This quirky briefcase TV looks like it’s straight out of a spy film

Have you ever wondered if you could have a briefcase and a TV in one nifty package? Well, wonder no more, because LG recently revealed the StanByME Go, a 27-inch display that’s built into a case that looks straight out of Get Smart.

It’s an evolution of the previous StanByME shown at CES earlier in the year, which took the form of a display housed on a stand with wheels you could move around the house. With the StanByME Go, you can take the screen wherever you, well, go.

Quirky yet charming, LG’s latest take on the portable TV houses its own built-in battery in addition to a 20W four-channel speaker system. LG claims that its US$999 display is meant for gaming, movie-watching, and anything else you can think of. To enable this, the StanByME Go runs on proprietary WebOS software, capable of receiving content from both iOS and Android devices.

As seen in the official trailer, the spy gadget-esque screen supports multiple different configurations. When you pop the lid open, you can let the screen lay flat at the bottom of the case like a giant tablet, or align the display horizontally or vertically, with its attached arm supporting different heights and angles. When not in use, you can close the case and stow it away as if it were a small piece of luggage.

As reported by The Verge, the LG StanByME Go has a 1080p resolution and a fairly slight three-hour battery life. It also apparently weighs close to 14kg, so it might not be quite as portable as it looks. Much of the promotional material for the gadget revolves around holidaying and having a portable screen while camping. However, it’s something that might be better suited to corporates travelling frequently for work, or even competitive esports players wanting to practise in between competitions.

LG hasn’t confirmed any Australian details for its TV-in-a-briefcase yet. It’s launching overseas in the US now followed by various European countries in the coming months. The past few weeks have been busy for LG leading into IFA 2023, with the company also demoing a massive washer-dryer combo, a new range of energy-efficient appliances, and various accessibility initiatives.

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Second-gen LG Signature washer-dryer combo fits a lot of laundry

Home appliances and smart technology are a big part of IFA 2023, with LG one of the bigger brands showcasing its wares. At the Berlin trade show, the global tech company revealed its second-generation Signature Washer-Dryer with Heat Pump, a premium all-in-one laundry appliance that uses AI to automate your wash cycles.

In a similar vein to Samsung’s Bespoke AI Washer & Dryer Combo also shown at IFA 2023, the LG Signature laundry appliance automatically detects fabric types and load weight to optimise settings. And, instead of having to move a load of damp washing from one machine to another, the LG Signature Washer-Dryer begins drying as soon as the washing cycle finishes. It does this using an inverter heat pump that lets you choose between quick drying times or a more energy-efficient setting.

Like its Samsung competitor, the second-gen LG Signature holds a 25kg washing capacity and 13kg for drying. If you regularly wash athletic gear or have a lot of delicates, you may find the LG TwinWash feature helpful. It’s a small wash compartment under the main drum that helps separate clothes that may need a bit more TLC.

Adding to its smarts, the combo machine features touch controls and even voice recognition. You can use your voice to set cycles in addition to controlling and monitoring the appliance via the LG ThinQ smart home app, a feature supported by previous LG washing machines. Convenience is the main driving force behind the new LG appliance.

“The LG Signature Washer-Dryer with Heat Pump is an advanced, all-in-one package offering space efficiency and time-saving automation together with a top-notch performance,” Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company, said. “Aligned with LG Signature’s new brand theme, ‘Live beyond’, which is all about presenting solutions that help consumers live their ideal life, we will continue to introduce innovations that go beyond expectations and make everyday life more convenient.”

Local pricing and availability are yet to be confirmed, with more details to follow in the coming months. At the moment, the largest washer-dryer combo listed on LG Australia’s site maxes out at a 16kg washing capacity and 9kg drying capacity, making the new Signature model capable of doing much more laundry in one go.

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Faster Qi2 wireless chargers are nearly here to keep your phone’s battery at 100%

Expect to see faster wireless chargers in the new year, as Belkin showed off its first Qi2 accessories at IFA 2023 in Berlin.

For a while now, Qi has been the universal wireless charging standard across a range of portable devices, mainly smartphones. Instead of plugging your phone directly into an outlet, you only need to align and place the device on a charging pad. Commonly used in modern cars, power banks, and separate wireless charging devices, Qi is a convenient way to keep your device’s battery topped up.

Up to now, Qi has been much slower at charging than its cabled variant. Depending on the specific device, it’s limited to a rate of between 5 and 15W. For comparison, the Samsung S23+ and S23 Ultra support up to 45W charging speeds via cable. Other Android devices support even faster cabled charging speeds, like Oppo’s Reno 10 67W SUPERVOOC technology. With Qi wireless charging, not every device supports the full 15W speed on offer, either, which is something the Qi2 protocol aims to address.

Belkin Qi2 wireless chargers get you to 100% quicker

Two of the devices Belkin revealed at IFA 2023 are confirmed to use the new Qi2 technology. One is the BoostCharge Convertible Qi2 Wireless Pad to Stand, a versatile charger you can alter the configuration of to suit your needs. You can place it on your desk in a vertical stand formation, securing your phone in place magnetically, to charge it during video calls or watching videos without craning your neck.

The other Qi2 Belkin charger is a BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 device that provides 15W wireless charging for Qi2 devices, plus 5W wireless charging for tech using the older Qi protocol. Both of these chargers are MagSafe compatible, meaning they will work with recent Apple devices in addition to compatible Android gear. Also revealed was the BoostCharge Pro Universal Easy Align Wireless Charging Pad, an aptly named accessory that provides up to 15W of wireless charging. As its name suggests, this charger has a big target-like circle that helps you align your device for optimal charging.

The 3-in-1 Qi2 charger supports a USB-C dongle for fast charging newer Apple Watch models.

One of the big benefits of Qi2 is that it should hopefully reduce confusion over wireless charging speeds. For example, you can charge recent iPhones using Qi chargers, but it was previously limited to 7.5W speeds unless it was specifically MagSafe, which would then enable 15W charging. With Qi2, any compatible device should benefit from 15W wireless speeds, and it’s expected that the iPhone 15 will support Qi2 in addition to Apple’s proprietary MagSafe technology. This checks out with the messaging from the Wireless Power Consortium (the organisation behind Qi) at CES earlier this year, which outlined the new magnetic technology used in Qi2 charging devices.

Aside from the Qi2 chargers, Belkin also announced a 140W four-port GaN wall charger with three USB-C ports and one USB-A port, plus a hybrid 25W wall charger and 5,000mAh power bank in one device. Other devices from the brand include the Connect 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Hub, the made-for-work SoundForm Adapt Headset, and the SoundForm Inspire Kids Headphones.

Australians can expect Belkin’s latest range of gear to arrive in early 2024, along with specific price details closer to launch. In line with the company’s sustainable strategy, all of the new devices will use post-consumer recycled plastics, like many of its products since early this year.

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Hip to be square: Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni robot vac stronger and smarter

Ecovacs has revealed the Deebot X2 Omni at IFA 2023 in Berlin, a high-powered square-shaped successor to the brand’s premium X1 Omni model.

On first glimpse, the Deebot X2 Omni shares more of a visual resemblance to the Dyson 360 Vis Nav than it does to many of the circular Ecovacs robots of the past. This physical design tweak helps the device get under furniture more easily and clean more efficiently in tight spaces. In fact, it’s only 9.5cm tall, contributing to its ability to get under couches and beds to thoroughly cover the house.

In addition, the new cleaning appliance uses a brand-new navigation technology called Semi-Solid-State Lidar, which is built into the unit, eliminating the need for the module attached on top of older models. Aiding the navigation are improvements to the brand’s 3D map technology, allowing for better navigation throughout your house.

With an 8,000Pa suction power, it makes the Deebot X2 Omni the most powerful of the Ecovacs range, and 60% more powerful than the X1 Omni. Like many other Ecovacs devices, the X2 Omni also mops, benefitting from the same auto-lift and hot water self-cleaning features adopted by the Deebot T20 Omni earlier in the year, reducing the amount of manual maintenance required. That’s due to the Omni auto-empty station that acts as the X2’s base of operations. Here, it charges, empties debris, and cleans the device so it can then clean your home.

Another main area of improvement is an extended roller brush that helps pick up more dust and debris while on duty. Ecovacs’ voice assistant has also received an upgrade, with Yiko 2.0 said to be more responsive and better at detecting your input, helping with the device’s overall usability.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni release date and price

Stay tuned for local details, as an Australian release date and price won’t be far away. Circle-shaped robots have almost become synonymous with the Ecovacs brand here, so it’ll be interesting to see if the square design is a sign of things to come.

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Lenovo Legion Go combines gaming PC power with Nintendo Switch-like controls

After weeks of speculation and leaks, the Lenovo Legion Go handheld gaming PC has finally been confirmed. It follows the launch of Asus’ ROG Ally earlier in the year, adding to the competition of portable gaming devices as the conspicuous absence of Valve’s Steam Deck continues in Australia.

Although IFA 2023 is typically reserved for home appliances and related smart technology, Lenovo often shows off a wide range of consumer technology due to release during the last quarter of the year. Last year, it demoed a pair of smart glasses. This year, along with laptops and peripherals suited for business types, the Chinese company confirmed its Lenovo Legion Go gaming device, plus several peripherals to augment the experience.

Lenovo’s Legion gaming brand has a strong reputation for delivering high-powered technology suitable for playing many of the latest and greatest games. Take this year’s Legion Pro 7i gaming laptop, for example, a portable powerhouse for both work and play. It’s something that the brand strives for, as mentioned by Lenovo’s Jun Ouyang, who oversees the company’s consumer business segment.

“We began designing the Lenovo Legion Go over two years ago in order to empower gamers around the world to game their way,” Ouyang said. “With the introduction of the Lenovo Legion Go, we are excited to expand our Lenovo Legion gaming ecosystem with a device that allows gamers to – literally – game on the go.”

Lenovo Legion Go versus ROG Ally

Naturally, there are comparisons to be made with the ROG Ally, a fellow Windows 11 handheld gaming PC that made waves earlier in the year. Notably, the Legion Go sports an 8.8-inch 1600p display capable of up to 144Hz refresh rates – the Ally caps out at 1080p and 120Hz. Behind this is the AMD Ryzen Z1 system on a chip – which includes up to the Z1 Extreme, indicating multiple models – same as the higher-spec Ally, but a larger 49.2Wh battery (compared to the Ally’s 40Wh). Battery life is arguably the biggest drawback to any device in this form factor, which is why Lenovo makes a point of mentioning its Super Rapid Charge tech, capable of recharging the battery up to 70% in 30 minutes.

With its own kickstand, plus controllers that integrate trackpad and mouse wheel inputs, the Lenovo Legion Go appears to be a highly versatile gaming device.

Interestingly, when compared to the Ally, the Lenovo Legion Go may not be designed to compete in terms of raw power. Longevity appears to be its primary focus instead. This is seen in the larger battery size fast charging but also in the total power output. When plugged in, you can crank the ROG Ally’s output to 30W, while the Lenovo announcement only mentions 25W as a maximum.

Another big difference between the two handheld gaming PCs is in the physical build. The Legion Go weighs a hefty 854 grams, up from the Ally’s 608g. However, like the Nintendo Switch, the Lenovo’s handheld device has detachable controllers, meaning you have various play options, particularly if you have a surface to rest the device on.

From a software perspective, both the Legion Go and ROG Ally run on Windows 11, but both use different wrapper software that acts as a platform-specific overlay. The Lenovo Legion Go uses what’s called Legion Space, newly developed for the platform, which lets you access games from different PC storefronts, similar to the Ally’s Armoury Crate software.

Lenovo Legion Go price and release date in Australia

We don’t have long to wait for the latest handheld gaming PC to come down under. Due in late October 2023, the Lenovo Legion Go starts at $1,399, seemingly indicative that we might get multiple hardware configurations. Australia only received the $1,299 Z1 Extreme version of the Ally, while overseas also got a cheaper Z1 model.

Alongside the Legion Go announcement were also the Lenovo Legion Glasses, smart micro-LED glasses designed to be a large screen only you can see, and the Legion E510 7.1 RGB Gaming In-Ear Headphones. Other IFA 2023 highlights from Lenovo included the Gen 8 Legion 9i 16-inch laptop with a self-contained liquid cooling system, and the ThinkVision 27 3D Monitor that continues the trend of glasses-free 3D display technology.

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This big-capacity appliance combines washing and drying with AI smarts

We recently tested out several of Samsung’s AI-powered laundry appliances, and now there’s a new sheriff in town: the Bespoke AI Washer & Dryer Combo, an all-in-one device that washes and dries your clothes in a single device.

Another announcement from the IFA 2023 home technology trade show in Berlin, the Bespoke AI Washer & Dryer Combo uses digital inverter heat pump technology to ensure your laundry comes out both clean and dry. It’s no small fry, either, with a sizable 25kg wash capacity, supported by a 13kg drying capacity. At a fundamental level, like Samsung’s goal for the connected kitchen and its AI food app, the new device is about reducing steps and streamlining housework.

“Samsung’s first Bespoke AI Washer & Dryer Combo with Digital Inverter Heat Pump technology not only makes doing laundry much easier by providing hassle-free load transfer, but it also saves space,” Junhwa Lee, EVP and Head of the Customer Experience Team of the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics said. “The laundry experience can now be more pleasant and easier, while also saving energy by AI Energy Mode in SmartThings Energy.”

Convenience with the Bespoke AI Washer & Dryer Combo

It’s not just about eliminating the need to manually move laundry from one device to another, it’s also about reducing the use of space. Although we don’t have the full specs or details about the appliance’s dimensions, one larger device still takes up less space than two separate machines. It’s something that’ll appeal to people living in apartments or have limited laundry space at home.

To help with the actual washing and drying process, the Samsung Bespoke AI Washer & Dryer Combo has several smart features designed to make laundry work easy. Through the brand’s SmartThings Energy platform, you can access AI Energy Mode, which helps save on energy where possible. Other AI technology includes a wash cycle that automatically detects factors such as weight and fabric to designate the best settings for each load of washing.

We’ll let you know about more details such as local availability and pricing once we get them. For now, we’ll take an up-close look at Samsung’s vision for the smart home as part of its IFA 2023 showing.

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Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk is a brilliant work-from-anywhere idea

To date, remote and hybrid workers have had to rely on conventional office equipment to work from anywhere. While technology like laptops and smartphones means it’s easy to log into work wherever you have an internet connection, lugging around additional peripherals is still cumbersome for many. That’s why the Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk caught my eye – it’s a nifty all-in-one portable ergonomic desk and peripherals kit that looks like a brilliant work-from-anywhere solution.

Housed within a book-like case, the Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk includes a pop-up laptop stand, a wireless keyboard, a touchpad, and storage space for stationery and cables. Although taking a laptop with you is fairly straightforward, taking a keyboard, mouse, and laptop stand as well is a pain, no matter how good your backpack or satchel is. Having your main peripherals neatly compartmentalised and sold in a single easy-to-access package is incredibly clever. It shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, however, given Logitech’s strong history of ergonomic devices.

Unfolded and set up, the Logitech Casa looks like a standard little workstation.

Folded away on a shelf, you barely even notice the Casa’s there.

“Working long hours in front of a PC can take a toll on the body, especially when you do not have a fixed workspace,” Joseph Mingori, vice president of Mobile Solutions & Partnerships at Logitech said. “With Casa Pop-Up Desk, we are able to deliver a sustainable, cross-OS compatible, and ergonomic solution that addresses workspace limitations so people feel energised at the end of the workday.”

What’s included in the Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk?

The main body of the kit is the Casa Book. Aptly named, it folds out revealing its inner compartments and a slot where you can place your laptop to raise it at a higher level so you don’t have to slouch over your workspace. It’s intended to be used at home or where you don’t have a permanent desk setup, so you can prop the Casa Book up on any surface and quickly pack it away when not working.

Logitech Casa Pop Up Desk Work from Home Kit with Laptop Stand, Wireless Keyboard & Touchpad, Bluetooth, USB C Charging, for Laptop/MacBook (10” to 17”) – Windows, macOS, ChromeOS – Bohemian Blush

• My Work. My Life. My Home: With Casa Pop Up Desk, you decide where comfy, focused work happens in the home; when the workday is done, place this folding desk out of sight, out of mind
• Make More Room for the Things You Love: With a keyboard, touchpad, laptop riser and storage all in one compact kit, you can enjoy every inch of your home office space
• Great Work On Any Surface: Reach your full potential from anywhere in the home – be it a dining table, high countertop, or simply a corner that catches the sunrays
• Laptop Days, 40% Comfier*: The book-like case unfolds into an ergonomic laptop stand, raising your screen to eye level for noticeably better posture, however long you need it
• A Familiar Experience: Enjoy the laptop-like feel you know and love on Casa Keys and Casa Touch, the minimalist wireless keyboard and smooth wireless touchpad

$ 289.00

Buy on Amazon

On the inside are the Casa Keys and Casa Touch, a wireless keyboard and glass touchpad. Both svelte in size, they’re made to connect to your device via Bluetooth, adding to the convenient form factor. Both devices also work with the Logi Options+ App, so you can tweak settings to your liking.

Available to pre-order now for $289.95 from retailers ahead of a 21 September release, the Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk comes in three colour options: Nordic Calm, Bohemian Blush, and Classic Chic. Sleek, stylish and practical, it seems like decent value once you factor in how much buying each equivalent peripheral would cost.

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