All posts in “living”

Forget Bitcoin, Here’s Something Bigger…

What’s the most valuable asset in the world? Gold? Bitcoin? AAPL? When single paintings sell for $450 million—our bet is on art. Don’t just take our word for it: Jeff Bezos, Eric Schmidt, and Bill Gates all agree—they pour hundreds of millions into this exclusive alternative asset every year.

What do they know that you don’t? The art world is 4x larger than every cryptocurrency combined. And Contemporary Art prices outperformed S&P 500 returns by 174% from 1995–2020. That’s huge. The only problem? Unless you’ve got $100,000,000, you can’t build a proper art portfolio. Until now.

That’s why we partnered with Masterworks.io, the premier art investing platform. They’ve made the world’s most valuable investment available to everyone at a price point everyone can afford. Now you can invest in multimillion-dollar paintings by artists like Warhol, Banksy, Basquiat—without breaking the bank. 

The best part, Men’s Gear readers skip their waitlist today by using the unique link below:

Masterworks.io

See important disclosures.

Erazor: A Sleek Electric Shaver With Ceramic Blades And A 60-Day Battery Life

Personal grooming is as important as the outfit we wear. As such, always keep your basic hygiene practices in check. These include bathing, brushing your teeth, getting a haircut, and shaving your facial hair. Unless you’re intentionally growing out your moustache, beard, or both, a safety razor should be in your kit. If you prefer convenience, how about the Erazor?

Electric shavers are nothing new, but it’s the innovation that sets each one apart. Although others would argue that these cannot match what a straight razor or even a safety razor can do, there are advantages. You can get the job done faster, shave anywhere, and avoid nicks from the blades.

This fully-funded crowdfunding project addresses a common issue with regular electric shavers. Over time, the metal on the blades and foil will need replacement. Among the two, it’s usually the latter that gets swapped out regularly. What the Erazor brings to the table is the use of ceramic blades.

With proper care and use, these will stay as sharp as the day you got them. Moreover, the material does not rust and is resistant to other types of corrosion. It sits under a 0.05-mm thin stainless steel mesh so you get the closest shave every time.

The Erazor is also IPX7 waterproof so you can use it on wet skin. The cylindrical ABS/aluminum body gives you an ergonomic grip with each use. It measures 2.2” x 1.5” and weighs only 68 grams, which is as portable as you can get. Its 800-mAh battery fully charges in two hours and lasts up to 60 days.

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Images courtesy of Erazor

The NERF LMTD Lineup Adds The Premium Aliens M41-A Pulse Blaster

With the Pentagon recently declassifying videos taken by the military showing pill-shaped UFOs, fascination surrounding extraterrestrials is surging once more. With the renewed interest in a subject we associate with science fiction, NERF’s timing is somewhat just perfect. We’re getting the Aliens M41-A Pulse Blaster – an instant must-have for fans of the movie.

For those who have yet to watch the films, we don’t want to spoil anything for you. However, we just want to point out that weapon it pays tribute to is as iconic as the xenomorphs in the franchise. The Aliens M41-A Pulse Blaster is marketed under the top-shelf NERF LMTD collection.

It’s impressive how the Hasbro-owned brand copies almost every detail from the original. The outline, the digital ammunition counter just below the receiver, and even the sound effects. NERF even equips it with a pump-action secondary blaster which mimics the grenade launcher on the rifle.

The Aliens M41-A Pulse Blaster measures approximately 28 inches and ships with premium packaging. You can choose to just keep it in the box as a display piece at home. Nevertheless, what’s the use of a NERF blaster when you can’t even enjoy its features in actual play.

Like most collectors, you can always grab more than one. Keep one in mint condition, display the other, and have fun with the rest. NERF is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Aliens film with this toy replica. According to the manufacturer, the colorway draws inspiration from the Power Loader. The Aliens M41-A Pulse Blaster ships with 10 Elite darts and 3 Mega darts.

Buy – $94.99

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Images courtesy of NERF

What Are the Benefits of A Water Filter System In the Home?

You’ve probably heard this many times, but it’s true — 70% of your body consists of water. You could technically live without eating for a month, but you couldn’t go over a week or so without drinking water. Pure water is essential for keeping us alive and well. Unfiltered or impure water can easily make you sick. Thanks to advanced modern-day tech — there’s a variety of water filtration systems available in the market. Everyone knows that filtered water is better for your health than regular tap water. However, let’s take a closer look at the key benefits you can expect from installing a water filter at home. 

1. Environmentally Friendly

Pollution is only getting worse with time — and we’re moving closer and closer towards inflicting irreversible damage to the Earth. Bottled water also hugely contributes to this issue. 

It takes three times as much as a plastic bottle’s capacity to manufacture it, and it takes over 300 years to decompose. 

If you could stop buying those bottles by filtering and drinking your tap water, you’d be doing a massive favour to both; your health and the planet! 

If that doesn’t already convince you to start looking for the best water filter, the following four benefits will.

2. It’s Cost-Effective

Yes, purchasing and installing a water filter might cost you a couple of hundred bucks upfront — but you’ll be saving money in the long term as bottled water is significantly more expensive than filtering water. 

3. Filtration Removes the Water’s Impurities

Water has all sorts of impurities that are potentially harmful to your health, your water-based electrical appliances, and your plumbing.

Some contaminants and impurities include chlorine, lead, mercury, magnesium, calcium, fluoride, zinc, etc. 

Moreover, the mineral content in impure water can cause scaling on the surfaces it comes into contact with. As the water dries away, the minerals are left behind in the form of ‘soap scum’, which can be tough to clean up.

4. Filtered Water Is Good for Your Health

Not all of the impurities we’ve mentioned above are bad for your health. Advanced water filters even have processes built into them to ensure your filtered water still contains the minerals that are good for your health and wellbeing.

The health benefits of water filtration involve detoxification, improved digestion, skin hydration, reduction of cancer risks, and better nutrient absorption. Pure water also helps improve your mental health and immune system functioning. 

5. Low Maintenance

Water filters are known to be durable, low maintenance, and easy to fix and replace. Different types and models may require varying levels of effort and expertise for installation, but most of them are pretty easy to set up and use.

Conclusion

There are countless environmental, financial, and medical reasons why you should consider getting a water filtration system installed. 

This short article doesn’t cover all their benefits but hopefully provides you with a decent idea of why you probably need one for your home. 

Say Goodbye To Scooping With The PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter

Cat lovers who struggle to find time to clean up after their pet’s business will want to get their hands on the PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter. It gets the job done for you and even has smart features that make the process engaging and fun. 

This ingenious tech uses 12 built-in high-precision sensors for cleaning, protection, and notification. It has thermal, infrared, emotion, eight, anti-pitch infrared, and smart detection, to name a few. The sensors help detect the cat in real-time. It tells of its weight, prevents any accidents whilst inside, and automates the cleaning process once they are done doing their business. 

The PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter bids goodbye to days of scooping. It removes the solid waste into the 7L waste bin. Then it dispenses a fresh fragrance to purify the air. The automatic odor removal function also sterilizes the home from formaldehyde and protects against influenza. 

Moreover, this home cleaning machine offers wireless control via the PETKIT app. The app also provides real-time information on the cleaning process, your cat’s weight, how often it uses the device and alerts you when it’s time to refill the box. The beauty of this product is that it gives you the option to schedule the cleaning too. You can check on the status via the app or through the built-in OLED display.

The PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter even works with multiple cat litters except for crystals. It has specially-designed filters ideal for plant and bentonite litters. It occupies minimal space and its flat upper cover also doubles as a sleeping mat for your pet. 

Get It Here

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Images courtesy of PETKIT

Pair Your Secretlab Gaming Chair With The Moduar MAGNUS Metal Desk

If you’re one of the many gamers who are planning to overhaul your current gear, Secretlab is offering a bunch of new products right now. Even those who just want to enhance their work from home setup can find something useful. Our personal pick would be the MAGNUS Metal Desk thanks to its versatile features.

Almost a month ago, we shared details about the brand’s TITAN Evo 2022 gaming chair. For the folks who ordered one, perhaps they need another Secretlab product to pair it with. It might as well be the MAGNUS Metal Desk to match the branding and aesthetics.

What we have here is a precision-crafted piece of gaming furniture to optimize ergonomics. Secretlab says it its modular system lets owners mix and match optional accessories just like their gaming rigs. Moreover, it is durable enough to withstand bumps, scrapes, and support heavy loads without flexing.

Even the hinge of each MAGNUS Metal Desk undergoes approximately 10,000 open and close cycles. The company claims it will retain the smooth articulation for years. In fact, they’re backing up the claim with a 5-year warranty.

They’re listing the dimensions as 59” x 27.5” x 29” (W x D x H) and weighs 92.6 lbs. The tabletop can support up to 200 lbs, while the rear cover can take up to 55 lbs. Secretlab goes for a matte black finish for that sleek and stealthy theme.

Of course, the key highlights here are the magnetic accessories to customize it with. No more unsightly cords in disarray as the cable management tray keeps them out of sight. Everything you need to assemble the MAGNUS Metal Desk ships in the box.

Buy – $499

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Images courtesy of Secretlab

Play longer, cooler, and in comfort with GameSir’s F8 Pro Snowgon mobile cooling grip

Video games is a lucrative business and may very well continue to be until the end of time. It all started at the arcades, shifted to people’s homes, and then came handheld gaming. These days, smartphone gaming is at an all-time high and GameSir is ready to enhance our experience. With the F8 Pro Snowgon, you can push it to the limit.

As manufacturers build even more powerful gaming handsets, the heat eventually becomes an issue. Even with all the advanced cooling systems such as heatsinks, vapor chambers, and fans, it’s not enough. This is where GameSir steps in with its mobile cooling grip to help out gamers.

What we like about the F8 Pro Snowgon is how it addresses other aspects of mobile gaming as well. Before we go into detail about that, let’s focus on what this accessory brings to the table. The system uses a combination of components to draw heat away from the device.

These are a 7-blade fan, an aluminum alloy cooling column, a thermoelectric cooler module, a cold plate, and a thermally conductive silicone pad. Just plug it in, toggle the switch, and watch it come to life as the RGB lighting shines from within. You can almost immediately feel how cold it gets.

What comes next is ergonomics as the comfortable grips stretch out and clamp down securely on your smartphone. Then there’s the detachable joystick for games that demand precisions. Finally, the built-in kickstand is there when you need it. Please note that you must plug in the F8 Pro Snowgon to a power source via USB-C for it to work.

Buy – $39.99

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Images courtesy of GameSir

Retro Games Ltd revisits the Commodore Amiga 500 with the THEA500 Mini console

We’re already at the point of just giving up until there is enough inventory hopefully by next year. Even without dropping any names, gamers know we’re talking about the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Although you can occasionally spot restocks Microsoft’s new console, Sony’s game system is as elusive as ever. Thus, we might as well grab the THEA500 Mini.

The demand for modern remakes of vintage consoles is not dying out anytime soon. More so, with people stuck at home due to the pandemic, gaming is the best form of escapism right now. If like us, you already have a growing collection, then Retro Games Ltd introduces another one to add.

This time, they’re paying tribute to another iconic machine – the Commodore Amiga 500 – and it’s remarkable. Primarily marketed as a home computer, it didn’t take long for people to turn it into a gaming PC instead. The THEA500 Mini captures the look of the original but packs modern hardware and features.

It ships with 25 pre-installed games such as Worms: The Director’s Cut, Another World, Battle Chess, Pinball Dreams, and more. Retro Games is not locking you out of the software either. Users can download additional titles supported by the A500, A600, and A1200 platforms.

You can hook it up to your TV or gaming monitors via HDMI. Visual tweaks such as scaling, filters, and variable refresh rates are likewise available. Moreover, Save states will let you quickly jump back into the action after a break. The THEA500 Mini includes a two-button mouse and a USB gamepad. As for the keyboard, it’s purely an aesthetic element but you can always plug in one.

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Images courtesy of Retro Games Ltd

Vadolibero designed the magnificent DOMUS R3 as a refined bike storage system

Let’s just say that you want to take a break from driving around in your exotic supercar. Perhaps a buddy has been bugging you about cycling and its health benefits. Assuming that you are spending a fortune on your two-wheeler, Vadolibero is offering a classy storage solution. Designed as an elegant piece of furniture – the DOMUS R3 — to enhance any space within your home.

Much like high-performance vehicles, some road bikes from leading brands can cost as much as a supercar. The design, materials, and technology these bring to the table are undeniably top-notch. So, you might want to show it off for everyone else to gawk at. The DOMUS R3 and its craftsmanship make that all happen.

It may look like a fancy rack to hang your clothing, but it comes with multiple storage options for your bike and gear. Instead of just a straight rod of satin-polished stainless steel, it is intentionally shaped like the Vadolibero emblem – a stylized handlebar.

The underside features touch-enabled LED lighting to draw all eyes to your ride and accessories when the sun goes down. A regenerated leather mat protects the wooden surface of the base from scratches. Meanwhile, a stainless-steel clamp keeps your bicycle upright on the DOMUS R3.

Cubicles and drawers below provide more space for all kinds of stuff. Wooden pegs let you hang helmets, shades, headphones, and more. Choose between black oak, dark brown oak, Canaletto walnut, and natural oak for the solid wood frame. The Vadolibero DOMUS R3 is a striking bike storage system befitting your precious mechanical steed.

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Images courtesy of Vadolibero

Four Ways for Men to Improve Themselves

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When it comes to self-improvement, it’s often the little things that ultimately help shape who we are as men. Contrary to what some believe, wanting to improve yourself doesn’t mean you’re completely flawed. Sometimes, men just want to make themselves more well-rounded. But you may be stumped on how and where to start your self-improvement journey. Here are four things you can do to make yourself a better man.

Practice Self-Love

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To improve yourself properly, the first step is to practice self-love. Everyone has something they don’t like about themselves or something that makes them feel insecure. But keep in mind that, as a man, you don’t need to have bulging biceps like The Rock to be manly. Self-love stems from accepting yourself. There’s only one you in the world and everything about you is unique.

Once you come to terms with yourself, only then will making yourself a better man become easier. Give yourself a compliment, do something that makes you feel good, like changing your hairdo or buying that jacket you’ve always wanted. There are things every man should own, browse some lists and see what strikes a chord with your new journey of self-improvement. And make sure to be around people who accept you for who you are, not what they want you to be.

Consider Getting a Broader Education

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When you first attended college, you may have felt it was stiff, boring and you just wanted it over with. Or maybe you actually enjoyed your time in college and deepening your knowledge of your preferred career field. Either way, education is one of the most important aspects of a man’s life. Going back to college to increase your knowledge further is a fantastic way to improve yourself.

You can aim to get a brand-new degree in another field that interests you or you can obtain a graduate’s degree to open new opportunities in your current career. Better education means a better job. And a better job usually means a bigger paycheck. Granted, college isn’t free, unfortunately. You still need to pay for it just like you did for your undergraduate’s degree. A great way to pay for your graduate degree is to get a student loan through a private lender. Thanks to their reduced rates, private lenders make paying for a college education easy as it should be.

Stay True to Your Word

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Do you know how people use the phrase involving a man of their word? That’s because it signifies a man who is honest and doesn’t break promises. Not to their friends, their family and especially not to themselves. Being a man of your word shows that you’re able to be trusted and people will respect you more. This is an example of one of many ways to be accountable to both yourself and the people you care about. In both your personal and professional life accountability and staying true to your word go hand in hand.

Control Your Emotions

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One of the most impactful ways of self-improvement is learning how to control your emotions. Specifically, negative ones such as anger, hate and envy. Mastering these emotions will make you a better person as a whole and not just as a man. It may be tempting to lash out in anger or express constant disdain for someone who seems better than you, but it’s not worth wasting mental and emotional energy. It also ends up making you feel worse than before. Instead of worrying about others and their life, use the time and energy on yourself.

8BitDo’s new Xbox Media Remote features backlit buttons and versatile compatibility

For the longest time, 8BitDo has been an awesome source of retro-themed gaming peripherals. Although many of its product designs are inspired by Nintendo’s classic silhouettes, it caters to other platforms as well. Generally, its controllers are compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, Steam, Raspberry Pi, and the Switch via Bluetooth. Now, Xbox users can grab a Media Remote for their consoles.

Just like Sony’s gaming systems, the Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S all ship with multimedia capabilities. Aside from gaming, users can access entertainment services such as Netflix, YouTube, Twitch, Hulu, HBO Max, and others.

You can just use the supplied controller to navigate and operate, but a Media Remote is much more convenient. Just like when you watch cable TV, the traditional shape of a remote just feels natural. The button placements make it perfect for one-hand operation.

In fact, Microsoft sells a dedicated Media Remote, which is compatible with previous and current-generation systems. What 8BitDo markets are more affordable yet high-quality alternatives. Moreover, there are two variants available: Long Edition and Short Edition.

Both models will work with the older and latest Xbox units. The Long Edition would pair nicely with the Xbox Series X with its black color scheme. It features a full number pad alongside all the necessary buttons for various functions.

Meanwhile, the Short Edition Media Remote sports a beautiful white colorway and is more compact. It ditches the number pad and a few other buttons. Motion sensors automatically engage the backlight for low-light visibility. 8BitDo executes everything cleanly and we think you’ll love it.

Check it out

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Images courtesy of 8BitDo

Maiullari’s Cooking Box designed by Giovanni Pesce is an all-in-one kitchen solution

Living in smaller homes is quickly catching on with people embracing minimalist lifestyles. As long as all the basic amenities are in place, it should be good enough. If you want to optimize the available space, many types of modular furniture are a clever alternative. Maybe something like the Cooking Box from Maiullari is the type of versatility your residence needs.

Normally, convertible fixtures require custom work. These days, even big-name manufacturers are getting in on the fun. Even with the growing demand, most of the available models focus on the living and sleeping areas of the house. Perhaps Maiullari knows it and opts to focus somewhere else.

The Cooking Box lives up to its namesake as it looks exactly like one, albeit more stylish, when not in use. Designed by Giovanni Pesce, the monobloc body measures 38.2 inches deep when close. When opened, the main section is thicker at 25.4 inches, while the other half is at 12.8 inches.

Other dimensions of the Cooking Box were not available as of this writing. One side is fixed to your kitchen wall as it needs to be hooked up to your plumbing and power outlet. Here you can find a sink, hob, oven, dishwasher, and fridge. Meanwhile, the lid smoothly swings open with the help of wheels and functions as the pantry.

There are shelves to hold bottles, condiments, and other meal preparation necessities. We can also see some drawers for even more storage. Maiullari points out that a folding table is included as well. The outer surface looks like concrete, but we’re guessing it’s also wooden like the interior. The Cooking Box may seem innovative, but it caters to a niche market.

Learn more

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Images courtesy of Maiullari 

The IKEA Starkvind Air Purifier Is An Elegant Addition to Any Room Setup

Air purifiers have taken on new meaning since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, with homes and establishments always in the market for the most sustainable and reliable option. But seldom you can find one that comes in an esthetically pleasing design, such as the IKEA Starkvind Air Purifier. 

The Swedish brand takes a humble bedside table to great heights by incorporating digital upgrades. An entry into its IKEA Home smart category, this indoor device is ideal for rooms up to 215 square feet. It can be used on its own but when connected to the TRÅDFRI gateway, it turns into a wireless home cleaning device. You can control and schedule air cleaning via the IKEA Home smart app.

Moreover, the IKEA Starkvind Air Purifier gives you five different fan speeds and an auto-mode function. In auto, the fan speed adjusts accordingly to the amount of  PM2.5 in the air. It also has a built-in quality sensor that tells you the current indoor air quality through the app. 

This house humidifier also has a 3-filter system. The pre-filter captures big particles such as hair and dust. It also filters out 99.5% of smaller airborne particles such as pollens and other allergens. Then it also has gas cleaning which absorbs various gaseous pollutants, including formaldehyde, smoke from cigarettes or cooking, and other VOCs. 

The IKEA Starkvind Air Purifier is available in two versions: as a stand-alone model or as a bedside table model. It will be available in the market starting October 2021 in IKEA retail channels. 

Get It Here

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Images courtesy of IKEA

Preorders for Heatworks’ cutting-edge Tetra countertop dishwasher are now available

If it weren’t for technology, we would still be cleaning stuff the traditional way. Vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and dishwashers are taking the effort out of the equation. These days we’re seeing compact versions of the latter two becoming available. To automate your cleanup after a meal, Heatworks presents the Tetra countertop dishwasher.

Most homes normally have their dishwashers installed beside the kitchen sink. These bulky machines normally need access to your plumbing. Although you can hook these up with the help of the user guide, others choose to have professionals handle the job instead.

The Tetra is offering a convenient solution without all the hassle. What makes it appealing is the compact physical footprint and self-contained configuration. As Heatworks points out, it does not need a direct connection to your pipes.

Basically, it boasts a plug-and-use convenience perfect for small families, dorm rooms, renters, and RVs. Not only that, the dishwasher sports an eye-catching profile with the unique shape of its lid and sleek main body. The Tetra measures 17.3 x 17 x 15.75 inches and weighs 25 lbs.

Heatworks ships it with a standard dish rack, a silverware basket, a spatula to help remove food, and a detergent cartridge. To use, just lift the lid, pour three liters of water, load it, and choose a cleaning cycle. Once complete, all that’s left to do is empty the graywater tank and that’s it.

According to the manufacturer, it uses 40% less water than your average dishwasher. The proprietary cleaning system is good for more than 20 wash cycles. Heatworks says the cartridges are recyclable and cost about the same as any premium dishwashing detergent. Moreover, the Tetra will notify you when there are approximately five washes left.

Preorder now – $399

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Images courtesy of Heatworks

Best 12 Egg Boilers

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Micro-Landscaping Is Made Easy with The Bibury 5-1 Gardening Tool

Gardening enthusiasts can benefit from the features provided by the Bibury 5-1 Gardening Tool. You will find it very useful especially if you’re out in the yard and don’t know what you’re up against.

This keychain multitool lets you pack light because it not only features the quintessential pruning shears. It also has a 1.46″ knife, which would definitely come in handy for other cutting purposes. It also has a bark shovel and wood saw to cut small twigs. Then there’s the fold-out hook to hang it on a belt loop or carabiner. All parts and construction use heat-treated 420 stainless steel for strength and crafted using high-quality engineering for years of reliable performance.

The  Bibury 5-1 Gardening Tool is comfortable in the hands with its ergonomic design. Its handle is made with aluminum oxide for strength and stiffness. It is also 3D-machined textured for a reliable and firm grip. Likewise, the scissors automatically rebound thanks to built-in springs, thus making your work fast and easy. This lessens the risk of accidental cuts that often happens when prying stuck blades manually.

Moreover, this garden gear is great for everyday carry and can easily make it to the items in your  survival kit. It only weighs 252 grams which makes it also ideal to use on small plants like bonsais, potted plants, small fruit and vegetables, and for micro landscaping.

The Bibury 5-1 Gardening Tool comes with a durable nylon sheath or belt booster for safe carry. It also has a security lock that keeps the pruner in place and folds close for a compact carry.

Get It Here

Images courtesy of Bibury

Nintendo finally unveils the Switch OLED model and its minor upgrades

Ever since Nintendo released the V2 model of the Switch, the gaming industry started to speculate about what will follow. Since last year, rumors were already circulating about a new version of the hybrid console sporting a bigger display. Others were saying that it could be the brand’s next-generation system. Instead, we are getting an OLED panel upgrade and more.

Those who were hoping to see Nintendo’s answer to the Sony PS5 and Xbox Series X are likely disappointed right now. Earlier this year, there were talks of more powerful chipsets, OLED displays, bigger internal storage, and 4K resolution support while docked. It seems the global chip shortage might have pushed back plans.

Nevertheless, we are glad that Nintendo is finally addressing some of the Switch’s shortcomings. Obviously, the upcoming model’s defining update is the 7-inch OLED touchscreen. This is notably bigger than its predecessor’s 6.2-inch IPS LCD, but the resolution remains the same at 1280 x 720.

Next, is the internal storage, which now grows from 32 GB to 64 GB. The Switch OLED still supports microSDHC/microSDXC expansion (up to 2 TB). No changes to the processor, which is a custom NVIDIA Tegra. To improve your online experience, the dock now has a dedicated LAN port.

Another oversight that Nintendo finally fixes on the Switch OLED is the kickstand. The previous two versions can be propped up at a single angle only. As such, the new one touts a more robust design, is wider, and can hold your device at different angles. Finally, it also ships in a new colorway with white Joy-Cons and dock.

Preorder yours now

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Images courtesy of Nintendo

LEGO welcomes the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor to its Technic catalog as a 1,389-piece kit

With a generous amount of imagination and a boatload of LEGO bricks, you can practically design anything under the sun. Just look at those huge display models in toy stores or those uploaded by content creators online. Meanwhile, it’s also fun to follow a detailed instruction manual to build something like this sweet. For example, this 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor set.

This new kit is marketed under the Danish toymaker’s Technic banner, which means it will be one massive undertaking. Even veteran brick builders will love the challenge it brings to the table. Out of the box, there are 1,379 pieces to work with.

Also, a preview of the finished product on the box suggest it will comprehensive replica of the pickup truck. LEGO did not only focus on the exterior aspect of the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor. Instead, the level of intricacy the Technic lineup touts extends to the interior and more.

You can build a scale model of the actual vehicle’s V6 engine complete with moving pistons. Next. All four of its wheels feature a working suspension system just like the real thing. Now you can simulate how the pickup track can effortlessly tackle even the most difficult terrain.

Other articulating parts include the hood, the four doors, and the tailgate at the rear. The LEGO Technic 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor comes in an orange paint job with black accents. Even the Raptor badging is visible as a decal just above the rear fenders. Finally, once fully assembled, it stands over 6 inches high and is about 16.5 inches long. This is a great alternative when board games just don’t cut it.

Buy – $99.99

Images courtesy of LEGO

The black paint finish on this new Leica M 10-R gives it a sleek and stealthy vibe

Many modern smartphones ranging from mid to flagship models are now equipped with amazing imaging components. In fact, some are considerably superior to your average digital or DSLR. Still, ask any photography enthusiast and they prefer to stick with traditional gear. If so, then perhaps the new M 10-R in a black paint finish from Leica might be what they need.

The German group has been in the business since 1914 and is known for its hand-assembled lenses and other products related to optics. In fact, it continues to earn praises for the amazing camera technology the ships with Huawei’s high-end handset models.

The M 10-R is a wonderful and compact option for professionals and casual photographers alike. We love how Leica chooses to retain the classic aesthetic. Plus, the blackout colorway is another personal favorite of ours here. In fact, the familiar red dot logo of the brand is no longer visible.

Instead, you have the Leica branding in a cursive white font followed by a print below that reads Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Germany. Then there’s the ISO and shutter speed dials and their signature cross knurling with a release button in a silver chrome finish.

The sleek and premium mirrorless camera boasts an all-metal die-cast magnesium body. This provides a lightweight and durable construction. Likewise the black synthetic leather cover of the M 10-R that not only looks good but enhances your grip as well.

Underneath the glossy black coat of the top section is brass. Unless you are really careful with your M 10-R, it will eventually chip off. Still, this is part of Leica’s gimmick as the metal eventually develops a unique patina over time. Finally, a 1/4-inch DIN stainless steel tripod tread can be found on the bottom.

Buy – $9,295

Images courtesy of Leica

The Atari VCS is a retro gaming console and upgradeable mini PC all in one

We’re already halfway into 2021 which is also about seven months since the gaming industry officially saw the arrival of next-generation consoles. To date, both the Xbox Series X and PS5 remain difficult to find due to the production delays brought about by the global component shortage. Still, if you want a new game system, why not check out the Atari VCS.

After the release of the NES Classic Edition, it ignited a craze for modern remakes of past platforms. So far, we’ve seen multiple releases from Nintendo, Sony, SNK, Konami, and more. Now, one of the old-school greats is ready to enter an already saturated market.

Instead of sticking with the same formula as the competition, Atari is marketing the VCS with a unique gimmick. Running the show is an AMD Ryzen R1606G SoC with 8 GB of RAM. It packs 32 GB of internal storage. You can actually upgrade the latter two since it can double as a mini PC.

Owners can install Linux, ChromeOS, or Windows, which is surprisingly versatile. Atari is doing a fantastic job with the design. The VCS manages to capture the vintage silhouette of the 2600. The company was teasing the retro game system in 2017 with a crowdfunding campaign following in 2018.

The original release date was supposedly 2019, but development difficulties pushed the launch back. Nonetheless, after shipping out units to backers first, the console is now available for purchase. The $299.99 VCS ships with 18 arcade games and 82 titles from the 2600 for a total of 100 Atari games. Meanwhile, the $399.99 Black Walnut version not only looks better but also includes a wireless joystick and controller.

Buy – $299.99

Images courtesy of Atari