Convenient Smart Home

Giving up counter space for reverse osmosis: Living with Waterdrop M6H in NYC

A 7-stage filtration system

Published

April 28, 2026

Chay Lazaro

Living in New York City means two things when it comes to the kitchen: constantly negotiating with counter space and having the best drinking water in the country.

That’s exactly where a countertop reverse osmosis system like the Waterdrop M6H finds its place. It fits into apartment life surprisingly well, though not without tradeoffs.

Peace of mind

New York City is known for having some of the best drinking water in the country, and for most people, straight-from-the-tap is perfectly safe and dare I say: tastes the best, too.

But using a reverse osmosis system isn’t necessarily about fixing bad water. It can also take already good water and filtering it down to a much finer level.

The Waterdrop M6H uses a 7-stage filtration system, which goes beyond basic filtration to remove things like heavy metals, chlorine, PFAS, and microplastics, which you might not think about daily but are still present in trace amounts. It also has UV sterilization, adding another layer of protection by targeting bacteria that may not be caught in filtration alone.

That extra layer of filtration becomes especially helpful when you have guests or family visiting. My parents, for example, have more sensitive stomachs, so even small differences in water quality can matter.

One tradeoff with reverse osmosis is that it also removes naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium. In practice, it shouldn’t be a major concern for most people. Food, not water, should be the primary source of these nutrients.

Built for apartment living

One of the biggest advantages of the Waterdrop M6H is how easy it is to set up. There’s no installation, no need to touch your plumbing, and if you’re renting: no back-and-forth with a landlord.

It sits on my counter like any other appliance. It’s roughly the size of my super automatic coffee machine, which makes it feel familiar and non-invasive. And just like my coffee machine, I get access to great drinking water with just a few presses.

For apartment dwellers like me, that plug-and-play design is a huge win. I could be living in my current home for years, but will likely still need to move out at some point. That means I can take the M6H with me no matter where life takes me.

Compact is both good and bad

That small footprint is what makes it viable in a city kitchen, but it also introduces the biggest inconvenience.

Because the unit is compact, the water tank isn’t huge, and neither is the wastewater capacity. The built-in 135oz water tank capacity is large enough to get you through a good portion of the day.

In practice, that means you’ll be refilling clean water and emptying the waste tank regularly, sometimes more than two times a day depending on usage.

It’s not difficult, but it’s definitely more hands-on than a built-in system that runs continuously in the background.

Eats up precious counter space

Beyond just physically occupying counter space, the machine changed how I use my kitchen.

The spot it takes is often the same area I would use for prepping food, whether that’s chopping vegetables, rolling or kneading dough, and plating meals. It’s also the same spot I use for putting dirty dishes before they get washed.

So while it technically fits, it reduced my working surface in a noticeable way. In a New York kitchen, losing even a small section of prep space can have a huge impact on one’s daily routine.

Bottle compatibility can be hit or miss

Another noticeable drawback of its compact size is the height clearance under the spout. If you tend to use taller insulated bottles, especially the narrow ones, they won’t always fit comfortably underneath.

I have a combination of tall and short ones, and so that means having to tilt the taller ones or filling them in stages, which interrupts an otherwise convenient experience.

Well thought-out experience

Where the Waterdrop M6H really stands out is in how easy it is to use. The touchscreen is intuitive without feeling overdesigned, and the preset buttons for coffee and tea temperatures are more than welcome. Thanks to its instant heating, I’m never waiting around for hot water when I want a comforting cup of tea after a chilly day out.

One of my favorite features is the ability to customize how many ounces of water you want dispensed. You can set it, place your glass or bottle underneath — as long as it fits — and walk away while it fills because it stops on its own. It’s a small detail that makes drinking clean water convenient.

It’s just a bonus that I’m more conscious of the amount of water I’m drinking on a daily basis.

The detachable glass pitcher is another thoughtful touch. You can take it off and pour directly to your vessel of choice, store it in the fridge for cold water, or use it directly for cooking.

Better than a filter pitcher

If you’ve used a standard filter pitcher before, the difference is immediate.

With something like a Brita, you’re constantly refilling and waiting for water to slowly drip through the filter before you can use it. The Waterdrop M6H produces purified water much faster and on demand.

Even though I have to refill the tank daily, it’s still far less frequent, and far less tedious, than topping off a pitcher multiple times a day.

Cost-wise, it also evens out over time. Instead of repeatedly buying smaller filters, you’re replacing one larger filter less often, with a more advanced level of filtration to show for it.

Is the Waterdrop M6H your GadgetMatch?

Even in a city with excellent tap water, a reverse osmosis system like the Waterdrop M6H can be helpful. It makes the most sense if you’re renting but still want better-than-tap filtration without dealing with permanent changes.

While not as inconvenient as a Brita pitcher, it still requires daily maintenance. It is not the best fit if you’re already tight on counter space, cook frequently and rely heavily on your prep area.

A permanently installed reverse osmosis system will always win when it comes to pure convenience, and Waterdrop has great options for that. It runs continuously, requires less day-to-day interaction that you just forget about it, and it doesn’t take up precious counter space.

For my current setup, the Waterdrop M6H is a practical middle ground. It delivers many of the same benefits in a flexible, renter-friendly form.

The Waterdrop M6H retails for US$429 before tax. Maintenance is straightforward: the replacement filter costs $79.99 and lasts about 12 months or roughly 1,100 gallons of water.

It isn’t cheap, but you can think of it as a long-term investment in your health. Its benefits aren’t immediate or obvious day-to-day, but something you’ll likely appreciate over time and thank yourself for later.

Convenient Smart Home

TCL expands SQD-Mini LED lineup with QM8L, QM7L

New premium TVs push color, contrast, and accessibility across price tiers

Published

April 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

TCL is doubling down on premium TV tech with the launch of two new SQD-Mini LED series: the QM8L and QM7L.

Announced in New York, the new lineup builds on TCL’s push to make high-end picture quality more accessible. The company is positioning SQD-Mini LED as a “no-compromise” display technology. It’s tech that delivers both high color accuracy and deep contrast without forcing buyers to choose between the two.

At the center of this is TCL’s Deep Color System, which enables up to 100% BT2020 color coverage while minimizing issues like color crosstalk and inconsistent saturation. Combined with more precise local dimming zones, the result is deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and improved HDR performance across a wide range of content.

Flagship-level performance, broader reach

Leading the new additions is the QM8L, positioned as TCL’s “Ultimate Choice” just below its flagship X11L. It features a CSOT WHVA 2.0 Ultra panel, offering high contrast ratios, wider viewing angles, and an anti-reflective layer for better clarity in bright environments.

The QM8L also introduces TCL’s updated Halo Control System, which reduces blooming while improving shadow detail and overall picture accuracy. It supports up to 4,000 local dimming zones and reaches peak brightness levels of up to 6,000 nits. Like TCL’s higher-end models, it runs on the TSR AI Pro processor for scene-by-scene optimization.

Meanwhile, the QM7L targets a slightly more accessible segment without stripping away core visual upgrades. It still benefits from the Deep Color System and enhanced local dimming, offering up to 2,100 zones and peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits—figures TCL claims can outperform premium OLED brightness in certain scenarios.

Subheading: Smart features and audio upgrades

Both models come equipped with audio tuned by Bang & Olufsen and support expandable setups via Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, including optional wireless subwoofers and speakers.

On the software side, TCL continues its partnership with Google TV, now enhanced with Gemini integration. This enables more conversational voice controls, content discovery, and even upcoming features like AI-generated video clips through Veo on Google TV.

An over-the-air update will also bring support for Dolby Vision 2 Max. It introducea features like Content Intelligence and improved tone mapping for brighter HDR visuals that stay true to the creator’s intent.

Pricing and availability

The TCL QM8L series is available now, while the QM7L is up for pre-order:

QM8L pricing:

65-inch – $2,499.99
75-inch – $2,999.99
85-inch – $3,999.99
98-inch – $5,999.99

QM7L pricing:

55-inch – $1,199.99
65-inch – $1,499.99
75-inch – $1,999.99
85-inch – $2,499.99
98-inch – $3,999.99

With the QM8L and QM7L, TCL is widening its premium lineup. It’s offering more ways to get high-color, high-contrast performance without jumping straight to flagship pricing.

Convenient Smart Home

Why a dedicated mattress vacuum is the allergy season upgrade you need

Whether you feel it or not, your mattress gets nasty

Published

April 8, 2026

Chay Lazaro

As allergy season rolls around, most people focus on the obvious fixes: air purifiers, antihistamines, keeping the windows shut. But when was the last time you vacuumed your mattress? Exactly.

We spend nearly a third of our lives in bed, and over time it quietly collects dust, skin flakes, and all kinds of microscopic buildup. You might not see it, but it’s there.

Your mattress isn’t as clean as you think

Even if your space looks spotless, mattresses and upholstered furniture trap particles deep inside the fabric, even if you wash their covers regularly.

For some people, that can contribute to allergy symptoms, causing discomfort throughout the day. For others, it just makes your sleep environment feel kind of gross.

If you’re not experiencing symptoms? Good for you, but that doesn’t mean your mattress is magically cleaner. It just means you’re not reacting to it.

Either way, it’s not exactly what you want to be sleeping in.

Deep cleaning that goes beyond the surface

Regular vacuums aren’t designed to pull out what’s embedded deep inside fabrics. They mostly skim the top. The FEPPO Pro mattress vacuum is built specifically for this.

It combines a 500W motor with 16,000 Pascals of suction and a tapping system that hits up to 40,000 times per minute. It’s essentially shaking loose dust from deep within your mattress so it can actually be removed.

And it’s corded, which honestly makes a difference. Unlike using your existing vacuum with another attachment, you don’t have to wait for it to recharge after cleaning your floors. You just plug it in whenever you feel like cleaning and go. The cord is long enough that you can move around your bed or couch without it feeling annoying.

It also uses UV-C light and ultrasonic waves, so it’s targeting even those particles invisible to the naked eye. The UV-C light works at the surface level, while ultrasonic waves reach deeper into the fabric layers to help reduce buildup over time. There are also safety sensors, so the UV light only turns on when it’s in contact with a surface.

Another thing people don’t think about: moisture. FEPPO Pro uses 140°F hot air to help dry out fabrics while cleaning, which helps sanitize it. There’s also a subtle fragrance built in so it leaves your bed feeling more fresh than when you started cleaning.

All the dust and dirt collected from one pass over the couch and its cushions

I used it to clean my couch, too, which I haven’t vacuumed in about a year. Because guests sit on it even with outside clothes and its covers don’t come off, it naturally gets even dirtier than the mattress.

Filtration that doesn’t throw anything back into the air

All the dirt collected after one pass over my bed

With a multi-layer HEPA filtration system, it captures 99.97% of fine particles (down to 0.3 microns). The dual dust cup design helps keep suction consistent without clogging.

So what you pick up actually stays contained—instead of floating right back into your room.

Is it your GadgetMatch?

If you’ve never thought about vacuuming your mattress before, you’re not alone. But also, maybe it’s time to start.

You don’t need to be sneezing or waking up congested to justify cleaning the place you spend a third of your life in. It’s basic hygiene that most people just ignore.

Could you use a regular vacuum with an attachment? Sure, it’s better than nothing.

But for something you use every single day, having a tool that’s actually designed for it—especially at under $70 on sale—just makes sense. Because whether you feel it or not, your mattress does get dirty.

You can either ignore it, or actually clean it.

Get the FEPPO Pro here.

Convenient Smart Home

Epson’s new Lifestudio projectors put cinema at the center of modern homes

Featuring 3LCD technology, Sound by Bose, and Google TV

Published

February 1, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Epson launches new Lifestudio projectors designed for spaces where entertainment, work, and rest all happen in the same place.

Launched across Southeast Asia this January, Epson’s Lifestudio lineup introduces a new approach to portable projection.

The range includes the Lifestudio Pop models EF-61G and EF-62N, alongside the Lifestudio Flex EF-71 and EF-72. These projectors are built for people who want a big-screen experience without fixing their homes around a single device.

Designed for modern spaces

The Lifestudio projectors’ compact forms and minimalist finishes allow them to sit naturally in modern interiors.

All models weigh under four kilograms, with the Lifestudio Pop units coming in at just 1.6 kilograms. Meanwhile, the Lifestudio Flex models add another layer of freedom through flexible rotation, allowing projection onto walls or ceilings without rearranging furniture.

A projector that blends into daily life

The Lifestudio Flex EF-72 stands out by merging multiple functions into a single design. Styled like a modern lamp, it works as a projector, an ambient light source, and a wireless speaker.

Its ability to run on a USB Type-C mobile battery further expands where and how it can be used. Projection becomes possible even in spaces without fixed power.

Big-screen performance without the setup stress

Despite their size, the Lifestudio projectors are built for serious viewing. Epson’s Triple Core Engine combines 3LCD technology with a triple color light source to deliver vibrant visuals while avoiding the rainbow effect seen in single-chip projectors.

With up to 1,000 lumens of color and white brightness, the image remains clear even with ambient light present.
Sound is delivered through stereo speakers tuned with Sound by Bose, creating a full and immersive audio experience without requiring additional equipment. Built-in Google TV places streaming apps and personalized content directly on the projector, removing the need for external devices.

Automatic screen adjustment, keystone correction, wall color adjustment, and obstacle avoidance work together to simplify setup. The projection adjusts itself around switches, frames, or décor, so the experience feels seamless rather than technical.

Built to adapt, not take over

Achieving the right projection angle is simple with the Lifestudio Flex models, eliminating the need for improvised stands. Both the Pop and Flex series are also compatible with Epson’s ELPFS01 floor stand, which offers adjustable height without requiring mounting or a dedicated table.

Epson also introduces the Projection Studio app, which adds a social layer to the Lifestudio experience. Available on iOS and Android, the app allows people in the room to share photos, reactions, and messages in real time on the big screen. It transforms gatherings into interactive experiences and gives the projector a more communal role.

Price, availability

The Epson Lifestudio Pop and Flex projectors are now available in the Philippines at promotional prices ranging from PhP 35,000 to PhP 62,000, with added promotions valued at up to PhP 11,000. They are available through authorized Epson dealers, including the brand’s official online stores on Shopee and Lazada.