Accessories

Razer Thresher and Raiju Ultimate Hands-on: Splendid gaming combo

Badass gaming accessories

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If there’s one thing Razer is really good at, it’s making gaming accessories that are both stylish and edgy. The Razer Thresher headset as well as the Raiju Ultimate controller for the PlayStation 4 (PS4) are primary examples of this.

Headset you can wear for hours

At first glance, the Razer Thresher looks like it would weigh heavily on your head. This is not the case. Despite its bulky exterior, this headset is lightweight and extremely comfortable.

The four-inch earcups cover a good portion of your ears and it feels like a headset you can wear for hours. It neither feels too tight nor to loose.

Setup is pretty straight forward, too. Simply plug the accompanying USB stick to the PS4’s USB port, turn on the headset, and it should work with no hiccups.

Immersive audio

Audio quality is right about what you’d expect from a US$ 150 headset. The earcups lend nicely to making the sound feel immersive as you game. When I played Marvel’s Spider-Man with these on, it almost felt like it was me swinging around New York with how much of the environment I could hear.

This headset also has a mouthpiece that’s perfect for co-op games, but since I don’t really play those kinds of games, I wasn’t able to try the headset in that setting. It does record good audio though, so you can opt to use it for that.

Although it’s labeled as an accessory for the PS4, it will work with any device that has a USB port. I used the headset on my MacBook Pro and it worked just fine.

Feels drastically different from the DualShock 4

At first glance, you would even think that the Raiju Ultimate controller was made for the Xbox One. It bears so much resemblance to that console’s controller which is why I felt a little iffy using it.

Most of my console gaming has been spent wielding DualShock controllers. I did try the Xbox but my personal preference is still the controllers bundled with the PlayStation consoles through the years.

That said, I didn’t completely hate the Raiju Ultimate experience. I did have trouble playing NBA 2K19 because the buttons weren’t responding the way they usually would on a regular DualShock 4 controller. This had a significant effect on my game as I wasn’t knocking down the shots I normally would.

The Raiju Ultimate controller comes with a sleek carrying case

Using the Raiju Ultimate led to a close game and a loss against Marvin. We played twice more but I shifted back to the DualShock 4 and proceeded to dominate him on NBA 2K19 like I normally do. (Editor’s note: “Dominate” is such a strong word.)

It comes with an app

The Raiju Ultimate also comes with an app to customize the extra four shoulder buttons. It has four presets to choose from: Sports, Shooter, Fighting, and Racing.

Instead of using the Sports the preset, I tried the other ones but still got the same result. This wasn’t the case when I played Marvel’s Spider-Man. In fact, it was pretty fluid and the shoulder buttons which you end up using a lot in this game responded seamlessly.

If you want a little bit more of customization, you can add a profile and assign specific functions for each shoulder button depending on the game you’re playing. I imagine it being helpful in games wherein you’re asked to press two buttons at the same time. You can just assign those to buttons to a single shoulder button — pretty handy.

Perfect tandem?

While I did have some trouble with the Raiju Ultimate, that was only in one game. Granted it’s probably the game I play the most, I didn’t have the same troubles in other games.

I had a blast playing Marvel’s Spider-Man using this combo. The game felt a lot closer than when I first played it thanks to the Razer Thresher, and the mechanical feel of the Raiju Ultimate really grows on you as you play.

This pair probably isn’t for everyone but if you want a little boost for your gaming experience, I wouldn’t think twice about copping these.

Accessories

Anker’s soundcore Liberty 5 Pro series is powered by an AI chip

Earbuds that think

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Anker has just unveiled the soundcore Liberty 5 Pro series earbuds in New York during Anker Day. They are available in the Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max variants.

Available colors are:

  • Pro Max: Midnight Black, Titanium Gold
  • Pro: Pearl Blue, Midnight Black, Pearl White, Rose Gold

These latest TWS earbuds feature Anker’s first neural-net chip, the Thus AI chip. This breakthrough architecture introduces neural-net compute-in-memory processing.

It means AI computation directly inside NOR Flash Memory is enabled, instead of continuously transferring data between memory and processor.

Thus applies compute-in-memory principles inspired by the human brain, allowing AI models to process information where the data already resides.

Earbuds that think

Applying the Thus AI chip to the new soundcore Liberty 5 Pro series, Anker has integrated an advanced AI-powered 10-sensor fusion system.

This system combines eight MEMS microphones and two bone conduction sensors to isolate the user’s voice from environmental noise in real time.

Such system continuously cross-references airborne audio with vibrations captured directly from the speaker’s cranial structure. The result is significantly clearer voice isolation during calls, even in loud environments.

The Liberty 5 pro series also debuts Adaptive ANC 4.0. It is soundcore’s newest intelligent noise cancellation platform.

This system dynamically adjusts cancellation depth across varying environmental frequencies, while also minimizing pressure fatigue commonly observed on traditional ANC systems.

Integrated smart display

Both variants of the Liberty 5 Pro series come with Control at a Glance, an integrated smart touch display built directly into the charging cases.

Users can switch between ANC modes, customize EQ settings, manage playback, and answer calls from the case.

The Pro Max variant, in particular, comes with a 1.78-inch AMOLED smart screen which has an AI Note-Taker for AI-powered recording, real-time transcription, speaker identification, intelligent summaries, and more.

Furthermore, both models support three-device multipoint connectivity, IP55 dust and water resistance, Bluetooth 6.1, and up to 28 hours of total battery life.

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Accessories

CASETiFY x Tamagotchi brings back nostalgia

Retro pets meet modern accessories

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CASETiFY Tamagotchi

From phone cases to luggage, the collaboration turns the classic virtual pet into a lifestyle collection

CASETiFY has announced a new collaboration with Bandai Namco Entertainment inspired by Tamagotchi.

The collection mixes retro digital pet nostalgia with modern accessories. Designs feature bright colors, pixel-inspired graphics, and classic Tamagotchi characters.

First released in 1996, Tamagotchi became a global hit. The interactive virtual pet encouraged players to care for their digital companion. More than 100 million units have been sold worldwide.

The new collaboration includes phone cases, tech accessories, straps, charms, and customizable luggage.

One of the highlights is the CASETiFY Travel Tamagotchi luggage collection. Customers can choose their favorite Tamagotchi character and add custom text using the franchise’s signature font style.

 

The 21-inch Carry-On Bounce Suitcase comes in Primrose Pink and Cobalt Blue.

The collection also introduces a CASETiFY-exclusive Tamagotchi device. It features a custom CASETiFY shell design.

Fans can also pick up the Tamagotchi Plush Earbuds Pouch designed by Bandai. CASETiFY is also offering themed straps and charms for added personalization.

Accessories include a 3-Way Strap with adjustable lengths and a silicone phone charm with a detachable plush accessory. A Tamagotchi-shaped metal charm hook is also available.

CASETiFY is also launching Tamagotchi Chase Cards alongside the collection. The collectible cards come in seven rarity levels. These range from Common to Supreme Ultra Rare.

To celebrate the launch, CASETiFY will host activations at its Shibuya PARCO store in Tokyo and its Dosan flagship store in Seoul.

Visitors can try the exclusive CASETiFY Tamagotchi device and enjoy interactive photo activities.

Price and availability

The CASETiFY x Tamagotchi collection starts at US$36. It launches on May 29 through CASETiFY and select CASETiFY STUDiO stores worldwide.

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Accessories

The UGREEN Nexode Air 65W is the only charger I travel with now

Why carry five chargers when one does everything?

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Traveler guilt sets in the moment you open your carry-on and realize half of it is occupied by cables.

Not clothes. Not souvenirs. Cables. A brick for the laptop, an adapter for the tablet, a dongle for the country you’re visiting because you forgot it has different outlets, and a portable battery that is, somehow, the size of a hardcover novel.

I used to be that person. Then the UGREEN Nexode Air 65W happened, and I’ve been reformed.

The case for a single standard

This charger is roughly the size of a golf ball. It weighs 72.9 grams — lighter than most lipstick cases — and yet it pushes enough power to fast-charge a MacBook Air or an iPad Pro without breaking a sweat.

It measures 33 x 31 x 40.4 millimeters, which means it disappears into any bag with an almost smug confidence. In the best way.

For the outlet you didn’t plan for

You know that crowded café in an airport lounge where the only available outlet is suspiciously close to a stranger’s elbow? The Nexode Air is designed for exactly that scenario.

It runs on universal voltage — 100 to 240 volts — so whether you’re in Singapore or Santorini, it simply works. No adapter required. (And we all know the adapter is always the first thing we forget.)

ThermalGuard technology manages heat during the charging process, so your expensive devices are protected from voltage spikes and thermal stress even when you’re running on your third hour of a delayed flight.

The single USB-C port is a design philosophy in itself. One cable. One brick. That’s one less thing to think about.

Less bulk, same power

The bulky laptop brick that came in the box of your MacBook is retired.

The Nexode Air handles your laptop and tablet both, which means that space is now available for the things that actually matter — like that extra pair of shoes you were debating.

Travel isn’t about packing for every possible scenario. It’s about packing for the life you actually live. And this little charger, this impossibly compact overachiever, makes moving through the world feel a little more effortless.

The UGREEN Nexode Air 65W Charger retails for US$ 39.99 and now available in the United States through the UGREEN Official Store and Amazon.

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