Paul Ridden
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Articles by Paul Ridden
Review: The world's first Full HD tri-fold portable projector
Though Aurzen has been in the projected home entertainment game for a wee while now, I think it's fair to say that the brand didn't really become a global sensation (as such) until last year's launch of the Zip. This (still available) little marvel completely reworked the portable pico projector formula, shaping up as a double-hinge, three-part-folding magic box with built-in power and onboard sound.
Review: The world's first Full HD tri-fold portable projector
Though Aurzen has been in the projected home entertainment game for a wee while now, I think it's fair to say that the brand didn't really become a global sensation (as such) until last year's launch of the Zip. This (still available) little marvel completely reworked the portable pico projector formula, shaping up as a double-hinge, three-part-folding magic box with built-in power and onboard sound.
Wall-hugging 4K tri-laser projector is super bright and snappy
Let's face it, even the prettiest lifestyle projectors can rub the living-room vibe the wrong way. UST designs minimize that jarring effect by snuggling up close to the wall, and specialist AWOL Vision has a bright new bundle of joy that's almost ready for action. For a wee while now, folks who cable smart projectors to their games consoles for big-screen action may have felt a little frustrated by the results.
Wall-hugging 4K tri-laser projector is super bright and snappy
Let's face it, even the prettiest lifestyle projectors can rub the living-room vibe the wrong way. UST designs minimize that jarring effect by snuggling up close to the wall, and specialist AWOL Vision has a bright new bundle of joy that's almost ready for action. For a wee while now, folks who cable smart projectors to their games consoles for big-screen action may have felt a little frustrated by the results.
Fast-refresh tri-laser projector brings motion clarity to global screens
As we mentioned in our recent coverage of the XGIMI and AWOL Vision ultra-short-throw projectors recently, the race is on to get a 4K/120-Hz model out into the wild. JMGO has already had a non-wall-hugger available in China for a while, now it's up for global pre-order. Console gamers cabled up to either of the two IRIS Series smart projectors currently waiting in the wings for general release will probably benefit most from the zippy frame rates here.
Fast-refresh tri-laser projector brings motion clarity to global screens
As we mentioned in our recent coverage of the XGIMI and AWOL Vision ultra-short-throw projectors recently, the race is on to get a 4K/120-Hz model out into the wild. JMGO has already had a non-wall-hugger available in China for a while, now it's up for global pre-order. Console gamers cabled up to either of the two IRIS Series smart projectors currently waiting in the wings for general release will probably benefit most from the zippy frame rates here.
RGB Laser TV throws super bright, super snappy big-screen visuals
From the high-end aesthetic and high-tech internals of its lifestyle projectors, it's easy to imagine that AWOL Vision has been in the home entertainment space for a long while. But the crowdfunding favorite is still a relative baby. We've featured many of its own ultra-short-throw models on our pages, along with longer-throw units from sister Valerion range. And I've even been fortunate to put some of them through their paces on my review bench.
RGB Laser TV throws super bright, super snappy big-screen visuals
From the high-end aesthetic and high-tech internals of its lifestyle projectors, it's easy to imagine that AWOL Vision has been in the home entertainment space for a long while. But the crowdfunding favorite is still a relative baby. We've featured many of its own ultra-short-throw models on our pages, along with longer-throw units from sister Valerion range. And I've even been fortunate to put some of them through their paces on my review bench.
Eye-popping turntable flips vinyl into a vertical spin Original
Though streaming rules the listening roost, physical formats like vinyl are growing in popularity. If you want to wow your friends while spinning your latest album acquisition, vertical turntables are sure to fit the bill – such as the Ruka TD-1. I stream when I'm just in the mood for background music – such as while working. But if I want to get down to serious listening, I power up the turntable and plonk myself in the sonic sweet spot between my floorstanders.
Cyclops laser projector goes super bright up to 400 inches
Modern projectors come in all shapes and sizes, but the Fujifilm Z line stands out from the crowd. This isn't due to notably high brightness, though that's certainly the case, but the industry's only folded-type rotatable lens mechanism. The latest model in the series, the ZUH12000, is the brightest of a bizarre-looking bunch that started with a 5,000-lumen unit in 2018.
Sticky ePaper pad makes voice notes visible
Sticky notes are a great way to remind yourself – or others – of something important. But they're a bit wasteful. The Seeed Studio offers a modern alternative in the shape of a magnet-backed E Ink slab that uses AI to take voice notes. Sure, if you use a pencil to jot down your thoughts on a paper sticky note, you can erase your scribble and add another. But someone will scrunch it up and throw it in the bin way before its sticky strip loses its grip.
Sticky ePaper pad makes voice notes visible
Consumer Tech 1 hour ago Apple has five products launching this fall that we’ve waited a long time for 9to5Mac - Ryan Christoffel • 1h Apple has a lot of new products launching this fall, including five that have been many years in the making. Here’s what’s coming. iPhone Ultra, the first foldable model Samsung shipped its first foldable smartphone in 2019, and rumors of a foldable iPhone have been around ever since.
Triple-battery adventure commuter puts motor power at the crank
The excellent triple-battery trekking ebike I took for quite a few test rides last year is being joined by a similar-but-different new model. The Nomads Pro is still aimed at riders who want to go beyond city limits but swaps rear-hub pedal-assist for a tasty mid-drive motor. The regular Nomads rolls with a 250-W motor offering three levels of pedal-assist out of the box (though two more can be unlocked through a companion app), and puts 45 Nm 33 lb.ft) of torque on tap.
Triple-battery adventure commuter puts motor power at the crank
The excellent triple-battery trekking ebike I took for quite a few test rides last year is being joined by a similar-but-different new model. The Nomads Pro is still aimed at riders who want to go beyond city limits but swaps rear-hub pedal-assist for a tasty mid-drive motor. The regular Nomads rolls with a 250-W motor offering three levels of pedal-assist out of the box (though two more can be unlocked through a companion app), and puts 45 Nm 33 lb.ft) of torque on tap.
Review: Gorgeous triple-laser projector takes home cinema to the Max Original
A beautiful box of smart-entertainment goodness turned up at my door last year from Valerion, following a successful Kickstarter and subsequent consumer launch. That was the VisionMaster Pro 2 4K triple-laser lifestyle projector, and now I've been sent the series flagship to play with. But first, a brief catchup.
Review: Gorgeous triple-laser projector takes home cinema to the Max
13 hours ago French loudspeaker maker Triangle has announced the launch of Solstice, an all-new loudspeaker range to succeed the company’s long-running Esprit series. See what they did there, launching the day after June 21? Developed and manufactured in the delightfully named Soissons, France, the Solstice …
Pro-grade record cutter lets musos make their own master discs
A few years ago, Teenage Engineering partnered with designer Yuri Suzuki for a cute lo-fi vinyl cutter. Now the Swedes are going pro with the limited-edition APC-2, a full-sized record cutter for churning out high-quality playback discs. This beast of a machine measures 51 x 23.6 x 15.7 inches (1,300 x 600 x 400 mm) and weighs in at 308 lb (140 kg), so you're not going to be lugging it from studio to rehearsal space by yourself.
Pro-grade record cutter lets musos make their own master discs
4 hours ago ‘Toy Story 5’ has analog playthings taking on the digital world, the Obama Presidential Center opens in Chicago, the MFA celebrates American art in Boston, and more. • “The Death of Robin Hood” (June 19): Hugh Jackman plays the titular thief in this dark take on the legend that sees a less-than-merry …
Leica brings premium big-screen plug-and-play entertainment home
Leica has been in the premium imaging business for more than a hundred years. After testing the waters with a few industry partnerships, the iconic brand launched its first smart projector in 2022. Now the range is expanding with the addition of the Cine Compact 1. Like its own-brand cameras and lenses, the company's smart projectors are much more expensive than models from others in the space with similar specs.
Compact rugged phone aims to capture action adventures in 4K
Rugged phones are not for everyone. They're generally huge and heavy, though most come with a long-life battery and all can withstand a beating. A relatively new name in the space has gone mini for a tough cookie that's also an actioncam. Unlike the similar F116 Pro, the Eagle Pro 5G Mini appears to be going direct for sale rather than first dipping into the crowdfunding pool over on Kickstarter. The mini rugged comes from a company that you may have encountered but not known its name.
Slim power bank slides under a laptop for power on the go
Whether your laptop is your main source of income or you just use it for entertainment, running out of juice just when things get interesting can be a major annoyance. The Edge power bank has been designed to alleviate such things. There are a good many power banks already in the wild that can provide extra up time for your laptop while you're on the move. But many of those are heavy bricks that you need to find space for in your cramped train seat, or don't hold enough juice for all-day working.
Forget digital keystone, this tri-laser 4K projector puts optical first
On the face of it, JMGO's latest lifestyle projector might look like just another boxy smart entertainment hub. But this model is reported to boast the world's first 3-in-1 optical system, and rests on a nifty gimbal stand that can adjust itself or play follow the user. The N3 Ultimate has been designed to make setup so easy that most users won't even have to think about it. The 3-in-1 optical system is a big part of that.
Review: Wall-hugging RGB laser projector takes entertainment to the Max
I remember the various iterations of the family TV pretty much always being the focal point of our living room, but it never dominated the space like big flat panels can today. Some of the time the huge flat panel is hypnotizing watchers with the latest blockbuster movie, current viral sensation or – if you're lucky – an in-depth documentary or two. But much of its life it's just an unattractive dark presence looming large.
Dual RGB-laser projector promises lights-on viewing up to 300 inches
Consumer tech giant Hisense unveiled a high-end tri-laser projector at CES 2026 that put out 6,000 lumens and could throw visuals at 300 inches. It's a beast, and we now have more details and, most importantly, pricing. If you don't have the space or budget for imagery that spans 300 inches diagonally, worry not. The XR10's projection engine supports 4K UHD visuals down to a much more manageable 65 inches too – though bigger is sure to offer much more wow factor. Hisense XR10 Laser Projector | Flow.
Mini rugged phone aims to be your essential adventure buddy
Big screen, big battery and useful tools for outdoor enthusiasts – that's what we expect from rugged phones. But hefting one around can be like putting a brick in your pocket. Fossibot's latest effort shrinks the formula down a bit. Fossibot has just launched the F116 Pro rugged phone on Kickstarter.
Reviewing the first vinyl spinner with a CD player mid-turntable
Vinyl records have been finding more and more new ears in recent years, and Mixx Audio has a novel turntable to help keep the groove moving – one that also rocks a CD player plonked right in the middle of the platter, as well as flexible connectivity. Though there are doubtless numerous round pegs in the music-listening world that don't neatly fit into square format-type holes, streaming appears to be the dominant force according to those who produce the stats relating to how we consume music.
Optoma's latest 4K laser projector expands your viewing to 300 inches
Smart projectors are a great shout for those looking to replace the living room TV. But if you want to load in your own big-screen entertainment over cabled connections, Optoma has just launched a 4K shiner that can throw visuals at up to 300 inches. As you might expect of the "No. 1 DLP laser home projector brand in the Americas," Optoma does have models running a smart TV platform among it range of laser projectors.
Optoma's latest 4K laser projector expands your viewing to 300 inches
4 hours ago The EV5, Kia’s new midsize electric SUV, is getting an overhaul. While the exterior already looks improved, the interior offers an unexpected surprise. Kia EV5 SUV facelift spotted with new design and tech After launching the EV5 in China in 2023, Kia’s new electric SUV made its global debut in late …
Wall-hugging laser projector promises pixel-perfect big-screen watching
Where the sharpness and definition can fade as viewers pull back projectors for super large screenings, AWOL Vision hit CES 2026 with a new model aimed at nipping that in the bud. The Aetherion ultra-short-throw tri-laser entertainment hub promises "a 200-inch Dolby Vision, triple-laser cinema for less than the cost of a premium TV." The "world’s sharpest 4K triple laser ultra short throw (UST) projector" launches today on Kickstarter as two similar-but-different models.
Mid-drive commuter gets you riding up that hill without breaking a sweat
Where other ebike makers might choose Bosch, Brose, TQ or even DJI to meet their mid-drive motor needs, Velotric is cycling its own path. The Discover M commuter features a proprietary 500-W Velo-Core mid-drive system that delivers 100 Nm of torque. That motor sits in the dip of a low-step triple-butted alloy frame, and produces 960 watts of peak power at the pedal for assist to 20 mph (32 km/h) by default.
Divisive headless ergo guitar gains expressive MIDI power
Players often get quite passionate about Strandberg guitars – they either really love the lightweight headless wonders or they're very vocal in their hatred. The innovative Swedes behind such polarizing creations have now joined forces with MIDI masters Jamstik for a powerful six-string beast named Chameleon.
'True 4K' laser projector lights up smaller home theater spaces
BenQ has heard the anguished cries of movie enthusiasts who don't have the luxury of large rooms for a home cinema setup. The W5850 4K projector sports a shorter-throw lens for big-screen visuals in smaller spaces. Released in Europe last year, this model was described by Tom Parsons at What Hi-Fi "as a delight to use and a pleasure to watch" when awarding his 5-star review in December. Now the 4K laser projector has crossed the pond for launch in the US.
Bring your metal chops to life with groovy titanium guitar pick
Though I'm using my fingers more, most of the time I pluck the strings of my guitars with a pick. Most of them have been made from plastic, but I've tried metal and even small coins. But never titanium – which makes the ResoTi an intriguing project. This titanium guitar pick is currently raising production funds on Kickstarter, and comes from the same folks responsible for the successfully crowdfunded BladeNex knife – MIH (which stands for Make It Happen).
Bring your metal chops to life with groovy titanium guitar pick
Bring your metal chops to life with groovy titanium guitar pick Though I'm using my fingers more, most of the time I pluck the strings of my guitars with a pick. Most of them have been made from plastic, but I've …
Novel e-trike stays on the rails for maximum comfort and flexibility
Whether you're just looking for a more stable ride, or something a bit more comfortable than your average ebike, a pedal-assist trike could be a good shout. The Chill from Trike Bike includes a few features not common in the three-wheeled world. Most of the e-trike's we see in the wild are variations on a stable theme – there's one (possibly larger) wheel up front and two behind separated with a cargo box, and the rider sits bolt upright.
Wall-hugging Laser TV promises true 4K at up to 150 inches
Epson added an ultra-short-throw laser projector to its new Lifestudio range of streaming models last year, which promised "impressive brightness and a vivid, true-to-life picture day or night." Now the veteran company is adding a more powerful flavor. "[The] EH-LS970 raises the bar for shared cinematic experiences at home," said Kiran Sanghera of Epson Europe.
Super-tough phone reaches farther into the dark void
There are a bunch of dedicated devices that literally lift the veil of darkness to reveal a secret nocturnal world. Some rugged phones can do this too, but Fossibot reckons that none have the reach and clarity of its recently launched F113. The company notes that many of its competitors in the rugged smartphone space use night vision setups that unveil night-time secrets for about 20 meters at most (around 66 ft).
Review: Perfect pitch with the Roadie 4 tuning mutli-tool
Following a successful Kickstarter last year, a combination tuner, string winder and metronome is now available to buy. There's been a Roadie in my gig bag since the first iteration landed 10 years ago, and now I've been sent the fourth generation unit to try out. At the time of the Kickstarter launch of the Roadie tuner in 2013, a stomp-shaped box was taking up valuable space on my pedal board.
Review: Perfect pitch with the Roadie 4 tuning mutli-tool
2 hours ago “This should be an alarm bell for the entire country,” warned the “Late Night” host. Stephen Colbert said Thursday that the current “message from this administration is clear” as he slammed the Trump White House’s attempts to spin the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs …
Samsung aims for ultimate flexibility with latest canister projector
Back in 2022, Samsung released a cool-looking portable projector aimed directly at Gen Z and millennials. A game-friendly edition followed, and now the AI-packin' Plus model has emerged – which is not just brighter, but sports a plonk and play design. Three years ago, packing 1080p portable projector smarts into a canister shape was fairly novel but we've seen – and even tried – a few rivals since then.
RGB laser projector hugs the wall, brings industry leading 4K sharpness
Though big-screen televisions still dominate many living rooms around the globe, smart laser projectors have been making steady inroads of late – particularly those you can push right up the wall. AWOL Vision has now launched another contender, one that aims to "deliver 4K clarity at screen sizes up to 200 inches." "Aetherion is the culmination of everything we've learned in pushing UST boundaries," said Andy Zhao, company founder and CEO.
Also Alpha Wave smart helmet provides ultimate smart cycling safety
A couple of months back we reported on an e-mobility spin-off from Rivian that launched a modular ebike that rides without a chain or belt. Pre-orders for the T-MB are now open, but Also is already looking to protect your noggin with a light-packing smart helmet. The TM-B rolls with a chain-by-wire setup where the rider pedals straight into a generator, this powers the in-house motor directly or – if excess electrical energy is created – helps top up the onboard battery.
Dinky little laser box throws big-screen entertainment from inches away
Until fairly recently, if you wanted to get a projector close to the wall or screen, the ultra-short-throw model you'd need would be something of a beast. China's JMGO changed that in January with its compact O2S Ultra – and now the next in line has launched.
Dinky little laser box throws big-screen entertainment from inches away
2 hours ago Netflix's $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. is, in many ways, the last thing a weakened Hollywood needs right now. The industry is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, where theaters were forced to close and audiences became even more comfortable with streaming films at home. The …
Tern fixes the biggest issue with its flagship folding ebike
Taiwan's Tern Bicycles has listened to its customers and delivered a belt-drive Vektron folding ebike as part of the fourth-generation rollout in the US, which also includes a regular chain-driven flavor that offers a sportier ride. Launched in Europe last month, the 4th-gen e-folders ride out as two models – one with a 10-speed derailleur and the other sporting a Gates belt drive and Nexus geared hub in response to customer demand.
Protective case adds AI-powered E Ink productivity hub to your iPhone
We've recently seen a bunch of E Ink smartphones released for eye-friendly productivity on the go. But what if you don't want to give up your handset, yet would like an ePaper assistant on tap? That's where the Reetle SmartInk I comes in. First things first, the name. The startup explains that the shared brand and product moniker represents two aspects of its design.
Protective case adds AI-powered E Ink productivity hub to your iPhone
1 hour ago The iPhone may feel ubiquitous, but Apple has consistently lagged behind rival Samsung in terms of global smartphone market share. Tim Cook's newest iteration, though, is breaking through — and returning Apple to the top of the industry. A new report from Counterpoint Research projects that Apple …
Affordable AI projector lets you draw on the wall without leaving a mark
Former Huawei subsidiary Honor is primarily known for its phones and wearables, but is now planning to ride the wave of smart projectors with a compact gimbal-packing, AI-powered 1080p model that comes with a stylus for doodling on wall or screen. The first interactive projector I tried at home was a compact crowdfunded box called the Touchjet Pond. It came with a couple of stylus-like pens that were tracked by the projector to allow users to tap the visuals on the wall to play simple games.
New Dwarf mini smart telescope makes astrophotography easy.
Photographing the deep sky at night can be a complicated business involving specialist knowledge, expensive and bulky equipment and a good deal of patience. DwarfLab's book-sized smart telescopes have removed many pain points over the years, but the company has gone lightweight as well as compact and portable for its latest design. First things first, the Dwarf III I reviewed earlier this year tipped the scales at 1.35 kg (2.97 lb) – not exactly heavy but no lightweight either.
Triple-laser gimbal projector throws color-accurate 300-inch GTV
Though the world's smallest Laser TV took most of the CES 2025 spotlight, JMGO did have other models on display – including an early look at a new N series. Now it seems that the first N3 tri-laser model has soft launched. It's looking like JMGO is going to be following a similar playbook to the N1 series for the rollout of the N3 models. This time the entry level family member has broken cover first, which essentially updates the specs found on the N1S 4K flavor.
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