Her GadgetMatch

8 things we love about the new, LG PuriCare mask with VoiceON

No more muffled talking while wearing a mask!

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If you found yourself on the fence when it came to the first generation LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier, then its latest iteration is set to fully win you over. This time around, the Korean tech giant decided to address each of the issues most people found with the first run of the mask.

Here’s what we’ve been loving with the new version – so far.

Lighter, comfier

At just 94 grams, the LG PuriCare VoiceON is much easier on the ears. I find that I don’t even need the neck strap included in the packaging when wearing it. This says a lot as while I found the first PuriCare mask easy enough to wear, I was dependent on the neck strap. This, especially if I wanted to wear it for a longer period.

The brand promises that the new mask is comfy enough to wear for up to eight hours. I think I speak for everyone when I say I still prefer to be mask free but the fans on both sides of the mask do help.

Sleeker design

Same as the first generation LG PuriCare mask, the new one also has two HEPA filters on each side. These powerful filters clean the air you breathe, making sure there are zero nasties going into your lungs. In the first version, the HEPA filters went into compartments located at the front of the mask. This time around, those compartments were placed at the back, giving you a smoother surface.

It takes a bit more technique to get the filters in but nothing too difficult.

The sleek design also makes it even easier to match with any of your outfits, taking it from a quick workout, doing your errands, and even to something that’s a little formal for the evenings.

Talking made easy

One of the common issues people had with the first version was how it muffled one’s speech. This wasn’t much of a concern to me as my speaking voice tends to be on the louder side. So if you’re someone who’s got a softer voice, this one’s for you. No need to speak a little louder and strain your vocal cords throughout the day.

Just a quick press on the power button activates the VoiceON feature. The mask, through AI, is able to detect when you’re speaking. It only amplifies your voice and there are no weird breathing sounds in between.

If you’re a Star Wars fan then you just know this feature can actually make you feel like an improved version of Darth Vader. A version that has a clearer register.

Color choices

And speaking of Darth Vader, the new LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier also comes in black. But should you prefer this colorway, you must act fast once they become available again. Units get snapped up pretty quickly. 

Friendlier to the environment

During our review of the first LG PuriCare mask, we already mentioned how the pandemic has been rather brutal to our environment. There’s just so much more waste nowadays, especially when it comes to disposable masks. The new iteration of this technology takes eco-friendliness up a notch by opting for biodegradable packaging.

Increased battery life

Lighter doesn’t mean less powerful. The battery life was also increased from 820 to 1000 mAh. You can wear the mask longer before you need to grab the USB-C cable it comes with for a quick charge. You need about two hours for a full charge, just like the first version. I was able to take the mask around the Metro as we did errands on a Saturday – from 11am to 3pm – and it did not conk out on me. I did have the VoiceON feature off most of the time.

Bluetooth connectivity

One of the mask’s new features is how it can be connected to your smartphone through an app. It will help you track your breathing and even provide you with product maintenance information. As of this article’s publication, the app isn’t on the Philippine versions of Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store. But here’s to hoping we get it soon enough!

Maskne protection persists

Like its older brother, the new LG mask continues to protect my skin from irritation. It also makes sure my skin can breathe. Medical masks make me so oily because of the heat and their material can irritate my pores. With this type of technology, I get to feel a little fresher despite the mask and shield combo.

Do take note that like its older brother, the new LG mask needs the inner covers changed every day and the HEPA filters once a month. It’s an added expense but it’s something that’s considered as an investment in your health and well-being.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

If you’re someone who’s tired of maskne and uncomfortable masks, then this is something for you. Especially if you intend to talk throughout the day – it makes sure you’re both heard and protected. You can snag your own LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier with VoiceON at their official stores on Lazada and Shopee.

Accessories

Dyson Airstrait: Hair straightening with air, not heat

Less heat, less damage

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People may now straighten hair without worrying about heat damage. Dyson has launched the new Dyson Airstrait hair straightener, ushering a new era in hair straightening. As the product name suggests, this innovative tool introduces a new way to straighten hair using just air.

The Airstrait has a simple wet-to-dry straightening process. Airflow is accelerated through the two arms’ 1.5mm openings, creating a high-velocity downward blade of air at a specific angle. This creates a controlled downward force to straighten hair simultaneously as it dries.

With the tool, stylers can achieve a naturally straight and shiny finish that maintains the hair’s strength and healthy look. The Airstrait also speeds the process up by about 25%. What’s best is there is no heat damage, unlike traditional straighteners.

Designed for multiple hair types

The Airstrait runs on a specifically-engineered Hyperdymium motor, a 13-blade impeller that spins up to 106,000rpm and generates 3.5kPa of pressure. Like Dyson’s hair care range, the Airstrait features intelligent heat control that measures the airflow’s temperature to ensure there is no damage.

Users may switch between two styling modes: Wet and Dry. The Wet and Dry modes are pre-set with specific heat and airflow combinations for the best results. A Cool mode is also available to set the style. Moreover, the airflow control has two speed settings, low and high. Drying, meanwhile, can be set to cold shot or root drying.

The science

Dyson has constantly invested a lot financially in research and technology development to craft innovative products in its specific industry. In creating the Airstrait, Dyson engineers studied every detail, from airflow dynamics to hair structure. They also considered thermal, mechanical, and chemical damage and their effects to hair health.

In the end, the Airstrait works based on one key principle. In styling hair to a new shape, hydrogen bonds from each hair strand are broken down. Traditionally, this is done through heat or moisture. But Dyson came up with a tool that just lets water weaken the hydrogen bonds, and then style hair with the optimum level of heat and controlled airflow.

Price, availability

The Dyson Airstrait is available starting April 16 in two colorways: Bright Nickel/Rich Copper and Prussian Blue/Rich Copper. It is priced at PhP 33,900.

Those interested in preordering may already do using this link: Dyson Airstrait

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Her GadgetMatch

Filipina who created Window Garden joins Google Play program

More indie games to come?

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Filipina-owned CLOVER-FI Games is taking the next step to build more accessible mobile games through Google Play. One-woman developer and publisher Camilla Santiago is representing the country at Google Play’s Indie Games Accelerator (IGA) program this year.

Her CLOVER-FI Games studio is behind hit local game Window Garden. The idle game lets players plant and decorate their own virtual indoor garden while relaxing in chill vibes, lo-fi music, and a cottagecore aesthetic. It was released in October 2021, back when Santiago learned app development amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Windows Garden has since amassed a million downloads. In almost three years, it has been received well by gamers with a 4.7 rating based on more than 8,200 reviews.

Google Play IGA

The Google Play IGA is a 10-week course designed for high-potential indie game studios. The program allows these startups to access the best of Google’s programs, products, people, and technology to be able to build and improve a successful organization.

The last Philippine representative in the program was Ranida Games, which had created one-on-one fighting game Vita Fighters. Through IGA, the title received benefits, allowing the developers to improve it.

Like Ranida Games, Santiago’s CLOVER-FI Games is just getting started. Her studio’s goal is to ultimately create more cozy-themed games that are accessible to everyone through mobile platforms.

With the help of the IGA, Santiago will be equipped with the necessary skills and experience needed to create another potentially successful title just like Window Garden. We can only wait as she empowers Filipinas through her craft.

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Dyson unveils ‘most intelligent hair dryer’ yet

The Supersonic Nural

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During its global launch event in Seoul, South Korea, Dyson has unveiled its “most intelligent hair dryer” yet: The Dyson Supersonic Nural.

The styling tool harnesses Dyson’s new automatic Nural sensor technology to protect scalp health and enhance hair’s natural shine.

One of the Dyson Supersonic Nural’s key features is a Scalp protect mode which is activated by the Nural sensors.

This automatically reduces the dryer’s heat as it nears a person’s head, protecting the scalp from damage. The process is done by having the sensors recognize when the dryer is already nearing the person’s head.

In addition, the Supersonic Nural’s LED light automatically changes under Scalp mode, depending on the distance from the head. Users will see yellow for low heat, orange for medium heat, and red for high heat, for convenient usage.

Moreover, the tool intelligently remembers your last used heat and airflow settings and will apply them the next time it is in use.

Price, availability

The Dyson Supersonic Nural comes in two color palettes: Ceramic Patina and Topaz or Vinca Blue and Topaz.

The entire package will come with five attachments, including two new ones:

  • Gentle Air Attachment
  • Styling Concentrator
  • Smoothing Nozzle
  • Diffuser
  • Flyaway Smoother

However, the technology has not been made available in the Philippines yet as of writing time. To be the first to know when it arrives, sign up here.

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