Category: Home

October 3, 2024
Xiaomi Launches Affordable WiFi 7 Router with 3.57 Gbps Speed
Xiaomi has introduced its budget-friendly WiFi 7 router, the BE3600, in China earlier this year in January. After a lengthy nine-month wait, the router is now available on the global stage, although there hasn’t been much excitement around its launch.
Specifications of the Xiaomi BE3600 Router
The BE3600 router supports a dual-band wireless speed of 3570Mbps. This represents a 44% increase in performance when compared to WiFi 6, largely due to the inclusion of a 5G frequency band that utilizes 2×2 160MHz.
Still, like many low-cost routers, the Xiaomi BE3600 does come with a drawback. It operates solely on the 2.4G and 5G frequency bands, lacking support for the 6GHz band. Consequently, the data transfer speeds are somewhat limited. Xiaomi claims that the 5GHz band can reach a peak of 2,882 MBit/s, while the 2.4GHz band maxes out at only 688 MBit/s.
Performance and Connectivity Features
Under the hood, the router is equipped with a Qualcomm 4-core 1.1GHz processor, delivering a computing performance of 10120 DMIPS. This capability allows it to handle up to 128 devices simultaneously, making it perfect for setups with multiple connected devices.
In terms of connectivity, the Xiaomi WiFi 7 router features one 2.5G network port along with three Gigabit network ports that fully support 2000M broadband. It also provides dual broadband access and dual LAN aggregation, enhancing its usability. Moreover, the router includes customizable ports specifically designed for IPTV and esports, catering to different user requirements.
Pricing Information and Global Release
As of now, Xiaomi has not disclosed the global pricing for the BE3600 WiFi 7 router. The company may announce pricing details for various markets in the near future. We will definitely keep you posted on any updates regarding this matter.
Tags: BE3600, WiFi 7 Router, Xiaomi
October 2, 2024
Govee Table Lamp 2 Launches in More Countries Worldwide
The Govee Table Lamp 2 has launched in North America after its earlier release in Europe this year. This updated version boasts several enhancements compared to its predecessor, including a peak brightness of 500 lumens, which is an increase of 150 lumens.
Features and Customization
With the Table Lamp 2, users can choose from 16 million colors and access over 60 preset scenes. The accompanying app also features a DIY mode, allowing you to design your own lighting effects. Additionally, you can modify the white color temperature, ranging from 2,700K to 6,500K. Other notable features include timed lighting options to assist with waking up or falling asleep, music synchronization for lighting, and the capability to display simple patterns on the lamp. You can control the lighting remotely via the app, through voice commands, or directly using the touch panel integrated into the lamp.
Smart Home Integration
Moreover, this smart lamp is Matter-compatible, which means it can easily connect with various smart home systems. In North America, the Govee Table Lamp 2 is currently available for a promotional price of $64.99 in the US and CA$79.99 in Canada, which is a savings of $5/CA$20 from the regular retail price of $69.99/CA$99.99.regular retail price of $69
Govee, 9to5Toys’
Tags: Govee Table Lamp 2, Matter-compatible, Smart Lighting
October 2, 2024
Govee Launches New Outdoor Christmas String Lights 2
Govee has introduced the Christmas String Lights 2 worldwide. Customers in the US can select from four different lengths: 66ft, 99ft, 164ft, and 328ft. In Europe, however, only the two shorter options are available, which correspond to 20m and 30m.
Advanced Features
The Christmas String Lights 2 utilize Govee’s newest RGBW LED technology, featuring 200, 300, 500, and 1,000 lamp beads depending on the length. Users can pick from a diverse palette of colors and various shades of white light, or choose from over 130 pre-set animated scenes, including ten modes that sync with music. Additionally, an AI tool can create personalized lighting effects based on text, audio, and image inputs. The Govee app allows for remote control of the smart lights, and Matter compatibility enables integration with smart home systems like Apple Home and Google Home.
Durability and Availability
These smart lights are rated IP65 for waterproof and dustproof capabilities, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments. All lengths come with a green wire, while the three shorter options are also available in white for US customers. The starting price for the Govee Christmas Lights 2 is $99.99/£99.99/€99.99. Some models are currently offered at discounted prices in various regions, although the duration of these promotions is uncertain. A detailed price list with discount information is available below.
Tags: Govee Christmas String Lights 2, RGBW LED Technology, Waterproof Smart Lights
October 2, 2024
BenQ TK710STi 4K Laser Projector Launch in India for Rs. 3,59,000
BenQ has introduced its newest product in home entertainment and gaming: the TK710STi 4K Smart Short Throw Laser Projector. This cutting-edge projector is tailored for those living in smaller spaces and features authentic 4K UHD resolution, HDR10 support, and an impressive brightness of 3,200 ANSI lumens. These specifications allow for breathtaking visuals, even in brightly lit rooms. Below are the details regarding the specifications, features, and price of the BenQ TK710STi.
Specifications and Features of BenQ TK710STi
The BenQ TK710STi 4K Smart Short Throw Laser Projector provides true 4K UHD resolution, HDR10 support, and a brightness level of 3,200 ANSI lumens. This ensures clear and vibrant images, even in well-lit conditions. Utilizing BenQ’s sophisticated laser light technology, the projector achieves an outstanding contrast ratio of 600,000:1 and covers 95% of the Rec.709 wide color gamut. This results in remarkable image depth, clarity, and color precision.
Ideal for Gamers
For gaming fans, the TK710STi is particularly impressive with an input lag as low as 4.16ms, making it perfect for an engaging gaming experience. It supports high frame rates like 4K at 60Hz, 1440p at 120Hz, and 1080p at 240Hz, ensuring smooth gameplay across various resolutions. Furthermore, it includes dedicated HDR game modes that are optimized for RPG and FPS games, enhancing immersion and responsiveness on a large 4K HDR screen.
Short Throw and Smart Features
The projector is built for compact living spaces, able to project a large 100-inch image from just 5.5 feet away. Its short throw ability is enhanced by features like 4-corner correction, 3D keystone correction, and a 1.2x zoom, making installation flexible and straightforward for different room layouts.
Additionally, the integrated Android TV system, which includes access to Netflix, allows users to enjoy a broad selection of streaming content seamlessly. The HDR10 support, high contrast ratio, and extensive color gamut work together to create a cinematic viewing experience.
Pricing and Availability in India
The BenQ TK710STi is priced at Rs. 3,59,000 and is available through leading home AV integration and smart home automation partners in India. This pricing strategy makes the TK710STi an attractive option for consumers seeking a high-performance projector that combines advanced features with user-friendly installation in smaller spaces.
Tags: 4K Laser Projector, BenQ TK710STi, Short Throw Gaming Projector
October 1, 2024
Apple to Launch Two Smart Home Displays, Cheaper Model in 2025
According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Apple is in the process of creating two smart home displays. The first device, identified by the model number "J595", is a higher-end option expected to be priced above $1,000. This model features a display similar to that of an Apple iPad Pro mounted on a motorized robotic arm, allowing it to automatically orient towards the user.
Upcoming Budget-Friendly Device
The second device, which has the codename "J490", is anticipated to hit the market early next year. Previous reports suggest that this model will be powered by the Apple A18 ARM chip, also seen in the Apple iPhone 16, and will feature an almost square touchscreen. Both smart home displays are said to run on homeOS, a system Apple is developing based on tvOS. This software is expected to include AI capabilities, marketed under the familiar "Apple Intelligence" brand.
Features and Functionality
The more affordable device will support applications like Calendar, Notes, and Apple Home, with a user interface designed for easy management of smart home devices and clear presentation of relevant information. Additionally, rumors indicate that the smart home display will enable video calls through FaceTime and will have the ability to play videos and music, which can be streamed wirelessly from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac using Apple AirPlay. Bloomberg also mentioned that Apple is currently evaluating a design that would allow the display to be magnetically affixed to a wall.
Tags: Apple, J490, J595
September 30, 2024
Unboxing Leaked: Anker Zolo 4-Port 140W Wall Charger with Display
Earlier in September 2024, Anker’s Zolo 140W charger was leaked, capturing a lot of attention as it marked the company’s first wall charger featuring a display. Recently, a new unboxing video from Xiao Li TV on YouTube offers an in-depth look at this eagerly awaited Anker wall charger. The video includes a thorough overview of the charger’s design, its contents, and the display in action, reinforcing earlier information about the product. Below are some important screenshots from the video:
Key Features and Design
The video highlights the charger’s standout features, particularly its digital display, along with three USB-C ports and one USB-A port. Two of the USB-C ports can deliver up to 140W each, while the third port has a maximum output of 40W. The digital display provides real-time power output for each port, a feature that has also been part of Anker’s previous power banks. This allows users to easily track charging efficiency, adding practicality to the charger and enhancing the unboxing experience. The package includes a white braided USB-C to USB-C cable, which was utilized to charge what appears to be the 24,000 mAh Anker 737 power bank, currently available for $109.99 on Amazon.

Additional Features and Travel Friendliness
Moreover, the unboxing video reveals that the charger has a folding plug, a feature that was previously speculated but not confirmed, making it a great option for travelers, despite its weight of 350g. Interestingly, when the charger is plugged into a wall socket without a device connected, the display shows a humorous ‘-_-‘ emoji.
While there is no official release date or pricing information yet, this unboxing provides a valuable hands-on preview of what could be one of Anker’s most versatile chargers to date.
Xiao Li TV via YouTube and u/LyftedX via r/Anker subreddit.
Tags: Anker Zolo 140W charger, digital display, unboxing video
September 30, 2024
Baseus PicoGo 45W Fast Charger Launches to Compete with Anker Nano II
The Baseus PicoGo 45W charger has officially launched and is competing directly with the Anker Nano II. However, there are certain features that make the Anker option more appealing. One notable advantage is that the Nano II includes a foldable plug, which enhances its portability.
Compact Design but Lacking Foldability
While the PicoGo 45W power adapter boasts a compact design, it does not feature a foldable plug. In addition, the Anker Nano II has a price edge; it typically retails for $23.99 (currently $19.99 on Amazon), while Baseus’s new product is priced at $25.99.
Advanced Technology in Charging
Despite this, the PicoGo 45W presents some advantages of its own. It incorporates GaN 6 technology, whereas the Nano II uses GaN 2. Baseus claims that this latest technology improves efficiency, achieving an energy conversion rate of 93%.
Versatile Charging Standards
Another key feature of the Baseus PicoGo 45W charger is its compatibility with multiple charging standards, including PD 3.0, QC 3.0, PPS, FCP, AFC, and SCP. Although Anker provides limited details on the protocols supported by the Nano II, it does confirm compatibility with PPS.
Safety Features and Cooling System
Baseus also emphasizes the safety features of the PicoGo 45W fast charger. The company states that the adapter monitors the charging status 720,000 times every hour, ensuring safe and stable charging experiences. Additionally, it includes a dual heat dissipation cooling system to manage temperature effectively.
Tags: Anker Nano II, Baseus PicoGo 45W, GaN Technology
September 30, 2024
Sustainable SARC Coating Cools Buildings Without Electricity
SARC (Solar-driven Adaptive Radiative Cooling) is an innovative technology created by scientists at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. It functions on the concept of passive radiative cooling, allowing a building’s surface to release heat as infrared radiation. This mechanism effectively reduces the surface temperature without consuming energy.
Innovative Cooling Solution
The technology utilizes tiny carbon particles, known as carbon dots, to facilitate adaptive cooling for buildings. These dots absorb sunlight and then emit it as lower-energy light, enhancing efficiency in bright sunlight. Applying the coolant coating is straightforward, as it can be done using a paint roller. Furthermore, this coating can be produced in various colors to suit different aesthetic preferences.
Remarkable Temperature Reduction
Research published in the Chemical Engineering Journal highlights the impressive effectiveness of the SARC coating. A roof treated with SARC demonstrated a temperature decrease of 20°C when compared to a standard concrete roof. The temperature of the SARC coating remained significantly lower throughout the day, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, in contrast to an uncoated roof.
Energy and Environmental Benefits
In contrast to conventional building cooling methods, the SARC coating does not require electricity, which could greatly reduce energy usage in homes with air conditioning. Another benefit of the SARC coating is its eco-friendliness. The materials used are devoid of heavy metals, and the carbon dots are non-toxic and biocompatible. While the timeline for commercial availability remains uncertain, researchers are already developing an enhanced version that can not only cool buildings in the summer but also provide warmth during the winter.
Tags: Hong Kong Polytechnic University, SARC, Solar-driven Adaptive Radiative Cooling
September 29, 2024
Giant Energy Dome Could Power 18,000 US Homes for 10 Hours
The Columbia Energy Storage Project at Energy Dome in Pacific, Wisconsin, is implementing a unique approach to energy storage using carbon dioxide. In collaboration with Alliant Energy, a U.S. energy supplier, the primary goal of the project is to provide energy storage for up to 24 hours, which greatly exceeds the typical 4-hour capability of lithium-ion battery systems.
Innovative CO2 Technology
The system relies on supercritical CO2, which is a compressed, liquefied version of carbon dioxide. This closed-loop method captures and stores CO2, subsequently converting it into electricity by allowing the gas to expand through a turbine. Once this process is complete, the CO2 is sent back to storage, making the system highly efficient and reusable. This innovation tackles the difficulty of managing energy output from variable sources such as wind and solar, thereby enhancing the integration of renewable energy into the power grid for a more sustained period.
Recognition and Funding
In 2022, Bloomberg NEF recognized Energy Dome’s project through its Pioneers program for its advancements in low-carbon technology, drawing the interest of the U.S. Department of Energy. In July 2024, the Energy Department awarded $7 million in funding to assist with Phase I of the project, which will concentrate on planning and community outreach over the next 16 to 22 months. This funding forms part of a broader initiative aimed at fostering the growth of renewable energy.
Future Prospects
Alliant Energy anticipates that the Columbia Energy Storage Project will help to stabilize fluctuations in renewable energy production, furthering its commitment to increasing renewable energy capabilities. The project is notable as the first of its kind in the U.S., marking a significant step forward for long-term, carbon-based energy storage solutions.
Tags: Alliant Energy, Columbia Energy Storage Project, Energy Dome
September 28, 2024
Xiaomi Unveils Transparent Power Bank with 212W Fast Charging
Xiaomi has officially launched the Power Bank 25000, which features a transparent design. This design resembles that of the Cuktech 20, which is not surprising since Cuktech is a brand under Xiaomi.
Availability and Pricing
The new power bank is currently available in China, with a pre-sale price set at CNY 549, roughly translating to $78. With a substantial battery capacity of 90.8 Wh, it meets airline safety standards. This allows the power bank to charge devices such as the Xiaomi 14 Pro approximately 3.88 times, the iPhone 15 about 4.91 times, and the MacBook Pro nearly 0.69 times.
Charging Capabilities
In terms of charging speed, the Power Bank 25000 supports fast charging at 212W. However, not all ports can reach this maximum output. According to Xiaomi, the USB-C1 port can provide up to 140W, USB-C2 can deliver 45W, and the USB-A port can give up to 120W. With this configuration, you can charge three devices simultaneously.
When using all three ports at once, the maximum output will be 65W, 27W, and 120W, respectively. Xiaomi has incorporated an intelligent power allocation system that optimizes power distribution to connected devices.
Additional Features
Another impressive aspect of this power bank is its digital display. This built-in screen provides real-time information on charging status, remaining battery life, and the fast charging protocol being utilized.
Moreover, the Power Bank 25000 supports various charging protocols including PPS, PD 3.1, QC 3.0, Samsung AFC, Apple 2.4A, Huawei FCP, and DCP 1.5A. It also includes multiple safety features to ensure secure and stable charging.
Details about global availability and pricing have not been disclosed yet, but Xiaomi typically offers most of its accessories internationally. If you’re interested in a similar product that is already available worldwide, consider the Cuktech 20, which can be found on Amazon.
Tags: CUKTECH 20, fast charging, Xiaomi Power Bank 25000