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Thomas Ricker

Thomas Ricker

Deputy Editor

Deputy Editor

    More From Thomas Ricker

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    4 out of 5 EU smartphones fail to provide repair information.

    Self-reporting isn’t working, based upon an investigation by Right to Repair Europe. For the last year, tablet and phone manufacturers (and importers) have been required to provide repair instructions and prices for spare parts on a website, but over 80 percent fail to do so. Some leave the field blank, or worse: provide a generic link to temu.com or Aliexpress.com.

    This Shenzen I17 tablet shows a perfect repair score but refers prospective owners to Temu.com for spare parts info and repair instructions.
    This Shenzen I17 tablet shows a perfect repair score but refers prospective owners to Temu.com for spare parts info and repair instructions.
    Image: Right to Repair Europe
    Solar power is having its toaster moment

    The US is finally reclassifying plug-in solar as a household appliance to offset high energy costs.

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Jackery and the Red Cross made an emergency backup battery.

    The Explorer 2000 Plus v2 packs a 2kWh LFP battery and features a Storm Warning Function to automatically pre-charge ahead of severe weather, and an emergency reserve mode to ensure there’s always power available in case of disaster. It supports 800W of maximum solar input, 3600W of AC output, and up to 12kWh of battery expansion capacity. It launches on September 29th for $1,199, alongside a few other Jackery x Red Cross models. More specs in the pics that follow.

    <em>Among its DC and AC inputs and outputs is one 140W USB-C jack with AVS (Adjustable Voltage Supply) support.</em>
    <em>It measures 366 x 255 x 272mm (14.4 x 10 x 10.7 inches) and weighs 18.8kg (41.4 pounds).</em>
    1/2
    Among its DC and AC inputs and outputs is one 140W USB-C jack with AVS (Adjustable Voltage Supply) support.
    Image: Jackery
    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Aurzen’s fun little tri-fold projector goes Pro.

    The autofocusing and keystone-correcting projector I enjoyed last year is now twice as bright (200 ANSI lumens) with a bump to 1080p. It supports AirPlay, Google Cast, and “an industry-first Type-C direct projection for Nintendo Switch.” The Zip Pro is notably larger, lasts up to 2.5 hours off battery, supports Bluetooth audio when its itty-bitty stereo speakers won’t do, and can be preordered for $579.99 — nearly double the cost of the original 720p model. Have a look at Aurzen’s weak-sauce AI imagery for more details.

    <em>The tri-fold design makes it super portable and adaptable.</em>
    <em>It measures 115mm × 97mm × 44mm / 4.53 × 3.82 × 1.73 inches when folded.</em>
    <em>The future, envisioned in the 1950s.</em>
    <em>How it compares to the previous model.</em>
    <em>lol, these renders suck.</em>
    <em>Generative AI is so fun!</em>
    <em>Okay.</em>
    <em>Okaaaay.</em>
    <em>200 ANSI lumens will need blackout conditions to be enjoyable.</em>
    <em>You go, biz boy.</em>
    1/10
    The tri-fold design makes it super portable and adaptable.
    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Xgimi’s 4K 120Hz UST projector starts at just $2,199.

    That’s less than half the price of other 4k 120Hz ultra-short throw projectors, but it requires a $50 preorder deposit on Xgimi’s Aura 3 Max, else the price rises to $2,399. For that you get specs like 5,700 ISO Lumens and an 8,000:1 contrast ratio for a giant, 120-inch image projected onto the wall from just eight inches away. VRR, ALLM, and a claimed input lag as low as 1ms also makes it great for gamers and sports fans who can afford to hate televisions.

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    You’ll also want to pay extra for an ALR screen to maximize that image contrast and color.
    You’ll also want to pay extra for an ALR screen to maximize that image contrast and color.
    Image: Xgimi
    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Dbrand goes minimal.

    Its new MNML sub-brand makes simple and clean cases to protect iPhones, Pixel and Galaxy phones, and AirPods for “people that hate Dbrand.” The initial range launches in four colors with a sandstone texture on September 9th, the same day as Apple’s iPhone event — hint. Prices range from $29.95 to $39.95.

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    The MNML range launches on September 9th.
    The MNML range launches on September 9th.
    Image: Dbrand