Amazon 3rd Gen Echo Dot 2018 Review

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It’s been two years since Amazon Echo Dot 2nd Gen released. Amazon launched a new version (3rd Gen) Echo Dot in 2018.

Design

image of amazon 3rd gen echo dotAt about 4 inches in diameter and weighing over half a pound, the new Dot got bigger and heavier than the predecessor. That’s because it has a more powerful 1.6-inch speaker, which is a half inch larger than a 2nd Dot’s speaker.

The most noticeable difference from the prior model is a fabric rim on its side. And the edges of the top and bottom are rounder. Personally, I prefer the previous design. I don’t know why Amazon wants to make the new Dot look similar to Google Home Mini.

Sound

image of amazon 3rd gen echo dotThanks to a larger speaker, it can deliver a lot louder and better sound than the previous model. The drawback is that it requires more electricity than 2nd Dot. While 2nd Dot needs 9W, 3rd Dot does 15 W. It uses a proprietary barrel connector. And the cord is not detachable from the adapter. You can’t use a phone charger to power the new Dot.

Stereo-Pairing

The new Dot supports Amazon’s new stereo-pairing feature. The feature allows you to use two Dots as the left and right speakers on each. And you can also pair them with the new Echo Sub for the boosted bass of a 2.1-style setup. 2nd Dot and 1st Echo are not capable of this feature.

Microphones

image of amazon 3rd gen echo dot2nd Dot has seven microphones, and 3rd Dot has four. Unlike speakers, quality of microphone doesn’t have a much noticeable difference.

Color

The new Dot is available in three different colors, Charcoal, Heather Gray, and Sandstone. They are all basically different shades of gray.

Price

The original price of 3rd Gen is the same as 2nd. It’s $49.99.

New Features

Around the time of the release of new Echo devices in 2018, new features are added or will be added with the software update.

Hunches – Alexa will even remind you of your routine and make suggestions. For example, when you say “Goodnight,” Alexa will say something like, “I think you left the light on the porch, would you like me to turn it off?” Amazon says this feature will get better and smarter over time.

Multistep Requests – You will be able to ask Alexa to multiple actions in one command. For example, you can say, “Alexa, add eggs, milk, and butter to my shopping list,” or “Alexa, play pop music on Pandora at volume three.”

Whisper Mode – It’s simple. When you whisper to Alexa, she responds by whispering.

Alexa Guard – You will have Alexa to detect something suspicious while you are not home. After activating Guard mode by saying a phrase like “Alexa, I’m leaving,” Alexa listens sound in the house and sends you an alert if the sound is unusual or suspicious like the sound of breaking glass or an alarm of smoke detector.

Conclusion

3rd Gen Echo Dot has a lot improvement on its speaker. If you are not satisfied with 2nd Dot’s sound quality, it is definitely worth upgrading. And new “Stereo-Paring” feature can make a more desirable audio system in your room. Just keep in mind that it is a little bigger than 2nd Dot and no longer using a micro-USB cable. Click here to see the latest price of Amazon 3rd Gen Echo Dot.

Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard guide and troubleshooting

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image of logitech k750 wireless solar keyboardLogitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard is the best seller at Amazon for years. A standout feature of the keyboard is that it’s powered by solar energy. The dual solar panels mounted on top of the keyboard keep the device charged all the time.

The word “Solar” may mislead you because the keyboard doesn’t necessarily expose to direct sunlight to be charged. Just like solar calculators, well-lit room, desktop lamp, or any kind of light are sufficient for Logitech K750.

Specifications

  • Dimension: 7.87″ x 1.38″ x 19.09″
  • Weight: 2.4 lb

What’s in the box

  • Logitech K750 Keyboard
  • Logitech Unifying receiver

For Windows users, the keyboard is the black one, and for Mac users, the white one. Both have the same specs. It’s only 1/3″ thick with the comfortable and streamlined keyboard.

How to check the charging status

image of logitech k750 charging status indicator led lightYou can check the charging status by pressing the button just above the Num-Lock key. When you press the button, indicator light next to it illuminates either a green or a red LED light. The green light with a smiley face means the keyboard has a good light source, and the red light with a frown face means the keyboard has an insufficient light source. If you get the red light, you should brighten the surroundings by turning on a desk lamp, moving to the well-lit room, etc.

Logitech Solar App software for more detailed charging status

You can download the software called Logitech Solar App from the website. The software tells you the current remaining power. And the Lux Meter shows you how much power your light source is providing at any time.

How to add and pair other Logitech devices with the same Unifying receiver

You can add or remove other Logitech devices to the same Unifying receiver with Logitech Unifying software. You can add up to six devices on one Unifying receiver.

Lost a Unifying receiver, what should I do?

You can buy a replacement of Unifying receiver alone at Amazon. Then, you add K750 to the new receiver with Logitech Unifying software.

SetPoint – Other software you may need to use with K750

SetPoint is software that lets you customize F-keys and hot-keys of the K750 keyboard. And it shows whether Caps Lock and Num Lock are on. (K750 keyboard doesn’t have LED indicators on those keys.) You can also customize other device-specific settings.

Intermittent connection, Red power indicator light, or Stopped working completely?

After several years, the keyboard may have some problems like bad responses, a red indicator light, or not holding a charge. Replace a battery with a new one may fix the issues.

Although the keyboard is advertised “Solar Powered,” it uses the coin battery to power the circuit, and the coin battery gets recharged by the solar panels. The model number of the coin battery is ML2032, which is rechargeable. Don’t confuse it for CR2032, which is non-rechargeable.

Buy Maxell ML2032 Rechargable 3V coin cell lithium motherboard cmos battery

How to replace the coin battery

image of logitech k750 battery replacementThe battery tray is in a slot located on the top edge, just a little off-center. It’s accessible from the back of the keyboard. The tray is designed to be easy to push and difficult to pull. As you can see in a picture, the tray has “ears” which locks the tray in place and makes it hard to pull out.

As a trick, use something a flat and thin piece like a putty knife, push it a little into the bottom of the tray, and pry. This helps “ears” to retract inward. Keep prying and try to pull it out with a wiggle. Once “ears” get past the edge, just slide it out. This YouTube video will help you understand what I mean.

Conclusion

Logitech K750 is a great keyboard for those who want it to be wireless and don’t like replacing a battery often. If you have other devices like a mouse and webcam, you can add all devices (up to 6) to a single Unifying receiver as long as the devices use a Unifying receiver. Just remember that the keyboard utilizes the rechargeable battery and it fails after years of use.

 

What’s the best Windows Mixed Reality VR headset?

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At the time of writing, there are six different Windows Mixed Reality VR headsets to choose from. Most features and specifications are the same among them, but some differences do exist in features and specs as well as comfort level and prices. Just take a close look at these differences, and you will find the best Windows Mixed Reality VR headset.

Design

All Windows Mixed Reality headsets designs are similar. They all use a headband like PlayStation VR. A head-mounted display or “Visor” is attached to the front of the headband.

The headsets from all brands but Samsung installed a hinge on the attachment so you can lift up the visor to see your surroundings in the real world without taking off the headset from your head. Samsung probably wants to make their headset sturdy without worrying about a potential issue by installing a hinge between the visor and headband.

Color

Asus headset has a black polygon finish on the faceplate. It gives a stylish and futuristic impression. Acer headset uses blue plastic for the faceplate with a black line on the center. Dell Visor headset is the only Windows Mixed Reality headset that uses white in color. But, parts that touch your face and head are black. Lenovo, HP, and Samsung headsets are all black.

Audio

image of samsung odyssey mixed reality headsetGood quality audio is another essential element to bring you an immersive experience. Surprisingly, Samsung Odyssey is the only device that has built-in headphones. They offer 3D spatial audio from AKG. Other headsets have 3.5mm audio jack to plug in your own headphones.

Controller

All Windows Mixed Reality headsets include two motion controllers. The overall design and button layout are the same, but Samsung made some effort for us to hold them comfortably. Samsung’s controllers have rounder edges than all other brands controller. And, a thumbstick of Samsung’s controller is more accessible thanks to a slightly different layout than others.

Display

image of samsung odyssey amoled displayExcept for Samsung, headsets by other manufacturers have the same specs for a display. They offer 1440 x 1440 per eye, LCD, 90Hz. As for Samsung, it offers 1440 x 1600 per eye, AMOLED, 90Hz. It may not seem there is a big difference, but AMOLED display provides crisp images and vivid colors. There is no doubt that Samsung Odyssey’s display is superior to any other Windows Mixed Reality headsets.

Adjustable IPD

IPD stands for Inter-Pupillary Distance. Only Samsung HMD Odyssey has a dial to adjust IPD between 60 to 72mm.

Field of View

FOV (Field Of View) is one of the critical specs of VR headsets to provide an immersive experience. The higher the degrees of FOV, the more immersive experience you are able to have because we have a broader vision in the real world. The lower degrees, the narrower the vision is. It’s like you are seeing through binoculars. Here are FOVs of all Windows Mixed Reality Headsets.

  • Acer WMR headset: 95 degrees
  • ASUS WMR headset: 95 degrees
  • HP WMR headset: 95 degree
  • Dell Visor: 110 degrees
  • Lenovo Explorer: 105 degrees
  • Samsung Odyssey: 110 degrees

As a comparison, FOVs of HTC Vive and Oculus Rift are both 110 degrees.

Inside-Out Tracking

image of windows mixed reality inside out tracking systemAll Windows Mixed Reality headsets allow for six degrees of freedom, which you can move inside the virtual world. Premium VR headsets like HTV Vive or Oculus Rift also offer six degrees of freedom, but the tracking system of Windows Mixed Reality headsets is different from theirs.

Windows Mixed Reality headsets adopt Inside-out tracking. Instead of using external sensors, the headsets have two cameras built in front of a head-mounted display, which monitor the position of the headset itself and motion controllers.

Since Inside-out tracking eliminates the need for external sensors, the setup of Windows Mixed Reality is easy. However, if you place motion controllers out of sight of two cameras, say you look straight ahead and put the controllers behind your back, the tracking will be lost. This is the problem in common on all Windows Mixed Reality headsets.

Price

  • Acer WMR headset: *$399
  • ASUS WMR headset: *$449
  • HP WMR headset: *$449
  • Dell Visor: *$449
  • Lenovo Explorer: *$399
  • Samsung HMD Odyssey: *$499 (*Click to see the latest price)

Conclusion

If you want to have the best VR experience, Samsung HMD Odyssey is the most recommended headset. It’s the only Windows Mixed Reality headset that has built-in headphones, high resolution, and AMOLED display. And the headband and face pad have good cushioning covered by leather. It’s very comfortable to wear and easy to clean up. The controller is also designed for comfort in mind.

Read Also: Samsung HMD Odyssey Windows Mixed Reality VR headset review

Samsung HMD Odyssey, however, lacks a feature of flipping the visor, which is found on all other headsets. And above all, the price is the most expensive. The original price of $499 is the same price range of HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. Besides, you may find other Windows Mixed Reality headsets with discount, but not so often for Samsung HMD Odyssey at the time of writing. If you don’t care the price or you find one with a good discount, Samsung HMD Odyssey would give you the best VR experience. Click here to see the latest price.

Samsung HMD Odyssey Windows Mixed Reality VR headset review

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Samsung HMD Odyssey is the latest release of Windows Mixed Reality family. It’s more expensive than any other Windows Mixed Reality VR headsets. But it’s the only one headset to have built-in headphones and provide higher resolution on display.

Specs

  • image of samsung hmd odysseyDimensions: 7.95″ x 5.18″ x 4.37″ (HMD Body)
  • Weight: 1.42lbs. (without cable)
  • Cable Length: 13.1 ft
  • Cable weight: 0.39lbs.
  • Display: Dual 3.5” AMOLED
  • Resolution: 1440 x 1600 per eye
  • Refresh Rate: 90Hz/60Hz
  • Field of View: 110-degree
  • IPD range: 60 – 72mm
  • Built-in Mic: 2 MIC support Cortana
  • Built-in Audio: Spatial Audio (AKG Brand)
  • Controller: 6 DOF Controller / Xbox One Controller Support

Design

The overall shape of the headset is the same as other Windows Mixed Reality headsets or PlayStation VR. It uses a headband instead of straps. A head mounted display is attached on the front of the headband. You tighten the headband by turning a knob on the back. And the head mounted display stays in place without making pressure against your face.

Unlike other Windows Mixed Reality headsets, the head mounted display doesn’t flip all the way up. Instead, Samsung installed a spring-load relief which allows you to lift the visor enough to see your surroundings.

Comfort

There are pieces of cushioning on a face pad and the front and back of the headband. These are covered by leather so you can easily clean them up by wiping.

Built-in Headphones

On both sides of the headband, there are headphones. You can swing to the front and back or slide up and down to place them perfectly on your ears. They offer AKG 3D spatial audio.

Color

It comes in only one color, Black. A front panel of the head mounted display is shiny black plastic, and the rest of them are matte black. You can see the two cameras on the front panel which allows it to perform inside-out tracking.

Adjustable IPD

On the bottom of the head mounted display, there is a dial to adjust the distance of lenses to match the distance of your pupils. It’s called Adjustable Interpupillary Distance or adjustable IPD.

Weight

It weighs a lot more than other Windows Mixed Reality headsets due to the presence of built-in headphones. However, I don’t feel much of difference because, for this type of VR headset (which uses a headband), most of the weight sits on the headband, not on your nose or cheeks. What’s more important for this type of headset is how comfortable it is. The Odyssey’s cushioning and leather surfaces are more comfortable than any other headsets.

Set up

Ease of setup is one of the most significant advantages of all Windows Mixed Reality headsets. Thanks to the inside-out tracking system, they don’t need external sensors or base stations along with cables from those devices and outlets for power. All you have to do is to plug HDMI and USB cables into the computer.

Once you plug the cables, the computer automatically detects the headsets and start downloading and installing the drivers. Soon, you will see a popup of the setup wizard. Click next and just follow the instructions.

Controllers

image of samsung odysseyAt a glance, controllers of Windows Mixed Reality headsets from various brands are relatively similar, but Samsung HMD Odyssey’s controllers are better than any other controllers. The shape of the handle is round, rather than square. It’s more comfortable to hold. The button layout is the same as controllers of other headsets. It has a trackpad, thumbstick, Windows button, menu button, trigger button, and grip button. It’s powered by two AA batteries on each side.

Display

image of samsung odyssey amoled displaySamsung HMD Odyssey provides dual 3.5-inch AMOLED displays. It’s a resolution of 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye, and a refresh rate is between 60 to 90 Hz. All other Windows Mixed Reality headsets have 1440 x 1440 pixels per eye. 1440 x 1600 vs. 1440 x 1440 doesn’t seem to be a big difference, but AMOLED provides crisp and vivid images. It’s superior to any other headsets of Windows Mixed Reality family.

Inside-out tracking

Two built-in cameras in front of the head mounted display provide six-degrees of freedom. They track your location in 3D space of the real world so you can move around in a virtual world. This system is the feature in common among all Windows Mixed Reality headsets.

Since the inside-out tracking system doesn’t require external sensors like HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, a set up is a lot easier than those premium headsets. Thus, you can take it to another room or place and start using it without hassles.

The cameras also track two handheld controllers. However, when you place the controllers behind the cameras, the cameras can’t see the controllers and lost the tracking. This problem is also in common among all Windows Mixed Reality headsets, and it requires a solution.

Conclusion

Samsung HMD Odyssey is a standout among Windows Mixed Reality headsets. AMOLED displays offer crisp and vivid images. The built-in AKG headphones provide 3D spatial audio while other headsets need to connect external headphones.

However, the price of Odyssey is much higher than other Windows Mixed Reality headsets. What’s more, the premium VR headsets like HTC Vive and Oculus Rift have been around on the market for a couple of years, and you can get them at discounted prices. Now, their prices are almost the same as the original price of Samsung HMD Odyssey.

If you prefer to ease of set up and the best quality on display, you may choose Samsung HMD Odyssey. But, to be honest, the original price is a little too expensive. For now, it’s better to wait a while for the price to go down. Click here to see the latest price of Samsung HMD Odyssey headset.

What is Windows Mixed Reality?

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Mixed Reality is referred to an environment where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time. Currently, Mixed Reality is introduced as a part of the Windows 10 operating system. It offers holographic and mixed reality experiences with compatible head-mounted displays.

Current Mixed Reality Products

Its flagship device is Microsoft HoloLens. It provides a mixture of a real physical world with holograms. They exist together in a shared environment. There are also virtual reality headsets for Windows mixed reality. They are built to specifications as part of Windows Mixed Reality. But, they are just like virtual reality headsets and lacking holographic experiences.

Microsoft HoloLens

image of Microsoft hololensMicrosoft HoloLens is a smart-glasses headset. It’s a cordless, self-contained Windows 10 computer. Not only can you see holographic platforms, but you can interact with it through gaze, voice, and hand gestures. Other companies such as Samsung and Asus are interested in working with Microsoft to produce their own mixed reality products similar to HoloLens. Intel had been developing but it’s has been canceled in 2017.

Windows Mixed Reality Headset

image of samsung odysseyIn recent years, multiple companies released virtual reality headsets for Widows mixed reality platform. Something in common on these headsets is that they offer a room-scale VR experience without external sensors or cameras. And they have a handheld motion controller which are also tracked by the headset without external sensors and cameras. Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, and Samsung have already released their own mixed reality headset. While HoloLens is a self-contained Windows computer, these virtual reality headsets require to hook up with PC.

Cost of Windows Mixed Reality Headsets

Windows Mixed Reality is a lot less expensive than HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. Retail prices of the headsets are around $400, but many of them are found with a discount now. You may get one with motion controllers for about $250.

Windows Mixed Reality Headset has a higher resolution

All Windows Mixed Reality headsets have a display with higher resolution than HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. The headsets by all manufacturers except for Samsung offer 1440 x 1440 per eye while HTC Vive and Oculus Rift are set at 1080 x 1200 per eye. Samsung’s headset has an even higher resolution at 1440 x 1600 per eye, which is equal to HTC Vive Pro.

Steam VR integration

image of samsung odyssey mixed reality headsetNot only can you enjoy VR games from the Microsoft Store, but the enormous library of Steam VR games are available for Windows Mixed Reality headsets. Please note that not all Steam VR games work properly with Windows Mixed Reality headsets. If a game doesn’t have the official Windows Mixed Reality logo, you’d better search on the internet to make sure of its compatibility.

Easy to set up

A notable feature of all windows mixed reality headsets in common is inside-out tracking. Unlike HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, it doesn’t need external cameras or sensors to track your movement. Instead, they all have built-in cameras in front of headsets. Thus, it’s easy to set up. It’s almost a plug-and-play experience.

Room-scale experience

Inside-out tracking allows you to have room scale experience. Again, the tracking system doesn’t use external cameras or sensors. It’s impressive that only built-in cameras in front of headset do almost all the same jobs as ones of HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.

Problem of controller’s tracking

Windows mixed reality’s inside out tracking has advantages over HTC Vive and Oculus Rift regarding ease of setup. However, there is one inevitable problem. Motion controllers are also tracked by cameras in front of the headset, but when they are out of sight of the cameras, tracking will be lost. As a result, it can be challenging to play some games, especially requiring a lot of movements.

Conclusion

There are two types of Window Mixed Reality products. HoloLens features Augment Reality, and headsets from Asus, Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung highlights virtual reality. However, keep in mind that Mixed Reality is supposed to be a blend of AR and VR, and products are created to offer those experiences. For now, most Mixed Reality products are essentially virtual reality headsets.

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Chrome browser is now available on Daydream

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Daydream officially added the Chome browser in its virtual reality platform. Daydream is a VR platform for Google Daydream View and Lenovo Mirage Solo headsets. From now on, you can access Chrome from Daydream’s home screens.

The VR version of Chrome browser is mostly the same as the desktop version. You can view web pages in Chrome with the headset. And you can use voice search, saved bookmarks, and incognito mode, too. But, there is a new feature which added to the VR version of Chrome. It’s called Cinema Mode which optimizes videos for us to watch through the headset.

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The Best Virtual Reality Headset for a stater – three different types of VR headset

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Virtual Reality is meant to provide an artificial experience to the users. They are not real, but you can feel as if it were real. A VR headset with 3D speakers accomplishes to give us immersive experience. Currently, technology is focused and limited to vision and sound. However, in the future, you will actually touch and feel objects in a VR world with VR gloves, or you may be able to smell and taste, too.

Again, current VR technology is mostly limited to vision and sound. And, VR headsets provide these with the different level of quality and technology. They are divided into three different kinds: Mobile, Tethered, and Standalone. Let’s see the differences, pros, and cons of each type of headset to find out what is the best virtual reality headset for a stater.

Mobile VR headsets

Mobile VR headsets require a smartphone. A smartphone needs to be mounted on the headset, and it works as a display and processor. The advantage of Mobile VR is the mobility. Since a smartphone has all the requirements to play VR such as a display, speakers, and sensors, you don’t need to connect to external devices. It’s always wire-free.

image of Google Daydream View VR headset

Problems of Mobile VR

The problems of Mobile VR lie in a smartphone itself. The phones are not primarily meant to play VR. It puts a lot of loads and consumes a lot of battery. It leads to overheating and short playing time. And not all smartphone is compatible with VR. All smartphone has a display, but some of them lack sensors to play VR. To find out if your phone is compatible, go to youtube.com and play any 360-degree video on your phone. If a video rotates when you rotate your phone, your phone is compatible. The phone that is not compatible never changes the angle of the video. You just see an ordinary video. For more details read “Is my phone VR compatible? Here is how to check”

Popular Mobile VR headsets

It’s worth noting that some Mobile VR headsets are compatible with specific phones. For example, Samsung Gear VR works with only Samsung Galaxy S6, Note 5 or newer. Google DayDream View works with Google Pixel and selected newer phones. They are very popular. Read Also “Samsung Gear VR Overview“, “Google Daydream View Review”

Tethered VR headset

Tethered VR headsets require a PC or game console. HTC Vive and Oculus Rift need a high-end PC, and PlayStation VR needs a PlayStation 4 game console. PC and game console work as processor, so tethered VR headsets need to be connected via a set of cables all the time.

Highest performance, most immersive experience

Tethered VR headsets are more capable than other types of VR headsets. For example, with external cameras which track your position, you can move inside VR world. And, you can interact objects in VR with motion tracked controllers. You will have more flawless and immersive experiences than any other types of headsets.

Problems of Tethered VR

However, to experience all benefits, not only will you need the headset, but also controllers, external camera, and high-end PC or game console. All these add up over a thousand dollars.

Standalone VR headsets

This newest type of VR headsets is situated between Mobile VR and Tethered VR. As its name, it doesn’t need any external devices to play VR. The headsets contain all necessary components. Its capabilities are very similar to Mobile VR, and you may consider that it’s the headset with a smartphone integrated all the time. But, unlike the smartphone, the processor is meant to play VR only. So, it has better performance than Mobile VR.

image of Oculus Go retail box

Advantages of Standalone VR headsets

Cost performance is also better than other types of VR headsets. The headsets alone may be more expensive than Mobile VR headsets, but Mobile VR headsets require a smartphone. Total costs of Mobile VR are most likely higher than Standalone VR headsets. As compared with Tethered VR headset, it is a fraction of cost.

Oculus Go standalone headset

Although Standalone VR headsets are the newest types of all, performance is not much different from Mobile VR. However, it’s a great entry level of VR than Mobile VR because of flawless and better quality. I recommend $200 Oculus Go if you are interested in VR and just want to try. For more details read “Oculus Go all-in-one standalone VR headset review”

Lenovo Mirage Solo standalone headset

There is another Standalone VR headset: $400 Lenovo Mirage Solo. It costs twice as much as Oculus Go because it has a brand new and exclusive feature: WorldSense. WorldSense offers 6 degree of freedom, which allows you to move around in a VR world. Unlike tethered VR, this feature doesn’t require external cameras. Instead, the headset uses built-in cameras in front of the headset to track your position. Mirage Solo is Standalone, and there are no wires attached to the headset. It sounds perfect for a VR headset, but there is a catch. It’s the area you can move is very limited. For now, it’s not practical, but it has great potential. For more details read “Lenovo Mirage Solo with Daydream Standalone VR headset review”

Conclusion

If you want to try VR for the first time, Oculus Go standalone headset would be the best choice. It includes everything, and you don’t need any other accessories. You may choose the other standalone VR headset, Lenovo Mirage Solo, but it’s twice as expensive as Oculus Go because of an exclusive feature, WorldSense. WorldSense has a lot of potentials, but currently, there is no VR apps or games on its platform which make the most of it.

Related Posts :Oculus Go vs. Lenovo Mirage Solo Standalone VR headset comparison

 

USB C HDMI Adapter for Samsung DeX, Nintendo Switch, MacBook Pro

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image of topoint usb c to hdmi adapterThere are many similar items on Amazon that claim they have the same functions as Samsung DeX Pad or Nintendo Switch Dock. Prices are much cheaper than OEMs, and they are smaller and more compact. They just look like a USB hub. So, it obviously lacks a built-in cooling fan. But other than that, it really does the same functions as Samsung DeX Station, Pad or Nintendo Switch Dock. Here are the specs and review of Topoint USB C to HDMI Adapter which I bought. And, if you want to know about the other similar items and characteristics of them, please continue to read this post.

Specs

  • Dimension of hub: 4.5″ x 1-1/4″ x 3/8″
  • Length of cable: 6″
  • Overall Length: 12″
  • Weight: 1.7oz

What’s in the box

  • USB C to HDMI Adapter

In the box, there is the main item only. There are no accessories.

Benefits of Topoint USB C to HDMI Adapter

  • Great Portability – It’s much smaller and lighter than Samsung DeX Station, Pad, or Nintendo Switch dock. It doesn’t take up space on your desk. And, it’s also easy to pack and carry around.
  • image of case friendly samsung dexCase-friendly – If you use Samsung DeX Station and Pad, you may not satisfy about the design of USB-C connector. Many users complain about having to remove their phone cases when using DeX. However, Topoint adapter is case friendly. Although a tip on USB-C connector is wider and thicker than one on ordinary charging cables, it’s small enough to pass through the case. (My case is Spigen Rugged Armor Galaxy S9 Case. If a hole of USB-C port is smaller than this phone case, it may not be compatible, and you have to remove the case.)
  • Dissipate Heat – As compared with the original Nintendo Switch Dock, Topoint adapter is better to deal with the heat on the console. The original Nintendo Switch Dock covers the console on the front and back. It makes the console hot.
  • Inexpensive Price – I bought the adapter for $29.99. It’s a lot less expensive than OEMs. The original prices of OEMs are DeX Station for $149.99, DeX Pad for $99.99, and Nintendo Switch Dock for $89.99. You may find deeply discounted prices for those OEMs, but they’re never cheaper than Topoint adapter.

Other types of USB-C to HDMI Adapters

There are similar items you can find on Amazon.com. You may want to consider them depending on the features you need.

  • Rocketek USB-C HDMI Adapter – It has the same features as the adapter, but there is only one USB port. Thus, you may find a little lower price.image of rocketek usb c hdmi adapter
  • Rocketek USB C Docking Station for Nintendo Switch – It’s great for an alternative to Nintendo Switch Dock. It doubles as a stand so you can play a game using the display of the console. And, it has three USB ports plus SD and microSD card slots.image of rocketek usb c docking station
  • Rocketek USB C Docking Station for Samsung Galaxy – It launches Samsung DeX. It has exactly the same design as Rocketek USB C Docking Station for Nintendo Switch. If you use multiple USB devices or SD card, this adapter is more beneficial than the Topoint adapter. However, since it makes the phone stand upright and stationary, it’s not suitable for those who use the phone as a touchpad.image of rocketek usb c docking station for samsung galaxy
  • BASSTOP Portable Nintendo Switch Dock Replacement Case – If you already own the original Nintendo Switch Dock and don’t like about its large design or overheating, BASSTOP Replacement Case would be a great solution. The item is only a case. You will need a DIY job to take out the circuit board from the original Dock and install it into the case. Screwdrivers and screws are included.image of basstop portable nintendo switch dock replacement case

Conclusion

You may want to choose Topoint Adapter over the original DeX Station or Pad, or Nintendo Switch Dock for excellent portability. If you are a frequent traveler and minimalist, you would appreciate for its compact size. It doesn’t take up space in a suitcase, and it weighs almost nothing. You can use a TV in a hotel room as monitor and watch movies from streaming channel you subscribe such as Hulu or Netflix by connecting your Samsung Galaxy smartphone or MacBook Pro. And above all, it’s very inexpensive. Click here to see the latest price.

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Wemo Mini works with Apple HomeKit without Wemo Bridge

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image of Apple Home app on iPhoneWemo Bridge, which makes it possible to connect your Wemo devices with Apple HomeKit, will be useless to some extent. On July 19th, Apple HomeKit’s software protocols allow Wemo Mini to connect directly with the iOS-based smart home platform without requiring the Bridge. All you need to do is update Wemo Mini’s firmware in the Wemo app.

image of Belkin Wemo miniAll you need to do to make your Wemo Mini compatible with Apple HomeKit is update Wemo Mini’s firmware in the Wemo app. With Apple HomeKit compatibility, you can control Wemo Mini on Apple’s Home app or with your voice using Siri. Reportedly, Wemo Mini is the first device to connect with the Apple’s software protocol without the MFi (Made For iOS) chip.

At the time of writing, Wemo Mini is the only device that has a benefit of this Apple HomeKit’s new software protocols so you will need to keep Wemo Bridge if you have other Wemo devices such as Switch, Dimmer Switch, and Insight. They are working on updating other Wemo devices to get Apple HomeKit compatibility, and Wemo Dimmer Switch will be the next device in late 2018.

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Samsung DeX Station vs. DeX Pad | What is the difference?

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Design

DeX Station is a hockey puck-shaped dock. The top cover slides open and exposes USB-C male connector at the bottom, into which you plug Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

 

DeX Pad is square. There is a USB-C male connector on the end of the surface. The connector can slightly swivel so you can plug and unplug your smartphone easily. However, the bracket covering the connector is a solid piece and sticking out on the surface all the time. It makes it a little inconvenient to carry around although DeX Pad is smaller and lighter than DeX Station.

 

Both DeX Station and DeX Pad have a built-in cooling fan to keep your phone from overheating.

Connection Ports

Both DeX Station and DeX Pad have two USB ports, HDMI output, USB-C port for charging. And, Ethernet port is found on DeX Station only.

While in use

DeX Station blocks the same side of phone’s USB-C port. So, you can’t plug a headphone unless you use a short adapter or extension cable. And speakers of the phone are not optimal when you use it for sound output instead of speakers connected to a monitor or TV.

DeX Pad doesn’t block a headphone jack or speakers of the phone. However, a fingerprint sensor is impossible to be used when docked.

Please note that many types of aftermarket phone case are not compatible with DeX Station and DeX Pad. No matter how thin a case is, it prevents the phone from plugging all the way into the connector. You will have to remove the case or use an adapter or extension cable otherwise Samsung DeX interface doesn’t even start. If a case has a wide opening on the side of USB-C port like Samsung official phone cases, it would be fine.

Keyboard and mouse

To use DeX Station, you have to have a mouse and keyboard. You may use any connection type of mouse and keyboard such as wired, wireless with USB dongle, or Bluetooth. Keep in mind that if you use Bluetooth ones, make sure that you pair them before launching Samsung DeX because you can’t even open the settings without a mouse.

DeX Pad, on the other hand, is possible to work without either of them. The display of the smartphone docked on DeX Pad works as a touchpad. And, a virtual keyboard appears on a monitor when you click a text input field. You have to move a cursor and click each letter to write a document. That’s not practical, but at least it proves that DeX Pad can work without a mouse and keyboard. Of course, DeX Pad is also compatible with any connection type of a keyboard and mouse.

Resolution

DeX Station supports 1080p resolution for a monitor.

DeX Pad supports 1440p resolution.

What’s in the box?

DeX Station comes with USB-C charging cable, a wall charger, and a quick start guide.

DeX Pad comes with USB-C charging cable, a wall charger, HDMI cable, and a quick start guide.

Price

The original price of DeX Station is $149.99, and DeX Pad is $99.99. Although both of them are relatively new gadgets, you may find a deeply discounted price. It depends on where you buy, but you can expect around 30% off or more.

Conclusion

Despite the differences described above, most experience from Samsung DeX interface will be the same whether you use DeX Station or DeX Pad. Aside from the designs, there are three significant differences, Resolution, Price, and a touchpad capability of smartphone docked on DeX Pad. For DeX Station, you have to have an external keyboard and mouse. DeX Pad offers better resolution, and the price is lower than DeX Station. Unless DeX Station has a significantly deep discount, there is no reason to choose one over DeX Pad.

ProductDeX StationDeX Pad  
Dimension4.1" x 4.1" x 1.9"6.3" x 3.3" x 1.3"
Weight8.15 oz4.8 oz
Resolution1600 x 900 HD+
1920 x 1080 FHD		1600 x 900 HD+
1920 x 1080 FHD
2560 x 1440 QHD
Connection Ports(2) USB-A 2.0
HDMI output
USB-C
Ethernet		(2) USB-A 2.0
HDMI output
USB-C
Accessories
in the box		USB-C cable
Wall charger
Quick start guide		USB-C cable
Wall charger
HDMI cable
Quick start guide
Price$149.99*$99.99*
*Click to see the latest price

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