Is the Xbox console still worth the money? Possibly... but

I think we're about to bid the Xbox farewell as a console. I said this in the past because they were placing their games on PC via the Gamepass, and you can play games directly on select Samsung Gaming Hub TVs via Gamepass.

Now Playstation owners are at the door of in terms of playing Xbox games, which doesn't necessarily spell doom and gloom for Xbox as a company, but... the console just might be sailing off into the sunset as Xbox potentially goes all digital beyond its game controllers and other peripherals... because they're still playable on PC.

I honestly don't mind this move, although it could mean the door is closing on the Xbox console. Microsoft actually has a solid opportunity to make the Xbox bigger than the actual console if they go the route of Luna, and Roku even harder. I say that because we're gaming on TVs, and if they can get Gamepass on more TV's... for the purpose of streaming, then what good is the console... if the internet connection is solid?

Pair an Xbox controller to the TV or over WiFi similar to what the Luna controller does, and it would simply be another streaming service without the cost of pumping out a new console. This would allow Xbox gamers to keep those achievements racking up, playing multiplayer games and the party (chat) would continue. I know the downside to that is no offline gameplay, but if this is the way Xbox is going... it's a way for us to benefit even more (got a smart TV... you have an Xbox... basically).

See: Samsung Gaming Hub | Samsung Gaming Hub TVs | Samsung Gaming Hub Controller

If you're still ticked about this, remember... Microsoft does this though where they trip over their own shoelaces that were intentionally untied by them. Just like with the Windows Phones, what's the incentive of rocking with the phone if they were making the first-party apps accessible on other phones? Microsoft always wants to reach customers beyond their platforms. Xbox games on Playstation may not make everyone rejoice, but that would make it a 2-in-1 console. PC gamers have had the pleasure of enjoying multiple games from various platforms for decades, but this console war may ultimately end up being Nintendo vs PlayStation. The good thing though is that there are enough differences for both to be appreciated, but... at the same time, Sony can't get comfortable because with options out there to game simply by streaming from a TV app... the door to competition is still open.

Overall, is the Xbox console still worth the money? Possibly... but I'd say don't run out to buy one at full retail during this stage in the game unless they can assure console owners that they will maintain support for quite some time.

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1MORE Valentine's Day Sale! | February 1st - 20th

 

Spread the Love with Savings from 1MORE!

1MORE has deals on their entire lineup to help you share some love or... just save some money during this lovey-dovey window. From their award-winning SonoFlow Over-Ear Headphones to their newer wired P50, or S50/S30 Open Ear Sport Earbuds, there is something for every listener on any budget to enjoy. They got some beasts in this lineup.

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The Rabbit R1: Mobile Companion or... a Secret Competitor?

The Rabbit R1: This device is a new addition to your pocket, but what's the purpose of it?

Well, let's jump into it because the creator of The Rabbit R1 takes aim at mobile phones by... working with them, and it also takes aim at your smart home speakers. He seems to dive in by taking a different approach via a companion device to take away your need to constantly be on your phone only to fall victim to time-consuming apps by using The Rabbit R1 as a bridge to use your apps for you to get certain things done (via a large action model). This is the R1... by Rabbit:

Now that you've seen the keynote, let's jump in. This is definitely a head-turning device, and it was allegedly engineered by teenagers. I had to mention this first because that's badass and I appreciate the door being open to teens regarding such a huge opportunity. Secondly, It's definitely a device that could potentially be useful to some, especially for those who get flustered and need clarification, even when it boils down to creating recipes. Again, pretty badass, but... I have to say this... even if the creator says that the device won't collect your data and play show & tell (not his words... but you get it), it's safe to remain skeptical. 

At the same time, it's up to you to give the device access to select apps. I still wouldn't know what I'd use it for, but I probably would've embraced it in a different form. It's all good though, different strokes for different folks... which is why the first 10,000 units sold out immediately and the second batch emerged soon after. Smart to have this thing hopping around Easter time... which can help market it simply based on the commercial bunny theme.

While the device certainly has its uses, I think the intrigue of this $199 AI companion is motivating a lot of the sales... and a number of people will probably find themselves pouring a large amount of time into it to see what they could truly use it for. Some may shrug, while others find that they aren't hounding a friend or family member with as many questions or requests to do something (like order pizza or a rideshare). It has room to grow, and with the 4G sim card slot, we may be seeing a different type of phone in due time.

The good thing is that this device also has the ability to take photos and video, so push comes to show... it could serve as a smart camera with AI capabilities.

Overall, I am curious of what's to come. If this has its own number, it will certainly give you the ability to make calls... or at least it should, but... this sim card slot makes me wonder what the R2 or R3 will look like and will they come in the form of AI phones actually taking on others in the industry? I ask this because if the R1 gets a large enough base that is comfortable enough to use with the addition of a SIM card, I think it's only a matter of time before it goes from being a companion to a competitor for your pocket.

The Rabbit R1 Specs:

Battery: 1000mAh capacity

Weight: 115g

Speaker output: 2W

Audio input: Dual microphone array

Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 2.4GHz + 5GHz | 4G LTE

Display: 2.88in TFT Touchscreen

MediaTek MT6765 Octa-core (Helio P35)

Ram: 4GB

Storage: 128GB

Magnetometer + GPS

Accelerometer + Gyroscope

Photo resolution: 8MP | 3264x2448

Video resolution: 24fps | 1080p

SIM card slot

USB-C

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CES 2024 Head Turners

CES 2024 showcased a plethora of innovative and exciting tech products. Here are some of the most popular products that were showcased at the event:

LG Signature OLED T: This transparent TV is truly unique tech furniture that combines LG’s wireless 4K HDR 120Hz streaming tech with a clear 4K OLED panel. It gives a transparent experience when desired but you use this award-winning television just like your standard OLED. If amazing could be defined by a TV, it would probably be this one, with Samsung's Frame TV as a close second. The screensavers alone could make this worth the purchase for some consumers.

You know who's been here before? PC Gamers! Oh yeah... you can take a look at the iBuypower Snowblind S Case as proof. On the side of the tower is a transparent LCD side panel that you plug in with a DVI connection or an HDMI connection depending on which case you get. They have a 1280 X 1024 display which you can display different images and videos, just keep in mind that if you want a more visible image or animation... they should be lighter in color + your RGB lighting should either be off or a light color. -  Blu 

Samsung The Premiere 8K: This flagship projector for 2024 is the world’s first to support wireless 8K streaming. The Samsung Premiere 8K is the follow-up to 2020's 4K Premiere projector and can beam up to 150 inches of action onto a flat surface at a standard ruler's length from the wall.



This short-throw projector also packs an eye-catching 4,000 lumens of brightness, which beats out Awol Visions flagship LTV-3500 Pro by 500 lumens. Awol Vision is also an award-winning brand in this space, known for its Vanish TV.

MSI Claw A1MX (handheld gaming device): The Claw A1m is an upcoming gaming device showcased at CES 2024 and turned heads at the event. This handheld runs on Windows 11, with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 155H, a 53 WHr battery, a system crafted and equipped for optimum cooling, and a game controller-like grip. The price will probably fall within the range of $599 to $799, which will be available in MSI's online store in February or March.

More MSI Claw A1M info

Replay Wireless Controller: This isn't a head-turner in itself, but it does get a head nod. Mainly, it's one of the first game controllers from my recollection that was made for a television. The PDP Replay rechargeable Bluetooth controller would turn heads... if it comes included with compatible Samsung Smart TVs & Monitors.

Samsung Gaming Hub

The Rabbit R1: This head-turning device is an AI companion for your pocket that works with your phone while performing tasks that your phone allegedly cannot. The controls are simple, giving you the ability to use a push-to-talk button, a scroll wheel, and use of the touchscreen to interact.

The R1 device also features a far-field mic designed to have a balanced treble-to-bass ratio and is ideal for capturing audio at a distance. This feature is to make sure that the device can listen to you or anything you need for it to analyze.

Additionally, it features a 360-rotating camera to analyze images or even the items in your refrigerator to present various recipes for a meal. The usb-c port my do more than charge the device, while the sim card slot makes us wonder if this is secretly a phone at the price point of $199.

The Rabbit R1 Specs:

Battery: 1000mAh capacity

Weight: 115g

Speaker output: 2W

Audio input: Dual microphone array

Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 2.4GHz + 5GHz | 4G LTE

Display: 2.88in TFT Touchscreen

MediaTek MT6765 Octa-core (Helio P35)

Ram: 4GB

Storage: 128GB

Magnetometer + GPS

Accelerometer + Gyroscope

Photo resolution: 8MP | 3264x2448

Video resolution: 24fps | 1080p

SIM card slot

USB-C

More Rabbit R1 content from Blu: The Rabbit R1: Mobile Companion or... a Secret Competitor? (sdgtstudio.com)

These are just a few of the many exciting products that were showcased at CES 2024. For more information, check out the links below:

• Best of Show: Our Most Exciting, Innovative and Impactful Tech Winners of CES 2024
• Digital Trends’ Top Tech of CES 2024 Awards
• The best of CES 2024: Here are the products we’re actually excited about
• 20 best gadgets of CES 2024: the top TVs, smart home tech, laptops and more we saw at the show

Sophima

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Living A Tech-Friendly Life: 10 Ways To Make Your Home... Smarter!

In today's fast-paced world, technology has become an integral part of our lives. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, we are surrounded by different forms of technology that make our lives easier and more convenient. A tech-friendly life is not just about having fun gadgets, but also about utilizing technology in various areas to reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve communication.

One of the most significant benefits of using technology is that it can help us save time. With the help of various apps and software, we can automate a lot of our daily tasks, such as grocery shopping, bill payments, and even cleaning schedules for bots or services. This means that we can spend more time doing things that we enjoy or that are more important to us, such as spending time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, or focusing on our work.

Another way that technology can help us is by keeping us on task and organized. Voice reminders and to-do list apps are great tools that can help us stay on top of our daily tasks and ensure that we don't forget anything important. These tools are especially useful for people who have busy schedules or who struggle with memory issues. The Echo Show 15 acts as a household hub for family use.

In addition to saving time and keeping us organized, technology can also help us maintain our health. There are various apps and devices that can track our fitness levels, monitor our sleep patterns, and even help us manage chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. By keeping track of our health data, we can make more informed decisions about our lifestyle choices and work towards achieving our health goals.

Technology can also help us create a more comfortable and efficient living space. Smart home devices such as thermostats, lighting systems, and security cameras can be programmed to work together and create a personalized environment that meets our specific needs. For example, we can set our lights to turn on automatically when we enter a room or program our thermostat to adjust the temperature based on our daily routine.

Overall, technology has become an essential part of our lives, and I feel a tech-friendly lifestyle can offer numerous benefits. By using technology to automate tasks, stay organized, maintain our health to the extent that we comply, and create a more comfortable living space, we can improve our overall quality of life and achieve our goals more efficiently.

Here are 10 ways to make your home smarter

1. Install a voice-controlled virtual assistant, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, to control various devices in your home.

2. Install smart lights that can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app or with voice commands.

3. Set up a smart thermostat that can learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly. It can also be controlled remotely.

4. Use smart plugs to turn ordinary appliances into smart devices that can be controlled remotely or scheduled to turn on/off automatically.

5. Install smart locks on doors that can be controlled remotely and provide keyless entry options. Stay tuned for our review of the Brinks Commercial Keypad Entry Lever!

6. Invest in a smart security system that includes cameras, sensors, and alarms that can be monitored and controlled through your smartphone.

7. Set up a smart irrigation system to control the watering of your garden or lawn remotely, based on weather conditions or time of day. Lawn mower bots help keep your lawn nice and neat.

8. Use smart blinds or curtains that can be automatically opened or closed based on a set schedule or controlled remotely.

9. Integrate smart appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens, that can be controlled or monitored remotely for energy efficiency and convenience.

We can't forget about the cool convenient tech. I had to throw this in there because... come on, who would be against a freaking coffee table that also doubles as a fridge, wireless charger, and speaker system? What?! It also has a built-in touchscreen controller. Soundstream has a cheaper version. -  Blu 

10. Use smart speakers or sound systems to play music or audio throughout your home, providing a seamless entertainment experience.

Sophima | Guest Contributor

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