Accessories

The art of sharing your favorite moments

With the instax mini Link 2

Published

August 23, 2022

MJ Jucutan

We all want to freeze certain moments and live in it forever. Recollecting the echoes of shrieks, giggles, and peals of laughter that we want to relish perpetually.

That’s probably why I’m in love with photographs, even when I live in the age of video and moving pictures. It’s still enchanting. A slice of time captured, preserved. Holding stories that you can recall instantly, without having to finish watching from beginning to end.

Don’t just take, give

Throughout the years, Fujifilm has consistently delivered instant cameras and instant film printers with its instax line. I usually bring my instax Mini 9 to important occasions where I have the liberty to choose a moment for us to remember. But on the occasion that I don’t, I always have my smartphone to capture memories.

Instax mini Link (2019) | Photo by MJ Jucutan/GadgetMatch

In 2019, Fujifilm unveiled the mini Link which prints your favorite photos from your phone. This year, the mini Link had a successor called the mini Link 2 — which I had for quite a while now. It’s still a smartphone printer, but there’s so much more.

I brought the mini Link 2 to my recent travels such as my birthday weekend in Calatagan and my trip to Bangkok. In between, I finally learned what it’s like to share my favorite moments.

Tiny changes

Instax mini Link 2 | Photo by MJ Jucutan/GadgetMatch

The mini Link 2 looks fairly like its predecessor with only scanty changes. It still has that stripe pattern on its exterior, but instax’s logo — which serves as the power button — looks bigger and rounder.

The charging port is still inconspicuous, and the design of the film door hasn’t changed. FYI: If you’re new to instax cameras, once you insert your film pack, don’t open the film door again lest you waste your remaining films.

On another note, the most notable differences are the appearance of a button on the side of the printer’s mouth, and an LED panel for augmented reality (AR) function.

Other than that, the unit I have this year comes in Space Blue. I was gunning for the Clay White since I had the Ash White in 2019, but the navy colorway matches most of my accessories so I’m settling with it.

There’s fun in printing

The mini Link 2, like its predecessor, is reasonably easy to use. One press on its big power button, and the printer will turn on. It also connects seamlessly with my iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, so there’s no such thing as Android vs iPhone here.

To connect, you must link your smartphone and the printer via the dedicated app, which you can download on the App Store and Play Store. (That’s why it’s called instax mini Link.)

The interface is easy to understand. From the get-go, you have an overview of the device connection, how many films are left, and how much is the current battery capacity of the mini Link 2.

Through the app, you can find two modes: Print Mode and Fun Mode. You can switch modes by clicking your desired mode, or adjusting the position of the printer. If it’s standing up, it will go to fun mode. If it’s lying down, it will go to print mode.

Print Mode

Via Print Mode, you can do a “Simple Print” where you pick a photo from your gallery, and print it using the mini Link 2. This is the easiest way to share your memories.

Of course, there are candid moments that we want to freeze but are instead captured by video. Fret not, the app has “Video Print” where you can select the video you want and choose the frame you’d love to print.

For those who are always ready to take unplanned captures, the instax Camera feature allows you to use your device’s camera to take a photo right away, so you can print it immediately. Personally, this is the feature I used the least. I mean, why should I?

Fun Mode

The second iteration of the instax mini Link puts more focus on Fun Mode. Now, it has “Frame Print” that lets you select various frames you can work with for your photos. Think: your aunties and uncles with their framed profile photos on Facebook.

For those who want to fit so much with the little space an instax film has, there’s a “Collage Print“. You can have fun splitting images, if you’re up for it. Not me, though. It’s a waste of film.

“Match Test“, which was previously a feature to see your compatibility with someone through your photo, has just got an upgrade. It still has the same “Match Test” and “Quick Diagnosis” from before, but with an extra addition called “Go With Your Instinct“.

The feature uses a different quiz that determines if you’re compatible with your friend. The effect will show a gradient frame which can indicate if you’re compatible or not.

Make more personalized prints!

Now, the mini Link 2 offers two features that basically let you draw.

Let’s start with “Sketch, Edit, and Print“. First, you draw your design on paper, scan it with your phone, and it will extract the sketch or text — whatever you put on the paper.

You can adjust the color and size, and you can apply it anywhere in the photo. You can take a new photo so it matches your sketch, or you can find a photo that already works. Then, you print it!

Draw in the air

What’s really new is the instaxAIR option, which basically lets you print around in the air which you can put onto your image. You can use your finger to draw directly on your smartphone, or you can use the instax’s LED light to draw in the air.

There are paintbrushes for you to consider, so select wisely. Personally, I love using Neon as compared to Spray paint.

You can also take a video of your drawing, which can be accessed through a QR code. When you print it and someone scans the QR code, they can have a playback of the video recording on their smartphone.

On learning how to share

As I have mentioned, I was having back-to-back trips to Calatagan and Bangkok during my birthday month. What I’ve learned in my trips is how memories are worth reminiscing if it’s shared.

With the instax mini Link 2, I can re-print all the photos I just printed so my loved ones can have a copy, too. I can simply rotate the device and press the big button, or I can go back to the print history to check which photos are worth re-printing.

In a way, the film prints became a souvenir. It’s perfect for making your favorite moments tangible. Something you want to hold onto in the years to come. After all, photographs have a knack for making us feel differently.

A single snap; a frozen still and slice in time. Who knows what stories and emotions can be unearthed with just a single photograph?

I think that’s the beauty of these film prints. Memories may be fleeting. Life may be ephemeral. But these photographs can preserve a memory that will be with us throughout the years. It’s magical.

Is the instax mini Link 2 your GadgetMatch?

There are plenty of use cases for the instax mini Link 2. But for those who are sentimental and want to turn their memories into something tangible, the instax mini Link 2 can easily be a GadgetMatch.

It’s ideal for every occasion you want to cherish. With a compact design and easy-to-use functionalities, it’s no doubt it can be your travel companion, too.

The instax mini Link 2 is available in three colorways: Soft Pink, Clay White, and Space Blue. It retails for PhP 7,299, and will be available for purchase in authorized Fujifilm instax dealers nationwide, as well as official online flagship stores in Lazada and Shopee.

Accessories

TP-Link Archer Air R5 and E5: For the minimalist

As sleek as they come

Published

September 29, 2023

GadgetMatch

Don’t you just love it when certain tech around your home just blends in, not drawing any unnecessary attention to itself? That appears to be the primary design focus of the TP-Link Archer Air R5 and E5. It’s a Wi-Fi router and range extender combo.

Unboxing

We unboxed the TP-Link Archer Air R5 and E5 (or just R5 and E5). Other than the flat, white units, you’ll see some documentation, cables, power adapter, and adhesives inside the box.

Watch the unboxing.

@gadgetmatch Unboxing the TP-Link Archer Air R5 and E5! #router #rangeextender ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

Understated and simple

Right off the bat, you’ll notice that there isn’t much to the R5 and E5, and that’s by the design. TP-Link specifically made this router and range extender combo to blend into your home. No antennas sticking out, just a couple of slabs that you can wall mount.

Set-up is also just as simple as the devices look. You simply plug the adapter, hook it up to your modem using the included ethernet cable. We were ready to use the router in less than 10 minutes.

One thing to note is that the cords of the power adapters are rather short. Same is true with the included ethernet cable which isn’t as much of an issue as the power adapters. This means you have to be a little creative with where you’ll place these. Depending on the power outlet situation in your home, you might have to buy a few new extension cords to achieve your preferred look.

The E5 was a little more troublesome to set-up at first. But this was because we plugged it a few paces away from the R5. To avoid the hiccups we went through, make sure you set the E5 up right next to the R5. After the set-up, you can move the E5 to maximize its range-extending capabilities. From there, it’s all about just following the prompts on the Tether app.

Tether app

Yes, this router-range extender combo comes with an app. The Tether app is TP-Link’s own and is compatible with their devices. The app makes the set-up as breezy as possible. If you have any trouble setting things up, just simply follow the prompts and instructions on the app and you should be good to go.

You can consider the app as your main hub for making the most of your R5 and E5. Here, you can make sure that the devices’ firmware are updated. You can also monitor all the gadgets connected to them.

A neat feature is that you can create profiles in the app. Each profile assigns a role for traditional family members. This is a great tool for parents who want to limit the time and content that their children can access.

Performance

The R5 and E5 are WiFi 6 capable. It’s tech that’s been around for about half a decade now but there’s still plenty who are missing out on its capabilities. For instance, most modems issued by local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are still a generation behind.

With WiF 6 capable routers, you’re bound to experience a boost in speeds. Take us for instance, the service plan we’re subscribed to is supposed to max out at around 250 mbps. And multiple speed tests, when connected only directly to the modem, returned results that hover around 210 mbps for download speeds and 201 mbps upload speeds.

After connecting to the R5, the speeds we were getting literally doubled. Tested multiple times in multiple days since setting up the router, we would average 413 mbps download speeds and 419 mbps upload speeds. We’re particularly happy about the upload speeds given that we do have to upload videos a lot these days.

We didn’t particularly need the E5 since we live in a tiny apartment. But the extended range came in handy when we wanted to step outside and get some fresh air from the common area balcony. It’s a few paces away from our unit and was previously completely out of reach by our Wi-Fi. That isn’t the case anymore with the E5.

The R5 and E5 have the OneMesh feature. What it does is seamlessly move the connection of your smartphone or laptop to the nearest Wi-Fi connection. This means uninterrupted browsing as you move around.

Additional services

The R5 is also compatible with the use of VPN or Virtual Private Networks. This helps shield your IP address and provides a generally more secure way to browse the Internet. Another benefit of VPN use is you can switch the location of your IP and gain access to streaming app content you otherwise would not have access to.

For its part, TP-Link offers security services on the Tether app. We didn’t see the need to subscribe but it’s there as an option if you feel you need to add extra layers of protection.

Is the TP-Link R5 and E5 your GadgetMatch?

Truthfully, the TP-Link Archer Air R5 and E5 is easy to recommend. This Wi-Fi router and range extender combo is perfect for people who like their devices to be understated and simple. The size of this pair also means they’re easy to fit even in tiny living spaces.

The R5 and E5 perform as advertised with TP-Link offering additional security options for your peace of mind. This is a perfect addition for any household looking to improve their Internet Connection without having to upgrade their ISP plan.

The TP-Link R5 retails for PhP 6,590 while the TP-Link E5 retails for 5,590.

Accessories

TP-Link launches next-gen Archer AX12 router

Your next-generation router

Published

September 27, 2023

GadgetMatch

TP-Link has made the Archer AX12 router in the Philippines. Marketed as a next-generation router, the new product is engineered to cater to the connectivity needs of today’s households and businesses.

The Archer AX12 utilizes Wi-Fi 6 technology, enabling everyone to stream up to 4K videos or play their favorite games lag-free.

The router achieves up to 1.5 Gbps of speed with ease. It also uses Wi-Fi 6’s OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies for simultaneous communication of up to 128 devices without lag for better internet connection and faster download speeds.

Moreover, the router is quick and easy to set up through the TP-Link tether app. The product likewise supports EasyMesh and OneMesh for customers to be able to integrate their existing networks.

The Archer AX12 is now available at TP-Link’s flagship store at the 3rd level of SM North EDSA Annex, its authorized resellers, and Lazada and Shopee.

Accessories

Apple Watch Series 9 + Watch Ultra 2 Unboxing

Featuring the bundled bands plus the new FineWoven and Nike Sport bands

Published

September 26, 2023

GadgetMatch

Apple’s September 2023 “Wonderlust” Event isn’t just about the new iPhones. They’ve also announced updates to the well-loved Apple Watch Series 8 and Watch Ultra.

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 may not look so different from their predecessors, but the new features cater to older Apple Watch users to upgrade.

Aside from the upgraded S9 SiP (System in a Chip), this also enables new features like having a built-in Siri and even Double Tap using your two fingers and wrist.

And thanks to Apple’s Carbon Neutral goal by 2030, the new Apple Watches (at least the Ultra 2 and aluminum-cased Series 9s) are now more sustainable for the environment.

This also means saying bye-bye to our good ol’ leather Watch bands — but wait until you see what Apple has to offer.

Watch our latest unboxing of the new Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 9 (in Aluminum and Stainless Steel), plus a plethora of bands to try out!