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Trust Ody II Silent Wireless Keyboard and Mouse review
9:50 am | May 5, 2024

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

The Ody II is a budget wireless keyboard from Trust that promises a quiet typing experience. If, like us, you’re coming from the clacking and clattering of a cheap full-sized keyboard, the difference is immediately noticeable. Smooth, near-silent, spill-proof, this is an impressive unit for the price. 

We’ve tested out plenty of office keyboards, keyboards for programmers, spent decades hammering on wired and wireless and cheap and expensive and full-sized and compact models. If  you spend a lot of time writing reports, essays, code, your latest screenplay and you don’t want to disturb those around you, and you don’t want to break the bank, the trust Ody II is worth checking out. 

That’s the TLDR. And it comes with some caveats. This isn’t ergonomically designed, it’s not low profile, and it’s not a mechanical keyboard - although it offers a closer typing experience compared to a lot of modern, flat keyboards, and even boasts a numpad. But is silence really golden? We put the Ody II to the test. And yes, in true review fashion, this one was written using the keyboard in question.  

Trust Ody II Wireless Keyboard: Pricing & availability

Trust Ody II Silent Wireless keyboard and mouse during our test and review process

(Image credit: Trust)

The Trust Ody II silent keyboard is available as a standalone unit or as part of a keyboard and mouse combo, like our review unit. This set comes in at £20 and is widely available in the UK, from the likes of Argos, and across the rest of Europe. 

US availability appears non-existent. For a US equivalent, we’d be looking at something like the Logitech MK295 wireless keyboard and mouse set.  

Trust Ody II Wireless Keyboard: Design & build

Trust Ody II Silent Wireless keyboard and mouse during our test and review process

(Image credit: Trust)

Despite being a budget model, we were impressed with the overall design and construction of the Ody II. With its professional heavy black and embossed pebbling along the upper strip, it’s as sharp as a tailored business suit. There’s a nice weight to it, bolstered by the required three AAA batteries, and unlike many cheap keyboards, the casing doesn’t feel too plasticky. The keys themselves have a smooth feel to them, which is good for longer typing sessions. 

Along the top row of the keyboard, you’ll find the physical on-off switch, while Function keys can be switched to media playback and hotkeys by pressing Fn + Tab. This works well in practice, but we would’ve liked to see some visual cue to show which is active. 

The mouse bundled alongside the keyboard is fine. This is a standard 800 dpi - 1.600 dpi pointer with a speed button beneath a scroll wheel that’s very satisfying to roll. Comfortable enough under-hand with its rubber coating making it feel slightly more premium than it is, and like the keyboard, clicks are relatively quiet. Also like the keyboard, it’s not an ergonomic design. It uses a single AA battery. 

Tucked away beneath the keyboard, you’ll find the Bluetooth adapter which feels snug in slot, but comes out easily. This single adapter is used to connect your PC to both devices. So, if you’re limited on ports, this is a good space-saver. Our experience here was good. We removed our wired unit, plugged in the USB-A adapter, then the keyboard and mouse worked. It was all very simple, seamless instant, the way it should be. No-one wants to be diving into Bluetooth settings just to write an email. 

Trust Ody II Wireless Keyboard: Performance

Trust Ody II Silent Wireless keyboard and mouse during our test and review process

(Image credit: Trust)

Using the Ody II has been a joy. A softer, gentler, typing experience, that feels like it can still take a beating when you’re pounding out a report past the deadline. It’s not completely silent, but certainly whisper quiet and unlikely to disturb those around you even during a writing frenzy. We came from a similarly designed but very noisy keyboard, and the difference is remarkable. That overall pleasing experience is aided by its elevated or ‘floating’ keys. This further dampens sound, while allowing for greater depth and travel. 

During our time with the Ody II, we experienced no issues whatsoever. No lag between key presses, or having to press buttons multiple times to get them to work. Any typos are purely the writer’s own. Under day-to-day office usage, it performed very well. As a wireless unit, it works up to 10m away from the Bluetooth adapter - you’ll know when you’ve strayed too far, as the board’s green light disappears, showing connection loss. This also happens when you don’t use the keyboard for some time, but we found ‘awakening’ it was instantaneous. 

Using the bundled mouse, too, was a lag-free experience with none of the frustrations you sometimes get with cheap or budget brands. It’s not the best mouse we’ve ever used, lacking ergonomics for all-day use, but if you just need a classic office mouse for everyday use, it’s a welcome addition. 

The real question for us is how long will the batteries last. Both devices had low-end batteries included, which are still holding up post-review. In an ideal world, we’d add a recharge option here - a cable for wired and wireless connections, making it useful for those who prefer the reliability of wired keyboards, and those who like the flexibility that comes from wireless models. 

Trust Ody II Wireless Keyboard: Final verdict

Trust Ody II Silent Wireless keyboard and mouse during our test and review process

(Image credit: Trust)

Really, we can only re-iterate what we said right at the start. If you do a lot of typing and want a silent experience on a budget, the Trust Ody II wireless keyboard is a fine bit of kit. While not totally silent, it’s as quiet as a whisper, the keys softly muted when pressed, and the overall experience of writing is incredibly comfortable, if not ergonomic. 

For us, the mouse is very much a secondary character - a classic office mouse that’s comfortable enough if you don’t mind the lack of ergonomics. It’s nice to have, if you pick the combo set, but either way the keyboard is the real star of the show. Well-priced, well-designed, and mostly silent. 

Should I buy?

Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB SD Card review
9:37 am | May 4, 2024

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

Kingston Canvas React Plus V60: One-minute review

When photographers and videographers discuss memory, two brands often get instant mentions: SanDisk and Lexar. Both manufacturers produce a wide range of cards, but they also command a premium price tag. While Kingston may not be as well-known for its memory cards, the company is nonetheless a significant player. The Canvas range of cards has a solid reputation and following among professionals, especially those who work in less-than-ideal conditions.

SD cards remain the go-to choice for most photographers and videographers, although the high-resolution files produced for both video and stills are pushing the format to its limits. However, the Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 has been designed with these cameras in mind and is capable of keeping up with the write speeds required by cameras like the Canon EOS R5 C and Sony A7 IV.

We've conducted plenty of tests on the best SD cards and best microSD cards. And our speed tests here confirm Kingston's ratings. When used for professional video, the card performed flawlessly, and the 256GB of storage proved ample for small—to medium-sized shoots.

Given its performance and reliability, the Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 offers great value. If you're a professional in need of a reasonably priced SD card, this should be your first choice.

Kingston Canvas React Plus V60: Pricing & availability

  • How much does it cost? Approx. $60 / £50
  • When is it available? Now
  • Where can you get it? It is available for sale in the US, UK and Australia

The Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB SD Card is widely available in a variety of capacities, ranging from 128GB to 1TB. The V60 model is the mid-range card, while the Kingston Canvas React Plus 256GB SD Card, which has a V90 rating, is also available but commands a price four times higher.

The Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB SD Card is available directly from Kingston, Amazon US and Amazon UK. and in most camera and electronics stores. 

  • Pricing & availability: 5/5

Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Kingston Canvas React Plus V60: Benchmarks

Using AJA System Test Lite, the Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB SD Card achieved speeds close to those advertised by the manufacturer, with a read speed of 256MB/s and a write speed of 186MB/s. While the read speed was slightly lower than the advertised 280MB/s, the all-important write speed exceeded the quoted 150MB/s for this capacity card and sustained this speed over an hour of testing. These results demonstrate the card's ability to handle high-resolution video files as they are being captured in the camera.

  • Benchmarks: 5/5

Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Kingston Canvas React Plus V60: Specs

Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB: Build & handling

One of the great things about memory cards is that their design can stay the same can't because they need to fit into a standardized port. Indeed, the Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB SD Card adheres to this standard. Tested in a MacBook Pro M1, Intel Nuc Ghost Canyon, Sony A7 IV, and Canon EOS R5 C, the card slotted into place with no issues.

The card's general construction is solid and well-made, as usual. It is formed from plastic, with the delicate electronics safely encased inside. On the exterior, there's just the Kingston label with the 256GB capacity emblazoned on the front. This is quite handy for quickly verifying that you have grabbed the correct capacity card, but aside from aesthetics, it serves little other purpose. The days of leaving a strip to mark on details or contact information have long since passed.

On the back are the two lines of contacts that signify this is the faster UHS-II generation of SD cards. Other than that, the Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB appears on the surface to be a standard SD card.

Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Kingston Canvas React Plus V60: Features

The Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 card balances performance, capacity, and price, aimed at professional photographers and videographers. The range also features a V90 class card, which offers a significant increase in write performance—almost double that of the V60 card—but this comes at a considerable financial cost, almost four times the price.

In reality, the V60 is likely to meet the needs of most photographers, with UHS-II technology enabling the older Speed Class 3 (U3) classification and the newer Video Speed Class 60 (V60). This will satisfy the demands of all photographers and the majority of mirrorless and DSLR shooters whose cameras are compatible with SD cards.

The card's UHS-II technology allows for write speeds of up to 280MB/s in ideal conditions, which is more than sufficient for most off-the-shelf cameras when shooting 4K video or capturing high-resolution images in burst modes. Most cameras that require higher data writing speeds than this also offer the newer CFExpress cards for that purpose.

While the advent of high-capacity cameras is welcome, they do impose additional demands on storage. Here, the 256GB capacity offers a good middle ground, with smaller and larger capacity cards available to suit your needs.

  • Features: 5/5

Kingston Canvas React Plus V60: Performance

Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB SD Card is marketed as a high-performance option designed for professional photographers and videographers. To assess its performance, it was tested in capturing both video and stills with the Canon EOS R5 C and Sony A7 IV. Additionally, a variety of benchmarking tools were used to measure the read and write speeds and to evaluate performance consistency under sustained use.

In practical camera use, the Kingston Canvas React Plus proved to be an ideal partner for high-resolution cameras like the Canon EOS R5 C and Sony A7 IV. The card supported burst shooting modes and handled the high data storage demands required when recording 4K video directly in-camera, without the need for an external recorder. The write speeds were reliable during several days of shooting with both cameras. Post-shoot, the files were transferred to an OWC drive, and the card's high read speeds enabled fast file transfers.

In real-world tests, the card performed exceptionally well, meeting the demands of the cameras and facilitating speedy downloads at the end of the shoot. Switching to benchmark tests, the results in the field were confirmed by software-based assessments.

The AJA System Test reported read speeds of up to 256 MB/s and write speeds of 186 MB/s. The CrystalDiskMark test further demonstrated the card's capabilities, with impressive read speeds of 268.68 MB/s and even higher write speeds of 296.29 MB/s. The ATTO Disk Benchmark showed read speeds peaking at 243.20 MB/s and write speeds at 189.02 MB/s, reflecting consistent performance that aligns with the needs of continuous high-resolution image capturing and video recording. Finally, the AS SSD Benchmark confirmed these results with read speeds of 241.31 MB/s and write speeds of 185.48 MB/s, reinforcing the abilities of this card.

  • Performance: 5/5

Should I buy the Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB?

The Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB demonstrates excellent performance that will meet the demands of professional photographers and videographers. Its performance in the real world and benchmark tests show its capabilities in handling large files and frequent write cycles, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for reliability and speed in an SD card. 

How I tested the Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 256GB

For this test the card was used in several different devices all of which support the exFAT but with a focus on use in the Sony A7 IV and Canon EOS R5 C. Before starting this test the card was reformated to give the greatest compatibility for the real world tests and also for testing through the benchmarking software.

The softare used included the latest versions of CrystalDiskMark, Atto, AS SSD and AJA benchmarks, noting the best scores achieved in each. They are all free and can be downloaded by anyone. After the standard benchmarks I then use the card in a variety of tech, including as previously mentioned the Sony A7 IV and Canon EOS R5 C to ensure compatibility and performance over a sustained period. I then transfer a folder of files, roughly 10GB in size, to get a rough idea of real-life performance. 

Bluetti AC70 portable power station review
8:50 pm | May 3, 2024

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

Portable power stations have become an essential item for homes and businesses, providing a back-up power solution for charging and powering a massive range of devices. 

The Bluetti AC70 is a smart portable power station chiefly designed for homes, home offices, and on the road. This model boasts a 1000W pure sine wave inverter, making it better suited to lower-powered devices - think laptops, phones, other home office essentials - with a 2000W Power Lifting Mode for higher-powered household appliances. 

We’ve tested out a number of the best portable power stations, and having been impressed with previous Bluetti models, we were keen to see how the new AC70 compares.  

Bluetti AC70: Pricing & availability

The Bluetti AC70 is available worldwide, with an RRP of $699 / £699. However, at the time of review, it was on sale for $499 / £649. This does place the AC70 at the mid-to-high end of the spectrum for a power station of this type. 

You can find the AC70 on the official Bluetti site, Amazon, and most electrical retailers. 

Bluetti AC70: Design & features

Bluetti AC70 during our test and review process

(Image credit: Bluetti)
Specs

What's in the box: 1x Bluetti AC70, 1x mains charger, 1x cigarette lighter charger, 1x solar panel charging cable, 1x grounding screw
Battery capacity: 768Wh
Output: 1000W / 2000W in Power Lifting Mode
Inverter: Pure Sine Wave
AC output: 2
DC output: 1
USB output: 4 (2x USB-A, 2x USB-C)
Weight: 22.5 lbs / 10.2kg
Dimensions: 12.4 × 8.2 × 10.1in / 314 × 209.5 × 255.8mm

The AC70 is a compact but weighty little box (it clocks in at 22.5lb / 10.2kg) - although transportation is made easier with the built-in handle. It’s all part of the same casing as the rest of the unit, and feels firm during transit. However, we were glad to set it down after a while. 

Soft, curved edges and a dark gray coloring makes this feel smart and accessible - its presence not dominating, but subtle, suitable for a range of locations. Driving the unit is a 768Wh LiFePO battery, which is relatively small when it comes to power stations, but does keep things more portable. 

On the front of the power station, you’ll find a bright, clear LCD screen and buttons for powering on the device and switching between AC and DC outputs. Pressing these together lets you access and navigate the settings menu. It’s simple enough, after some trial and plenty of error, although we recommend using the Bluetti app for managing the power station, especially if you’re in and out of settings. For example, by default the unit is set to the power-saving eco mode. According to the manual, this mode is best turned off when charging smaller devices like phones. We found it far quicker to hop into the app and make that change than fiddle in the on-device menus. 

When it comes to connections, the Bluetti AC70 is well-rounded for general use. Beneath the power button are two USB-A and two USB-C ports. A DC output and cigarette lighter port, letting you charge up the power station from your vehicle, sit to the left. On the right are two AC outputs. Around the side, a grounding pole and an AC input to recharge the unit via mains. A solar panel charging cable is included in the box to draw power from Earth’s yellow sun, with solar panels available separately. 

Bluetti AC70: Performance

Bluetti AC70 during our test and review process

(Image credit: Bluetti)

In use, the Bluetti AC70 portable power station works exactly as intended. Quietly powering our devices, turning the screen off after a minute, and generally being as unobtrusive as possible through our testing process. It’s worth checking the specs for any high-energy device you connect here. For example, our standard UK kettle (average 3000W) wouldn’t work even in Power Lifting Mode, which increases the power station’s reach to 2000W. Impressive technology, but hardly a game-changer compared to many we’ve tried. 

That makes it a fairly low-level portable power station for more casual everyday use. In this regard, we had no issues at all, with the AC70 easily handling all devices within the 1000W range without any issue at all. Phones, battery chargers, laptops, lamps all worked instantly via AC and USB (DC) connections. However, if you use this for camping trips, you’ll want to store it somewhere safe and dry - keep it in the van. While the sockets do have rubber caps to protect from water and dust, the unit itself has no MIL-STD or IP ratings to complement the lifestyle of more rugged adventurers and road warriors. 

For extra utility, the AC70 also boasts turbo charging when plugged into the mains. Documentation states the unit charges to 80% in forty-five minutes, and full charge in 1.5 hours in this mode. In our own tests, this was broadly accurate. You can switch between Standard, Turbo, and Silent charging modes in the app, and even charging on standard mode, it took the device from 33% to 75% in forty-five minutes. So, you won’t have to wait long to put the power station to use, whatever charging mode you use. We checked and the AC70 also supports pass-through charging, powering devices while you charge or run the unit off the mains.

You control this, and much more, within a beautifully designed app. It's incredibly easy to navigate and find what you need, with a series of taps and toggles for controlling pretty much every feature, from Power Lifting and Eco Mode to Grid Self-adaption, an option that lets you continue a steady charging rate even during electrical spikes and volatility. Connecting the device to the app took us seconds after signing up, with any changes made in the app immediately reflected on the AC70’s screen.

Bluetti AC70: Final verdict

Bluetti AC70 during our test and review process

(Image credit: Bluetti)

The Bluetti AC70 is a solid portable power station ideal for household use and the van-life - although in this regard, it’s likely best as a secondary or tertiary back-up unit, given its lower wattage output. Capable of powering most everyday devices, such as laptops and phones, it works very well, with a range of charging options and minimal fuss for those who just want to charge up devices on the go. For us, the companion app was a real highlight. Using this was absolutely seamless, giving you as much (or as little) control over the AC70 as you need. 

It’s not perfect - what is? - and certain users are going to find the power output simply too low, the battery too small for their needs. But then, this isn’t designed for high-capacity or industrial use. If your needs are smaller, then it's a very nice unit, with a pleasing design and construction that, while heavy, remains highly portable for solo users.  

Should I buy?

SEO PowerSuite review
7:16 pm | May 2, 2024

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

SEO PowerSuite was launched in 2004 by Link-Assistant, a company specializing in SEO and internet marketing tools. Unlike many competitors that operate solely on cloud-based platforms, Powersuite delivers its comprehensive tools directly to the user's computer. This approach helps you with data privacy and firm control over SEO data. Many professionals who are cautious about storing sensitive information on external servers prefer PowerSuite for this reason. 

At its core, SEO PowerSuite is designed to cover all areas of SEO, including keyword research, site auditing, backlink analysis, and link building. Our team conducted detailed testing of its functionalities, performance, and utility to provide you with an in-depth overview. We aimed to illustrate why SEO PowerSuite is a preferred choice for SEO professionals seeking a reliable and powerful toolset for their optimization needs. So, let’s get started.

SEO PowerSuite: Plans and pricing

SEO PowerSuite plans and pricing

(Image credit: SEO PowerSuite)

SEO PowerSuite comes with different pricing plans that can cater to a wide variety of users. The free plan is best for individual site owners and beginners. This plan offers features including a rank tracker, website auditor, SEO spyglass, and link assistant.  

The professional plan is $299 annually, allowing users to save projects and schedule SEO tasks. There is a dedicated query processing system for captcha-free checks. This plan is best for in-house SEO professionals and small to medium-sized businesses.

The enterprise plan is the most expensive plan SEO PowerSuite has to offer. This plan is best for SEO agencies and freelancers managing clients but be prepared to splurge on it as it costs $499 per year. The plan includes all the professional plan features. Additionally, it allows users to save reports in PDF, schedule reports, and data export in .csv,.sql, and .html.

SEO PowerSuite: Features

SEO PowerSuite rank tracker

(Image credit: SEO PowerSuite)

Rank Tracker

PowerSuite’s Rank Tracker tool tracks and analyzes website rankings across multiple search engines. With access to over 20 keyword suggestion tools, including prominent ones like Google Ads Keyword Planner, Google Search Console, and SEMrush, you can easily find profitable keywords within your niche. 

We also love Powersuite’s SERP analysis feature. It tracks an unlimited number of keywords while monitoring ranking changes on a daily, weekly, or custom frequency basis. Additionally, it also offers competitor tracking, where you can monitor up to 40 competitors' rankings alongside your own. 

If you want to target the local market for your business, it supports localized rankings with tracking capabilities in over 300 search engines and precise location targeting down to the city level. It further provides over 15 customizable report templates and lets you conduct detailed analysis and reporting.

SEO PowerSuite website auditor

(Image credit: SEO PowerSuite)

Website Auditor

During our tests, we found Powersuite’s Website Auditor pretty impressive. It performs deep analysis of websites and finds technical and on-page SEO opportunities for optimization. While doing this, it crawls websites and detects over 40 different types of issues that could harm your website’s ranking. 

Moreover, the tool offers suggestions on optimizing your website with more than 50 different on-page SEO factors, including page titles, meta descriptions, and content quality. Plus, considering the importance of social media sharing buttons, it further evaluates their integration and effectiveness. 

Powersuite also utilizes over 10 distinct visualizations and identifies and suggests improvements for internal linking and URL structure. It even shines in its reporting capabilities, generating detailed, white-labeled, and customizable audit reports, which are ideal for client presentations and internal use.

SEO PowerSuite seo spyglass

(Image credit: SEO PowerSuite)

SEO SpyGlass

SEO SpyGlass is responsible for handling the critical area of backlink analysis. It has access to a database of over 1.6 trillion backlinks. With this, it performs backlink audits and competitive analysis. You can even compare your backlink profiles directly with up to five competitors at a time to gain valuable insights into link-building strategies. Moreover, it has 50 quality factors to help identify potentially harmful links that could pose a risk to your site. 

Besides this, SEO SpyGlass tracks the historical data and trends into how the backlinks were gained. This lets you assess the effectiveness of your link-building efforts over time. And no, it doesn’t stop here. It also generates detailed, customizable, and brandable backlink reports for deep analysis.

SEO PowerSuite link assistant

(Image credit: SEO PowerSuite)

LinkAssistant

LinkAssistant focuses on streamlining the link-building process. For this, it employs over 10 different methods for identifying potential link partners. These include exploring directories, analyzing blogs, and studying competitors' backlinks. Another highlight of this feature is the fully integrated email client and customizable email templates, which help you run an efficient outreach campaign. Another area where LinkAssistant excels is managing and tracking a vast number of backlinks and link-building prospects by organizing them efficiently within a single project. 

SEO PowerSuite: User interface

PowerSuite's user-friendly interface is perfect for both SEO beginners and seasoned experts. It’s easy to navigate and offers all essential information upfront. With just a few clicks, you can easily access everything from tracking keyword rankings and conducting site audits to analyzing backlinks and finding link-building opportunities.

We love how the interface uses colors and symbols to guide users. For example, the Website Auditor uses red, yellow, and green to highlight SEO problems based on their severity. This helps to prioritize the issues of the site accordingly. Moreover, Rank Tracker utilizes graphs, using upward or downward arrows to indicate changes in keyword rankings.

Despite all the detailed features, SEO PowerSuite keeps the interface tidy and well-organized. All tools are logically grouped, and switching between different tasks or projects is smooth. 

Last but not least, the software also lets you create detailed and visually appealing reports directly from the interface. These reports are ideal for presentations to clients or team discussions.

SEO PowerSuite: Support

PowerSuite's customer support provides extensive assistance, helping you to utilize all aspects and features of the software effectively. Its extensive online documentation offers in-depth articles and step-by-step guides covering every tool and feature. So whether you're a beginner needing guidance on basic operations or an advanced user looking for tips on optimizing your SEO strategy, you’ll find all the necessary information here.

If you’re looking for direct assistance, SEO PowerSuite offers support through multiple channels. First, you can reach out to the support team through their Live Chat which is pretty fast. Next, you have the ticket feature where you can raise your query, and the team will get back to you via email. You can reach out with specific questions or issues. During our evaluation, Powersuite’s support was quite impressive with the help as they didn’t just respond quickly but gave a detailed solution to our query in the first try.

Additionally, SEO PowerSuite has a community forum where you can share experiences, ask questions, and offer solutions to one another. This enhances the overall support framework and offers a place for real-world advice and tips from other SEO professionals.

SEO PowerSuite: Competition

PowerSuite offers a variety of SEO tools at a competitive pricing structure that even includes a free version for basic use. The paid versions start at $299/year for the Professional plan and $499/year for the Enterprise plan, making it a cost-effective alternative to many competitors. For instance, tools like Moz Pro start at $99/month for their Standard plan, which adds up to nearly $1200 annually. This makes powersuite a much cheaper alternative for specific SEO practices. 

While evaluating its features and user experiences, we noticed that SEO PowerSuite is designed for users who demand comprehensive, in-depth SEO analysis and management capabilities. In contrast, Yoast SEO's more user-friendly approach to on-page SEO tasks makes it appealing to website owners and bloggers who need straightforward tools within their CMS (Content Management System).

Another thing worth comparing is that SEO PowerSuite's desktop-based application presents a learning curve compared to cloud-based solutions. Tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs, with starting prices of $119.95/month and $99/month, offer a range of SEO, content marketing, and competitor analysis tools in a more straightforward, web-based interface. 

Overall, SEO PowerSuite's one-time annual fee and comprehensive feature set make it a better option than cloud-based softwares like Moz Pro and Ahrefs if you’re specifically concerned about rank tracking and link assistance. 

SEO PowerSuite: Final verdict

SEO PowerSuite is a comprehensive and versatile SEO tool for a wide range of users. Its four essential tools, Rank Tracker, Website Auditor, SEO SpyGlass, and LinkAssistant, address all major aspects of SEO. This includes keyword tracking, site auditing, backlink analysis, and link building. We are a big fan of PowerSuite’s user-friendly interface, with design elements like color coding and symbols which simplify navigation and make complex data easily understandable.

We also found the support of the tool quite spectacular. It offers detailed documentation, responsive email support, and an active community forum, so you have the necessary resources at your fingertips. Not to mention,  its amazing pricing structure that makes it accessible to users with different needs and budgets. 

Despite being a desktop-based platform, which could be seen as a limitation, it offers advantages in data security and speed. All in all, SEO PowerSuite is a valuable tool for achieving SEO success, balancing comprehensive features with user accessibility and strong customer support.

RankIQ review: a good SEO optimization tool for bloggers and small businesses
6:27 pm |

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

With millions of successful websites and more being launched each day, SEO strategy now requires a solid action plan and a serious budget. RankIQ is an AI-powered SEO tool that can help bloggers and content creators optimize their content for better search engine rankings.

It's a relatively recent entrant in the SEO tool space. But like companies such as MarketMuse and Clearscope, RankIQ uses artificial intelligence to analyze a vast array of data points across the web, including keyword usage, search trends, and competitive content. It's tailored especially for bloggers and content marketers who want to improve their organic traffic without necessarily being SEO experts.

But what sets RankIQ apart from other tools in the SEO industry? Let’s examine its features and benefits to discover what makes it a game-changer.


Features

RankIQ's feature set is deliberately narrow in scope, prioritizing depth over breadth in the areas that matter most to bloggers: keyword research, content optimization, and title analysis.

The standout element is the hand-curated Keyword Library, which covers more than 200 blog niches and is maintained by RankIQ's team to surface low-competition, high-traffic keyword opportunities. Unlike keyword tools that require users to start from scratch with a seed keyword, the library gives bloggers a pre-filtered shortlist to work from; a significant time-saver for anyone without a deep background in SEO.

The AI SEO Report and Content Optimizer work in tandem to guide the full content creation process, from outline to final draft. The report identifies the topics and keyword phrases that top-ranking pages are using, while the optimizer scores your content in real-time as you write.

Together, these tools create a guided, repeatable workflow that can meaningfully reduce the time it takes to produce a post that's competitive on Google. The Content Planner adds a layer of editorial organization, allowing bloggers to set monthly goals for new posts and content refreshes.

That said, RankIQ's toolkit is noticeably limited compared to platforms like Semrush or Ahrefs. There's no backlink analysis, technical SEO audit, rank tracking, or site health monitoring. The keyword data is also U.S.-centric, which can frustrate international bloggers working in non-English markets. For users who need a full-service SEO suite, RankIQ will feel incomplete.

But for bloggers whose primary goal is to write content that ranks on Google's first page, the platform's focused approach is a genuine advantage rather than a drawback. There's less to learn, fewer dashboards to manage, and a clearer path from keyword to published post.

How does RankIQ use AI?

At the core of RankIQ's platform is its AI SEO Report, which draws on IBM Watson's artificial intelligence to analyze top-ranking pages for any given keyword and generate a detailed content brief. The report identifies the topics, subtopics, and LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords that Google's ranking algorithm associates with high-quality content in your niche. Rather than asking users to manually comb through competitor articles, the AI condenses that competitive research into a prioritized checklist you can act on immediately.

The Content Optimizer pairs with each SEO Report to provide real-time feedback as you write or revise. It grades your content on a scale from F to A++, dynamically updating as you incorporate recommended keywords and phrases. This creates a straightforward editing loop: draft, optimize, and polish — with a clear benchmark for when your content is competitive enough to publish. It also recommends an ideal word count based on the average length of top-ranking posts for your keyword, removing guesswork from one of the more tedious aspects of content planning.

RankIQ's title analysis tool uses the same AI-driven methodology to evaluate your blog post title, grading it based on keyword inclusion, title length, and patterns observed in high-performing SERP results. This feature is particularly useful for bloggers who want to maximize click-through rates without resorting to keyword stuffing. The tool flags when a title is underoptimized and suggests specific adjustments to push it toward an A or A+ grade.

One of the more practical additions to RankIQ's AI toolkit is its "time to rank" estimator, which predicts how quickly a new post could appear on Google's first page. The system categorizes ranking speed as ultrafast (approximately 3 months), very fast (3–6 months), fast (6–12 months), or average (12+ months), based on factors such as keyword competition, domain authority, and SERP landscape. While no tool can guarantee ranking timelines, this feature helps bloggers prioritize their content calendar based on realistic expectations rather than wishful thinking.

Installation, setup, and compatibility

Getting started with RankIQ is a pretty low-friction experience. The platform is entirely cloud-based, meaning there's no software to download or install. You only need a web browser and an internet connection. Once you've signed up and chosen a plan, access to the full toolset is immediate.

RankIQ's onboarding is handled through a 20-minute walkthrough video produced by founder Brandon Gaille, which covers the platform's core workflow: selecting a keyword from the library, running an SEO report, reviewing the AI-generated content brief, and optimizing your draft using the Content Optimizer.

The video-first approach suits RankIQ's target audience of bloggers, who may not have prior experience with dedicated SEO tools. There's also an active Facebook community where subscribers can ask questions and share results.

The platform integrates with Google Search Console, which allows you to pull in performance data for your existing posts and identify underperforming content worth optimizing. Beyond that, RankIQ's integrations are intentionally minimal — there is no API and the tool doesn't connect natively with CMS platforms like WordPress.

If your workflow relies on integrations across multiple platforms, this is worth factoring into your decision. That said, the Content Optimizer's built-in editor is functional enough to write and optimize content directly within RankIQ, especially if you prefer a focused, distraction-free environment.

Plans and pricing

RankIQ comparison

(Image credit: RankIQ)

Plan

Starting rate (paid monthly)

Blogger

$49/month

Pro

$99/month

Agency

$199/month

Enterprise

Custom pricing

RankIQ keeps its pricing structure simple and blogger-friendly. There are four tiers in total, ranging from the entry-level Blogger plan to a custom Enterprise option for larger organizations. Unlike many SEO tools, RankIQ does not currently offer an annual billing discount — all plans are billed monthly. There is no free trial, though the Blogger plan is frequently promoted at a 50% introductory discount.

The Blogger plan includes up to 16 SEO reports per month along with full access to the keyword library and content optimizer. The Pro plan steps that up with additional reports, while the Agency plan is designed for teams managing multiple sites, offering 80 monthly reports. Enterprise pricing is customized on request and can scale to 2,000 monthly reports for large-scale content operations.

Final verdict

RankIQ is one of the best solutions for analyzing SEO content. Its AI-powered content optimizer provides clear and specific guidance to writers on how to optimize their content for SEO. This can be particularly useful for those new to SEO or wanting to streamline their content creation process.

In addition, it offers an excellent keyword discovery component that provides users with a list of high-traffic, low-competition keywords specifically tailored to their niche. RankIQ is also intuitive and easy to use, even for those who are not technically savvy. Plus, it is much more affordable than many competitors, making it accessible to bloggers, freelancers, and small businesses.

However, there are some downsides to using RankIQ. The service is primarily designed for bloggers and smaller websites, not larger enterprises. This lack of scalability could be an issue for rapidly growing businesses. Additionally, RankIQ's SEO tools are more basic and may not be suitable for larger enterprises that need advanced features.

The service also doesn't integrate with other digital marketing tools, which could be problematic for users who require such integrations. Finally, RankIQ does not provide a free trial, which could disadvantage those who want to test the tool before committing to a subscription.

More from TechRadar Pro

Timekettle X1 AI Interpreter Hub review
5:20 pm |

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

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub: 30 second review

Timekettle X1 Specs

Dimensions: 128 x 45 x 30 mm
Languages Supported: 40 languages and 93 accents
Data Coverage: Wi-Fi only
Battery: Standby time of 168 hours
Camera: n/a
Storage: 3G RAM, 32G ROM non-expandable
Offline Translation: 14 language pairs available offline
Voice Recognition: HybridComm 3.0
Connectivity: Standalone device, no smartphone needed

The Timekettle X1 Translator aims to meet the demand for real-time audio translation technology. At least on the surface, the latest AI technology enables it to make some headway with a suite of features geared towards multi-language communication. In use, it performs well once you get accustomed to a method of communicating that ensures optimal results: speak clearly, avoid noisy environments, and ensure a robust network connection. 

We've tested out many of the best translation software and pocket translator devices, and while it may not be 100% fluid for real-time scenarios, it is a major step toward real-time translation. The "Ask & Go" and "One-on-One" modes work well, however, the "Listen and Play" mode falls short of real-time expectations. For business users in need of a pocket-sized, versatile translation tool, the X1 does make a significant step towards more fluid communication, but there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub: Price and Availablity

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Timekettle X1 Translator is available through the Timekettle website and can be purchased as a single unit or in multiples for business use. A single unit costs $699, two units cost $1,399.98, and prices for three, four, and five units at $3,499.95 are listed on the site.

You can get the X1 AI Interpreter Hub by clicking here

  • Score: 4/5

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub: Design

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Timekettle X1 Translator's design is very sleek, with the rectangular metal box both looking and feeling high-quality. Before it is powered up, the box measures 128mm x 45mm x 30mm and weighs a manageable amount, making it easy to carry and transport.

It also features an internal 3200mAh battery that enables up to 12 hours of use. If the battery runs flat as you head from one meeting to another, the fast charge feature through the USB Type-C port will enable you to get back up and running to a full charge within 2 hours.

Usability is key to this small portable translator, and on the front is a large touchscreen that gives you access to the different translation modes, languages, and models. Simply tap the function or feature that you want, and the UI will give you direct access through the device to the options you want without the need to connect to a computer or use an app.

When you want to have a conversation, say from English to French, just select the one-to-one option, push the button and start to speak. The translator will then translate what you have said, ready for the response from the person you asked—standard portable translator stuff.

However, where the Timekettle X1 Translator differs is that on the charging end of the device, there is a small drawer that contains the headphones. These are used when you want to have a conversation with someone in real-time. Select the one-to-one conversation option, select the languages, and pop in an earphone each. You can then start to converse, with the device sending the translation between the people speaking, and the use of these earbuds is integral to the workings of this device.

  • Design: 4.5/5

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub: Features

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The X1 currently supports up to 40 languages and 93 accents, but what makes this device stand out is its ability to handle simultaneous interpretation among 20 participants in 5 different languages, utilizing advanced Translation Subnet Technology, which will make this device of interest to many business users.

This small translation device has many applications, from one-on-one meetings to group conferences. The X1 offers a variety of modes, such as Group Meeting Translation and Voice Call Translation, to fit the scenario. Its Multi-Way Interpretation supports configurations from single users up to 20, and if multiple users are using X1 devices, these can all be quickly synced with a tap.

While the X1 can download language packs to the device, the fullest translation results come from network-connected translation. To maintain fast translation, the X1 features dual-band WiFi and BoostClean's VNC noise reduction technology.

The X1 has also been designed to be standalone, which means that it is not reliant on apps. This enables you to use the device much the same way you would a dictaphone: simply place it on the table, switch it on, and choose the mode you wish to use.

In meetings, there's also no fear that the device will run out of steam, with a full charge providing up to 12 hours of use and the quick charging feature enabling a full charge in two hours and just 5 minutes for 120 minutes of usage for the earbuds.

Security is also high on Timekettle's priority list, with the X1 incorporating bank-grade data encryption to protect conversation privacy. This essentially means that translation data is stored locally, with no backups on any servers, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential.

Behind the technology of the bespoke X OS translation operating system, 12nm CPU, 3G+32G memory, 3.4" high-definition screen, multi-mic noise reduction array, and 5-minute fast charging are the core translation features of the device. These include:

One-on-One Mode, which has been designed for personal, face-to-face meetings, whether that's with a business partner or a friend. This mode essentially enables two people to talk in real-time with bidirectional translation, with each user inserting an earbud for the translation to work.

Listen & Play Mode enables you to catch up on screencasts of meetings that may have been held in another language. Again, place the X1 in front of the speaker, then wait for the translation to begin in your chosen language. This mode also works well for lectures and conferences where a speaker may be talking in a language that you need help understanding don't.

Ask & Go Mode is the mode that most of us are familiar with. It enables quick exchanges between two people talking in different languages.

Voice Call Mode is designed for remote communication via video or phone call, where two X1 devices are used. It enables the two devices to translate in real-time so that those talking can do so more smoothly without delay.

Finally, Multi-Person Mode is designed for larger groups of people where multiple people are interacting. This mode requires more than just one X1, with the group set up to translate into a group of up to 20 people with up to 40 languages and 93 accents.

  • Features: 4.5/5

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub: Performance

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

In use, the X1 really couldn't be easier to get started with, connecting to an available WiFi connection so that it can link to the translation server. Throughout the test, the X1's connection reliability was excellent, whether on a standard office or hotel WiFi connection or utilizing the hotspot connection on an iPhone 15 Pro.

In this review, we're looking at a single unit, so some features such as Voice Call and Multi-Person couldn't be tested. However, the One-on-One, Listen and Play, and Ask and Go modes could all be utilized.

Starting with the first option, which is One-on-One, the languages are first set, in this case from French to English, and each language is assigned an earbud. The two people who want to chat then speak at the same time to alert the system and to test that all is working. On the small touchscreen, you can see a blue icon flash for the left earbud and red for the right earbud. We found saying in respective languages, "Hello, I'll be speaking English / Bonjour, je vais parler français," seemed to work. From that point on, one of us would speak, wait a second after the person had stopped speaking, and the translation would come through. Then the other person could start speaking and again say a few sentences, and the translation would start to come through. The speed of the translation seems to speed up as you continue to talk, and this is in part due to you learning how to use the system and being able to adapt—it's not 100% fluid real-time translation. Still, with a three to five-second delay, it's pretty good and highlights how much better this is than an off-the-shelf translator such as Google Translate.

One point that was highlighted was that the AI often seemed to kick in and not only translate the text but alter it, sometimes losing the meaning. It took a while to adjust the tone of what was said to ensure that the translation was more accurate, sticking to formal communication rather than utilizing any slang or non-standard vocabulary.

The next option to try is Listen and Play. On the site, this is advertised as enabling you to watch foreign language TV shows; however, in reality, it quickly became apparent that there needs to be a delay. Watching back a tech presentation in French, the translator took between 25 and 30 seconds for the translation to start, then it would drop and lose the meaning of the piece altogether. I tried this on several different videos and TV shows to check the results and decided this option needs work.

Finally, the Ask and Go feature, which is most like Google Translate, works exceptionally well. Again, the translation is fast but only as fast as Google Translate, and in a similar fashion, it gives you the transcript of the conversation. What does give this the edge is that you can use the unit offline, which is handy when you're out of network or WiFi signal.

The X1 performs well and really excels in the business sector, where the additional almost real-time translation features push this beyond other systems. Then, when you add the option to translate multiple languages at the same time, this all becomes very interesting. However, there is a delay for some of the other features such as Listen and Play, and while the Ask and Go feature is good, it's only as good as Google Translate. The real winner here is One-on-One, and with a little practice, the conversation might not be absolutely real-time, but you can balance the delay and discussion to a point where it becomes far more fluid than other translation methods.

  • Performance: 4/5

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub: Score card

iKier K1 Pro Max 48W review
6:50 pm | April 26, 2024

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

The iKier K1 Pro Max offers power, features, and desirability and ranks at the top among open-frame laser cutters and engravers. The design is straightforward, with a square frame featuring the mounted tool head that travels through the X and Y axes, enabling the cutting or engraving process. Many features distinguish this laser engraver in a crowded market, foremost the size of the machine, which at just less than a square meter requires serious consideration regarding space. 

Then there's the power of the laser, with options for 24W or 48W, selectable via a switch on the side. With that power comes a wealth of accessories that can be quickly swapped in and out to extend and adapt the materials and function of the machine. The engineers at iKier have really focused on the functionality of the iKier K1 Pro Max, and while it is straightforward, it shouldn't be the first choice for those new to laser engraving. 

The iKier K1 Pro Max 24/48W is one of the best laser engravers for enthusiasts who want to push the boundaries of what is possible with the technology and already have some experience with this type of system and the software needed to operate it.

iKier K1 Pro Max 48W: Design

iKier K1 Pro Max 48W

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The iKier K1 Pro Max 24W/48W is one of the most powerful open-frame laser engravers on the market. While the prospect of having such a powerful machine is slightly daunting, the company does offer an enclosure that can be purchased alongside the machine, which is really an absolute must. 

What instantly appeals about the iKier K1 Pro Max 24W/48W is its modularity - you can start with the basic machine and then upgrade as funds allow, adding the enclosure, extractor, air blower, rotary tool, and other accessories. The vast array of additions you can add to the engraver means you can tailor the machine to your specific needs.

iKier K1 Pro Max 48W

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

In terms of construction, there's not much to do, with the main frame pre-assembled and the X-Axis also assembled and placed on top. The setup involves removing the X-Axis's top cover to bolt it to the frame, attaching the monitor, cables, and air compressor, and then being done.

A couple of aspects of this design that stand out are the autofocus laser and the air compressor that connects directly to the head, which all aid in the ease of use.

The base unit's design, which we'll focus on in this review, is far more solid than most other open-frame laser engravers out there. While the styling is slightly industrial rather than refined, the build quality and construction are excellent.

Finally, files from your selected software can be loaded either directly from a computer or by USB key.

iKier K1 Pro Max 48W: Features

iKier K1 Pro Max 48W

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The standout feature of the iKier K1 Pro Max is its innovative 48W/24W laser power switching, achieved through a mechanical switch on the side. This allows quick alternation between high-power cutting (48W) and precise engraving (24W), with the 24W mode being specifically designed for finer, more detailed engraving work, ensuring optimal precision with a smaller laser spot size.

The machine's engraving speed, capable of reaching up to 900mm/s, makes it faster than much of the competition at the time of writing. This speed enhancement is attributed to several key design features, notably the power of the engraver and the design of the air blower that connects to the tool head.

Autofocus with laser engravers often requires time to perfect, but it's made easy here with the motorised Z-axis, eliminating the need for manual focusing. This feature automatically adjusts focus by measuring the distance to the object, ensuring consistent and accurate engraving or cutting depths across various materials.

Another noteworthy feature of the K1 Pro Max is the integration of automatic sinking-cutting technology. This technology increases the maximum cutting depth by 25% compared to other machines of similar power, ensuring deeper and cleaner cuts and enhancing the overall quality of the finished product.

Unique to iKier is the resume engraving feature, similar to those found in 3D printers, allowing the machine to remember its place in the event of a power failure, thus reducing material waste and avoiding the need to restart the job from scratch.

Safety and ease of use are paramount, evidenced by the automatic air assist function that regulates airflow during the transition from engraving to cutting and the machine's infrared positioning, which uses infrared rays to locate and align materials for engraving precisely.

Further enhancing its safety features, the K1 Pro Max includes flame detection systems that alert users and halt operations if a flame is detected, as well as a child safety lock to prevent unintended activation. Additionally, an enclosure is available for separate purchase.

Specs

Print Technology: Laser cutting and engraving

Build Area: 410mmx410mm

Engraving Accuracy: 0.01mm Engraving Accuracy

Dimensions: 650mmx750mmx222mm

Weight: 12kg

Bed: Motorised Z-axis for auto-focus

Software: LightBurn, LaserGRBL

Materials: Multiple

Print Speed: 900mm/s

Air quality during operation is a key consideration for many, especially in an educational or office setting; the S1 addresses this with a smoke exhaust system and optional air purifier. The xTool Creative Space software provides a seamless, user-friendly experience, and if you need more features, the S1 is also compatible with Lightburn.

Despite its large capacity, the S1 is lightweight enough to be handled by one person, so it is easy enough to move when needed and fits comfortably on a desktop, although it will occupy most of the space. The optional Air Purifier, designed to sit under the desk, complements the machine well, ensuring clean air without occupying additional space.

iKier K1 Pro Max 48W: Performance

iKier K1 Pro Max 48W

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

During the test, I used Lightburn software for laser engravers, a common and widely used option alongside LaserGRBL, both of which are easy enough to use and set up. With the K1 Pro Max, once connected, the machine is recognised, and then it's just a matter of configuring a few additional options in the software. One of the first tasks was to assign a macro to the AutoFocus in the console. Instructions for this and other settings are found in the manual, though some prior knowledge is beneficial.

Once set up, you can place your material under the machine and tap the macro button you've just set up, causing the tool head to activate and test the surface of the material for height. For soft materials, this process needs to be done manually, and a fixed focus block can be used.

The next stage is to set the laser offset, which is done by using the pointer to mark the cross, switching on the laser to mark a point, and then measuring the distance between the two points. This information is then entered into the Device settings and the pointer offset. A less common option is to enable the Z-axis and set the Air Assist to M8; once done, the cutting and engraving can start.

The power of the machine was instantly apparent in the initial tests with the test files. Using some 6mm MDF off-cuts, the laser showed that at 17mm/s at 85% power with two passes, it could make a clean cut, with 100% power being the preferred setting. Likewise, switching to engraving at 300mm/s with one pass at 30% power yielded excellent results.

iKier K1 Pro Max 48W

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Testing with various materials, the accuracy and precision of the cutting and engraving really stand out. Both cutting and engraving benefit from the autofocus feature, which quickly determines the optimal height for the laser, speeding up the entire process. The air blower seems to boost the quality of the cut and engrave.

Like most engravers, the air compressor sits next to the machine. It blows air through a tube into the tool head, where it's directed at the cutting surface to clear away unwanted fumes, smoke, debris, and particles. The blower is as powerful as the laser, blasting any obstructions from the laser beam's path to ensure a clear route to the material.

The result of the laser's power, the autofocus, and the blower is an exceptional quality of cut or engrave on the woods and plastics used during the test.

Regarding the speed and quality of the cut, this laser engraver is one of the best I've used and certainly among the most powerful.

iKier K1 Pro Max 48W: Final verdict

iKier K1 Pro Max 48W

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The price of the iKier K1 Pro Max 24/48W may place it out of the range for many beginners in laser engraving, which is actually beneficial. For those just starting, a smaller, less powerful, and fully enclosed machine would be more appropriate, and there are excellent options available, such as the Wainlux K8, which I highly recommend.

This machine targets enthusiasts with some experience. Although it is easy to use, its space and power should not be underestimated. While this review focuses on the base machine, investing in the enclosure is advisable.

Despite its industrial aesthetics, which may not appeal to everyone, the iKier K1 Pro Max 24/48W is one of the best machines on the market. It is robust and has a lot to offer, notably its power, cutting accuracy, and quality. Additionally, the vast array of accessories allows users to customise the laser engraver to their needs, providing flexibility in use and workflow.

The iKier K1 Pro Max 24/48W is an excellent choice for those ready to upgrade from a smaller or less powerful machine. Its cutting power is impressive, and it is capable of slicing through 18mm pine and 12mm ply in a single pass with remarkable accuracy and a clean finish.

While this machine does not come with an enclosure, one can be purchased separately, offering a solution to those who prefer an all-in-one finish. However, compared to machines like the XTool S1 or WeCreat Vision, the iKier K1 Pro Max offers a more powerful laser and greater flexibility with accessories. If the open-frame design suits your workflow, the iKier K1 Pro Max 24/48W is among the best in this style of machine.

Should you buy the iKier K1 Pro Max 48W?

This machine will appeal to those who have prior experience with laser engravers and know how to handle more powerful machines and everything that comes with their use. The base machine we've looked at does require additions, but in its own right, as it arrived in the box, there's everything you need to get started.

The cutting quality will suit anyone who wants fine quality and accuracy on a large scale. It also seems perfectly positioned for modellers who like the hands-on approach but, again, need that flexibility with a machine that you just don't get with fully enclosed environments.

For crafters, the machine also works well, with compatibility with multiple materials, although it needs to be clarified which ones are common. The fact that it doesn't ship with a built-in camera will be an issue for some, but this is the beauty of this machine: there is one available. Its use and connection are simple, but its design sees it positioned above the machine with a bird's-eye view of the workspace. This is an addition well worth considering if positioning accuracy on materials is important. However, fully enclosed systems have a more connected approach, whereas this camera is optional.

Ultimately, if you like to tinker, expand, and want the best laser engraver for pure flexibility and expansion, then the iKier K1 Pro Max 24/48W is it.

Buy if...

Don't buy if...


We reviewed the best 3D printers - and these are our top picks

SurferSEO review: AI-powered SEO optimization for all
3:59 pm | April 24, 2024

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

Having a solid online presence has become essential for businesses to succeed. One effective way to achieve that is using search engine optimization (SEO) tools that help your website appear higher in search engine results, particularly on Google.

SurferSEO is a cloud-based tool designed to assist digital marketers, SEO experts, and content creators in optimizing their content and improve their search engine rankings. It uses data-driven analysis to provide valuable insights and recommendations that align content strategies with SEO best practices. In this article, you will learn more about SurferSEO and determine whether it could be the right solution for your business.


How does SurferSEO use AI?

Surfer AI

(Image credit: Surfer)

SurferSEO recently launched Surfer AI to compete with tools like Copy.ai. You can generate full articles with a single click and the AI analyzes your target keyword to produce SEO-optimized content based on what's currently ranking.

What's more, Surfer AI can generate content outlines instead of entire articles. This way , it creates structured outlines in minutes by analyzing top-ranking content and identifying key topics to cover. It uses NLP (Natural Language Processing) to suggest related terms and questions your content should address. Their partnership with Jasper AI helps strengthen the outline generation functionality.

SurferSEO has also introduced the AI Content Humanizer tool, which converts AI-generated text into more natural, human-like writing that bypasses AI content detectors. This is supposed to address growing concerns about AI content penalties from search engines, although, Google has repeatedly said that it doesn't penalize content purely for being AI-generated.

There's an AI Tracker that helps you monitor how your content performs in AI search tools like ChatGPT, Google AI, and Perplexity AI. This feature is included across all paid plans, though credit limits restrict how many prompts you can keep track of at a time. Apart from this, there are AI-powered content auditing and topic ideation tools to guide your overall content strategy.

Features

SurferSEO keyword research

(Image credit: SurferSEO)

SurferSEO enables you to analyze your content and make necessary tweaks to ensure it ranks well in search results, increasing visibility among your desired audience.

As mentioned previously, SurferSEO's Content Editor tool offers an analysis of your content and recommends optimal keyword usage, content length, and article structure by examining top-performing pages within your industry. This tool guarantees that your content stands out in search results and becomes more noticeable to your target audience.

Moreover, a key element in SEO success is understanding how your competitors rank across search engine results pages (SERPs). SurferSEO's SERP analyzer tool provides insights into the pages currently ranking for your target keywords, outlining their content strategies, backlink profiles, and other essential SEO metrics. With this information, you can compare your content against competitors' strategies. Adjust tactics accordingly to enhance the likelihood of achieving rankings in search results.

SurferSEO content editor example

(Image credit: SurferSEO)

Besides these functions, SurferSEO offers a keyword research tool that identifies keywords and assesses their relevance, potential traffic, and competitiveness. This assists you in selecting the keywords to concentrate on and enhances your chances of SEO success.

Moreover, the audit tool provided by SurferSEO thoroughly evaluates your webpage against factors to pinpoint any issues hindering your page from achieving higher rankings in search results. This tool provides recommendations for on-page optimization, including speed improvements, structural modifications, and more.

In addition to the premium tools mentioned above, SurferSEO presents two absolutely free and equally beneficial tools. The first is the keyword surfer Chrome web extension that enables you to conduct searches within your browser and view search volume data along with a comprehensive list of keyword suggestions paired with their scores and search volume. The second free tool is an AI-powered article outline generator designed to help you create SEO content based on your needs. This tool can streamline brainstorming sessions, research activities, and writing tasks and save time.

Installation, setup, and compatibility

SurferSEO academy

(Image credit: SurferSEO)

SurferSEO can be accessed through any web browser on any device. You must create a SurferSEO account and log in to use the tool. In addition to the keyword Chrome extension, SurferSEO offers a paid plugin for WordPress. This plugin provides comprehensive SEO features, including content planning, on-page optimization, and content audit tools.

To install the SurferSEO plugin on your WordPress website, log in to your WordPress admin panel, go to the plugins section, and search for "Surfer." Then, follow the instructions on the screen to install and activate the plugin.

There are also integrations for Jasper, Google Docs, and Contentful.

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, the company offers a variety of tools to help you and your team maximize SurferSEO's capabilities.

Firstly, the company provides an extensive knowledge base that covers all aspects of SurferSEO's features and functions. This resource is an excellent starting point for beginners, as it explains how to use the tool. Additionally, it's an excellent resource for advanced users, as it will enable them to find answers to specific questions they may have quickly.

Secondly, the company has a rapidly growing community group, which is a fantastic resource for users to connect. It's a place to ask questions, share tips, and learn from others' experiences. The community group is an excellent place to network with other professionals in your industry and get insights into how they're using SurferSEO.

Thirdly, the company's blog offers a wealth of information on SEO, keyword research, and content optimization. The blog is regularly updated with new articles and tips, making it an excellent resource for staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.

Lastly, the best tool for learning how to use SurferSEO is Surfer Academy. This resource offers both onboarding training tools and continuing education programs. The onboarding training tools provide a step-by-step guide on how to use SurferSEO, while the continuing education programs help users stay up-to-date with the latest features and functions.

As you can see, the company offers a range of comprehensive resources to help you and your team make the most of SurferSEO. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, these resources will provide you with the knowledge and support you need to succeed.

Plans and pricing

SurferSEO pricing

(Image credit: Surfer)

Plan

Starting Rate (Paid Annually)

Starting Rate (Paid Monthly)

Discovery

$49/month

$59/month

Standard

$99/month

$119/month

Pro

$182/month

$219/month

Peace of Mind

$299/month

$359/month

Enterprise

$999/month

$999/month

Unlike some SEO optimization tools we’ve reviewed, SurferSEO is very open about what it charges for its services. All prices are prominently displayed on the SurferSEO website across their Pricing page.

The entry-level Standard package is priced at $99 per month for small business owners and freelancers. This package allows you to optimize 30 documents a month using the Content Editor and track 25 prompts in ChatGPT to assess your AI visibility.

For $182 per month, Surfer Pro lets you track 50 AI prompts at a time across AI search engines like Perplexity, Gemini, Google AI Mode, and of course, ChatGPT. Beyond that, Surfer's Peace of Mind plan lets you track 100 AI prompts, optimize unlimited documents with the Content Editor, perform advanced SERP analysis, and build custom integrations with API access. There's also a Discovery plan for $59/month that lets you analyze 10 documents a month, but it limits access to other features and isn't promoted heavily by Surfer.

Setting up a free SurferSEO account takes about one minute. You can get started immediately once you pay. But, Surfer no longer offers a 7-day free trial, which was swapped in 2024 for a 7-day money-back guarantee instead. Some users claim that you can get Surfer to extend the money-back guarantee to 30 days by contacting their support team.

SurferSEO often offers special promotions for new customers. You also get the usual annual discount if you sign up for the yearly plans.

Final verdict

When searching for SEO optimization tools, you'll notice they are similar. They all come equipped with keyword research tools and content editors, and many are now incorporating AI technology. However, a few, like SurferSEO, go above and beyond by offering additional features such as audio tools and a SERF analyzer.

If you're searching for a comprehensive SEO optimization tool, SurferSEO is a reassuring choice. It offers a seamless setup process, is available at various price points, and is enriched with a growing list of AI-based features, which are increasingly vital in the industry. It also provides a comforting array of training tools, including a blog, knowledge base, private SurferSEO community, and live training from the Surfer Academy.

By providing detailed insights and clear guidance, SurferSEO empowers marketers to optimize their content effectively and compete successfully in search engine rankings. Whether you're a seasoned SEO professional or just starting, integrating SurferSEO into your SEO strategy could significantly enhance your online presence and drive more organic traffic to your site.

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Square Online review 2024: Top ecommerce platform pros, cons, and features tested
5:48 pm | April 22, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Square Online stands out as one of the best website builders, offering a hassle-free solution for setting up and managing an online store. Created from the fusion of Square point of sale (POS) software and Weebly in 2018, Square Online stands out as a rock-solid fit for small businesses seeking a powerful online presence without the headache of hefty monthly fees.

With its intuitive setup process and simple-to-use interface, even novices can navigate it without much effort. Whether you're a traditional retailer stepping into the digital world or a service-based business expanding your reach, Square Online can support you.

What makes Square Online stand out among many competitors is its ease of use. Seamlessly integrating with Square POS, it caters to businesses needing both an online store and a point-of-sale system. Plus, with its simple and functional store layout, you can start selling online in minutes - no coding skills needed. While it may lack some advanced features, Square storefront builder provides everything you need to launch your online store journey swiftly. 

In our Square Online review, based on extensive research and hands-on experience, we'll delve into key features, including the setup process, interface, integration with Square POS, and overall usability. We'll explore its strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice for your business.

Square Online stores: Ecommerce tools

Square Online has become a popular choice among online sellers for its user-friendly interface and pocket-friendly plans, including the Square’s free online store option. 

The platform's forever-free edition allows you to start selling online without upfront costs, although transaction fees apply. While there are no restrictions on the number of products you can sell, the free plan limits you to a Square-branded site or social media platforms. Plus, bandwidth and storage are capped at 500 MB, which will cripple the scale of your online operations sooner or later.

Square Online's seamless integration with Square payment processing is a standout feature, ensuring smooth transactions for sellers. However, it's important to note that, unlike many other of the best ecommerce platforms, that offer a whole variety of popular payment processing options, Square Online primarily relies on Square for payment processing.

So, while Square is a reliable choice for handling online transactions, the limited choice of payment processors may be a drawback for some users. Fortunately, Square Online users can integrate PayPal and Google Pay into their payment options if they have the “Plus” or “Premium” plan, providing a bit more flexibility in payment processing.

Square offers a complete set of features fit for small online stores, including unlimited item listings, multiple product types, age confirmation, password-protected pages, and item quick view. For those seeking more advanced features, such as product reviews and abandoned cart recovery, higher-tier plans are available.

Additionally, Square has recently introduced a new feature that allows customers to use Afterpay for their purchases. Now, customers can buy now and pay later in four interest-free installments, while sellers receive payment right away. It's a win-win situation that adds a new level of flexibility for both sellers and buyers.

Moreover, Square simplifies shipping management with customizable shipping rates, free shipping options, local delivery, and pickup services. The platform also provides reporting and analytics tools to track site performance and customer behavior, helping businesses make better decisions to boost their online presence. With Square's efficient shipping label printing capabilities, sellers can simplify their shipping processes and deliver products promptly to customers across the world.

Square also offers a set of convenient AI-powered tools within its online store features. These tools are made to simplify marketing tasks by automatically generating copy for various campaigns, such as emails, and even suggesting replies to customers via Square Messages. So, whether you need catchy email subject lines, engaging website content, or compelling product descriptions, Square's AI features have you covered.

Other ecommerce features locked behind Square Online's paid plans include customer accounts, password-protected pages, and custom site icons - all created to upgrade your online store's functionality. With customer accounts, your clientele is encouraged to sign in, access their order history, redeem loyalty rewards, and manage gift card balances seamlessly. Password-protected pages provide added security by concealing specific sections of your site from public view. 

Additionally, the option to create a custom site icon ensures your online store remains easily accessible to customers, allowing them to place orders with just a couple of clicks from their smartphone screens.

Other Square Online features and tools

Beyond its ecommerce capabilities, Square Online offers a wide variety of features and tools to enhance your website-building experience. Let's explore some of these below:

Square Online themes

As we write, Square Online offers a range of 28 free themes to choose from, with three of them available on the free plan, while others are accessible through free trials. When you first start with Square Online, picking a theme is your first step in tailoring your website using the editor. While you can't switch themes once you've made your choice, you have the freedom to tweak any part of your site post-selection. To further simplify the customization after picking out a theme, you can explore selecting styles that suit your site.

Once you've settled on a theme, you can dive into customization. You can tweak colors, fonts, shapes, images, individual elements, and section and page layouts to your liking. While you can't change the theme of an existing site on Square Online, you still have the freedom to alter its overall appearance by updating multiple design elements simultaneously through site style updates.

screenshot of square online template page

Square Online offers a range of stunning templates, but there aren't that many to pick from. (Image credit: Square Online)

While Square Online provides an alright selection of themes to choose from, we must note that there aren't a massive number of templates overall. Also, upon exploring the themes, you may notice that many of them share similar layouts, with variations primarily in color schemes and font styles.

Screenshot of square online website editor

You can customize your templates to make them your own.  (Image credit: Square Online)

The platform offers both desktop and smartphone previews for themes, giving you the ability to visualize your website across different devices and ensure an enjoyable browsing experience for your visitors.

Square Online website editor

screenshot of square online photo editor

Square Online offers one of easiest to use website editors on the market.  (Image credit: Square Online)

Square Online's block-based editor, powered by its acquisition of Weebly, offers a hassle-free setup process with helpful video tutorials and step-by-step guides. While the drag-and-drop functionality is extremely limited, it's super easy for beginners to dive in and start building. However, if you're aiming for complete customization, you'll likely find the options rather restrictive.

Unsurprisingly, tinkering with the code is mostly off-limits, which means you can't make any complex custom changes. Still, Square's editor provides a sufficient range of pre-made content blocks that you can easily plop onto your pages, from images and text to galleries and forms. Plus, integrating social media feeds and Google Maps is only a few clicks away.

Screenshot of square online mobile editor

Ensuring your website looks great and works well on mobile is easy on Square Online.  (Image credit: Square Online)

Although Square's selection of themes is a bit on the slim side, the theme customizer packs a solid punch, giving you plenty of control over your site's look and feel. You can play around with colors, fonts, headers, footers, and more to make it look truly yours. Plus, you can create custom pages using the available sections to add that personal touch.

Let's not forget about the blog feature, or as Square likes to call it, "stories." It's surprisingly easy to add and customize your posts right within the site editor. Plus, there are built-in SEO tools to help boost your site's visibility across search engines.

While Square's design palette might feel a bit constrained, its website editor is equipped with practical features that can swiftly spruce up your site's appearance.

Domains

With Square Online's forever-free plan, you're stuck with Square Online advertising on your site's footer and a domain ending in “.square.site“. So, if you're eyeing a custom domain and advanced features, you'll want to consider upgrading to one of Square Online's paid plans.

Registering a new domain on Square Online happens on a yearly basis, with no monthly options available. To purchase your perfect domain, navigate from your Square Online Overview page to “Website“ and then to “Domains“. Next, select “Connect“ domain and then “Find a custom domain”. Enter the domain name you want into the search box to kick off the purchase process.

Screenshot of square online SEO tools

If you want to connect a custom domain to your website you will need to opt for a paid plan.  (Image credit: Square Online)

Custom domains start at $19.95 annually, and with annual plans, you even get a free domain for the first year. But if you're aiming for a fully-branded online store free from Square branding, you'll need to opt for the “Plus“ or “Premium“ plan. Considering this step is essential for driving sustained business growth and building a recognizable online brand.

Square Online app marketplace

Screenshot of square online website

You can easily integrate business tools with your website via the app marketplace.   (Image credit: Square Online )

Square Online offers an extensive App Marketplace, where you can choose from over 200 third-party apps to add some serious power to your website. These apps cover everything from keeping your books to running marketing campaigns and managing your schedule.

Now, while some of these apps are built to supercharge your online store, others are designed to work seamlessly with the POS system. You'll find a whole lot of options in there, from apps that pep up Square's core features (such as Mailchimp's marketing automation) to ones that connect you with external platforms and services (like Shippo for easy end-to-end shipping). 

Adding apps to your website is as easy as it gets. Just browse through the marketplace, find the ones you like, and with a few clicks, you're good to go. However, keep in mind that some apps might ask you to upgrade to a paid plan before you can unlock all their features. Also, since Square's central feature is handling payments, you might not find every payment gateway under the sun in the app marketplace.

Website security

Square Online has your back with security measures like Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates, ensuring that your data transfers are encrypted and safe from prying eyes. Additionally, when you use Square Online, your credit card payments are encrypted too, providing an extra layer of protection. As expected, Square meets Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance standards across the board, ensuring secure handling of your payment information.

Square Online provides free SSL certificates for all the domains you add to your site. Whether you're on their free plan or a paid subscription, your payments are kept secure. For added peace of mind, you can set up two-step verification for an extra layer of security, control who has access to your account, and receive tips on creating a strong password.

All in all, you can trust that your online store and transactions are in good hands, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

Square Online pricing and plans: Is Square Online good value for money?

Square Online’s pricing structure is simple to understand with options to suit different business needs and budgets. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale up, Square has you covered with a forever-free plan that includes essential features like site-building tools and integration with Square POS. To get the best deal, go with annual billing, which includes perks like a free domain.

As shown above, there are three main Square Online pricing tiers: “Free“, “Plus“, and “Premium“, each tailored to different business needs. The “Free“ plan is a solid choice for those starting out, but keep in mind it comes with transaction fees and severely limited customization. 

If you're eyeing an introductory rate, remember it may only last for a limited time.

Screenshot of square online pricing

The free plan is a great option for getting started, but to grow your store you will likely need to purchase a premium plan.  (Image credit: Square Online)

Free plan

Perfect for getting started without breaking the bank, the “Free“ plan provides essential website-building tools, integration with Square POS, and options for pickup, local delivery, and shipping. However, customization options are seriously limited, and standard transaction fees apply.

Plus plan

The next in line is the “Plus“ plan. Designed to drive online growth and streamline operations, it provides expanded site customization, self-serve ordering, customer accounts, personalized ordering experiences, and much more.

Premium plan

Tailored for high-volume businesses, the “Premium“ plan includes somewhat lower processing rates, real-time shipping rates, premium customer support, and waived in-house delivery fees.

Restaurant Essentials Bundle

In addition to these three plans, Square offers a so-called “Square Restaurant Essentials Bundle“. This comprehensive, cloud-based solution is designed to streamline operations and enhance customer experience for restaurant businesses. With tools like Square Payroll, Square for Restaurants Plus, and Square Online Ordering Premium, you can efficiently manage payroll, streamline in-person and online ordering, and optimize scheduling for your team. Also, you can currently take advantage of this special offer and save 20% as a new Square customer.

Square Online: Help and support

Screenshot of square online support page

Knowing the type and level of support you can access will help make building and managing your website much easier.  (Image credit: Square Online)

Square Online has your back with a solid support system in place to help you tackle any technical issues or questions you may encounter along the way. Whether you're a well-versed user or just getting started, Square has enough self-service resources to guide you through troubleshooting and problem-solving.

You can reach out to Square's support team via phone, email, or live chat during specific hours on weekdays. However, response times for email inquiries may take up to 48 hours. Additionally, there's an active community forum where you can seek advice from fellow sellers.

During our experience with Square's live chat support, we found the process to be pretty smooth. After a quick chat with a helpful chatbot, we were connected with a support expert in about five minutes, and they took the time to address our questions and even threw in some handy resources for good measure.

Before signing in, however, don't expect expedited support. All in all, while there are some limitations to Square's customer support options, the help we received was pretty satisfactory.

Screenshot of square online support

We found Square Online's chat to be helpful.  (Image credit: Square Online)

Square Online: What’s not included? What could be better?

Despite its user-friendly design, Square Online still has room for improvement in certain aspects.

First, users could find themselves unable to access code for custom changes on Square Online. While some customization is possible with paid plans, editing template code to modify CSS is off-limits. Design flexibility is also severely limited compared to platforms like Shopify, and Square branding is unavoidable on the site footer for those on the free edition.

You can read our full Shopify review here. 

Another notable drawback lies in its selection of themes, which, while functional, may lack the visual flair and diversity found in other platforms. While this may not be a deal-breaker for some, businesses seeking a unique, eye-catching design may find themselves wanting more.

Additionally, the transaction fees associated with Square Online can quickly accumulate, especially for businesses with high sales volumes. While the platform offers convenience and ease of use, the cost-effectiveness of Square Online may decline over time as these fees begin to take a toll on profitability.

If these limitations are a deal-breaker for you, consider Shopify, which offers a free three-day trial and is ideal for businesses seeking an all-in-one solution with POS, social selling, and inventory management. Still, some will prefer Square Online due to its ease of setup compared to Shopify's more complex customization process. BigCommerce, another alternative, lacks a point-of-sale system but offers powerful analytics, terrific marketing tools, and interconnected sales channels.

You can read our full BigCommerce review here. 

In short, while Square Online is a solid choice for businesses needing a simple payment solution without long-term contracts, users seeking more comprehensive features and customization options may want to check alternatives like Shopify and BigCommerce.

Square Online review: Final thoughts

After conducting an in-depth Square Online review, it's clear that this platform is designed for beginners and small businesses venturing into the online world. Its simplicity and budget-friendly plans make it a solid choice, but there's still room for improvement.

While it stands out with seamless payment processing integration and multichannel tools, its scanty customization options and transaction fees may give some users pause. However, if you give priority to ease of use and straightforward payment solutions, Square Online could be the full-on fit.

For those ready to get started, the next step is to sign up and explore Square Online's features firsthand. Take advantage of the free plan to get a feel for the platform and see if it lives up to your expectations. If you require more advanced features and a bit higher level of customization, consider upgrading to one of Square Online's paid plans or exploring alternatives like Shopify or BigCommerce.

Ultimately, it all boils down to what suits your business best.

Square Online review: FAQs

What is the difference between Weebly and Square Online?

Weebly and Square Online are both excellent website builders, but they each have their strengths and weaknesses. Weebly, acquired by Square in 2018, focuses on site creation first, with ecommerce features coming as an add-on. In contrast, Square Online, built using Weebly technology, focuses on ecommerce functionality, smoothly integrating with Square's payment processing for an easy-going online selling experience.

In short, while Weebly is excellent for building websites with optional ecommerce capabilities, Square Online is better for businesses primarily focused on online sales.

Is Square Online good for selling online?

Yes, Square Online is highly recommended for online sales, particularly for small brick-and-mortar businesses. Its integration with Square's POS system makes setup easily done. However, for larger stores with more complex demands, exploring popular platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce might be a smarter choice. 

What can you sell on Square Online?

In short, you can sell almost anything you can think of. With Square Online, you can sell physical products, digital goodies, online services, and even accept donations. It's a fairly flexible platform that's perfect for expanding your business online, whether you're selling clothes, ebooks, or homemade treats. It also supports multiple payment methods to ensure smooth transactions for both sellers and customers.

Bulk Crap Uninstaller Review
3:01 pm | April 18, 2024

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

Uninstalling software from Windows should be easy, but sometimes it is not. Windows 11’s built-in software removal feature can often leave traces of the uninstalled software behind. This might be registry entries, or hidden data within your Windows profile directory. 

As more and more of this orphaned data accumulates, your PC can slow down, which is where third-party uninstallers come in. One example is Bulk Crap Uninstaller, a utility that uninstalls software from Windows, including Windows Store apps.

While alternative tools are available from large software publishers, Bulk Crap Uninstaller is maintained by Marcin Szeniak, a solo Polish developer. 

Also known as BC Uninstaller and BCU, this is free and open-source software for Windows that is hosted on GitHub.

Bulk crap uninstaller: Plans and pricing

As noted, Bulk Crap Uninstaller is a free application, released under the Apache 2.0 open-source license. It is offered by the developer for use in private and commercial environments, with no obligations, providing the license is not breached.

Power users and organizations may wish to support development of the software. This is possible by making a donation, either by PayPal or Bitcoin, via the BC Uninstaller home page. You can also send a gift within the app via the Steam store.

Two versions of BCU are available: a standard version for installation, and a portable version that runs from a USB stick.

Bulk crap uninstaller: Features

Bulk Crap Uninstaller

(Image credit: Bulk Crap Uninstaller)

An incredible number of features are included in Bulk Crap Uninstaller, putting many paid alternatives to shame.

Installed application detection

If you’re removing software with a third-party utility, it needs to be able to detect everything that is installed on Windows. Bulk Crap Uninstaller can find normal apps, those that are hidden or protected, portable software, Windows Store/Universal Windows Platform apps, Windows updates, Oculus games and apps, and Steam games and apps. It can also handle software installed via the command line tool Chocolatey.

A restore point can be set, and a backup of the system registry made before software is removed. 

Automatic uninstalling

The main purpose of this tool is to remove software that you don’t want installed on your PC. Bulk Crap Uninstaller deals with pretty much anything, from single to batch removal of applications, with minimal user input if preferred.

Applications without uninstallers can be removed, and the tool can even uninstall software based on an app window, shortcut, or directory. Hanging and crashing uninstallers can be handled, and there is also a force removal feature for tough-to-shift software.

As soon as applications are removed, the BC Uninstaller checks for leftovers and prompts you to permit removal of these elements.

Startup manager

A useful startup manager is included in this utility, to see what software is running when Windows boots. While this information can also be found in Windows itself, this is a good way to quickly identify problematic software and remove it without switching between the two tools.

Portable version

As noted, there is a portable version of BC Uninstaller. This handles all of the same tasks as the installed version. To make the software portable, its settings are stored in a single file. It is, therefore, possible to make the “installed” version portable if necessary.

Built in manual

While similar tools have online documentation, they don’t usually provide information to the same depth as the manual provided with Bulk Crap Uninstaller. When you consider that this is the work of one guy, it’s quite an accomplishment. Better still, it’s very useful.

System requirements

Bulk Crap Uninstaller is designed to run on Windows 11, and any version of Windows since Vista. 32-bit and 64-bit versions are supported.

For use on older hardware, the minimum requirements are 300MB of RAM, 50MB of storage. It should run with any CPU. Note that Microsoft .NET 4.0 or above is recommended. The portable version has the same requirements.

BCU also supports multiple languages.

Bulk crap uninstaller: Support

First and foremost, Bulk Crap Uninstaller’s developer has provided a surprisingly detailed online user manual.

But what about actual customer support? This is a tricky factor to assess for open source software. No easy avenue for user support is available with Bulk Crap Uninstaller. Instead, you will need to open a discussion on the GitHub project page.

For most people, this will not be intuitive, as the environment is designed for developers and beta testers, rather than standard end users.

If you have technical insight, this shouldn’t be a problem; if you’re just looking for a friendly support assistant to guide you through, this isn’t the software for you. 

Bulk crap uninstaller: Competition

Perhaps the most surprising thing about Bulk Crap Uninstaller is that it seems to be the only such free and open-source tool for Windows. While software giants are issuing updates to their software year-on-year, with features (and even support) accessible only to premium users, BC Uninstaller is free, as in beer. 

That’s a major feather in Bulk Crap Uninstaller’s cap. But how does it compare on a functional level with tools like IObit Uninstaller or another free tool, Glarysoft Software Uninstaller?

Well, the sheer volume of free features here basically blows the other tools into the water. The alternatives are too numerous to mention specifics, but even against the two competitors mentioned above, Bulk Crap Uninstaller wins on features and ease of use.

But if you’re used to hands-on customer support, BC Uninstaller is not the tool for you. 

Bulk crap uninstaller: Final verdict

If you’re not used to the potential of open-source software, then Bulk Crap Uninstaller’s considerable scope of features may come as a surprise. After all, while there is open source software on Windows, there isn’t that much of it.

But it isn’t just the open-source status of this software, or that it is maintained by one person. Bulk Crap Uninstaller is simply brilliant at what it does, identifying applications and their uninstallers and removing them with as many (or as few) clicks as you want.

It isn’t as pretty as, say, CCleaner, and there isn’t anything that can be realistically described as customer support. But this is potentially the best software uninstaller for Windows that you will find, and it is as free as you want it to be.

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