I never liked smartphone gimbals. I tried several over the years, from different brands and different builds, and I never felt compelled to use them in real situations.

They were either too heavy or too fiddly to set up. I also found them too demanding to use when all I wanted was to take my phone out and record. My iPhone already has excellent stabilization built in, and I have relied on it for years. The extra gear rarely felt necessary.

My perspective shifted when I tried the DJI Osmo Mobile 8. I brought it with me on a work trip in China without thinking much of it. I realized that it made sense to be part of my arsenal.

A design that feels familiar in a good way

The Osmo Mobile 8 does not reinvent the idea of a mobile gimbal. It refines the experience.

It feels lighter and folds easily. The clamp snaps on with a magnetic mount, and the grip feels secure without straining the wrist.

It feels like something I can use for a few minutes or a few hours without thinking about it. Rather than slowing me down, it felt like it supports my workflow.

There is an extension rod built in, which is helpful for group shots and for pushing perspective in movement shots. The built-in tripod legs make it easy to set down for hands-free filming.

These details may seem small, although they contribute to gear that I actually reach for.

Stabilization for better footage

To be honest, I’m still not sold in getting a mobile gimbal for myself. But what shifted my perspective (for now) was not the convenience. It was the footage.

The movement became smoother. Walked shots, pans, and follow movements looked intentional instead of constantly adjusting themselves.

The three-axis stabilization makes smartphone footage feel more deliberate. I found myself able to move more slowly and follow subjects naturally.

It didn’t make my shots steadier, but the Osmo Mobile 8 changed the way I moved while filming. I suddenly found myself planning sweeps and tracking motions that I would never attempt handheld.

Tracking that feels more intelligent

The tracking on the Osmo Mobile 8 is noticeably improved. Faces, pets, objects, and even faster subjects stay in frame more reliably.

When I stepped away to record myself, the camera followed smoothly without overshooting. It felt responsive rather than reactive. This made solo shooting feel easier.

It also made dynamic movement filming more fun. I could run with a subject or move around a space and trust the framing.

A tool that fits everyday work

I always evaluate gear based on how it blends into my workflow. If it needs too much setup or thought, I will eventually avoid it.

The Osmo Mobile 8 feels fast. I can mount my phone, open the app, and start recording in a matter of seconds. And the battery life holds up well for a full day of casual shooting.

There is also support for counterweights if you use heavier external lenses or cases. The experience is smooth whether I am at an event, outdoors, or shooting casual everyday clips.

Frankly, I never expected to find a smartphone gimbal that felt necessary, yet the Osmo Mobile 8 is worth recognizing to be part of your creator kit.

Is the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 your GadgetMatch?

The DJI Osmo Mobile 8 delivers steady footage and a filming experience that feels composed. I appreciate what it adds to my work, and I recognize that it improves my content when I need it to.

Even so, it is not my personal everyday companion. I prefer filming with my phone alone and relying on built-in stabilization. I like moving lightly and freely.

But the Osmo Mobile 8 is a strong tool to have in the kit for specific situations.

Swipe right if you want steady and controlled movement in your videos, especially when you shoot travel, sports, or even events where an extra movement is part of the story. It might help you create more cinematic clips without a full camera setup.

Swipe left if you prefer minimal gear, and if you’re someone who’s always ready for spontaneous shooting but doesn’t want any additional setup.

The DJI Osmo Mobile 8 retails for PhP 7,499. It’s available in DJI’s official website and authorized stores.

Living in a tropical country means heat is woven into my routine. I walk a few steps and instantly break into a sweat because my body thinks it’s funny. Being out of shape doesn’t help, but until I fix that, handheld fans are my lifeline.

They’ve become essential in the Philippines, and I still can’t believe it took this long for them to evolve into actual daily-use gadgets. The Aecooly Aero Ultra stood out because it didn’t look like the typical fan you see everywhere. The half-pipe frame, the pop of orange, and the odd tube-like shape felt like gear from a game instead of a humid-day survival tool.

Design that turns heads

What surprised me first was how unique it looked. The r-style air tube design has this odd charm that sparks curiosity. Every time I pulled it out, people asked about it, held it, and tried to figure out how the air travels through that curved body.

The 170-gram weight feels almost nonexistent in hand or in a bag. I wouldn’t put it in a pocket since it sticks out awkwardly, but carrying it around never felt like a burden. The PC and AeroGrade aluminum blend also feels solid and durable, not cheap or hollow.

And that orange finish fits me perfectly. Sometimes a little color can make a hot day feel lighter, and this one does the job.

Performance that actually matches the design

On Standard speeds 1 to 4, the Ultra gives you a soft, steady breeze. Even at the highest standard setting, it still feels mellow, like a nudge of airflow rather than a blast.

Switch to the Turbo modes and it transforms. The power jump is real, strong enough that I’ve used it to dry my hair when I needed to rush out the door. The 11 m/s airflow hits a sweet balance where it cools you quickly but doesn’t overwhelm you whether you’re outdoors, walking through a mall, or sitting in a café.

Even at its top 15,000 RPM, the airflow still feels smooth. The honeycomb vents keep the direction tight without making the wind feel aggressive. Noise-wise, it’s noticeable in quiet rooms but blends into the background in noisier spaces.

The LED display is perfect for someone like me who panics when devices drop below fifty percent. Knowing the exact battery level shapes how I use it throughout the day. The seven speed levels make it easy to adapt in different environments, from blasting full Turbo at a concert to staying quiet in calmer settings.

Switching modes is intuitive, and the “r” form factor helps direct the airflow with minimal wrist movement. It’s comfortable, functional, and easy to pick up without overthinking how to hold it.

Battery Life, everyday use, and why I prefer the Ultra

Aecooly claims seventeen hours of battery life, but I never drained it to zero because I always top up before going out. Still, I never once felt like I had to conserve power. It usually refills after an hour-long podcast, and that alone makes it reliable for daily cycles.

The LED percentage indicator is another quality-of-life win. It helped me ration usage during events, long commutes, and casual walking days. I didn’t test the base Aero or Aero Pro, but looking at the numbers, I still tell people to get the Ultra if they can afford it. The stronger Turbo levels and larger battery make it feel like the complete package.

In real use, I bring it everywhere. I cool down after small activity bursts, I use it while walking, I’ve brought it to concerts, events, and even used it to dry my wavy hair. It never felt awkward to use in public.

My only complaint is not knowing how to attach the included wrist strap. I also wish it had a lanyard option so I could hang it around my chest and angle it upward hands-free.

Is the Aecooly Aero Ultra your GadgetMatch?

Our Associate Creative Director, MJ, enjoying the Aecooly Aero Ultra

Still, the Aecooly Aero Ultra feels premium, dependable, and built for the kind of heat I deal with daily. Definitely a Swipe Up. 

If you need consistent cooling on the go, this is an easy recommendation. It has become a part of my everyday carry, and I don’t see myself leaving the house without it anytime soon.

After months of living out of a suitcase, I found myself home again. You’d think staying in one place would feel easier, but I realized how restless I’d become.

I’ve built a life around movement. I like feeling in control. Maybe that’s why when I started setting up my workspace again, the Razer Basilisk Mobile immediately felt like the right fit.

It’s called “mobile,” but it found its purpose in my quietude.

Small things that carry weight

The Razer Basilisk Mobile isn’t intimidating like most gaming gear. It doesn’t scream for attention with flashing lights or aggressive angles.

It’s compact enough to sit quietly beside my laptop, yet sturdy in the hand, like it knows what it’s capable of.

Razer took its fan-favorite ergonomic design and scaled it down for people who need comfort without clutter.

It fits perfectly under my palm during long writing sessions and when I’m deep in photo edits. It’s light enough to move effortlessly.

And because it’s wireless, my desk finally looks clean and ready for whatever kind of workday I’m about to have.

A mouse that adapts to how you think

The Basilisk Mobile has 10 customizable controls, which, on paper, sound like overkill for a writer and creative director.

But after a week of using it, I started wondering how I ever worked without them.

Razer designed these buttons for gamers who need split-second reactions. I use them for something more… domestic.

Copy-paste shortcuts, switching tabs, launching Photoshop, or even triggering my AI note app with a single click.

It’s called the AI Prompt Master, but in my world, it’s a creativity launcher.

It feels like this mouse understands the kind of multitasking life I lead. That I can go from reviewing layouts to color-grading photos and videos, and somehow still keep my hand relaxed and my workflow seamless.

Maybe, that’s what I love most about it? It’s built for play, but it excels at work.

Endurance I can count on

I’ve always believed endurance is a love language. Maybe because I’ve built my own around it.

I’ve raced through obstacle courses and weathered deadlines, but I still managed to show up again to work the next day.

That’s probably why I respect gadgets that stay the course. The Razer Basilisk Mobile runs up to 105 hours on HyperSpeed Wireless and 180 hours on Bluetooth.

For context, that’s weeks of work without charging and when it does need a quick top-up, 10 minutes gives you 7 hours of power.

Precision that feels personal

There’s a state of flow when every click and scroll just feels right. The Basilisk Mobile understands that beat certainly.

Its 18K DPI optical sensor keeps everything precise, whether I’m fine-tuning an image in Lightroom or browsing through hundreds of thumbnails. It moves exactly how I want it to.

The Razer HyperScroll wheel might be my favorite part. You can switch between two modes: Tactile for that satisfying, notched scroll that makes you feel in control, and Free-spin for when you want to breeze through pages or scripts in seconds.

It’s smooth and accurate. You don’t always notice it, but it’s what makes everything else work.

The kind of comfort that grows on you

Some gadgets take time to get used to. Others feel right from the start. The Basilisk Mobile belongs to the latter.

Its buttons have a crisp, responsive feel, thanks to Razer’s Gen-3 Optical Switches, rated for 90 million clicks.

That’s overkill, sure, but it means I’ll probably grow old with this mouse before it ever gives up.

The 100% PTFE feet glide effortlessly across my mousepad, making even small movements soundless.

It’s a small thing, but it adds to the peace of my workspace

Is the Razer Basilisk Mobile your GadgetMatch?

The longer I used it, the more I realized something. The Razer Basilisk Mobile might be built for gamers, but it found its home with people like me: those who live in the overlap of focus and fatigue.

It’s the kind of device that doesn’t care where you use it. You can edit a highlight reel or write a story. This mouse will be right there with you when you want to feel productive again at your own desk.

Swipe right if you have the bucks to spare for a performance mouse that really works and makes your day-to-day easier.

Swipe left if you want your device to match a specific home office palette or prefer something simpler and more affordable. After all, the Razer Basilisk Mobile retails for PhP 5,995.

@gadgetmatchOn-the-go mouse best paired with the Razer Joro!♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

When I first unboxed it, I thought it would be the mouse I’d take with me when I travel. Turns out, it’s the one that made me stay productive while staying at home.

It taught me that performance isn’t always about speed or reaction time. Sometimes, it’s about stability. It’s about clicking through your day and creating something that feels like you.

And if that’s not gaming energy, I don’t know what is.