Accessories

The BOYA Magic is now my go-to mic for everything

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Microphones turned into essentials during the pandemic. It became impossible — or at least, unprofessional — to hold video calls while sounding like a garbled airport intercom. Personally, I chose the Blue Yeti, an affordable USB mic, for my setup. Times can quickly change, though. A microphone that seems perfect for the pandemic era might not fly as high today. So, when I got the new BOYA Magic, it felt like getting a much-needed patch.

Not a one-hit wonder

The unfortunate aspect of most microphones today is their lack of versatility. A desktop mic, for example, is usually took big to use for an outdoor interview. It’s also too much of a hassle to set up a lapel mic for desktop recording.

That said, the BOYA Magic is a rare specimen. It can be used in four different ways: as a desktop mic, a handheld, a camera accessory, or a clip-on. To be fair, you still need an external accessory to access desktop and camera modes. Still, out of the box, you’re getting a charging case shaped like a handle, a series of receivers, and the mics themselves.

I’ve tried all four modes, and none of them felt like a halfhearted addition. Even the desktop mode, which should look clunky, still feels like it belongs. Both camera and clip-on modes are easy to set up. However, my absolute favorite is the handheld mode. As someone visibly irked at vloggers holding up tiny lapel mics at their interviewee’s faces, the BOYA’s handheld mode feels natural.

All the sleeves you’ll need

Out of the box, the BOYA Magic comes with four sleeves for noise and distortion. The charging case has a foam cover and a furry wind cover. There are also two furry covers for the two transmitters.

These four sleeves are a much-welcome addition to the package. Though they’re not absolute necessities, it’s nice to have windy and noisy situations covered in a pinch.

Besides the sleeves, the package also comes with a series of short cables to cover almost all uses. There’s also three receivers for USB-C, Lightning, and 3.5mm.

Can you believe that these all come inside a small pouch as big as a pencil case? Of course, the most portable option is still just the single charging case that some other brands have. But, for the accessories available, a small pouch is perfect.

Audio quality perfect for vloggers

One of my favorite places to shoot content is inside a café. For most of the products I review, a café is the most applicable place for real-world uses. Unfortunately, staying at a café has its drawbacks. Most notably, a café can get noisy because of chatty patrons and loud coffee machines.

When I shot a video using the BOYA Magic, the world around me just magically disappeared. The AI noise cancellation easily cuts out earsplitting blenders and outside screams. I conferred with our videographer, and he agrees; the mic needed no postproduction to get rid of noise. My voice was captured flawlessly for a full-length video.

It was also enough for desktop use. I tried the mic on for simple voice calls and multiplayer gaming. Installation was easy. Plus, it’s small enough, so I can replace my clunky Blue Yeti for this.

To be fair, placement is still a factor. There were some angles where the audio quality can dip. Then again, it’s light enough to physically pick up and speak directly into the mic. Just be careful not to blow your friends’ eardrums out. That said, this is more than enough for voice calls, podcasting, and casual recording sessions.

Some trouble connecting

There is one tiny thing to note, though. While I was recording something in clip-on mode, the camera I was using had a hard time connecting to both transmitters. It’s an odd contrast to how the BOYA Magic promises a quick and easy setup for devices.

I wasn’t able to replicate this again, so it might just be a one-off. You just need to note that it’s not immune to the occasional gremlin.

Enough for long shoots

Finally, the BOYA Magic promises six hours on a single charge. The charging case further extends this to 30 hours.

This is definitely a just-in-case thing. Under most scenarios, six hours is more than enough for a shooting session. But, if you do find yourself in that influencer life, the entire pack can last an entire days of being out and about. This is an essential for creators.

Is the BOYA Magic your InfluencerMatch?

I love the BOYA Magic. The 4-in-1 mic is easily the most versatile audio solution for any creator. The number of ways to use the mic easily trumps any other option today. Besides being a great mic, the package is also filled with several just-in-case accessories for the unpredictability of outdoor shoots.

Plus, the price is just right. The base package — with only a USB-C receiver — comes at only US$ 89.99. All three will set you back by US$ 129.99. The tripod, unfortunately, is a separate purchase, costing you US$ 30.00.

Still, just for the sheer flexibility and audio quality, the BOYA Magic is an easy Super Swipe.

Accessories

OBSBOT launches AI-powered 4K Tiny 3 series webcams

Professional-grade audiovisual features in compact bodies

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OBSBOT has announced the global launch of two new AI-powered 4K webcams: the Tiny 3 and Tiny 3 Lite.

Designed for content creators, streamers, podcasters, remote professionals, educators, and more, the Tiny 3 series sets a new benchmark for professional webcams.

The products combine studio-grade spatial audio, flagship-level imaging, and industry-leading AI intelligence.

The two variants also come in ultra-compact aluminum-alloy bodies while delivering premium sight and sound.

Both the Tiny 3 and Tiny 3 Lite feature industry-leading triple silicon MEMS microphone array. This system combines one omnidirectional and two directional microphones powered by Sisonic MEMS technology.

The architecture is commonly found in premium TWS earbuds and professional audio equipment. Such technology enables:

  • ultra-low distortion up to 130 dB SPL
  • exceptional 69dB signal-to-noise ratio
  • full spectrum 50Hz-20kHz frequency response
  • consistent unit-to-unit studio quality

This way, users can expect immersive sound that rivals dedicated microphones without the need to buy an extra product.

In addition, the Tiny 3 series features five dedicated audio profiles so users can tailor fit the webcams for various needs:

  • Pure Audio Mode — zero processing, studio-grade capture
  • Spatial Audio Mode — enhanced left-right stereo separation for vlogs, storytelling with soundscape
  • Smart Omni Mode — AI-powered 360-degree pickup with balanced vocals, ambient sound
  • Directional Mode — focuses on voice in front while cutting surrounding noise
  • Dual-Directional Mode — clear audio capture from front and rear while rejecting side noise

Moreover, the Tiny 3 series comes with Voice Locator. This feature lets the product find users, smoothly rotating the gimbal and tracking them automatically.

They can also leverage voice commands or the OBSBOT Vox SE wireless lavalier for cable-free audio.

Flagship imaging

Picture wise, the Tiny 3 features 4K@30fps video and up to 120fps high-frame rate capture. The system also uses advanced DCG HDR for balanced highlights and shadows, as well as ultra-fast dual all-pixel PDAF autofocus.

And powered by OBSBOT’s AI algorithms, the series introduces AI Tracking 2.0. Key capabilities include:

  • accurate tracking of subjects like individuals, groups, hands, objects, and more via Only Me mode
  • auto zoom, customizable composition lines, Face Framing
  • Voice Tracking
  • Multiple AI modes, including dedicated Desk Mode, Whiteboard Mode
  • Intuitive gesture and voice controls

For further control, users can use the OBSBOT Center and OBSBOT live for creative controls. These cover exposure and gamma curve adjustments, manual white balance tuning, and more.

Furthermore, the Tiny 3 products support remote interaction and VR features powered by the OBSBOT Toolkit.

They also integrate effortlessly with the OBSBOT ecosystem for livestreams, gaming handheld capabilities, and more.

Price, availability

The Tiny 3 starts at US$ 349 while the Tiny 3 Lite starts at US$ 199. The Vox SE, meanwhile, retails for US$ 59.

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Soundtrack for the city: HIDDEN.NY x AIAIAI TMA-2 headphones

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Living in a big city like New York makes you want to have music on a lot: on the subway, walking between meetings, sitting in a café with your laptop, zoning out on a long walk home, or romanticizing the smallest things. Headphones have become an essential part of my life.

That’s why the HIDDEN.NY x AIAIAI collaboration makes sense. The TMA-2 HIDDEN Edition headphones are reminiscent of early-2000s tech. It’s nostalgic but with New York City character, at least the kind that I encounter and not the one you see in movies.

If you follow either brand, the partnership feels natural. HIDDEN.NY started as an Instagram mood board and grew into a full lifestyle platform rooted in street culture and design. AIAIAI is a Danish company that’s long been part of music culture, known for modular gear that artists use.

The first thing you notice is the colorway. The transparent design with green highlights is subtle. It’s not loud but still stands out.

You can see the structure of the headphones, which makes them feel more like an accessory than just another piece of black plastic tech. Bonus points that they are a conversation starter, too.

In daily use, the headphones are easy to live with. They are light and comfortable, which is important when you’re wearing them for long stretches. They don’t clamp too hard nor do they feel bulky.

Sound-wise, they’re clean and balanced. While it doesn’t have active noise cancellation, it works well for all the ways people actually listen in a big city. I like that you don’t have to think about the sound much.

It’s just good in a way that doesn’t get in your way, whatever mood I’m in wherever I am in the city, these headphones are great company.

AIAIAI’s modular approach also means these aren’t built to be tossed when something wears out. The speaker, headband, earpads, and cable are all replaceable.

So much of the tech we use should grow with us, even if they get outdated. So AIAIAI builds systems that can be upgraded over time. That’s part of why artists and DJs use them.

Especially because it’s a collectible, it feels like a piece you’ll want to keep. As someone who uses his prized possessions for a really long time, I love this about these headphones.

In a city where everything moves fast and feels temporary, it’s nice to have gear that doesn’t feel disposable.

The campaign, shot by photographer Gunner Stahl, probably looks familiar if you’re attuned to hiphop culture. What sets his work apart is his portraits feel more raw and relaxed instead of posed and polished. It aligns with HIDDEN.NY’s aesthetic, the kind of everyday style that feels genuine.

At the end of the day, the HIDDEN.NY x AIAIAI TMA-2 Bluetooth headphones make sense for people who live in cities like New York, where music is part of how you move, work, and think.

They sound good, they look interesting and different. They fit into real life without trying too hard.

The TMA-2 Hidden Edition headphones retail for US$220 and is available on aiaiai.audio.

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G-DRAGON is CASETiFY’s first ever Global Brand Ambassador

Right on time with the brand’s 15th-year milestone

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Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

One of K-Pop’s most iconic soloists of all time has finally partnered up with the globally-renowned case maker.

And this isn’t like any other CASETiFY’s K-Pop Collab, this is much grander than that.

i-naugural Brand iCON

You heard that right! CASETiFY reveals their first ever Global Brand Ambassador.

Amassing 25 million Instagram followers, over 1.2 Billion YouTube views, and hitting almost 4 Million Spotify listeners, G-DRAGON has truly marked his footprint as the “King of K-Pop” — more than just being the iconic member of the global hit group BIGBANG.

His long overdue comeback (and world tour) with Übermensch’ last 2025 further proves how massive the VIP (and FAM) community is.

That said, GD’s influence isn’t limited to the music industry alone. Art and fashion have also witnessed his legendary artistry through his PEACEMINUSONE label. That pretty daisy with a fallen petal is the brand’s most iconic emblem you can see around.

The introduction of his fashion line was connected to music as well. It was introduced way back in 2013 during his ‘COUP D’ETAT’ solo promotions which was a true hit. It was totally evident in the album art’s peace symbol minus that one line.

Wesley Ng, CASETiFY’s CEO and Co-Founder (who’s also fashion-savvy), said that “welcoming G-DRAGON as the brand’s first Global iCON is a powerful statement.” This will not only amplify the reach of the already-popular case maker, it will also influence the brand’s creative direction.

After all, one’s artistic expression can be seen easily with the cases we rock out and about.

i-conic CHROMATIC

In line with this milestone also lies a new collection of cases and accessories.

The all-new CHROMATIC Collection is built around two concepts: FORMS & HUES. First, the CHROMATIC: FORMS set is headlined by the premium-made Alloy Ripple Case with an upgraded aluminum material.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Speaking of aluminum, the accompanying accessories are all metallic — from the 2-in-1 cross-body chain to custom cube charms for bespoke personalization.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Meanwhile, the CHROMATIC: HUES adds five new vibrant shades to CASETiFY’s ever-popular Ripple Collection through the Neon Ripple Case. These bold range of colors not only embody users’ creativity and self-expression, it also showcases an individual’s overall aesthetics.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

While this isn’t the PEACEMINUSONE collab some of us have initially thought, crossing fingers that will be the next official CASETiFY collab in line.

Pricing and Availability

The brand new CHROMATIC COLLECTION is expected to hit shelves real soon with prices ranging between US$ 10 to US$ 85,

They will be available for purchase on CASETiFY.com and in select CASETiFY Studio retail stores around the world starting on January 26 (Monday).

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