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Review: TP-Link Kasa Smart Light Bulb KL130

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The smart home market is exploding this year thanks to the marriage of mesh networking and smart devices such as smart sensors, smart bulbs, smart cameras and so much more. You might know TP-Link as one of the foremost providers of top-notch networking products. However, did you know that they also carry a wide range of IoT devices that include smart bulbs?

Yes, smart bulbs. Who doesn’t like being able to turn lights on and off using an app or their voice? It certainly feels both futuristic and magical. The TP-Link KL130 is Energy Star certified colour-tunable bulb that has been designed to reduce energy consumption by up to 80 percent without losing brightness or quality, thus ultimately saving you money.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Light Bulb KL130 is one of the company’s many smart devices, which do not require a separate hub to function. The KL130 is so smart that all it requires is a router to function. The KL130 can work via the Kasa Smart app, which is available for both Android and iOS devices.

It offers a luminosity of 800 lumens, which is an incandescent equivalent of 60-watts. The KL130 draws 10.5 watts and connects to the standard E26 plug found in most homes in the UAE. 

Connecting the device on your network is a walk in the park. Once you have screwed the bulb into the E26 socket, the next thing you do is download the Kasa Smart app for your smartphone or tablet.

Now, switch on the Kasa bulb and after 5 seconds it should blink thrice indicating that the bulb is ready to pair with your app. Then follow the instructions in the app to set up the bulb. In case the bulb does not enter the pairing mode the first time around, all you need to do is switch the bulb on and off thrice with a gap of a second between each on and off. The bulb should now blink thrice and enter into the pairing mode.

Since the KL130 is a multicolor bulb, you can choose between a wide range of colours and dimming. You can choose a light for everything from a dinner party to a late-night study session. As mentioned before, Kasa Smart’s multicolor light bulb also connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network, without the need for a hub or extra equipment.

With the Kasa Smart app, you can control the smart light bulb from anywhere with your smartphone. You can dim, turn on or off or change the colours of your light bulb remotely. In addition, you can use voice commands to control the KL130 smart bulb through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Microsoft Cortana.

There is also an Auto White mode that lets you set your bulb to automatically adjust its colour temperature to match natural light patterns from dawn to dusk. The Kasa Smart app lets you schedule the light bulb to automatically switch on and off when you’re home or away.

You also get a usage meter that lets you track energy consumption and running time over the current day, the last seven days, or the last 30 days. We had no difficulty in either setting the bulb up or using it through the Kasa Smart app. The app is very responsive and so is the bulb. The TP-Link Kasa KL130 can be a very good addition to your smart home setup, especially since it does not require a separate hub or equipment to operate.

Price: AED 249

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Headphones

Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC Review: Crystal-Clear Conversations

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In today’s ever-evolving work landscape, the need for reliable communication tools has become paramount. For professionals juggling conference calls, remote collaboration, and focused work sessions, a quality headset is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Enter the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC, a contender in the premium wireless headset market promising exceptional comfort, crystal-clear audio, and top-notch noise cancellation.

Design and Comfort
Unboxing the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC reveals a headset that exudes a professional aesthetic. The matte black, soft-touch plastic feels reassuringly sturdy yet lightweight (275 gms). The generously sized, plush leatherette ear cups and adjustable headband hint at comfort during extended usage. A unique feature is the absence of a traditional boom microphone.

Instead, the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC comes packed with a sleek, over-the-ear design with a total of 6 microphones seamlessly integrated into the ear cups. This eliminates the potential discomfort of a protruding boom while maintaining exceptional voice pickup. You also get touch controls for volume, call management, and music playback on the outside of the earcups.

Connectivity and Battery Life
The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC seamlessly connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3, offering a reliable connection with a range of up to 30 meters. This provides ample freedom of movement around your workspace without worrying about signal drops.

Furthermore, the headset boasts impressive battery life, with Poly claiming up to 21 hours of talk time on a single charge. This translates to a full workday of uninterrupted communication, making it ideal for professionals who are constantly on the go. A quick one-hour charge provides an additional 24 hours of listening time, which is brilliant.

Other Features
The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC goes beyond just basic audio functionality. It boasts Microsoft Teams and Zoom certifications, ensuring seamless integration with popular video conferencing platforms. With these certifications, you get effortless call management, allowing you to answer, mute, and adjust volume directly from the headset controls.

Inside the box, you get a carrying case, the headset, a user guide, a USB charging cable, a BT700 Bluetooth Type-C adapter, a USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter, and a USB Type-C to 3.5mm audio cable. The included USB-C dongle offers plug-and-play connectivity for computers lacking Bluetooth functionality. Additionally, the headset features a handy mute button on the right earcup for instant audio privacy during calls.

Audio Quality
The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC boasts 40mm drivers that deliver clear, balanced audio. The headset can brilliantly reproduce voices during calls, ensuring every word is crisp. However, bass is something that is lacking, thus making it ideal for communication rather than immersive music listening.

The true star of the show is the Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC). This technology actively adjusts to your environment, effectively suppressing background noise. Whether it’s the constant hum of an office or the buzz of a crowded coffee shop, the ANC seamlessly filters out unwanted sounds, allowing you to focus on the conversation at hand.

Verdict
The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is a well-rounded wireless headset that excels in comfort, call clarity and noise cancellation. Its long battery life and UC certifications make it ideal for busy professionals who prioritise clear communication during calls and meetings. However, the premium price tag of $494.95 may deter some users. But then, if you value comfort, excellent microphone quality, and strong ANC performance, the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is worth considering.

Price: $494.95

Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC
$494.95










  • Final Rating

4









Summary

The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC goes beyond just basic audio functionality. It boasts Microsoft Teams and Zoom certifications, ensuring seamless integration with popular video conferencing platforms.

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Electric Bikes

Yvolution Electric Scooter Review: A Fun and Functional Ride

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The Yvolution Electric Scooter promises a fresh take on electric mobility for adults, emphasising vibrancy, safety, and a touch of nostalgia. In this review, we focus on the scooter’s design, performance, features, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right electric steed for you.

Design and Build Quality
The YES scooter boasts a lightweight design at 15.5 kg, making it easy to manoeuvre and fold for storage or carrying on public transport. While some electric scooters prioritise a sleek, minimalist look, the YES embraces a more playful and colourful aesthetic. It comes in four options such as pink, green, black, and grey – we have reviewed the grey variant.

The scooter’s frame is made from tubular steel, ensuring durability without excessive weight. The YES features solid, 8.5-inch cream-coloured tyres for a puncture-proof ride. Standing strong beneath your feet is a well-crafted maple wood deck outfitted with grippy non-slip tape for added control.

The overall ride is very comfortable and the scooter can handle uneven terrain to a certain extent. The handlebars are positioned at a comfortable height for most riders, and the deck provides ample foot space.

The handlebar conveniently folds, allowing for a compact package that effortlessly slots into a car trunk or accompanies you on a train or bus journey. The scooter features cork grips and offers a luxurious feel while effectively dampening vibrations from the road.

The dashboard and controls are intuitively arranged and boast an elegant design. The thumb control on the right, distinguished by its black colour, serves as the throttle, while the red counterpart on the left functions as the electric brake. And to top it off, there’s even a bell included.

Performance and Range
The YES is equipped with a motor that offers three riding modes. The slowest mode reaches a pedestrian-friendly pace of 6 kmph, ideal for navigating crowded areas or alongside walkers. The mid-range mode bumps it up to a cruisier 18 kmph, suitable for leisurely rides or commuting on dedicated paths. The top speed is rated at 25 kmph aimed at recreational riding in open spaces.

You can control the speed and setting with the single-button interface in the centre of the handlebar. Once the speed is et, the scooter will remember it, even when it is turned off. However, keep in mind that the maximum rider weight capacity is 100 kg, and exceeding this limit will affect performance, especially on inclines.

The scooter’s motor is rated at 350W and it comes with a built-in Lithium Ion battery rated at 36V (7.5Ah). The scooter’s range on a single charge is around 25 kms. However, we clocked around 20 kms on a single charge, which is quite average.

Safety
The Yvolution Electric Scooter boasts two braking systems. The primary, and arguably superior, system is a straightforward friction brake, engaged by pressing down on the rear fender, similar to the brakes found on children’s scooters. The secondary brake is controlled by the left thumb switch, using electricity, albeit with slightly less efficacy compared to the rear friction brake. Both the brakes trigger a rear brake light upon activation.

The YES also features a large front headlight and five points of light in total, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. The wider 8.5-inch tyres offer better shock absorption and stability compared to smaller wheels found on some electric scooters. However, it’s important to remember that, like any electric scooter, the YES is not invincible. Always wear a helmet and follow local regulations for safe riding.

However, one of the things sorely missing is app connectivity, which is found in many competing brands. While this might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, its presence would add a touch of convenience, especially for those using the scooter for commuting.

Who is the Yvolution Electric Scooter For?
The YES is best suited for adult riders looking for a fun and affordable way to get around for short distances. Its lightweight design, three riding modes, and focus on safety make it a good choice for leisure rides, cruising around campuses, or quick errands.

However, those seeking a high-performance scooter for long commutes or tackling hills might be disappointed by the limited range and power. Additionally, riders who crave a minimalist design or advanced features such as app connectivity may want to explore other options.

Verdict
The Yvolution Electric Scooter falls into the price bracket of AED 2499 but is currently available through many outlets at a discount ranging from 30% to 40%. This makes it a tempting option for budget-conscious riders seeking a safe and functional electric scooter for short trips. If you prioritise affordability and a playful design for casual riding, the YES could be a good fit.

Price: AED 2499

Yvolution Electric Scooter
AED 2499

Summary

The YES is equipped with a motor that offers three riding modes. The slowest mode reaches a pedestrian-friendly pace of 6 kmph, ideal for navigating crowded areas or alongside walkers. The mid-range mode bumps it up to a cruisier 18 kmph, suitable for leisurely rides or commuting on dedicated paths. The top speed is rated at 25 kmph aimed at recreational riding in open spaces.

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Earbuds

ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova Review: A Great Choice for Mobile Gamers

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The ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova aims to be the ultimate weapon for mobile gamers. With a feature set boasting ultra-low latency wireless, high-fidelity audio, and active noise cancellation (ANC), it promises an immersive and uninterrupted experience. But does it live up to the hype?

Unboxing and First Impressions
The Speednova arrives in a sleek, ROG-branded box. Inside, you’ll find the charging case, earbuds, multiple ear tips for a secure fit, a USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, and a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle.

The case itself is compact and lightweight, featuring a subtle RGB lighting strip that adds a touch of gamer flair. The earbuds are comfortable and have a secure, in-ear design. Build quality feels excellent, with a mix of matte and glossy plastics.

Features
The Speednova boasts two key features for competitive gamers: ROG SpeedNova low-latency wireless technology and Bluetooth 5.2. The included dongle provides a rock-solid connection with minimal audio delay, perfect for Twitch-based games where timing is crucial. Bluetooth offers a convenient option for everyday use, and the multipoint functionality lets you connect to two devices simultaneously.

For audiophiles, the Speednova offers high-resolution 24-bit 96 kHz audio support, ensuring crisp and detailed sound. The Dirac Opteo sound enhancement further refines the experience, offering customisable profiles for gaming, movies, and music. The Bass Boost mode adds some much-needed thump for explosion-heavy games.

The ANC on the Speednova is surprisingly effective for in-ears, blocking out a good amount of ambient noise. It comes with an “Auto” mode that automatically adjusts noise cancellation based on your environment. This is handy, but we found manually switching between ANC modes yielded better results in different scenarios.

Another highlight is the Bone Conduction AI microphone. This innovative tech uses bone vibrations in your jaw to enhance voice clarity, resulting in crystal-clear communication during in-game chats or calls. This is a significant improvement over traditional microphones that can struggle with background noise.

Battery Life and Usability
The Speednova boasts a lengthy battery life, with ASUS claiming up to 46 hours of combined use with the charging case. In our testing, we achieved around 5-6 hours per charge on the earbuds themselves, with the case providing multiple top-ups. This is impressive for wireless earbuds, especially considering ANC usage.

The touch controls on the earbuds are responsive and customisable through the Armoury Crate software. They offer basic functions such as play/pause, volume control, and skipping tracks.

Gaming Performance
The Speednova shines when it comes to mobile gaming. The combination of low-latency wireless, clear audio, and comfortable design makes for extended gaming sessions without fatigue. Footsteps and in-game cues are reproduced accurately, giving you a competitive edge. The microphone ensures your teammates can hear you loud and clear, even in noisy environments.

Music and Entertainment
While the Speednova prioritises gaming, it also holds its own for music and entertainment. The customisable audio profiles allow you to tailor the sound to your preference. The strong bass response is enjoyable for action movies and certain music genres.

Call Quality
The Bone Conduction AI microphone makes the Speednova a great choice for calls. During our tests, voice came through crisp and clear, even in moderately noisy environments. This makes the Speednova a good option for gamers who frequently use voice chat or for those who take a lot of calls on the go.

Verdict
The ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova is a compelling option for mobile gamers seeking a feature-rich, low-latency wireless experience. The combination of excellent audio quality, effective ANC, and comfortable design makes it a strong contender in the crowded wireless earbud market. The ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova comes across as highly recommended.

Price: AED 950 approx.

ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova
AED 950 approx.










  • Final Rating

4









Summary

For audiophiles, the Speednova offers high-resolution 24-bit 96 kHz audio support, ensuring crisp and detailed sound. The Dirac Opteo sound enhancement further refines the experience, offering customisable profiles for gaming, movies, and music. The Bass Boost mode adds some much-needed thump for explosion-heavy games.

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