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The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is an excellent PC controller, but I still prefer the superb original
4:27 pm | June 26, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , | Comments: Off

8BitDo Ultimate 2: one-minute review

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 gaming controller is a pretty straightforward upgrade over the original 8BitDo Ultimate - a pad that continues to feature in our list of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. And while the Ultimate 2 is yet to receive its own Switch-compatible model (it’s just PC and Android for now, sadly), it remains a very competent gamepad that brings several welcome improvements.

Chiefly, the Ultimate 2 now features TMR (tunnelling magnetoresistance, for those curious) thumbsticks. We’ve seen this tech implemented in other fantastic PC controllers such as the GameSir Tarantula Pro, and they’re just as welcome here, offering greater stability and longevity than even Hall effect sticks.

The controller also adds two extra shoulder buttons, making for a total of four remappable buttons (the other two are found on the rear of the pad, like before). You’ll also find a pair of trigger locks back there, letting you quickly swap between analog and digital trigger presses based on your preference.

The last major addition here is RGB lighting rings around each thumbstick. These look nice and can be customized via the 8BitDo Ultimate Software PC companion app. But if you’re playing wirelessly, I would advise against keeping them on, as they’re a pretty major drain on the gamepad’s already average battery life.

8BitDo Ultimate 2

(Image credit: Future)

8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: price and availability

  • $59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90)
  • Cheaper than the 8BitDo Ultimate at retail price
  • Available via Amazon

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller is available to buy now from the brand’s Amazon store. It costs $59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90), which is actually $10 / £10 cheaper than its predecessor. As a result, I can confidently say that if you’re shopping for a new PC controller in the 8BitDo line up, this is the one to go for. You’re saving cash and getting more features to boot.

8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: Specs

Price

$59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90)

Weight

8.7oz / 246g

Dimensions

5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm

Compatibility

PC, Android

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

10-15 hours

8BitDo Ultimate 2

(Image credit: Future)

8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: design and features

  • Eye-catching RGB lighting
  • Additional remappable buttons
  • Supports 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections

As I’ve come to expect from the brand, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 boasts excellent build quality. It feels exceptionally sturdy in the hands, with lightly textured grips allowing the pad to rest firmly.

The TMR thumbsticks now feature metallic shafts, a pleasant upgrade over the original model that not only looks smart but should help the sticks in the longevity department, too. Otherwise, the d-pad, face buttons, and central utility buttons (including Start, Select, Home, etc.) all feel similar to the first Ultimate. That means you can expect very solid materials overall. One nice change is that those central buttons are spaced out much better here than on the Ultimate, where they felt a little cramped together on that pad.

As mentioned above, you’re also getting four remappable buttons, two on the rear, and two nestled up next to the bumpers and triggers. These are labeled ‘L4’ and ‘R4’ on the left and right, respectively, while the rear paddles are labeled as ‘PL’ and ‘PR’. The rear also houses two trigger locks for switching between analog and digital trigger distances, as well as a toggle for swapping between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections.

If you’re curious as to where the included 2.4GHz dongle is located (it took me a moment to realize this at first), it’s housed within the charging dock that the controller also comes with. Simply flip open the hatch on the bottom and you’ll find it tucked inside. One thing to note here is that the dongle requires a USB-C port for connection, unlike the original Ultimate controller. That’s naturally great for Android devices, but you may want to invest in a USB-C to USB adapter if your gaming PC or laptop lacks the necessary USB-C port.

8BitDo Ultimate 2

(Image credit: Future)

8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: Performance

  • Sublime drift-resistant TMR thumbsticks
  • Battery life is hurt compared to the original Ultimate
  • Satisfyingly tactile buttons and triggers

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 has been my go-to controller for the past couple of weeks - and not just for testing purposes. The controller simply feels fantastic during play, largely owing to the buttery smooth TMR thumbsticks and the highly tactile shoulder and face buttons.

Having tested the controller with titles like Lies of P, Elden Ring Nightreign, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, Tekken 8, and Final Fantasy 14 Online, I find that the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is well-suited to a broad variety of genres and gaming styles.

One slight dampener, though, is the inclusion of those RGB rings around the thumbsticks. Don’t get me wrong, they look lovely in action, and produce a very pleasing moving light based on the direction you’re pointing the sticks (and respond to button presses, too). It’s snazzy, but the toll it takes on battery life makes them not really worth enabling during wireless play.

8BitDo Ultimate 2

(Image credit: Future)

I was quite surprised at first when the batteries emptied from full in around 10 hours, with those RGB lights enabled. However, when I played wirelessly with them switched off, I managed to squeeze a more fulsome 15 hours before needing to charge. That’s still not quite class-leading, but by no means terrible. However, given I managed around 20 hours out of the original Ultimate, it’s certainly a downgrade overall.

Lastly, a word on the Ultimate V2 Software app for PC. It’s not much of a looker with a very basic user interface, but it does offer robust customization. Downloadable from 8BitDo’s website, it lets you create up to three individual profiles, which you can swap between via a button press on the gamepad.

You can fully remap every button - including the extra rear and bumper buttons - as well as set button macros, stick and trigger sensitivity, vibration strength, and more. It’s all accompanied by handy diagrams which show you in real time how your changes affect the controller’s performance.

8BitDo Ultimate 2

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the 8BitDo Ultimate 2?

Buy it if...

You want an affordable PC or mobile controller that offers top-notch quality and performance
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 barely puts a foot wrong. I have some qualms with the RGB lighting and its effect on battery life, but this is a phenomenal upgrade to an already world-class controller.

You enjoy in-depth controller customization
The Ultimate Software V2 app gives you the tools you need to customize pretty much every aspect of your play experience. From sensitivity and vibration strength to full button remapping, it’s got it all and is especially perfect for competitive players who like specific control schemes.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not a PC gamer
Unfortunately, the Ultimate 2 is not compatible with consoles like Nintendo Switch or Xbox Series X|S. For that, you’ll need the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller, which is also available at the brand’s website.

You want more battery life
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, this ain’t. If this controller’s short battery lifespan of around 10-15 hours has you feeling queasy, you may want to consider alternatives like the Xbox Wireless Controller (around 20-30 hours) or the aforementioned Switch Pro Controller (40+ hours), which is also compatible with PC.

8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: Also consider

There’s every chance the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 isn’t quite what you’re after. If so, consider these two similarly priced alternatives.

8BitDo Ultimate 2

GameSir Tarantula Pro

8BitDo Ultimate

Price

$59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90)

$69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$107)

$69.99 / £59.99 (around AU$107)

Weight

8.7oz / 246g

11.5oz / 325g

8.7oz / 245g

Dimensions

5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm

6.2 x 3.9 x 2.4in / 157 x 99 x 61mm

5.7 x 4.2 x 2.5in / 147 x 104 x 62mm

Compatibility

PC, Android

PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS

PC, Nintendo Switch

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

10-15 hours

Around 12 hours

15-20 hours

GameSir Tarantula Pro
Arguably the brand’s best controller, and that’s high praise given its usually high-quality output. This is a symmetrical controller with excellent build quality and a handy button layout switching feature that swaps the face buttons between XInput and Switch displays.

Read our full GameSir Tarantula Pro review

8BitDo Ultimate
The original 8BitDo Ultimate is still one of the best controllers ever made. It’s a touch pricier, but you are getting Nintendo Switch compatibility and a better 20-hour battery life for your trouble. It’s a bit slighter on features than the Ultimate 2, but still a worthwhile consideration.

Read our full 8BitDo Ultimate review

How I tested the 8BitDo Ultimate 2

  • Tested for two weeks
  • Played a large variety of games across various genres
  • Compared directly to the original 8BitDo Ultimate

I tested the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 across a period of two weeks, mainly on my gaming PC. I played titles from a variety of genres, including action games like Lies of P and Elden Ring Nightreign, as well as some of the best fighting games, such as Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6.

I primarily played wirelessly to gauge overall battery life, and made use of either wired play or the included charging dock when it was time to top up (which was fairly frequent given its slightly shorter battery life compared to its older sibling, the 8BitDo Ultimate).

First reviewed June 2025

Read more about how we test

Bose’s SoundLink Plus Bluetooth speaker outperforms its portable dimensions…unless you need it in a rush
4:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Comments: Off

Bose SoundLink Plus: Two-minute review

The Bose SoundLink Plus fits the gap between the SoundLink Flex and SoundLink Max nicely. Like its two older siblings, the SoundLink Plus is a sturdy, silicone-and-steel speaker that has an impressive IP67 rating against dust and moisture, can be controlled either via an app or by using buttons on the speaker itself, and will play nicely with other speakers in the Bose line-up.

Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive compatibility and multi-point connectivity is a decent start. A mid/bass driver and a tweeter supported by four passive radiators is welcome specification too, even if Bose is doing its usual thing of failing to quote power, frequency response or any other even mildly interesting information. And battery life of 20 hours (with a following wind) looks good too, especially when you consider a) the speaker’s USB-C slot can also output, as well as receive, power, and b) the battery can be replaced if and when the need arises.

As far as performance goes too, it’s established SoundLink business as usual. Which means expansive and full-figured low frequencies, plenty of detail across the board, direct and informative midrange and a top end that doesn’t get carried away with itself.

One of the best Bluetooth speakers around then, just like it's big brother? Well, in this instance, the SoundLink sonic recipe also means bass sounds that could be better controlled and, as a consequence, rhythmic expression that isn’t as convincing as it might be. Whether or not this is a deal-breaker when balanced against everything the Bose does well will very much depend on you…

Bose Soundlink Plus review: Price and release date

  • Available from June 26, 2025
  • Priced $269 / £249 / AU$429

The Bose SoundLink Plus is on sale from June 26, 2025, and in the United Kingdom it costs £249. In the company’s native United States it sells for $269, while in Australia you’re looking at AU$429.

That puts it, as you'd expect, a good deal cheaper than the June 2024-issue Bose SoundLink Max it joins in the range, which made its debut at $399 / £399 / AU$599 and hasn't seen too many dips in price since (partly because it is a fantastic speaker).

But it's still a fair bit pricier than our top Bluetooth speaker pick, the JBL Flip 7, which arrived in March 2025 and can be yours for $149 / £129 / AU$179.

Has Bose's gamble paid off? Let's dig in!

Bose SoundLink Plus on Brighton Beach pebbles, with the old pier in the background

(Image credit: Future)

Bose SoundLink Plus review: Specs

Weight:

1.45kg

Dimensions:

99 x 231 x 86mm (HxWxD)

Battery life (quoted):

20 hours

Connectivity:

Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive codec support

Drivers:

1x mid/bass driver, 1x tweeter, 4x passive radiators

Aux-in:

No

Charger port:

USB-C

Microphone:

No

Waterproof rating:

IP67

Bose SoundLink Plus review: Features

  • Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive codec support
  • Mid/bass driver, tweeter, four passive radiators
  • Up to 20 hours of battery life

The SoundLink Plus uses Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity, and is compatible with SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive codecs. There’s multi (for which read ‘two') -point connectivity available, too.

Once your digital audio content is on board the Bose, it’s delivered by a speaker driver array consisting on a mid/bass driver, a tweeter, and no fewer than four passive radiators. Bose being Bose, of course, the size and composition of these drivers, their position within the cabinet, and the amount of power that’s driving them, is privileged information. And that’s also the case where the type of amplification the Plus uses, and the frequency response it’s capable of achieving, are concerned too.

If you’re judicious about the volume level you listen at, you should be able to listen to the Plus for as much as 20 hours between charges; if you’re not, you’ll be lucky to get five hours of action. Should the worst happen and your Bose runs flat, charging it back to ‘full’ takes a lazy five hours – although the USB-C slot on the rear of the chassis can also be used as a power output if you need to charge your smartphone or what-have-you. The battery can be replaced by Bose service engineers should the need ever arise, which is a nice nod to a more sustainable tech future too.

  • Features score: 4.5/5

Bose SoundLink Plus on Brighton Beach pebbles, with the old pier in the background

(Image credit: Future)

Bose SoundLink Plus review: Design

  • 99 x 231 x 86mm (HxWxD)
  • IP67
  • Choice of three finishes

You’ll make your own mind up about the way the Bose SoundLink Plus looks, and you’ll certainly have an opinion about the available finishes (black, ‘dusk’ blue or the acidic ‘citrus’ yellow), but there’s no arguing with the hardiness of this 99 x 231 x 86mm (HxWxD) speaker.

Thanks in large part to the use of soft-touch silicone in its construction, the Bose is shock-proof. Thanks to an IP rating of IP67, it’s basically immune to the effects of dust and water – in fact, Bose claims it’s perfectly happy being submerged in up to a metre of water for 30 minutes at a time. The SoundLink Plus floats, though, so you’d have to be pretty patient to test this out definitively. And thanks to a loop of sturdy nylon rope at one end of the chassis, the speaker’s 1.45kg weight can be borne by the strap of a bag or something like that.

Like the larger SoundLink Max, the front of the Plus is a powder-coated steel grille. At the rear there’s a smaller perforated grille, along with a USB-C slot that can move power in either direction.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Bose SoundLink Plus on Brighton Beach pebbles, with the old pier in the background

(Image credit: Future)

Bose SoundLink Plus review: Sound quality

  • Spacious, detailed and punchy presentation
  • Impressive dynamic headroom
  • Not the last word in rhythmic positivity

It’s not, strictly speaking, a game of two halves because the positives in the way the SoundLink Plus sounds are much more numerous than the negatives. But equally, this Bose is not what I can truthfully describe as an ‘all-rounder’.

As far as the positives go, they are plentiful and gratifying. With a Qobuz-derived hi-res FLAC file of Boring and Weird Historical Music by Telemachus playing, the fractionally warm tonal balance makes a lot of sense and the speaker’s ability to extract plenty of detail throughout the frequency range is straightforwardly impressive. The direct nature of the midrange allows voices to reveal plenty of character and attitude along with the more usual information regarding tone and technique. And at the top of the frequency range, the SoundLink Plus attacks with well-judged gusto, bringing a bit of bite and shine to treble sounds without straying into hardness – even if you’re playing at big volumes (which you won’t be, because it affects battery life so fundamentally).

Bose, of course, isn’t saying how much power is available here, but whatever the specific number it’s more than enough to ensure the SoundLink Plus has more than enough dynamic headroom to deal with the shifts in intensity and/or volume that pepper this recording. The speaker is happy to go very loud indeed without altering its overall sonic characteristics, and when playing at more considered volumes its ability to identify and contextualise even very transient details of harmonic variations is pretty impressive.

And as well as dealing in outright volume, the Bose also creates a large soundstage by the standards of reasonably compact single-enclosure speakers. There’s a sensation of space that’s by no means a given when listening to wireless speakers at this sort of money, an openness that means even involved recordings like Radiohead’s The National Anthem are fairly easy to follow on an individual-instrument basis.

The SoundLink Plus has fairly even frequency response inasmuch as no area is underplayed or overstated to any great degree – but it doesn’t integrate the lowest frequencies with everything happening above them as smoothly as it might. The amount of punch and low-end substance the speaker can summon is impressive, certainly, but there’s a relative lack of control where attack and decay are concerned that means the plentiful bass can drag at tempos a little. Rhythmic expression isn’t as naturalistic as it might be, and low-frequency information can sound just a little estranged from the otherwise-unified presentation.

  • Sound quality: 4/5

Bose SoundLink Plus review: setup & usability

  • App or button control
  • Two SoundLink Plus can form a stereo pair
  • No mics means no voice control

There’s a mildly recessed strip of physical controls across the top of the SoundLink Plus – the action is rubbery but quite positive at the same time. Here’s where you can deal with ‘power on/off’, ‘volume up/down’, ‘play/pause’, Bluetooth pairing, and also access a ‘shortcut’ button.

The function of the ‘shortcut’ button can either be ‘access Spotify’ or ‘speaker link’ – you’ll define what you want it to do in the Bose control app that’s free for iOS and Android. ‘Access Spotify’ doesn’t really require any further explanation, but it’s worth noting that ‘speaker link’ allows two SoundLink Plus to form a stereo pair, or any other Bose speaker with a ‘shortcut’ button of its own to share content.

Other app functions include EQ presets and a three-band equaliser to create some settings of your own. There’s the ability to check for firmware updates, and an indication of remaining battery power. As is standard Bose practice, the app is nothing much to look at but is stable, logical and useful.

  • Setup & usability: 4.5/5

Bose SoundLink Plus review: Value

The SoundLink Plus is decent value for money, no two ways about it. Yes, it can be bettered for battery life and for charging time, and there are speakers out there with more comprehensive control options. But it’s built to last (and thanks to that IP67 rating, to last anywhere), looks good, and is potent enough to fill even quite large spaces with sound. Sound that’s reasonably balanced, unarguably punchy and actually quite revealing, what’s more.

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Bose SoundLink Plus on Brighton Beach pebbles, with the old pier in the background

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Bose SoundLink Plus?

Bose SoundLink Plus

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Strong app support

4.5/5

Design

Robustly made and beautifully (Bose-fully?) finished

4.5/5

Sound quality

Bold and thoroguhly Bose once more, if just a tad lethargic through the bass

4/5

Value

However you look at it, it's a contender at the level

4.5/5

Buy it if…

You’re genuinely careless
The SoundLink Plus is IP67-rated, so dust and moisture even in quite large quantities are no problem

You’re never far from the pool
The Bose speaker floats, which means it’s even more fun in the pool than those inflatables…

You enjoy robust, power-packed sound
‘Punchy’ is almost too mild a word to put the sonic character of this speaker into perspective

Don’t buy it if…

You like to listen loud
The SoundLink will go loud, sure enough, but big volumes affect battery life quite significantly

You’re in a hurry to listen
If you run the battery flat, it will be five hours before it’s fully charged again

You’re all about the dancefloor
Other wireless speakers at similar money are more confident and adept when it comes to rhythmic expression

Bose SoundLink Plus review: Also consider

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Generation
Recently, we heard and fully enjoyed this lovely little contender. Yes, it’s smaller and sounds less powerful than the Bose and yes, it’s more expensive – but it’s a profoundly accomplished listen and one of the more straightforwardly desirable Bluetooth speakers around.
Read more in our Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen review

Sonos Roam 2
The more adventurous can also consider the second-generation Sonos Roam. It’s handily cheaper than the Bose, even more portable, and it looks and feels good. It’s not the loudest speaker this sort of money can buy you, and there’s always the nagging doubt that the control app will strangle itself again but, like I say, it’s one for the adventurous.
See our in-depth Sonos Roam 2 review for the full story

Bose SoundLink Plus on Brighton Beach pebbles, with the old pier in the background

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Bose SoundLink Plus

  • Tested for two weeks
  • Dual sources used: iPhone 14 Pro and a FiiO M15S digital audio player
  • Listened in my home and on the beach

Thanks to its multipoint connectivity, I was able to connect my Apple iPhone 14 Pro and my FiiO M15S digital audio player to the SoundLink Plus at the same time – switching between the two gave a great indication of how well the Bose can perform when it’s given the best shot where codec compatibility is concerned. I listened to lots of music, of different styles and various file sizes, along with a fair amount of spoken word stuff, and I listened in my home and down on the beach. It’s a tough job, and so on…

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed: June 2025
Oppo teases a global rollout for the Pad SE, Watch X2 Mini and Enco Buds3
3:52 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

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Xiaomi MIX Flip 2 announced – same formula but better in every way
3:20 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

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Xiaomi MIX Flip 2 announced – same formula but better in every way
3:20 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Xiaomi kicked off its major announcement event today with the MIX Flip 2. There are no surprises here, after weeks of intentional teasers, we knew just how the flip-foldable would look and just how great it would be! Plum Green and Nebula Purple Available in four colors - Lattice Gold, Shell White, Nebula Purple, and Plum Green - and in three memory configurations - 12/256GB, 12/512GB, and 16GB/1TB. The phone's hinge is an innovative three-link, four-float plate structure, ensuring flat closing and as little crease as possible. Lattice Gold and Shell White The MIX...

The Trump Mobile T1 Phone is not made in America, specs quietly changed
3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

In a revelation that shouldn’t surprise anyone, it is now clear that the Trump Mobile T1 Phone will not be made in America. We do find it a little bit surprising that it’s not even the same phone... wait, what? First things first, the official page for the phone used to proclaim that it is “proudly designed and built in the United States”. It no longer says that. The phone is now described as being “Designed with American values in mind” and as having an “American-Proud Design”. However, the place of its origin is vague to put it mildly: “The T1 Phone isn’t just powerful—it’s brought to...

vivo Watch 5 eSIM version and vivo TWS Air 3 Pro announced
2:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Yesterday, vivo unveiled its vivo X Fold 5 in China, but the maker also announced two new wearables. These include a new eSIM version of its vivo Watch 5 alongside its latest wireless earbuds – the TWS Air 3 Pro. vivo Watch 5 eSIM The new eSIM vivo Watch 5 is identical in looks and specs to the regular model, with the only difference being it can connect to mobile networks. This means you can make and take calls, send out messages and use apps like WeChat without needing a paired phone. Watch 5 eSIM is advertised to reach up to 14 days of usage and comes in Black, White, and...

vivo Watch 5 eSIM version and vivo TWS Air 3 Pro announced
2:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Yesterday, vivo unveiled its vivo X Fold 5 in China, but the maker also announced two new wearables. These include a new eSIM version of its vivo Watch 5 alongside its latest wireless earbuds – the TWS Air 3 Pro. vivo Watch 5 eSIM The new eSIM vivo Watch 5 is identical in looks and specs to the regular model, with the only difference being it can connect to mobile networks. This means you can make and take calls, send out messages and use apps like WeChat without needing a paired phone. Watch 5 eSIM is advertised to reach up to 14 days of usage and comes in Black, White, and...

CrowPi3 Electronic Learning Platform review
1:59 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Elecrow’s latest invention, the CrowPi3, is an all-in-one Raspberry Pi 5 platform that bundles many popular Arduino modules in a book-sized suitcase. A 4.3” LCD sits in the center with a camera on top. Modules usually used to introduce electronics, such as a breadboard or an LED matrix, are also included. They are all connected to the Pi through its 40-pin header connector. The unit has a built-in battery pack that should provide hours of fun.

Elecrow is running a Kickstarter campaign that will end on July 5th. The product's main selling point is that it can be used as a hardware enabler for AI designs. How much this is true depends on the software ecosystem that ships with it. Elecrow is smart by using the Raspberry Pi as part of its design. This opens thousands of AI and ML libraries for the younger generation targeted by this product.

CrowPi3: Price and Availability

The CrowPi3 is available in nine configurations on the Kickstarter webpage. The Early Birds offer the most value for money and start at $159 for the basic kit, excluding the Pi computer. An 8GB Pi 5 with battery and a gamepad will add an extra $130.

CrowPi3 front.

(Image credit: Future)

CrowPi3: Design

The CrowPi3 ships with a transparent plastic cover on the main experiment board, which helps protect the delicate circuits and LCD module while on the go.

Specification

Supported board: Raspberry Pi 5, Pi Pico, Arduino, Micro: bit

Number of extensions: 28 Arduino-compatible modules

Size: 28.5 cm x 18.5 cm x 3.8 cm

Weight: 1.1 kg

Video: 4.3” 800 x 480 IPS LCD, 1 x HDMI

Audio: Stereo speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack

Power supply: 27W 12V power adapter

Two small magnets hold the cover in place while a rubber strap on top acts as a handle, creating a look similar to a suitcase. The unit measures 28.5 cm x 18.5 cm x 3.8 cm, for a weight of 1.1 kg, and feels solid. The two compartments on the bottom are easily accessible by sliding plastic doors. One holds the Raspberry Pi board, while the other can store small parts.

Elecrow went above and beyond to pack over thirty electronic modules in a small volume. Even more impressive is that they are all connected to the Pi expansion connector. If the Pi is too much of a hassle to work with, then two extra sockets accommodate a Raspberry Pi Pico board or an Arduino, while the breadboard space allows adding other modules easily.

The Raspberry Pi 5 provides over twice the processing power of its predecessor. The CrowPi3 utilizes all of the Pi’s connectors and interfaces; Two HDMI connectors connect to the integrated display and an optional external screen. The user can access only three USB 3 ports, the fourth reserved for the two-megapixel camera. A 4.3-inch 800 x 480 IPS screen offers excellent brightness and viewing angle, although the small viewing area makes reading text challenging.

The case integrates two 3300mAh rechargeable batteries, which should keep the Pi and screen working for several hours. Networking is available using the 1 Gb Ethernet port or the Pi’s Wi-Fi module. A pair of speakers provides stereo sound output, which can be bypassed using a headphone plugged into the 3.5mm headphone jack.

CrowPi3 kit.

(Image credit: Future)

CrowPi3: In Use

The unit turns on by pressing the right-side power button. A long press on the same button turns the unit off. Two red LEDs indicate whether the unit is charging and turned on. The cooling system is always on without temperature control and produces a low but noticeable whining sound from the fan. The built-in screen is more of a gimmick. An external display is recommended for actual development.

The Elecrow ecosystem builds on a customized version of Raspbian OS, specially tailored for interactive learning. The UI ditches the conventional desktop with icons and instead organizes items in what looks like a dashboard with two distinct sections. The left contains AI modules, while the right holds Python-based projects. The user must create an account to start using the CrowPi3.

The most challenging part of setting up the CrowPi3 is getting the OS up and running. Elecrow provides a 40GB image that, although containing a wealth of material, is just too big to be useful. In contrast, the latest Raspbian desktop image with recommended applications is less than 4 GB. Elecrow should provide a lite version of the OS with additional user packages external to the image.

CrowPi3 left side.

(Image credit: Future)

CrowPi3: Competition

Very few platforms exist that are similar to the CrowPi3. With built-in modules that showcase the Pi’s ability to control peripherals and the various extension connectors spread around the case, the CrowPi3 is a unique product. The curated software library also plays an essential part in the product.

The Joy-Pi advanced product is similar to the CrowPi3 and supports Pi 4. It incorporates modules such as touch sensors and ultrasonic range finders and sports an even smaller 1-inch LCD. However, the price is higher than the CrowPi3, at more than $470. It lacks a battery and key components such as a camera to make an AI platform.

CrowPi3 right side.

(Image credit: Future)

CrowPi3: Verdict

With their newest all-in-one station, Elecrow promotes an AI-centric product on a large scale through their Kickstarter campaign. The CrowPi3 feels well-built and oozes quality with many electronic modules, such as the LCD and touchscreen. However, the software support for voice and image recognition sets it apart from the competition. We liked the general appearance and portability of the platform, with a cute handle that completes the suitcase appearance. Don't let the toy appearance fool you; the platform can be used for more serious stuff, such as software development, but with a bigger external screen.

That said, the unit feels overcrowded. Elecrow thinks cramming as many modules into a small space will win over the general public. The fact is that the platform might overwhelm beginners with its complexity. Also, supporting material such as schematics is missing. You are on your own if the unit breaks and you want to do some repairs. Finally, the fan is noisy and will be a distraction.

Buy it as a gift for kids who like building and breaking stuff.

Don’t buy it if you want to get your hands dirty quickly with the Pi5.

Raspberry Pi: Everything you need to know.

Oppo Reno14 and Reno14 Pro’s India launch date announced
1:58 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The Oppo Reno14 and Reno14 Pro were launched in China last month and began their international rollout yesterday, with the first stop being in Taiwan. The Reno14 series will be introduced next in Malaysia on July 1, and after that, the duo will be introduced to the Indian market. The Oppo Reno14 and Reno14 Pro will be launched in India on July 3 at noon local time. Oppo hasn't detailed the specs sheets of the Indian models but revealed that the Reno14 Pro will be powered by the Dimensity 8450 SoC and feature four 50MP cameras - a primary camera with an OmniVision OV50E sensor and OIS, a...

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