio and lighting.
Bluetooth and offline music playback.
What we dislike
Limited 2,000mAh backup capacity.
Solar and crank charging are secondary options.
Buy for the Problem You Actually Have
The sensible way to choose from this collection is to start with the irritation, not the accessory. If cables are your daily nuisance, a more elaborate charging station may be unnecessary. If touch controls interrupt your photography, a grip deserves more attention than another camera specification. Match the mechanism to the task, then check the phone, case, app, and charging requirements that determine whether it will actually work for you.
The less obvious question is where the accessory belongs when you’re finished using it. Something that folds, coils, docks, or stays useful independently has a better chance of fitting into a routine than something you must keep rearranging. There’s no need to buy all nine. A phone already does enough jobs; the right companion should remove one small source of friction without giving you another object to manage every day.
Desktop computers have become smaller, but even a little box needs somewhere to sit and cables to connect it. HP’s EliteBoard G2a removes that separate enclosure by putting the computer inside a full-size keyboard. This Windows PC keeps the surface you already type on and gives it another job, making a compact workstation easier to carry between home and office.
The gray body measures 14.1 by 4.7 by 0.7 inches and weighs about 1.49 pounds, depending on configuration. Low-profile keys, a numeric keypad, and backlighting preserve the familiar business-keyboard layout rather than shrinking everything into a travel accessory. That makes the design’s restraint rather convincing: there’s no separate machine competing for attention, although you’re still setting aside space for a full keyboard.
Of course, the missing piece is a screen. Connect the G2a to a compatible USB-C monitor and you can bring your computer to a desk where the display already lives. A single cable can carry video, data, and power, provided the monitor supplies the required 65W. Otherwise, the included power adapter is still needed. A USB-C socket alone doesn’t guarantee that tidy arrangement.
The cable itself comes in attached and detachable versions, a small choice with consequences when packing up. An attached lead stays with the machine, so there’s one less item to leave behind. A detachable cable separates from the keyboard for storage or replacement. The second USB-C connection handles accessories, but USB-A devices and wired Ethernet require adapters, adding clutter to the setup.
Underneath, AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 435 or Ryzen AI 7 PRO 450 processors distinguish this G2a from the older G1a. Both include a 50-TOPS neural processing unit for compatible local AI software. The listed configurations pair 16GB or 32GB of RAM with a 512GB SSD. These prove the existence of a powerful computer beneath the keys, not a keyboard controlling something hidden behind your monitor.
An optional 32Wh battery gives the arrangement another advantage when you’re changing desks: the computer can stay running while disconnected. That doesn’t turn it into a laptop, since you’ll still need a display when you arrive. Integrated speakers and microphones reduce the peripherals needed for audio calls, and a prepaired wireless mouse completes the controls. Video calls still need a separate camera, of course.
Putting everything beneath the keys could make a damaged keyboard an expensive problem, which is why serviceability matters here. HP makes the top-mounted keyboard replaceable, alongside the RAM, SSD, and optional battery. Two accessible memory slots support upgrades to 64GB. You don’t have to treat the computer as disposable because its most frequently touched part wears out, although repairs still require appropriate skills.
That said, the price is harder to hide than the computer. Listed US configurations start at $3,028, while the attached-cable version with 32GB of RAM is priced at $3,846. A compatible monitor remains a separate purchase. For someone moving between equipped workspaces, carrying a keyboard instead of a desktop makes sense. Paying that much to avoid a separate box, however, is a considerably bigger decision.
Pokémon turns 30 this year, which means those of you who remember playing Pokémon Red and Blue on a Game Boy are now old enough to have disposable income. Razer apparently understands the assignment.
Razer has announced three new Pokémon-themed gaming headsets featuring Charizard, Lucario, and Sylveon, expanding a collection that already proves Pokémon merchandise does not have to be confined to plushies, trading cards, and whatever extraordinarily expensive piece of cardboard you just lost an eBay auction for.
Technically, none of these headsets is new. Razer is giving existing models Pokémon makeovers rather than launching new hardware. Charizard and Lucario get versions of the Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed, while Sylveon adorns the wired Razer Kraken V4 X. They're being released as part of Pokémon's ongoing 30th anniversary celebrations.
That's fine by me. Sometimes I don't need a revolutionary new driver architecture. Sometimes I just want Charizard on my head.
Charizard wins the headset battle, obviously
Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed Charizard Edition headset in black and orange, featuring flame graphics. (Image credit: Razer)
I've got the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed Charizard Edition here for photography, and Razer wisely resisted the temptation to simply make the entire thing bright orange.
Instead, there's a black exterior with fiery red Charizard artwork across the earcups and headband, contrasting against orange ear cushions and headband padding. The result looks unmistakably Pokémon without resembling something stolen from a ten-year-old's bedroom.
It also helps that Charizard remains one of the most immediately recognizable Pokémon ever created. The original Generation I Pokémon is officially Fire/Flying type, despite decades of childhood logic insisting that the giant fire-breathing dragon surely had to be Dragon type.
Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed Charizard Edition retail box. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
Underneath that paint job is the regular Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed, which starts at $99.99 without the Pokémon treatment. It uses Razer's second-generation TriForce 50mm drivers and 2.4GHz HyperSpeed wireless, with Bluetooth and USB connectivity also available. Razer lists the standard model at just 270g.
The Charizard tax, therefore, works out to $20, with this edition carrying a $119.99 MSRP in the United States. (And for some reason, it's at Target for $139.99, but you can pick it up today, at least!)
If you're still reading this, I'm sure you've paid more for considerably less sensible Pokémon-related things.
Daniel RubinoDaniel RubinoDaniel RubinoDaniel Rubino
It's worth emphasizing that the V3 X isn't the flagship BlackShark. That distinction belongs to the BlackShark V3 Pro, which Windows Central's Zachary Boddy reviewed last year. He called the V3 Pro "the closest to perfection I've ever seen a gaming headset reach," praising Razer for addressing seemingly every complaint about the previous generation.
Basically, the "X" versions of Razer products are more budget-friendly, as the V3 Pro is $249.99.
If Pokémon isn't enough to dictate your purchasing decision, we've also extensively tested the competition in our best Xbox headsets guide.
Pokémon
Razer
BlackShark V3 X Hyper Speed (Charizard edition)
The Razer BlackShark V3 X Hyper Speed – Charizard Edition unleashes Charizard’s fiery determination into an officially licensed Pokémon wireless gaming headset, perfect for staying locked in and ready to roast the competition on PC, console, and mobile.
Team Lucario has entered the chat
Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed Lucario Edition headset in blue and black, featuring aura designs on cyan earcups. (Image credit: Razer)
If Charizard is a little too "look at me, I'm on fire" for your tastes, Lucario gets exactly the same BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed treatment for $119.99.
Razer describes the design as inspired by Lucario's "calm intensity," and the blue finish certainly makes it the more restrained of the pair. The actual Pokémon is Fighting/Steel type, which makes attaching it to a competitive gaming headset feel appropriately on-brand.
Same headset, same 50mm Gen-2 drivers, same HyperSpeed wireless. Your decision essentially comes down to which monster you'd rather have watching over your K/D ratio.
Lucario gets a slight head start in the US, too. It's available exclusively from Target from October 7, while Charizard launches October 13 through Razer.com and Target. Both are also headed to broader retail in Latin America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
And then there's Sylveon
The new Pastel pink Razer Kraken V4 X Sylveon Edition wired headset. (Image credit: Razer)
Sylveon goes in an entirely different direction, and not just aesthetically.
The Razer Kraken V4 X Sylveon Edition is a wired headset with 40mm TriForce drivers, a retractable HyperClear cardioid microphone, and Chroma RGB lighting (sweet). It comes decked out in Sylveon's characteristic pink-and-blue color scheme.
It's wonderfully unapologetic.
Sylveon is a Fairy-type Pokémon and one of Eevee's evolutions, officially categorized as the "Intertwining Pokémon." Its ribbon-like feelers can apparently send out a soothing aura that erases hostility, which frankly sounds like technology every Call of Duty voice-chat lobby desperately needs.
The Sylveon Kraken V4 X costs $109.99 and launches October 13 exclusively through Target in the United States, with wider retail availability across Latin America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
I choose you, Charizard
There's obviously no technical reason to replace a perfectly good headset purely because Razer printed a Pokémon on it. This is merchandising. Razer knows it, Pokémon knows it, I know it, and your wallet is about to find out.
But that's also rather missing the point.
The BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed is already a lightweight wireless headset offering 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. For an extra $20, Pokémon fans can get essentially the same hardware dressed as Charizard or Lucario. Sylveon fans have a slightly cheaper, wired alternative with RGB.
And having actually seen the Charizard edition outside Razer's immaculate press renders, I'll say this: it's pretty damn cool.
Clocks have become so familiar that we barely think about what their hands are doing. They point to positions around a circle, a habit that Orbit keeps while removing the hands themselves. This ultra-minimalist clock concept replaces them with two magnetically held metal spheres, giving time a physical presence you can reach and remove, instead of leaving it behind protective glass.
The face is a dark circular disk with two concentric recessed tracks, each carrying a polished sphere. There’s no cluster of numerals or central pin to interrupt the surface. Instead, the grooves give the small bearings separate paths, while their reflective finish contrasts with the darker background. The clock’s relief supplies the detail that printed markings would normally provide on a conventional dial.
One sphere represents the hours and the other the minutes, preserving the basic logic of an analog clock. You still look for positions around the face, only without a pair of hands connecting those positions to the center. That makes the idea less unfamiliar than it initially sounds. Reading it doesn’t call for learning an entirely new code, although some adjustment seems inevitable.
Of course, removing all those markings comes with a compromise. Estimating the hour should be simpler than judging an exact minute on an unmarked circle. Orbit could suit a living room where a glance is enough to keep track of the afternoon. Checking how many minutes remain before catching a train might make you rather grateful for the numbers on your phone.
The more unusual part is that the spheres aren’t permanently trapped in their tracks. Magnetic attachment is intended to let you lift each one away and put it back, adding a tactile interaction to an object usually left alone. That’s a surprisingly playful detail for such a restrained design, especially when removing both markers would leave the clock with nothing to tell you.
There’s a sculptural quality to the body itself, with a rounded outer edge and circular channels that give the black surface depth. A rear keyhole slot provides for wall mounting, keeping that face upright without a separate stand. The name Orbit feels appropriate here, with two small spheres occupying rings around an empty center, rather than hands meeting at a shared pivot point.
Orbit remains a concept, so there’s no established price or availability to weigh against those compromises. Its detachable markers do suggest a rather different relationship with a wall clock, though. Reach for the face and you’re handling the things that tell the time. Just make sure those little spheres don’t end up somewhere less useful, such as behind the living room sofa.
Extra buttons on a game controller can be handy, at least until they get in the way of holding it. Razer’s Wolverine V4 Pro gives players a little more say in that arrangement, with magnetic back buttons you can remove instead of simply ignoring them. Available for Xbox and PC, the wireless controller also lets you change its thumbstick caps and even take off its faceplate.
The four rear buttons come off without tools, making it possible to keep all of them, use only a pair, or clear the back entirely. Blank inserts replace the unwanted controls, following the controller’s contours rather than leaving little gaps behind. It’s a small detail, but an important one when that surface is where your fingers spend most of their time during a game.
Of course, keeping those buttons attached makes sense when you’re juggling several actions at once. Their mouse-click switches can handle commands such as jumping or reloading, letting your thumbs stay on the sticks while your other fingers do the work. Two additional shoulder buttons bring the total to six remappable inputs, giving frequently used actions somewhere to go besides the familiar face buttons.
The thumbsticks get their own set of options, changing both their height and the surface beneath your thumbs. Short convex caps provide a rounded surface, while tall concave versions give your thumb a recessed resting spot and more height to work with. Razer recommends the taller caps for precise aiming. You can mix the supplied options, but swapping caps doesn’t mean you’re replacing the sensors underneath.
That flexibility continues with the triggers, which can switch between a short mouse-click action and a full analog pull using rear-mounted locks. The shorter setting suits firing in a shooter, while the longer travel lets you ease onto the throttle in a racing game. Through Razer Synapse, you can also adjust each trigger’s activation point to suit how you play.
Even the exterior is open to a little tinkering, thanks to a magnetic faceplate that lifts off without tools. Personalize that panel, or leave it off entirely to reveal the translucent housing underneath. The working components remain enclosed, so you’re changing the controller’s outer appearance rather than exposing its electronics. It’s an option for people who prefer seeing a bit of machinery.
The software takes care of the changes you can’t make with magnets. Four onboard profiles hold different button assignments and sensitivity settings, so a racing setup doesn’t have to overwrite your shooter preferences. You can also adjust thumbstick dead zones, deciding how much movement registers as input. That said, greater sensitivity can pick up tiny thumb movements you didn’t intend.
At $199.99 in the US, this level of customization doesn’t come cheap, and there’s no included carrying case to keep the removable pieces together. You’ll have to find your own place for spare caps and unused buttons. After spending that much on a controller you can rearrange, a dedicated home for the bits you’ve removed would have been rather welcome.
I have a theory that the beach wagon was invented by someone who never actually took one to the beach. On pavement it’s a dream, then the sand starts and you’re dragging a shopping cart through oatmeal. BougeRV’s new DuneRover is an electric wagon built around that exact misery. It folds, it hauls up to 198 pounds while moving, and it rolls on wide airless wheels with two motors doing the work. Soft sand is the whole design brief, and every part of the machine answers to it.
The handle is the smartest thing about it, and it responds to your walking instead of a throttle. Sensors measure how hard you pull and multiply that effort, so a gentle tug gets a gentle nudge and a brisk stride gets a brisk wagon. Head down a dune and it brakes for you, and the moment you let go, it holds its position. Detach the control unit and the wagon becomes a remote-controlled beach truck, rolling ahead from up to 328 feet away. BougeRV, the Houston outdoor brand known for portable fridges and solar panels, built the whole thing.
The rear drive wheels measure 12 by 4 inches and are made of low-density PU foam, with no air inside. That means no flats, no pressure checks, and no tire coming off the rim halfway across the beach. A patented tread spreads the load across a wide footprint, rolls smoothly, sheds water, and treats turf gently. The front pair are 10-inch airless wheels in the same material. Wide contact area is the old trick for staying on top of sand, and here it comes with motors attached.
Two brushless geared motors deliver 66 N·m of combined torque, fed by a battery with 880W of peak output. Raw power can be a problem on sand, because spinning wheels just dig a trench. DuneGrip TCS, the wagon’s traction control system, watches for wheel slip and trims torque within milliseconds to stop it. A one-tap beach mode on the handle switches it on. Top speed is 3.7 mph, a relaxed walking pace, and the range runs 5 miles or more with a 165-pound load.
A handle that multiplies your pull and brakes without being asked
BougeRV calls the system RoverDrive Dynamic Assist, and it runs on what the company calls a Multiplicative Assist Algorithm. The handle measures your pulling force in real time and scales the motors in proportion, which is why there is no throttle, no gear shifting, and no direction switch to think about. Accelerate and the wagon accelerates with you. The dockable handle houses a power button, a mode switch, and an indicator light. A trigger-release design lets you empty out the sand that inevitably works its way into the control unit.
Uphill, the wagon holds its speed without extra effort from you, and it is rated for 15-degree slopes (a 26.8% grade) even at full load. Downhill, it brakes on its own. Release the handle on a slope and fail-safe electronic braking engages instantly. That covers a toddler sprinting toward the surf, a dropped pair of sunglasses, and any moment you stop to snap a photo. I like that the safe state is also the default, so letting go is always the right move.
Remote steering from 328 feet and an app with underglow
Undocking the control unit takes one step, and it becomes a 2.4 GHz remote with a range of up to 328 feet. Point it where you want the wagon to go, which frees you to carry the surfboard while the wagon carries everything else. If the signal drops or the remote disconnects, the wagon brakes and holds itself in place. Docking the unit back onto the handle returns you to assisted pulling automatically. There is zero setup and zero menu toggling in either mode.
Through the BougeRV app, you get real-time wagon status, battery levels for both the wagon and the remote, a mileage tracker, and system health monitoring. Firmware updates arrive over the air, and you can pair the remote, set speed and mode, and drive the wagon from your phone. Then there is the underglow, a customizable ambient lighting setup. One tap switches between preset scene modes. A glowing wagon on the sand at sunset is a ridiculous feature, and I would still turn it on.
A 2-pound battery that also charges your phone
The detachable UPP-88 battery weighs 2.06 pounds and measures 7.68 by 3.58 by 1.57 inches, about the size of a large power bank. Capacity is 24,000mAh, or 88.8Wh, which keeps it under 100Wh and airline-approved, with no prior declaration needed. It can discharge at up to 10C, enough to feed the 880W peak output. Fast charging runs through USB-C or XT60 ports at up to 100W. A multi-stage vent and flame-arresting labyrinth are meant to keep a single failing cell from setting off the rest, and the pack carries an IP66 rating.
The battery doubles as a power bank. BougeRV’s figures list up to 4.2 phone charges, 3.4 gaming device charges, 2.2 tablet charges, or 1.1 laptop charges. USB-C output reaches 100W and there is a USB-A port too. A built-in MPPT solar regulator tops it up on the move through an XT60 input that accepts 11 to 28V at up to 100W. BougeRV’s flexible portable panels are compatible, but the panel is sold separately. So the same pack that hauls the cooler can keep the phones alive until sunset.
Storage, folding, and pricing
The bed holds 161.7 quarts (153 liters) inside 600D Oxford fabric, with a side frame that opens to take longer gear like surfboards, secured with an elastic cargo net. Pockets are covered too: a front pocket, inner front and back pockets, and utility hooks. The wagon weighs 50.7 pounds (23 kg) and opens to 41.5 by 23.7 by 47.5 inches. Folded, it shrinks to roughly 23.7 by 12.2 by 28.7 inches, small enough for an SUV cargo area. IPX6 protection covers the whole vehicle, motors and control hub included, so a hose-down ends the day.
BougeRV lists the DuneRover at an MSRP of $899, with launch pricing running from $396 to $539 depending on the offer. A bundle with an extra detachable battery runs $603 against a $1,097 MSRP. The box holds the wagon, battery, remote, charging cable, two wheels, and a manual. Shipping is planned for the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Hong Kong, with deliveries expected to start in February 2027. Nobody packs lighter for the beach, so a wagon that keeps your pace is the sensible fix.
While I'm a Razer DeathAdder kid at heart and always will be, when it comes to gaming it's hard to top the Basilisk. I actually switched to using the Basilisk V3 Pro last year, and it's been an incredible mouse.
Not just for gaming, because it's so ergonomic, it's a fantastic mouse to use all day everyday for work, too.
It's going to be hard to top, but the Basilisk V4 Pro is now here, and as you'd expect, it's packed with improvements and new features.
On the surface it looks a lot like its predecessor, but there are some thoughtful improvements that help to elevate it a little further.
Equally, there are some choices I'm not as fond of, not least an out-of-the-box button binding for AI, which we'll talk about later. Overall, it's still an incredible package, though.
This review was conducted with a Basilisk V4 Pro provided to Windows Central by Razer. The company had no input in nor saw the contents of the review prior to publication.
What's new in the Razer Basilisk V4 Pro?
The Basilisk V4 Pro makes some subtle but welcome improvements to its design. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
Rather than break down every little design feature, I'm going to try and keep it brief by outlining what's new and changed from the previous Basilisk V3 Pro 35K that I've been using every day.
The overall design has been very subtly changed, but for the better. Especially if you have smaller hands, like myself. Side-by-side with the previous Basilisk, it's very slightly shorter, but still noticeable. This makes the main mouse click buttons also a hair shorter, and they do sit better under my fingers.
The left mouse button also has a friend on the Basilisk V4 Pro, taking a little notch out of it but still positioned in such a way that you won't accidentally press it. This is the profile cycling button, moved up top from underneath on the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, and a much more sensible location for it.
Now, say, if you have profiles for work and profiles for gaming, you can just effortlessly go between them without having to flip the mouse over and press until you get the right one.
The buttons on the left-side of the Basilisk V4 Pro are much better on this year's model, too. There are now three, and the HyperShift button has been repositioned and redesigned and is easier to click with your thumb. Two of the others are vacant out of the box to be mapped to your own functions. But I love that they're smaller and more defined than the buttons on the older Basilisk.
The wireless charging puck comes pre-installed, but can still be removed to store the 2.4 GHz dongle. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
In total there are 14 customizable buttons on the Basilisk V4 Pro, which, combined with HyperShift and the four profiles you can store on the mouse, leaves more space than most of us will ever need to set the perfect layout.
The sensor gets an upgrade, of course, to Razer's Gen-3 Focus Pro 50k optical sensor. But it's not this that is most exciting; it's Frame Sync. The Basilisk V4 Pro will align both the sensor scanning and the mouse's polling rate. This reduces motion latency when it's communicating with the PC but, crucially, also helps improve battery life, as there's no wasted reporting.
That leads to up to 200 hours off the charger (up to 275 hours on Bluetooth), though I haven't been able to push it that far. I haven't had it long enough, but it's not run out of battery yet, and it's going strong.
I'm far from a pro gamer, too, but I love using the Basilisk V4 Pro. It's so accurate; I feel better than I actually am. In some games you also have a built-in 'cheat' since you can map a button to do an instant 180-degree turn. I pass no judgment, but it's there.
When you do need to top up, if you already have one of Razer's wireless charging mousepads, the Basilisk V4 Pro is compatible. The charging puck is pre-installed, and it also works with the new mouse dock. It's an optional purchase, but you just drop the Basilisk V2 Pro on top, and it charges it up. If you use the mousepad, you'll never have to worry about running out. I've never once charged my Basilisk V3 Pro 35K manually.
The new mouse dock is absolutely superb. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
Despite better battery life, the Basilisk V4 Pro is even lighter than its predecessor. While it's not a massive amount, it is noticeable, especially when you're actually moving it about the desk.
The best performance comes naturally wired or using the 2.4 GHz dongle, but you can also pair the Basilisk V4 Pro up with three additional Bluetooth devices. You're able to cycle between them with the button on the bottom, with each having its own color code to help you distinguish them.
I also want to shout out the Precision Tactile setting on the scroll wheel. As someone who's constantly scrolling through large chunks of text, it's really made this so much more pleasant to do.
Overall, though, I really like the changes made to the Basilisk V4 Pro. Not all of them, but as a package, it's such a nice mouse. Packed with features, insane levels of customization, and the performance we've come to expect, all wrapped up in a stellar soft-touch finish with better battery life.
What I don't like about the Razer Basilisk V4 Pro
Respectfully, Razer, nobody wants this. (Image credit: Windows Central)
Let's talk about AI. Yes, groan.
I should say up front, this feature is optional. You can make it go away. But out of the box, it's configured, and I don't like it one bit.
One of the three buttons on the side of the mouse launches the "AI Prompt Master." This opens a chatbot window, built by Razer but using ChatGPT to execute. You have pre-built options to compose emails, summarize, rewrite, and create images, with modifiers for what you want the results to look like, and you can create your own template.
My question, though: Why?
Razer is a company founded on gaming. Its core customers are gamers. This is the best gaming mouse the company has ever made, but by default, it has a hardware button bound to an AI chatbot. Not even one that lets you change the AI engine it uses (right now at least). And it even sits above all your open windows, even if you're not actively using it. Awful.
At least you can map the AI button to something useful. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
If you don't have Synapse installed on a PC, it won't work. And yes, you can remap the button to anything else you want. I just don't understand why it's even here. Gamers are not typically receptive to AI being shovelled into their gaming setups. We've been there already with Microsoft and its Gaming Copilot.
That's basically all I don't like about the Basilisk V4 Pro. I know it can be made to go away; I'm just really disappointed that a company I've used for gaming hardware for so long has gone down this path. And with a pretty bad app for it, too.
I should also mention the price. This is the top of the line, so it comes with a price tag to match at $169.99. But if you're looking for the best of the best, it's worth it.
I'd also maybe like to have seen more than just Razer's own wireless charging accessories able to charge the mouse. I get it, from a business perspective, and controlling the experience. But if you have a wireless charging pad for your phone already, I can't deny it'd have been nice to be able to use that with the Basilisk V4 Pro as well.
Should you buy the Razer Basilisk V4 Pro?
Long live the king. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
AI shenanigans aside, the Basilisk V4 Pro is a ridiculously good gaming mouse. If you've ever used a Basilisk before, you'll know why.
The core remains largely unchanged, just updated for 2026 with performance oozing out of it. Like its top controllers, you can top out at an 8,000 Hz polling rate, and with Frame Sync, it's one of the most accurate gaming mice for competitive players.
Whether you should buy one or not depends on which mouse you're currently using. If you're on a Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, as I have been, it's a harder sell. It's a little bit better, but I'm not sure you should be first in line.
If you're on anything older or from another manufacturer, it's far easier to recommend. It's ergonomic, so you can use it all day for work or play. The improved battery life means you can actually take it on the road with you for multiple weeks without having to worry about it even if you're using it heavily, and it's absolutely killer for gaming.
It's hard to make great products greater, especially when you already have one of the best gaming mice on the planet. But Razer managed it with the Basilisk V4 Pro.
"Where immersion meets customization, the Razer Basilisk V4 Pro takes both further than ever. Fully decked out with our latest suite of next-gen technologies, discover the ultimate wireless ergonomic RGB gaming mouse that plays to your every possible preference."
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Pickleball has officially escaped the court. At some point in the last two years, it stopped being ironic and became a lifestyle: parking lots of suburban rec centers filled up, TikTok feeds followed, then came the celebrity investors, the professional leagues, the branded paddle drops, and the kind of mainstream saturation that tells you a sport has officially graduated from niche to undeniable. Getting turned into a Wii-style digital pastime is, at this point, a rite of passage for any sport that has truly made it. Tennis got there. Golf got there. Boxing, baseball, bowling. MegaShot Pickl+ is the moment pickleball collects that particular badge, and it does so with an actual sensor-embedded pickleball racket for authentic gameplay, not some generic rectangular controller.
The smart paddle pairs with your phone, tablet, or laptop over Bluetooth and sends the game to your TV (via an included cable) for big-screen play, mimicking your real swing movements on screen and firing haptic feedback through the handle on every hit. A split-screen mode lets you play multiplayer on the same screen too, making it a great family entertainer. No court reservation, no weather to negotiate with. The Wii taught an entire generation that swinging something in your living room could feel surprisingly real. Pickl+ is betting that a generation raised on that premise is ready to do it again, this time for the sport that has genuinely taken over the world, and without an extra console to add to the mix. The Starter Edition is on Kickstarter now for $175, down from a planned retail price of $249 and the campaign has been backed 500% in just 24 hours! Pickl+ will be compatible with sports like tennis, ping pong, and badminton with more racket sports planned for the same smart-paddle platform.
Under the hood, Pickl+ is built around a 9-axis sensor that reads the angle, speed, and arc of every swing for precise motion tracking. The haptic feedback responds distinctly to different kinds of hits, making the on-screen action feel genuinely tied to what your arm is actually doing. The paddle weighs around 300 grams, carries a 2000 mAh battery rated for up to five hours of continuous play, and charges over USB-C. Bluetooth 5.2 handles the wireless pairing, while an MHL cable connects your phone to the TV when the living room demands a proper screen. The app runs on Android 14+, iOS 18+, Windows, and macOS. Setup is as minimal as it sounds: download, charge, pair, connect, play. Unlike the Wii, Switch, or the Meta Quest, no extra console or hardware needed.
Most gaming hardware asks you to adapt to the machine: learn the buttons, the gestures, the control scheme. Pickl+ goes the other direction. You know how to hold a paddle, and you know what a swing feels like. Rather than turning a conventional controller into a sports accessory, Pickl+ turns the sports object itself into the controller. The technology is essentially trying to disappear into the physical experience, which is part of what makes it a more interesting object than just a clever game controller.
Ten-plus game modes ship at launch, including Streak, Practice, Split Mode, Career, Local Multiplayer, Target, and Beach Mode, with more already in the pipeline. VIP unlocks exclusive virtual courts, daily bonus challenges, glowing paddle effects, custom ball trails, and profile cosmetics.
Before the Kickstarter campaign went live, the beta version of the paddle was showcased at New York Toy Fair, where people across different age groups, including gaming enthusiasts and industry experts, got hands-on time with the motion tracking, gameplay, etc. It gave MegaShot an early real-world read on how quickly people understood and enjoyed the experience. Motion gaming can look impressive in a controlled demo; the real test is whether someone can pick up the paddle, understand what to do, and immediately have fun. New York Toy Fair gave MegaShot that read before asking anyone to back the campaign.
MegaShot arrived at this with receipts. Before Pickl+, the company built a smart bat, which sounds hyperlocal until the numbers land: 100,000+ units sold worldwide, 2,700+ Amazon reviews, and ratings above 4.5 across Google, Amazon, the Play Store, and iOS. The Smart Bat earned the team a spot on Shark Tank India, coverage across major publications, and placement on Walmart shelves. Cricket was a demanding proving ground, the kind of sport where precision hardware lives or dies by real player feedback. That foundation gave MegaShot a validated tech stack, a battle-tested supply chain, and the track record that earns trust going into a bigger, more globally ambitious launch.
Pickleball is the entry point for something larger. The same paddle hardware is designed to eventually support tennis, badminton, table tennis, and squash, with the VIP Pass carrying across sports as they are added. That roadmap turns Pickl+ from a single-sport product into a platform for multiple racket-sport experiences, which changes the value calculation considerably. The most globally accessible racket sport of this decade is also, as it turns out, the perfect vehicle for a company that built its credibility in one market and is now ready to find out how far a smart paddle can travel.
The Starter Edition, one smart paddle and an MHL cable, is available at its $175 Kickstarter launch price, versus a planned $249 retail price. Duo packs start at $275 for two paddles with a cable, while the Starter VIP Duo Pack, which throws in a VIP Pass, runs $315.
The Signature Edition, the premium single-paddle option, comes in at $349. The Signature Duo Edition bundles two premium paddles with cables, a VIP Pass, and protective sleeves for $499. Worldwide shipping begins in early 2027, covering the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, and India.
When it comes to stationery and my work and leisure desk, I consider my aesthetic to be messycore and maximalist. Having a lot of pens and other supplies on hand whether for work or for my journaling sessions is normal for me. I tried to use some desk organizers, but it seems that there is order in my chaos and I can still find what I need when I need it, although it doesn’t really look all that Instagrammable. That hasn’t stopped me from looking at and exploring desk organizers and pen holders, especially ones that look different from the usual.
Ciclo is one such pen holder from Spanish industrial designer Eduardo Blanco. The way it’s designed is for you to have more space for your various stationery items and also to give your desk a kind of sculptural-looking organizer that looks good in person and also when you decide to do a post of how your desk looks at the moment. The inspiration for the design actually comes from mathematics and the name itself has ties to it.
Blanco said he wanted something that didn’t look banal on his desk. The inspiration comes from the Cartesian coordinate system, using three cylinders repeated around the same axis that are stacked and joined one on top of the other. Think about the X, Y, Z axes discussed during math classes (which I would rather forget) but brought to life as a sculptural stationery object. What would normally be a mundane or ordinary object is transformed into a well-designed piece that would look at home at an office desk, a creative workspace, or your side table. Aside from looking beautiful just sitting there, it also means you have three spaces to put your pencils, pens, markers, scissors, cutter, and other supplies you need to organize on your desk.
And honestly, that’s where Ciclo wins me over. Even for someone like me, whose desk looks like a stationery store had a very good time, there’s something undeniably appealing about having one piece that anchors the whole thing visually. You don’t have to be a minimalist to appreciate a beautiful object. If anything, if you’re already going the maximalist route, you might as well make sure some of those items on your desk are actually worth looking at, and Ciclo definitely qualifies. There’s also something kind of fun about having a mathematically inspired piece sitting among your journaling supplies and highlighter collection.
What I also find interesting about Ciclo is the way it challenges how seriously we take the objects we use every day. Most of us grab whatever cheap plastic pen cup is on sale at the office supply store, and that’s perfectly fine. It works. But Blanco’s approach asks a simple but quietly radical question: why settle for something that just works when you could have something that also makes you pause for a second and go, “huh, that’s actually really cool”? That shift in thinking is kind of what separates good design from great design, and it’s exactly what makes Ciclo stand out in a product category that designers have largely ignored.
It’s also worth noting that Ciclo was selected as part of Lagranja Design’s Open Design Editions 2026, a program that spotlights emerging and thoughtful design work, and was presented during Barcelona Design Week. That’s not a small nod. It means the design community sees real value in what Blanco created here, and that Ciclo is more than just a pretty object to put on display.
Whether you keep a very tidy, carefully curated desk or your workspace is a glorious organized mess like mine, Ciclo is the kind of object that earns its spot. It’s a pen holder, sure, but it’s also a small, quiet statement that the things you keep close while you work or create don’t have to be boring. And in a world where so many of us spend a huge chunk of our day at our desks, that feels like it actually matters.
Xbox is about to celebrate its 25th Anniversary, and while there have been numerous brand collaborations to mark the occasion, the 8BitDo Xbox collection has actually been in circulation since November 2024. Inspired by the OG Xbox, the collection is a transparent-green dream consisting of a chunky keyboard, numpad, mouse, and even a controller.
I only got my hands on the set this year, which feels fitting with the Xbox anniversary about to be in full swing. While 8BitDo has just added a gorgeous Gears of War edition to the lineup, I'm firmly sticking with my bleed-green setup, which I've been using every day for around four months now.
The TL;DR of this review is that I absolutely adore this chunky, obnoxiously green keyboard, and I can't see myself using anything else, but read on if you need a little more swaying.
8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition: Price, availability and specs
Could barely fit the box in the 16:9 frameJennifer Young - Windows CentralI wish the Numpad was built in but appreciate most (wrong) people prefer withoutJennifer Young - Windows CentralFree sticker and a months Game Pass included (new subscribers only)Jennifer Young - Windows Central
The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard (Xbox Edition) retails for $119.99 in the US and £99.99 in the UK. However, it frequently sees discounts and at the time of writing, it is on sale for $89.99 on Amazon US.
Out of the box, the keyboard includes 8BitDo’s iconic Dual Super Buttons, a pair of massive, programmable arcade-style macro buttons that plug directly into the back of the board via 3.5mm jacks without needing extra software configuration.
If you are a sane person who enjoys using a Numpad, rejecting all minimal keyboard ideology, then 8BitDo also offers a matching standalone Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad (Xbox Edition), which retails separately for $44.99 / £39.99.
The main tech specs you need to know are:
Layout: 87-key Tenkeyless (TKL) with top-mount design
Switches: Kailh Jellyfish X linear/clicky switches (Hot-swappable PCB, full N-key rollover)
Keycaps: Double-layered ABS with a matte UV coating
Connectivity: Tri-mode (2.4GHz wireless via magnetic dongle, Bluetooth 5.0, wired USB-C)
Battery: 4,000mAh rechargeable Li-ion (rated for up to 280 hours on 2.4GHz / 300 hours on Bluetooth)
8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition: What's good
I like my keyboards like I like my men, robust. Jennifer Young - Windows CentralI'm super boring and keep the lights on basic white, the multi colored display isn't for me.Jennifer Young - Windows CentralThe mouse is a great pairing and of a similarly chunky designJennifer Young - Windows Central
Unboxing this was an experience in itself; the box was roughly twice the size of any keyboard package I’ve opened before. Coming from the Roccat Vulcan I’d been rocking (or should I say Roccing hur hur), I expected it to be chunky, and while it was different for sure, I'm kind of loving that 8BitDo has embraced the maximalist approach. To be honest, as I get older, I’m really appreciating the larger keycaps and moving away from that classic all-black "squint at the keys" aesthetic.
The green design is unabashedly Xbox of course, but with a lot of small, thoughtful touches. Like the A/B/X/Y colored arrow keys that mirror the OG controller and the glowing Xbox home button (which matches the look on the new 25th Anniversary Series X console.) This is a hell of a lot cheaper than that console too!
Colors we know and love!Jennifer Young - Windows CentralNow I have that X25 console button without the X25 price tagJennifer Young - Windows Central
Even before typing a single sentence, the convenient design details impressed me. Having a dedicated magnetic compartment built into the base to store the 2.4GHz receiver is a godsend; I’ve lost count of how many wireless dongles I’ve misplaced over the years.
Connectivity is versatile, offering 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or a wired USB-C connection. I wouldn't normally dedicate a sentence to a cable, but 8BitDo even made the braided wire matching Xbox green. Talk about attention to detail!
The cable is green too, yay! (Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
The board itself feels incredibly hefty, solid, and durable on the desk. That robust build quality is a major plus for me: regardless of how gentle I may be with the keyboard, my son also loves gaming at my desk and is considerably heavier-handed. This chassis easily withstands the enthusiastic key-slams of a kid navigating mods in Wobbly Life. The physical dials at the top for adjusting volume and switching connection modes feel equally premium and far from flimsy.
No these are not cat bongos, you map buttons to them. Jennifer Young - Windows CentralThe whole set together was meant to be, and looks even better on my desk Jennifer Young - Windows CentralI do enjoy seeing a tech accessory's innardsJennifer Young - Windows Central
The box includes 8BitDo’s famous Dual Super Buttons. At first, I had no idea what to do with them other than getting my cat to play the bongos, but they plug in via a 3.5mm jack on the rear. You can map them on the fly directly from the board without software, though downloading the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 is essential if you want to set up complex macros or multi-key shortcuts.
While I didn't get overly creative with my bindings, mapping the giant "A" button to instantly grab screenshots is super handy during streams.
You can change these lights to RGB, but don't. (Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
If you love RGB backlighting, the board comes packed with bright lighting modes and a full spectrum of color profiles. I usually keep the backlighting on boring white as I think having multi-colours looks a little 'busy' through the green casing, but the customization options are there if you want a full rainbow light show (I do not, and prefer less visual noise).
The stock switches deliver a wonderfully satisfying clickety-clackety feel (that’s a technical term), offering great audio and tactile feedback. I also didn't note any input lag even over wireless. For tinkerers, the PCB is fully hot-swappable if you ever want to pull the stock switches and experiment with custom ones later on. Finally, if you opt for the matching standalone numpad, it snaps flush against the side of the board with a deeply satisfying magnet click, just another detail that makes this feel pretty premium.
8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition: What's bad
These keys are a god damn finger grease magnet (Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
As I said, I love this keyboard, and I'm hard-pressed to find anything I don't like about it, but if I had any criticisms at all, I'd start with the fact that I have to clean it more often!
The super-matte, double-layered ABS keycaps tend to show finger oils and shine much faster and more noticeably than keycaps on previous boards I’ve used. I find myself wiping the keys down more often, but that's a small price to pay for how good the setup looks on my desk.
Second, while I appreciate that 8BitDo made the matching Numpad an optional extra, it's a bit frustrating that both the keyboard and the numpad require their own separate 2.4GHz USB dongles. USB ports on my dock are always at a premium, so I’ve ended up running the main keyboard wired most of the time. Given that the keyboard sits stationary on my desk anyway, it’s hardly a dealbreaker just a minor setup niggle to keep in mind if you are beholden to getting the Numpad too.
8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition: The competition
You'll only be reading this if you're already interested in grabbing a very in-your-face Xbox fan-themed keyboard, in which case, it's worth mentioning that Razer have released the Xbox 25th Anniversary Collection just recently, and within that, a Black Widow V4 75% keyboard.
At $209.99 / £199.99, it carries a distinctly "Razer price tag" compared to 8BitDo’s accessible $119.99 MSRP.
(Image credit: Razer)
However, that higher price tag gets you a sleeker, smaller frame and quieter tactile switches.
If you prefer a more subtle, understated tribute to the original Xbox without the chunky retro footprint (and don't mind waiting for pre-orders to ship on October 20), the Razer option is a gorgeous alternative. But for that loud, unapologetic early-2000s green Duke-style aesthetic at nearly half the price, 8BitDo is a no-brainer for me.
8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition: Should you buy it?
Yes, I changed my PC background to match my new keyboard. Jennifer Young - Windows CentralNever been one to have a minimalist desk, this keyboard fits right in with my trinkets.Jennifer Young - Windows CentralI'm only mildly annoyed that the controller dock isn't also green. Jennifer Young - Windows Central
You should buy this if ...
✅ You want a nostalgia-packed OG Xbox aesthetic
This board is certainly cheaper (and easier to buy) than the Xbox Series X25, and it nails the retro 2000s theme
✅ You love big keycaps and clicky switches
The keyboard is just as loud as the design
✅ You want versatile wireless options and handy extras
With built-in magnetic dongle storage, 2.4GHz/Bluetooth toggles, a dedicated volume dial, and programmable Dual Super Buttons, it’s packed with great quality-of-life details.
You should not buy this if ...
❌ You want a silent, low-profile keyboard
The stock switches are loud and proud, and the chunky retro frame takes up a good chunk of desk space.
❌ You need a built-in numpad without extra dongles
It’s a Tenkeyless layout, and while 8BitDo sells a matching separate numpad, taking up two separate USB ports for two wireless dongles can quickly clutter up your hub or dock.
The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition is just perfect for anyone who holds a soft spot for early 2000s gaming tech, translucent and chunky. I can't wait to sink many hours of WoW Forever on it and live my millennial retirement home dreams.
It looks like a collectors edition item without the price tag you would normally expect, while managing to also be built to last and something I want to keep on using (not just take pretty pictures of for Instagram). If you want a desk setup that brings a smile to your face every time you sit down to type or game, this obnoxiously green and thicc beast is worth every cent.
8BitDo
Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard - Xbox Edition
Level up your desktop setup with this fitting tribute to the original Xbox. The 8BitDo Retro 87 combines a iconic transparent-green aesthetic with high-performance mechanical typing.
Featuring tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C wired), tactile clicky Kailh Jellyfish X switches, dedicated volume and mode dials, and a hot-swappable PCB, it’s as versatile as it is striking. Plus, it includes 8BitDo’s programmable Dual Super Buttons for instant macro access right on your desk..
Most wallets don’t start out bulky. They get there one receipt, spare card, and folded bill at a time, until slipping one into a front pocket feels like packing a book. Corkor’s slim card holder asks you to carry less, then makes that decision feel less austere with a cork exterior. Its appeal lies in the material as well as its size.
Cork is something you pull from a bottle or pin notes into, not what you reach for when paying for coffee. Here, its irregular grain gives the wallet character without needing decorative hardware or branding. Stitched edges and stacked pockets keep the shape familiar, but the surface feels different from the smooth leather and synthetic finishes that dominate everyday carry.
The layout keeps your most-used cards in three slots, with an ID window and two compartments for folded bills. A small opening on the front helps you nudge a card upward rather than digging at its edge. Keep only the cards you actually use, though, because squeezing too many into those pockets would inevitably change how slim the wallet feels in your pocket.
At 4.3 inches tall, 3.2 inches wide, and 0.4 inches thick when empty, the holder takes up less room than a traditional bifold. It weighs just 0.70 ounces before you add anything. You can leave home with a payment card, an ID, and a little cash without carrying a stack of compartments you’ll never open during a long, busy day away from home.
Cork has a purpose beyond its unusual appearance. The thin, pliable material lets the holder bend gently instead of feeling like a rigid little case, and Corkor describes it as water-repellent and easy to clean. For someone who wants an animal-free alternative to leather, that makes the material choice part of the daily experience rather than a claim printed on a label.
The cork comes from Portugal, where Corkor also makes the holder in-house. That doesn’t mean a wallet can settle every question about sustainability, but it does give this one a clear material identity. Corkor says its packaging is recyclable or compostable, and the card holder is certified vegan. Those details matter most when they’re paired with something you actually want to keep using.
Of course, minimalism has limits. There’s no coin pocket, and those folded bills won’t be as quick to sort through as cash in a full-size wallet. RFID-blocking construction is included to help protect compatible cards from skimming, but it won’t prevent other kinds of theft. This is a holder for an edited pocket, not a place to stash whatever the day hands you.
Corkor prices the holder at $59, which might seem steep for something designed to carry so little. That small footprint is precisely the point. The soft, mottled cork makes a familiar stack of slots feel unexpectedly personal, while the slim layout encourages you to leave the clutter behind. Once you’ve pared things down, that front pocket might finally have room for more than your wallet.
"Babe?... Babe!? Is everything alright?" If you're in my house on a relaxing weekend afternoon, you'll often hear me trying to get a hold of my wife. I have to ask a few times, not because she's ignoring me, but because she has a pair of noise cancelling headphones on.
For the last couple of years, my wife has donned a pair of Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. They're sleek, comfortable, and do a great job blocking out noise. And right now, they're on sale for $190 off.
These noise cancelling headphones are comfortable, sound great, and last all day. They charge through USB-C, so even if they do run out of battery they're easy to top up.View Deal
You may be surprised to hear that I rarely spend a lot of money on gadgets. I love covering tech, but I try to keep my spending down when it comes to laptops, phones, and accessories. That's why it was a major shift when I bought my wife a pair of Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. Back then, the headphones were newer and closer to full price.
But I wanted to splurge on a gift for my wife. She loves music, audiobooks, and podcasts, so I knew she needed a pair of headphones that she could wear all day. The headset from Bose delivered. They're comfortable, block out noise with active and passive noise cancellation, and last a long time.
They're mostly my wife's headphones, but I use them at least once a month and am frequently reminded of how much I like them. After years of heavy use they show some wear and tear (I just ordered new ear pads), but they still sound great.
The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are now a bit older, but they still deliver high-quality audio and are comfortable. They lack some of the bells and whistles you'll see in newer headsets, but they've aged well.
New members can enjoy exclusive Prime Day discounts for free and cancel anytime. After the trial, membership is $14.99/month plus tax. Includes access to games via Prime Gaming alongside Prime Video and Prime Music.
How long does Amazon Prime Big Deal Days last?
Amazon has launched this year's Prime Big Deal Days event with 48 hours of more exclusive deals, which started on Tuesday, October 6, and runs until Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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Razer controllers have been my personal go-to on Xbox and PC for years now, and the company isn't resting on its laurels. Announced today is the Razer Wolverine V4 Pro, alongside a less expensive but still similar Wolverine V4 Tournament Edition.
At first glance the Wolverine V4 Pro looks a lot like both the Wolverine V3 Pro and the PC-exclusive Wolverine V3 Pro 8K. I reviewed both, and I still use both, but the Wolverine V4 Pro now mixes the best of each into one package while making some meaningful upgrades to the tech and its features.
For starters, we're not talking about TMR sticks anymore. Razer has already moved beyond that, building the Wolverine V4 Pro with capacitive sticks. But what does that actually mean?
"Engineered for competitive FPS, racing simulators, and sports games, the Razer Wolverine V4 Pro is a premium wireless gaming controller built for players who demand maximum precision, customization, and control."View Deal
"Powering the Wolverine V4 line’s asymmetrical thumbstick layout are two new capacitive sensors, the next step in contactless sensor design, offering superior resolution, power efficiency and resistance to magnetic interference over TMR and Hall Effect counterparts, while maintaining the drift-resistant performance of both. Paired with a 16-bit ADC chip, the sensors register approximately 3,000 steps1 of movement for smoother tracking, reduced jitter, and overall higher accuracy for dominant FPS play. "
In real-world use it'll be hard to actually quantify, but it should help contribute towards better battery life. One of the biggest drawbacks with the Wolverine V3 Pro was its battery life, so we'll certainly take any improvements we can get.
The other big performance-related improvement in the Wolverine V4 Pro is also the 8,000 Hz polling rate on PC. On Xbox it's still limited to 250 Hz, but there's nothing Razer or anyone else can do about that. It's an Xbox limitation. But for players who play on both Xbox Series X|S and PC, you can now have all the best in a single package.
8,000 Hz is not essential, but if you play competitive games like Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and the like, you want the best sticks and the fastest polling rates you can have. It's becoming increasingly common to get such high polling rates, but previously you'd need to own two of Razer's controllers if you wanted this as well as Xbox compatibility.
Improvements have also been made to the actual thumbsticks. There are now six total thumbcaps to choose from, as well as magnetic rear paddles that can easily be removed if you don't want to use them.
"Featuring high-precision anti-drift sensors, advanced customization, and ultra-low latency with up to 8K Hz Polling on PC, gain the competitive edge you need to perform at your best.View Deal
The Wolverine V4 Pro is an all-in-one performance package now for both PC and Xbox. (Image credit: Razer)
These, along with the additional bumper buttons, can still be remapped to whatever you want them to do, and as with previous controllers, you can store them in up to four different profiles on the controller itself. The Razer Synapse app will also allow you an insane level of customization, as always.
The incredible clicky face buttons are still here, too, as are the near-instant mouse click trigger stops. New for this year's controller, though, is a removable faceplate. It attaches with magnets for ease of use, and it's got a pretty slick translucent design behind it if you want to play without it on at all.
There are no custom faceplates at this point, but having the feature, it seems inevitable that there will be some kind of collaborations in the future. Oh, and haptics are back. But you can turn them off, of course.
It's not all add, though. Razer has decided this time around not to include one of its excellent controller cases. Even if you don't actively put your controller in the case, they've always been really good quality, and it's a nice way to keep your additional sticks and the wireless dongle organized, so it's a little sad to see it go.
The Wolverine V4 Tournament Edition keeps much of the same goodness but comes in a lot cheaper. For one, it's only available wired, but you still get the new capacitive sticks, the 8,000 Hz polling rate on PC, and the same design. The rear paddles aren't removable, however, and neither is the faceplate.
Somewhere in a closet, a perfectly good LEGO minifigure is staring through a plastic bag at the back of a cardboard box. It has a tiny printed face, a surprisingly elaborate hat, and absolutely no audience. Every serious LEGO collector knows the feeling: shelves fill up fast, display cases sell at fixed sizes, and at some point the collection starts living in labeled ziplock bags rather than anywhere it can actually be seen. LEGO has released over 775 Collectible Minifigures across 51 series since 2010, with new figures arriving three times a year, which makes the storage problem a permanent one for anyone collecting seriously. Stephen Peaple, a British-born collector now based in Perth, Australia, had thousands of them and spent four years building the solution he could not find anywhere.
Finity Frames puts a collection on the wall in a clean white grid. A single frame carries 16 spaces, but removable dividers let you make room for bigger figures or pack in a crowd. When the collection grows, connected frames share edges so the display extends as one continuous piece without visual seams or doubled-up borders. Your next minifigure gets a spot without requiring a complete wall makeover. The system is injection-molded ABS, ships flat-packed, and the connection method that makes all of it work is patented.
A Display System That Grows With Your LEGO Collection
Every Finity Frame is built around a seamless edge connection where neighboring frames share a single border, eliminating the doubled-up edge and any visual gap at the join. This is the core innovation that solves the fixed-size problem inherent in every other display case on the market. It means you can start with a single frame for one series of figures and expand outward in any direction, at any time, without having to replace your original investment. The aesthetic is clean and continuous, looking like a single, cohesive unit no matter how large it gets.
This design approach also makes the system more efficient as it grows. Peaple makes the math explicit: the first frame measures 312mm across, and each connected frame adds just 298mm, because one edge is always shared. This reduces material waste and lowers the cost per additional frame. A 2×2 Collector, for instance, cannot be broken apart into four 1×1 Starters, since it doesn’t include the extra pieces. For context, the most prominent fixed-case competitors max out around 190 minifigures. The Finity Frames Showcase holds 1,056, and two of them together can display over 2,100 figures as a single, unified piece.
Built for Customization and Creative Play
Each Finity Frame ships with three horizontal and three vertical internal slats, forming a standard 4×4 grid. This sixteen-space layout is not arbitrary; it maps exactly to one complete Collectible Minifigures series, which traditionally ships with 16 unique figures. The slats are removable in any combination, yielding 64 different internal layouts. You can pull the vertical dividers out, double-stack figures with jumper plates, and a 1×1 Starter can hold up to 88 minifigures. This flexibility lets you create custom spaces for dioramas, larger vehicles, or oversized figures like the Hulk who need a little extra room.
The system’s dimensions are precisely calibrated to the LEGO System of Play. Internal slats are exactly one brick wide, and the frame edges are exactly two bricks wide. Each compartment accepts a 6×8 LEGO plate or four 3×4 minifigure plates, the same stands that come with CMF packs. This means removing the acrylic cover turns the frame into a wall-mounted baseplate where builds can bridge continuously across spaces and frames. Peaple calls this “bridging,” a feature that turns a static display into a creative canvas. Every horizontal slat even has a built-in row of six studs for securing figures or small builds.
Designed for Collectors of All Kinds
A magnetic Perspex acrylic cover protects the collection from dust and removes in a single pull. It’s made from UV-stable material with built-in absorbers to block harmful light, preventing the slow fading that can damage valuable figures over time. The frame itself is a gallery-white, UV-treated ABS plastic, a color choice meant to disappear behind the collection rather than compete with it. Everything is designed to last, preserving the collection while keeping it easily accessible. The magnetic attachment is secure but quick, so you can get to your figures without fussing with clips or latches.
Flipping the horizontal slats 180 degrees turns the studded surfaces into flat shelves, opening the frame to almost any small-scale collectible. A single 64x64x49mm space can hold Funko Pocket POPs, Be@rbricks, Sonny Angels, or even shot glasses. Removing dividers creates double-height spaces for larger items like vintage Kenner 3¾” figures, Super7 ReAction figures, Playmobil sets, or graded collectible cards in their hard cases. It’s a true cabinet of curiosities, designed for a LEGO collection but adaptable enough for just about anything else that deserves a spot on the wall.
Five Sizes, Starting at $65 USD
The five frame sizes run from the 1×1 Starter at 12.3×12.3 inches (up to 88 minifigures) to the 4×3 Showcase at 47.4×35.7 inches (up to 1,056), with the 1×2 Duo, 2×2 Collector, and 3×2 Lifestyle filling in between. All frames run 55mm deep without the cover, 61mm with, and production units are estimated at 0.9 to 1.1kg for the 1×1 (roughly 2 lbs).
Retail pricing starts at AU$99 (roughly US$65) for the Starter and reaches AU$835 (roughly US$550) for the Showcase. Any size can be extended later through a Frame Extender on finityframes.com, where you input what you already own and order only the additional sets required. The system ships flat-packed globally, with US distribution in place through the manufacturing partner.