Accessories

Maono PD300X: Quick, quality audio

Easy set up and use

Published

June 6, 2025

GadgetMatch

We absolutely love it when tech doesn’t require you to think too much. That’s the case with the Maono PD300X microphone. It’s a USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone with Upgraded 192kHz/24-bit Sampling Rate that sounds like it’s a lot to take but is actually pretty easy and straightforward to use.

In a nutshell, it’s a stay-at-home mic that can be connected via USB-C, USB-A, and XLR. This makes it a truly flexible desk mic for multiple uses. It’s ideal as a podcast recording equipment as well home and/or basic studio setups.

Quick Set up

The mic comes in either a desktop stand or boom arm package. Maono generously sent us the boom arm package and it’s certainly a desk-space saver.

Setting up was fairly straightforward.

The PD300X came in a separate box. Inside it were the mic itself along with a cable. The cable is USB-C end-to-end. But one end comes with a USB-A adapter. This lets you connect the mic to a USB-A port.

Next is the boom arm. This looks like it can be tough to set up at first, but it’s also very straightforward. Just follow the included manual to make sure things go where they should and the arm should be clamped on your desk in no time.

Out-of-the-box audio

Maono has a software that lets you adjust the audio of the mic based on what you’re doing. There are presets for broadcast, livestream, podcast, and voice over.

The differences are pretty clear, but I’m not entirely sure if the presets match their intended use.

For our part, we just stuck to default because the audio out-of-the-box already sounds phenomenal. Naturally, don’t just take our word for it.

Here are a couple of our published works using the mic to record the voiceover.

@gadgetmatch Its performance is just what the doctor ordered for an all-rounder tablet. 😉 #XiaomiPad7Pro ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

The mic delivers a full, round sound by default. You can tweak it to feel warmer or colder depending on your needs. For most casual uses, we found the tweaking to be mostly unnecessary. That can be left to people who truly enjoy tinkering with their machines.

That means the PD300X is not only a great off-the-shelf mic. It’s theoretically pretty good too for those starting out and want to play around with sound.

Sound better in video conferences

Outside of these couple of instances, we’ve heavily used the mic during video call meetings. It really does help you sound immaculate. The amplification is great so we’re able to tap into our lower register making it easier to sound better than we actually do in real life.

It’s best used with wired headphones connected directly to the mic. If you’re the type who enjoys hearing their own voice, you’ll love how this works. Outside of vanity, it’s also very good for monitoring if others in the call can still hear you.

Is the Maono PD300X the mic for you?

All told, the Maono PD300X is a pretty straightforward mic. You buy it, unbox, set up, and then you’re immediately good to go. The original or default sound is already so good that you wouldn’t really want to mess with it too much.

The presets available on the Maono Link accompanying app are nice but we found them to be more soft suggestions than actual go-to presets.

If this is the mic you’re looking at, just make sure that it’s what you need. It’s a stationary mic mostly meant to be used indoors – in a room or home studio type of setting. It’s a good choice and one that provides quality sound from a brand that may not be a household name yet, but one that many of its users will vouch for.

Price and availability

The Maono PD300X starts at US$ 99.99 for the mic only. There are other package options like the ones the company provided us for this article which is the one with the boom arm – that one costs US$ 159.99.

Accessories

Apple is reportedly working on its own gaming controllers

It might launch under the Beats brand.

Published

September 14, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Last week, the iPhone Duo changed how you look at the ubiquitous smartphone. Foldables are in, and Apple is right there with it. But the company isn’t stopping with the foldable segment. Apple is reportedly working on its own branded game controllers.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has been working on a controller since last year. Further, a piece of code linked to macOS 27.4, spotted by MacRumors, includes references to two unknown gaming controllers.

Because Apple just concluded its huge event this month, it will likely be a while before we see confirmation of this controller. And it could be anything. Of course, because the Duo is fresh on our minds, the easiest answer is a mobile controller than can maximize the foldable’s ability to stand by itself. It could also use Apple’s larger screens like the iPad, the MacBook, or the Mac. Some even speculate that this could be Apple’s stronger push into the gaming market.

Outside of the actual hardware, the reports are also claiming that the controller will arrive by way of Beats, rather than from Apple itself. At first, the branding comes off as a surprise, but then again, Beats hasn’t really evolved past an audio brand in a long, long time. Is it time to revitalize Beats as something more than just a peddler of headphones?

SEE ALSO: First Look: Apple iPhone Duo

Accessories

New AGON gaming monitor features up to 1000Hz refresh rate

New level of speed, flexibility for competitive gaming

Published

September 10, 2026

GadgetMatch

AGON by AOC has released the new AGON Pro AGP277QK dual-mode gaming monitor for the competitive segment.

This new offering features up to 1000Hz refresh rate at HD and 540Hz at QHD so gamers have the flexibility to prioritize either clarity or speed.

The 27-inch IPS gaming monitor comes with NVIDIA G-SYNC, synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU to help minimize screen tearing, stuttering, and input lag.

This is combined with 0.3ms MPRT and 1ms GtG response times for fast-moving action that is sharp and responsive, giving competitive players a clear visual advantage.

Moreover, the AGON Pro AGP277QK features VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification for enhanced contrast and more vivid, lifelike visuals.

Delta E < 1 color accuracy also provides precise color reproduction not just for gaming but even other scenarios like content creation.

For even smoother high frame-rate gameplay, MBR Sync combines motion blur reduction with variable refresh rate (VRR) technology. This helps maintain clarity during rapid movements.

The monitor also includes Low Input Lag, customizable Light FX ambient RGB lighting, Gaming Mode presets, and Shadow Control.

The display comes with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity, along with a height-adjustable stand and G-Menu support.

Accessories

CASETiFY upgrades iPhone 18 cases, teases iPhone Duo lineup

Duo case waitlist is live.

Published

September 10, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

CASETiFY is launching a new collection of cases and accessories for the iPhone 18 series, updating some of its most popular designs with refined finishes, new protection features, and expanded customization options.

Impact Case

The collection is led by the Impact Case, CASETiFY’s best-selling case with more than 19 million units sold worldwide. It uses an internal EcoShock™ design and Duo-Lock by CASETiFY™ bonding for impact absorption and dispersion. The case is tested for drops of up to 8.2 feet and 4x Military Standard 810G. It also features a scratch-resistant Glaze finish, raised bezel, precision-engineered camera control button, and MagSafe and wireless charging compatibility.

The Ultra Impact Case builds on the same family with redesigned, more rounded corners and reinforced structures with internal air cells. It is tested for drops of up to 11.5 feet and 6x Military Standard 810G. It also has a slimmer profile, multiple design options, and MagSafe compatibility.

Both cases are available in Ring Stand variants. These feature a built-in metal camera ring stand that adjusts up to 150 degrees, with a screwless hinge designed for durability and stable hands-free viewing. Select models are also available with Glitter and Mirror finishes.

Ripple Case

CASETiFY is also bringing its Ripple Case to the iPhone 18 lineup. The soft-touch silicone case features rippled edges and puffed corners, with protection tested for drops of up to 6.6 feet and 3x Military Standard 810G. New colorways include Banana, Dusty Blue, Blush Pink, and Fig, alongside Black and White.

For users who want more protection, the Bounce Case offers CASETiFY’s highest level of drop protection in the collection. Its Expanded Bounce Corners, TesseLock™ design, and enhanced Duo-Lock bonding support drop protection of up to 21.3 feet and 7x Military Standard 810G.

Alloy Ripple Case

The lineup also includes the Alloy Ripple Case, which reworks the Ripple’s sculptural design in aluminum with an EcoShock™ design and Duo-Lock bonding. It is tested for drops of up to 8.2 feet and 4x Military Standard 810G. The Cloud Case uses a quilted soft-touch design with pillowy bumpers and up to 6.6 feet of drop protection.

Beyond cases, CASETiFY is expanding its accessories with the Ripple Wallet, Grip Stands, Loop Grips, Jelly Wristlets, Bow Charm Wristlets, and other charm-compatible straps. The iPhone 18 cases range from USD 50 to USD 90 , while accessories range from USD 25 to $USD 45.

The collection is available beginning September 10 through CASETiFY. The company is also preparing a case lineup for the upcoming iPhone Duo, with its waitlist already live.