2022 Wishmas Guide... for the Ladies!

 

Seasons Greetings Gift Hunters! While women have varying preferences, I will try my best to present a list that makes the most sense. Women love tech almost as much as men, but there are enough differences to make gift shopping a challenge. I hope to make the overall process simpler for you. 

Phones are great, but they're also a necessity for daily communication, and safety. So if you're in the market for a new phone, here are flagship recommendations with quality and affordability in mind.

Google Pixel 7 has great quality for $599, it's $300 less than the pro version. The pro version has more RAM, a telephoto lens as the third lens, and it's 0.4" larger. The specs of the standard 7 may not be as good, but it's a great phone that's a total win for $599.

6.3" FHD+ OLED Screen up to 90Hz
50MP Dual Rear camera
1080 x 2400 OLED at 416ppi which is slightly lower than the Pixel 6
HDR Support
On-board VPN coming soon
Google Tensor G2
IP68 Water resistant Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back. I find this valuable for protection against spilled drinks and when your phone calls into the sink.

4355 mAh3 Battery
Pixel Adaptive Battery lasts up to 72 hours on extreme battery saver in case of emergencies.
8GB RAM. The pro is 12GB RAM.

OnePlus 10T is another great option, even if you haven't heard of the brand before. It's a smaller company but it has made waves for over 10 years or longer. OnePlus provides really good flagship phones with quality that challenges the rivals for reasonable prices. The OnePlus 10T comes in this really cute jade green color and an elegant (moonstone) black for $599.

50MP Triple Camera

6.7" 120 Hz Fluid AMOLED Screen

2412 x 1080 Pixels at 394 ppi

HDR10+

8GB LPDDR5. There is also a 16GB option.

128GB storage

4800 mAh

Phones are appreciated no matter a woman's age, and if she's had the same phone for a number of years it could be time for a change. iPhone and Galaxy are also options if you're willing to pay a little more or she's willing to trade in her current phone.

Cell phones cannot be listed without a power bank, because there are so many instances where we're so busy we forget to charge our phone and it's not safe to be without power. These two options are very reasonable in price when compared to other brands, but one has more features in its masculine frame.

The Liquipel Powertek 20,000 mAh power bank is $15.00. You can charge with USB-A or USB-C. The charger has two charging ports and carries a 1-year warranty. The design of the Liquipel Powertek 20,000 is very subtle in comparison to the Durecopow 20,000 mAh solar charging power bank. 

The Durecopow is a more rugged masculine design that's marketed to campers, but the versatility of this power bank makes it a great option. It's a power bank that we can charge through the standard port, but we can also charge it with solar power in instances where we have no access to electricity. I find this to be a great feature for emergencies. This option also has a compass, and a dual-led flashlight It also features dual ports for charging. Peace of mind is valuable, so a power bank is a plus.

TV is a given because it's always a plus to relax after a long day. It doesn't matter if you're gaming or enjoying your favorite show, a good tv is always a welcomed addition to your space. One of the best budget 4K TVs is the TCL 4-Series.

The 43" model is priced at $218 and features Roku built-in for streaming right out of the box with your internet connection.

This is a larger size but it's reasonable for an apartment or a bedroom. It's not as thin as you may assume, but the appearance is pleasant. The sizes range from 43" to a whopping 85" option, and feature Dolby Digital Plus.

If you sleep better at night with a familiar brand, then consider the LG 50" 4K UHD for $318.

The TV that she would appreciate the most as a gamer, would have to be a Samsung 4K QLED Smart TV. No Xbox is required to enjoy Game Pass, just connect your controller and sign into your account. The 43" option is $477.99.

It's hard to really say what the women in your life may want if you don't know for sure, sometimes it's safe to be cliche but get some intel. Clothing is an option, but if you're not sure and it's nothing with a cool theme then gift cards are a nice addition to your best guess if she hasn't presented you with a wishmas list.

A gift that keeps on giving is education, and Udemy has a vast library of affordable courses. If she desires to learn an additional skill for her field of expertise or a new skill, this Udemy courses can help. Courses cover web development, AWS Certification, Drawing, Python, Excel, and much more.

You can learn anywhere with Udemy. Learning on the go is a plus, but it may prove to be a challenge in public settings if she doesn't have headphones. So consider a good affordable pair of headphones with an active noise cancelation feature, a long battery life, and good sound.

The 1More Aero has 7 hours of battery life per charge and 28 hours with the charging case. The headphones feature fast charging that also gives you 3 hours of playtime after 15 minutes of charging. This gift will allow her to listen to the lessons, music, movies with spatial sound, and phone calls.

If you're still unsure, don't forget, women also need purses and bags. There are traditional purses, but there are also anime purses like the small One Piece Chopper shoulder bag. When it comes to carrying laptops, I do feel that a number of women don't care to carry around book bags and so they will stick to a large tote to accommodate it. However, there are some very fashion-forward and functional book bags worth considering. Book bags prevent the weight from being solely on one side when you're carrying a lot.

Happy shopping, and don't forget a cute unexpected gift. Tea is steadily growing in popularity for its benefits and taste, and a cutesy teapot with cups is sure to make her smile. This fortune cat teapot has everything she needs to make and serve her favorite tea. This cute option comes in red and white with gold trim.

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Is Microsoft kinda sorta getting back into the phone game?

Microsoft... Microsoft, my love/hate relationship with you... continues. For the most part... all I've ever used when I wasn't tinkering around with an alternate OS... was the Windows OS. 

From 93 to XP to 7 to 10, I've been there doing multiple this' plus that's and even had my fingers crossed for the Windows Phone (yes I owned a couple of those). I'll admit that it came in handy for what it did offer, but... for the little cellphone that somewhat could... it still fell short and there wasn't an incentive to stay as apps were available on other mobile devices.

I got the same feeling from the Xbox One... outside of it having that really really (and I'm talking) really bad start. The Xbox Series X will have to have exclusives to make me consider it even in the slightest degree, but I'll come back to that later.

I bring up my love/hate relationship with Microsoft because they have some eye-catching products like the Microsoft Surface DUO (planned for Holiday 2020)... which is a dual-screen tablet-like phone'sh device running on a customized version of  Android (seen here):

Looks great! I wouldn't mind giving it a go... but I'm still skeptical about these products because past ones ended up in this situation where they feel like a prototype before the next step. How long would this thing be supported before Microsoft begins dangling the latest greatest tech that should've existed in this product (because that tech exists... today)?

No matter how intrigued I am of a new Microsoft phone running Android, I don't think I'm going back... because they wouldn't focus on the Windows Phone 7 or 8 and making those products great. They should've become a no-brainer for Windows users... as far as their next phone is concerned, but I can't blame anyone who stayed away... or jumped ship early because they desired apps that weren't... crap or a more capable phone. Not all we're crap, but if you've owned a Windows Phone... you know what I'm talking about. The support was at a minimum, but if it were to be at a minimum, the biggest supporter should've been... Microsoft.

Looking at the Xbox One, there was no reason for me to get one... because I could get most of the games on PC. I left the Windows Phone alone after awhile because I could get Microsoft apps on Android and no longer saw the value in owning one... especially based on how underpowered they were, there wasn't much under the hood and I wanted more options when it came to gaming.

I'm still curious about this phone though... even if Microsoft doesn't want to call it a phone. It's running Android, as long as Microsoft doesn't get in the way of what we know and love about Android... and instead enhances the experience that would be exclusive to the device... that could be a win.

Last time I checked, these are the specs for the Microsoft Surface Duo:

Dual 5.6-Inch displays (each has 1800 X 1350 resolution)
AMOLED
Android 10
11MP Camera
Snapdragon 855
6GB RAM (not sure if there will be any additional options here)
Surface Pen capable
3460mAh Battery
Fingerprint scanner
Storage 64GB/256GB

Quality will matter, as well as price points. We're talking Microsoft, they have the ability to make some kickass tech... we've seen them open that can on the competition more than a few times (even in the present)... and I honestly hope they represent this time around with DUO.

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Blu + You Podcast: Will graduates be set free from... Student Debt?!

The Real Hater Blockers (H8R BLOCKRS)
by Baby Fu Clothing Co.

iCaddy... Reviewed!

This one is for the parents looking for a portable cradle solution for their kids (or themselves).

This is the first review for the new format... which will allow for things to be segmented for those of you looking for specific information for a product. Enjoy!

If the iCaddy looks familiar, that's because it was revealed at CES & Toy Fair as they gear up for several major retailers in the USA & Canada.

The iCaddy we received is a bit on the... pretty side, but outside of the Molly Rosner options, they're also going to have licensed options representing Mossy Oak, Marvel, etc. Currently, there are 13 different themes to choose from (including a Skull design... and one with a Hawaii vibe).

Fun fact: This was created by a 7-year-old girl who started with nothing more than cardboard and toilet paper rolls to keep her tablet propped up. Great ideas usually emerged as solutions to problems... so that's cool. Her big brother took it from there and based on her design, the iCaddy was born.

The iCaddy is simple enough to use. It's a cradle that allows for you to position your phone, tablet, and even the Nintendo Switch in position so that they don't require you to prop them against something (or use that Nintendo Switch kickstand). That's a plus because you don't want to hold your device all the type, and this could be used to watch tutorials on cooking... video chats, and whatever else. Yeah you can kick back and watch a movie, but get the most out of it.

When running low on juice, the 2600 mAh Lithium-Ion power bank is just one plug away to get you charged back up. The plug that comes with this device is a micro USB... but that doesn't stop you from connecting a USB type-c. The storage compartment has enough space to place the USB cord along with the headphones... which are also a nice plus because parents don't always want to listen to what they're kids are tuning into (there are parents having nightmares about Baby Shark).

The included earbuds are 20 - 20,000hz, with an impedance of 320hm, and a sensitivity level of 104dB. They aren't the best headphones in the world, but they're included.

The iCaddy feels sturdy enough to take a few minor bumps, but... I'd be wary about dropping this on the floor (especially if it isn't carpeted). It just feels like it would crack... especially in the cradle arm that holds your device. This product is made of Food-Grade ABS Plastic.

The headphones are protected with metal around the sensitive areas, like the jack. I'd suggest Bluetooth headphones if parents want to protect the investment. Not because of the included headphones, but they're corded. I just see some kids jumping up from their chair and the cord tugging... causing the device and the iCaddy to hit the floor.

The iCaddy is totally portable, and you're able to just close it and place it in a bag or your pocket (if you have one big enough). The power bank adds to the portability because you don't have to sit near a plug outlet. 

You can place the iCaddy on just about any surface and enjoy yourself. That said... in a future version of this product... I'd suggest grips on the base because this will slide on a tilted surface. Believe me... I tried.

The iCaddy comes in at $24.99 retail, which is... okay. The sweet spot for me would be $20 without the grips on the base. Overall, iCaddy is a pretty cool product. It's a cradle... but it gives one of the pluses of a docking station (via the power bank), portability, and... space to store the included earbuds. 

Usability 5

Durability 3

Portability 5

Price 4

4.25 out of 5 Cool Points

Check out the iCaddy for yourself at ShopiCaddy.com

Brought to you by the... Baby Fu Clothing Co!

This product was provided to us for review.

Nokia 3310 3G... Reviewed!

This review is short and sweet. The Nokia 3310 3G arrived not too long ago, and I just can't help but speak on how nifty and useful this thing is. The Nokia 3310 3G is small, comes in 4 colors (I went with yellow as you see) but... there is also red, blue, and black if you aren't feeling as adventurous.

Nokia 3310 3G is the revision of a classic, and whether you have a smartphone or not... I think they are a fantastic backup phone. Which is the main reason for this review. Anything can happen, and at times some smartphones are incredibly dumb... phones. I was ready to hulk smash a smartphone recently, and... I just can't afford to be in that type of situation if I need a phone for emergencies. It can be anything, so having a backup phone able to charge quickly, and allows for me to dial out without opening a phone app is appreciated. I'm just able to dial up.

This particular phone was $59.99 at the time of purchase... which isn't bad at all. If you aren't in dire need of a smartphone due to specific apps for business or things like that, and you need to stay in contact with those that matter most (or those you're obligated to be in contact with), its worth having a phone like this. I used this phone off and on for about 14 hours, and the battery was still at about 75%. A 45-minute phone call didn't even put a dent in the meter, it still showed full. 

I didn't utilize the phone much at all for two straight days, maybe a text or two, and... it was still full. A phone with a long-lasting battery is imperative for me, so this gets two thumbs up. I love that. The Nokia 3310 3G is powered by a 1200mAh 3.7V 4.4Wh battery. You may say... "That's not a lot of power bro", but it's not always about the size of the battery, it's about the power consumption of the device... bro.

This phone comes with a micro USB plug and earbuds. It works... didn't expect a whole lot in the package... and I was going to use alternate headphones anyway (still haven't used the earbuds). There is also Bluetooth, so you aren't stuck using wired headphones. You get a music player, video player (which isn't bad), Snake (remake) preloaded... which is... okay, and a built-in FM Radio. You can get up to 32GBs of memory on this thing via a MicroSD card too. I'm not a huge fan of the web browser (should've been a bit more custom), but... it is what it is. The UI feels a bit too... bite-sized for me, and the Twitter icon is more like a bookmark, I'd prefer something. Before smartphones took over, I had a phone with an actual Facebook app. Anyway, it also has a 2MP camera... which can come in handy regardless of not being the best cam out there.

There is a con about this phone, and it's something missing in the design. They should've put some grip on this phone... because it slips way too easy. I've dropped it at least twice thus far. It didn't have to be a rubber material... it could've been a bumpy texture on the sides and left it at that. A case wouldn't break the bank on an already affordable phone, so it's cool. A headache when it comes to this phone is the volume, they could've added volume buttons on the side. I don't like going into settings to adjust the volume at bedtime just to turn the audio down.

Design 3

Battery 5

Price 5

Function 3

4 out of 5 Cool Points!

Brought to you by the... Baby Fu Clothing Co!

From the source: Square-Enix - Heavenstrike Rivals... FREE!

Are you ready for more Square-Enix action for your mobile device? Here it is!

Sorry... no code here!

HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS OFFERS MORE FUN FROM FINAL FANTASY IV

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 18, 2016) – Square Enix, Inc. today announced that the highly-rated, multiplayer tactical RPG game HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS ® now offers more characters and quests from its ongoing collaboration with FINAL FANTASY® IV. Marking the first raid event, the update to HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS features FINAL FANTASY IVcharacters Golbez and Rubicante.  Players can join forces to defeat these strong opponents, and have a chance at obtaining Rubicante a reward.  This event will run until February 22. Running concurrently with the raid event, a separate story quest gives players a chance to obtain the power character Yang from FINAL FANTASY IV.  This is an original story and will introduce an all-new battle map created especially for the event, which will run until February 24. Finally, a separate “gacha” event features Rydia and Rosa, from FINAL FANTASY IV, for players to obtain. For a limited time, players will also have the chance to obtain characters Cecil, Golbez, Kain and Edge from the previous FINAL FANTASY IV collaboration events. About Heavenstrike Rivals  In HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS, players enter a war-torn world on the brink of extinction and embark on an epic adventure full of simple yet highly immersive tactical battles. The once-prosperous aerial kingdom of Lunnain lies in tatters, assaulted from above by the Fallen - ruthless monsters of nightmare who seek only complete destruction. But the people will not take their fate lying down, and their strike back at the heavens starts now. Developed as a brand new IP for mobile platforms, SQUARE ENIX® has worked with UK based developers MEDIATONIC Ltd., (Amateur Surgeon) to create the game and bring the world to life. The project has had a collaborative approach, with Japan-based Yumiru Corporation supporting development and, keeping it in the SQUARE ENIX family, the game also features characters designed by Ryoma Ito (FINAL FANTASY TACTICS® ADVANCE) and music by Ryo Yamazaki (FINAL FANTASY XIV). In HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS, players must fight their way to the top of the game’s leader boards for heavenly global domination.

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