Review: Xiaomi Mi 11T Android Smartphone

December 6th, 2021

Xiaomi 11T, together with the Xiaomi 11T Pro and a refreshed Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE, is the latest addition to the Xiaomi 11 family of flagship smartphones. Overall, you get a mid-range smartphone with flagship-level features at a reasonable price.

The Xiaomi 11T comes in 3 colors: Meteorite Gray, Moonlight White, and Celestial Blue.

The Xiaomi 11T comes in 3 colors: Meteorite Gray, Moonlight White, and Celestial Blue.

The Xiaomi 11T & Xiaomi 11T Pro are the company’s first smartphones to do away with the Mi prefix and branding.

Both phones continue the product line’s focus on creators and content creation.

There are two configurations available for the Xiaomi 11T, both with 8GB RAM:

  • 8GB + 256GB (S$649)
  • 8GB + 128GB (S$629)

With only S$20 separating the two configurations, it’s a no-brainer to go for the version with 256GB storage.

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TUCU Review: Belkin SCREENFORCE UltraGlass Treated Screen Protector for iPhone 13 Pro Max

December 5th, 2021

Tech-U-Can-Use (TUCU): Guest reviewer Jennifer Lee just received her new iPhone 13 Pro Max so in order to protect it, she got herself the Belkin SCREENFORCE UltraGlass screen protector and applied it herself to the phone. Here’s her experience.

#tech4xmas: This SCREENFORCE UltraGlass screen protector from Belkin makes an ideal Christmas present for the iPhone 13 Pro Max owner.

#tech4xmas: This SCREENFORCE UltraGlass screen protector from Belkin makes an ideal Christmas present for the iPhone 13 Pro Max owner.

I am amazed at how easy the application was.

No fuss, just follow the very simple step by step visual guide (included) using the Easy Align Tray.

Belkin makes it easy and fuss-free to self-apply the SCREENFORCE UltraGlass screen protector DIY, as the reviewer tried out.

Unlike most screen protectors, the Belkin Ultraglass application was flawless, precise and bubble-free even at the first attempt.

The Ultraglass feels seamless on the screen, without any curves or bends and you won’t realise there is another layer of screen protector on top.

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TUCU: Belkin BoostCharge USB-C PD 3.0 PPS Wall Charger 25W

December 4th, 2021

Tech-U-Can-Use (TUCU): My mom’s in-box power supply for her phone died on her, so I got her a replacement wall charger – as a replacement and upgrade.

The Belkin BoostCharge USB-C PD 3.0 PPS Wall Charger 25W is an intelligent charger for those new phones that doesn’t include chargers in the box, as a second charger at the office, or simply as a spare/backup charger.

The Belkin BoostCharge USB-C PD 3.0 PPS Wall Charger 25W is an intelligent charger for those new phones that doesn’t include chargers in the box, as a second charger at the office, or simply as a spare/backup charger.

The main features of Belkin’s BoostCharge 25W wall charger can be gleaned from its lengthy name.

It’s a wall charger, it can charge at up to 25W max power, it uses USB-C, it is PD 3.0 certified, and it is equipped with PPS technology.

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The Growing Need for Third-Party Chargers

December 3rd, 2021

It used to be that the new phones come with chargers in the box, but phone makers are now beginning to exclude the charger in the box. So we’ll begin to shop more for 3rd-party chargers.

Do you remember these different plugs for different chargers, not to mention different power ratings for each device?

Do you remember these different plugs for different chargers, not to mention different power ratings for each device?

I remember years ago when I was writing for the Straits Times Digital Life about what tech to pack when travelling, I’d lamented that the charger for different phones used proprietary chargers that were not interchangeable – in terms of the plugs and the power ratings.

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tech4xmas Review: Rakuten Kobo Sage & Kobo Libra 2 E-Readers

December 2nd, 2021

An e-reader makes a fantastic Christmas present for an avid reader. I’ve gotten my wife the latest Rakuten Kobo Sage for this year’s X’mas. For those who prefer a slightly smaller form-factor (and lower price-tag), the Kobo Libra 2 is also an excellent e-reader.

The Rakuten Kobo Sage (left) and Kobo Libra 2 are both waterproof to IPX8 rating so you can safely read by the pool and in the bath. In this photo, the new Dark Mode is enabled on the Kobo Sage. Notice that the text is clearly legible even under bright sunlight.

The Rakuten Kobo Sage (left) and Kobo Libra 2 are both waterproof to IPX8 rating so you can safely read by the pool and in the bath. In this photo, the new Dark Mode is enabled on the Kobo Sage. Notice that the text is clearly legible even under bright sunlight.

The Kobo Sage (S$399.90) and Kobo Libra 2 (S$289.90) are the two latest e-readers that Rakuten Kobo launched in October.

The Kobo Sage is slightly cheaper than Amazon’s flagship Kindle Oasis, while the Kobo Libra 2 is similarly priced to the latest Kindle Paperwhite.

 

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Christmas prezzies for the wife and son who are avid readers. The 8″ Kobo Sage (left, in Dark Mode) and 7″ Kobo Libra 2 (with an audiobook) in their sleepcovers which protects them and doubles up as a stand.

The 8-inch Kobo Sage is the new flagship of Kobo’s e-reader line-up, taking over the baton from the Kobo Forma (S$349.90) which is still available.

The 7-inch Kobo Libra 2 is the new version that succeeds the Libra H2O that my wife has been using, with great satisfaction, for the past year – it was her Christmas present for last X’mas.

So what are the key improvements of the two new e-readers?

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New Arrival: Huawei Watch GT 3 & Watch GT Runner Smartwatches

December 1st, 2021

Powered by HarmonyOS, The Huawei Watch GT 3 and Huawei Watch GT Runner will hit the shelves in Singapore on 18 December 2021, with pre-orders from 11-17 Dec. Prices start from S$298. Promotions & pricing details below.

Customers making the pre-order will also receive a free audio neckband, Huawei FreeLace worth S$98 to complement their exercise routines with the Huawei Watch GT 3.

Customers making the pre-order will also receive a free audio neckband, Huawei FreeLace worth S$98 to complement their exercise routines with the Huawei Watch GT 3.

First unveiled last month in October, the Huawei Watch GT 3 Series comes in two sizes – 46mm and 42mm – offering more accurate health and fitness monitoring as well as a new dynamic interface design.

 

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The Huawei Watch GT 3 feels light and looks classy on the wrist.

The Huawei Watch GT Runner has been specially designed for runners and is equipped with a dedicated professional running ability evaluation system for comprehensive tracking.

More details below about the Huawei Watch GT 3 smartwatches from the press release.

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tech4xmas Gift Idea: Watercolour Design Accessories

November 28th, 2021

Looking for some beautiful accessories (phone cases, mouse pads etc) with watercolour paintings on them? Check out Erinsgarden – an e-shop on Redbubble selling print-on-demand stuff based on the watercolour paintings of @kkmakesandbakes.

* Full disclosure: @kkmakesandbakes is my wife.

Phone covers, mouse pads, desk mats and other accessories based on original watercolour paintings specially designed for Christmas. Christmas Collections at Erinsgarden by @kkmakesandbakes.

Phone covers, mouse pads, desk mats and other accessories based on original watercolour paintings specially designed for Christmas. Christmas Collections at Erinsgarden by @kkmakesandbakes.

Fancy an iPad Case and Skin with a watercolour Christmas Puppy on it?

Or a X’mas Kitty Cat gracing your laptop skin?

Or a Vacation Kitty art mug to keep up inspired since most of us aren’t likely to travel this Christmas.

@kkmakesandbakes loves watercolour painting.

She paints as a hobby and friends suggested that she put some of these on Redbubble so people can buy stuff printed with her watercolour paintings on them.

So if you’re looking for a nice accessory as a X’mas gift for a colleague or a loved one, check out her designs!

Virtual Visit to Huawei Health Lab in Dongguan, China

November 26th, 2021

The new Huawei Health Lab in Songshan Lake in Dongguan, China is the third and largest so far and was officially unveiled on 22 October, 2021, during the first day of the Huawei Developer Conference. I was invited to visit (virtually) the facility as part of the showcase to select media from APAC.

The new Huawei Health Lab in Songshan Lake in Dongguan, China

The new Huawei Health Lab in Songshan Lake in Dongguan, China

In its efforts to lead the industry with continuous technological innovation, Huawei opened its first Health Lab in Shenzhen in 2016.

The 700 sqm facility focussed on research on testing and technology of sports and health products.

Huawei Health Labs help the company lead the industry with continuous technological innovation.

Huawei Health Labs help the company lead the industry with continuous technological innovation. * Click to enlarge.

The next Health Lab was built in Xi’an in 2020.

The bigger 1,100 sqm facility explored the innovation and application of sports and health technologies, to help more people to work out scientifically and live a healthy life.

The latest Health Lab in Songshan Lake, Dongguan, is by far the largest – at 4,380 sqm.

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Visit to Dreamcore’s 10,000 sqft Experiential Dream Centre

November 25th, 2021

In celebration of its fifth anniversary, Singapore custom PC company Dreamcore today previewed its brand new Dream Centre – a hub for the company’s growing operations.

The new Dream Centre houses Dreamcore’s expanded office and production capacity, retail and service experience, an eSports training room and more.

The new Dream Centre houses Dreamcore’s expanded office and production capacity, retail and service experience, an eSports training room and more.

The 10,000 square-feet space houses the expanded Dreamcore office, retail, concierge and service zones and a state-of-the-art PC assembly and testing facility, designed to help advance Dreamcore’s two key priorities – custom craft builds and a guided customer experience.

“People may have a certain perception of custom builds – and the challenge is helping them overcome certain barriers around the perceived complexity and hassle of it. It can be a smooth and informed process and that’s what we serve to deliver,” said Shaun Tan, founder and CEO of Dreamcore.

The Dream Centre provides an open, flexible environment that facilitates a range of experiences including product and brand showcases, activations, workshops, live events and competitions.

It includes a dedicated eSports training facility, an integrated gaming experience center, a media production studio and brand spotlight zones.

More details below about the Dream Centre from the press release.

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New Arrival: Nanoleaf Lines Backlit Colour-Changing LED Light Bars

November 23rd, 2021

Nanoleaf Lines comprises short, backlit, colour-changing LED light bars connected with hexagonal joints and pasted onto the wall or ceiling to provide mood lighting. Prices below.

Nanoleaf Lines provides mood lighting for the home, entertainment, and hybrid workspaces.

Nanoleaf Lines provides mood lighting for the home, entertainment, and hybrid workspaces.

The new Nanoleaf Lines comprises short, backlit, colour-changing LED light bars connected with hexagonal joints and pasted onto the wall or ceiling to provide mood lighting.

Each set of Nanoleaf Lines is controlled by a controller which connects to a phone app via Wi-Fi.

More details below from the press release.

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