After months of daily use, the Nothing Ear (3a) left me wondering why most people need pricier wireless earbuds. Its punchy, balanced sound, impressive noise cancellation, adjustable EQ, and dependable battery life outweigh a slightly loose charging case, unremarkable Spatial Audio, and a maximum volume that could be louder.
A few missing shingles may seem harmless after a storm, but hidden roof damage can quickly turn into costly repairs. From spotting warning signs and preventing further water intrusion to arranging professional inspections and navigating insurance claims, knowing what to do next can make all the difference.
Cutting down on screen time is one thing. Having more say over what your phone collects is another. The Brax Wink tackles both with de-Googled Android, a choice of full-app or essentials-only modes, and a configurable privacy switch. Its detachable keyboard gives your thumbs something to look forward to, too.
A small laptop still has its uses, especially when you want desktop software without hauling around a large machine. CHUWI’s MiniBook X U300 puts Windows 11 Pro behind a 10.51-inch folding touchscreen. Fold the keyboard away for Netflix, then bring it back when someone remembers that spreadsheet you owe them.
Hours of reading and note-taking can make another glowing screen a tough sell. The BOOX Note Air6 C offers color ePaper while keeping familiar Android apps within reach. Its pen comes in the box, and an optional keyboard cover lets you switch from scribbling in the margins to typing the whole argument.
Apple has given the iPad mini enough processing muscle to make its cheapest laptop nervous. The A20 Pro joins an OLED screen, upgraded audio, and water resistance in a thinner body. It’s a tempting little package, although those screen borders still look generous next to Huawei’s MatePad Mini.
A bouquet would have been easier, but LEGO went with a 30-meter wave of flowers across Shanghai’s West Bund. Built from over 380,000 pieces, the installation anchors an exhibition where adults can explore floral artworks and contribute their own creations. Keeping these flowers alive is the easy part.
Leaving a job usually involves handing things back. Dutch LEGO builder Nard Verbong made something to leave behind: a miniature Mercedes-Benz Sprinter inspired by his company’s transport vans. The build fits two minifigures, carries tiny cargo, and now has instructions for anyone who fancies assembling a working day’s ride.
Look closely at Mihail Rakovskiy’s compact LEGO cars before dismissing them as simple shelf models. His Mazda RX-8 has opening rear suicide doors and a miniature rotary engine that rotates. Detailed cabins and underbody components make these builds worth inspecting from every angle, including the one usually facing the shelf.
Redmagic has found another reason to put RGB lighting in a gaming phone: the circulating coolant. The Redmagic 12 Pro+ expands its pumped liquid cooling to cover both the battery area and the chip, then adds flowing light effects. There’s also a 185 Hz display competing for your attention.
An Android tablet running games, charging, and live-streaming simultaneously sounds like a good way to warm your hands. iQOO has other plans. Its first gaming tablet pairs an active cooling fan with dedicated gaming hardware and a 165 Hz OLED screen, taking aim at Redmagic’s compact gaming slates.
Taking weight off a road bike can become an expensive hobby within an already expensive hobby. Superteam’s new premium brand MATIC enters that conversation with the S68, a one-piece carbon wheelset weighing 1,348 grams per pair. Its deep rims and unusual construction give dedicated gram counters something new to investigate.