For a long time, I didn’t have a home entertainment setup.

As a young adult navigating the nuances of solo living, my iPad Pro was my constant companion. It was my theater and my window to the world, especially on those nights when the silence of a one-bedroom apartment hit a little too hard.

I’ve spent countless hours with that 11-inch screen as my only guest, filling the void with comfort shows while I worked, even though my space was perfectly capable of housing a real Smart TV.

But buying a TV felt like… commitment. A TV is a centerpiece you decorate around; an invitation for people to gather.

If you walked into my apartment, you’d see it doesn’t scream “hosting duties.” It screams sleep, train, grind, recover, and repeat.

There is no plush couch, no mahogany entertainment center. While it might look unusually sparse to others, it is mine.

And one of the best parts of living alone is making the final call on what actually fills your space. On one of my loneliest nights, the XGODY N6 Pro arrived, and suddenly, it shifted my state of mind from merely surviving to actually thriving in the life I built.

$200 of freedom

At US$ 200, the XGODY N6 Pro isn’t a casual purchase. When you’re living independently, every dollar is a tactical decision. There’s no safety net, no “calling home” if the budget breaks.

But even when you’re grinding, you deserve to have small luxuries; something that makes your life feel bigger than the room you are in.

For instance, watching your favorite shows projected across your own walls is the ultimate treat after a day spent exhausted.

What surprised me most was how the projector adjusted to me, not the other way around. The 180-degree gimbal design sounds technical, but in reality, it simply means freedom.

I don’t have a proper tech setup, so I used my bar stool as a stand. It didn’t matter. Whether I’m sitting on my fabric gaming chair or tucked into bed, I just pivot the lens to whatever surface works best.

For once, I’m not craning my neck over a screen and I’m not adjusting myself to fit the device. It fits into my life exactly as it is.

Seamlessly self-sufficient

Independence changes the way you see technology. When your brain is fried from a long day, you just need life to be a tad easier.  I don’t want complicated or demanding; I just want things that do their job so I can breathe.

The remote-controlled electric focus and Auto Keystone Correction, in a way, are life-savers. I didn’t have to do anything, because the N6 Pro automatically squares the image as I pivot from wall to ceiling.

Its screen can stretch up to 200 inches, which still feels surreal to say out loud, though it’s smart enough to shrink if it detects an obstruction like a light switch.

Sometimes, it takes a moment to fully lock into clarity, though I have learned to appreciate that pause. It reminds me that not everything has to be instant to be worth it. (Especially since this is a budget device, I don’t want to ask too much.)

What truly impressed me was the WiFi 6 support. Streaming is smooth, and screen mirroring feels effortless. It reduces lag significantly, meaning my comfort shows never buffer.

With WhaleOS and 8,000+ apps built-in, I have everything I need right there.

Now Playing: People We Meet On Vacation

While I was getting used to the XGODY N6 Pro, Netflix dropped People We Meet On Vacation. And somehow, it felt personal.

Poppy, the main character, spends her life chasing the next experience. Her avoidance of settling mirrors my own desire for freedom. Always “catching flights, not feelings.”

Right now, every home is just a layover before my next destination. But having a projector like the N6 Pro makes me feel like I can take my sanctuary anywhere.

Poppy eventually found her happy ending, but I’m still in the chapters where I enjoy meeting new people and seeing new places.

For now, this projector is a companion; it’s there for the mundane moments when I return home from a long trip and need to decompress after the vacation ends.

Turning into a ritual

Even with 15,000 lumens, let’s be real: this is a creature of the night. It’s vibrant and clear in a dark room, but like most budget LEDs, it struggles when the sun peaks in.

I’ve turned my movie time into a ritual: closing the curtains and letting the night soak in, so I can watch the colors come alive.

The 10,000:1 contrast ratio and 4K decoding provide enough depth to make the scenes feel sincere. Though, I’m happy with the 1080p native resolution already.

While the built-in 5W Hi-Fi speaker isn’t going to shake the walls, it’s enough for the eerie silence of a solo apartment. With Bluetooth 5.2, I usually pair my JBL Charge 6 for a fuller sound, but honestly, there are nights where the built-in audio is just enough.

Is the XGODY N6 Pro your GadgetMatch?

Living alone is made up of small wins.

Cooking your own meals. Keeping your space clean. Learning how to sit with yourself. And sometimes, turning a blank wall into your own home theater.

At US$200, the XGODY N6 Pro projects the pride of a life built on my own terms. It’s a reminder that you don’t need a massive living room to live a massive life.

Swipe Right if you’re a young adult trying to make it in the city, living in a space where every square inch is precious real estate.

It’s for the independent soul who wants the “Smart TV” experience through Android TV 11 and WiFi 6 without the bulky furniture that usually comes with it. It offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio for anyone who treats their home like a sanctuary, or a temporary layover.

Swipe Left if you are the kind of person who needs absolute technical perfection to feel satisfied. Similarly, if you’re an audiophile who expects a 5W built-in speaker to mimic a Dolby Atmos theater, you’ll find the sound a bit thin.

This isn’t the device for those who want a permanent, high-end home theater installation; it’s too scrappy and mobile for that kind of rigidity.

As I look up at the ceiling, I appreciate how far I’ve come from that 11-inch screen. And I realize I am no longer passing through. I am home.

The XGODY N6 Pro is available through its official website and online retailers like Amazon.

I thought I was done with in-ear headphones. Then the Galaxy Buds4 Pro entered my atmosphere.

I was never truly comfortable with in-ear headphones. That’s why I leaned toward over-ear pairs. But I still wanted something compact for days when I wanted a lighter loadout.

Then came the Shokz OpenDots One. A clip-type, open-ear pair that felt like a game changer. It sounded good enough. It kept me aware of my surroundings. I used it to preview reels while out on coverage, while walking around the neighborhood, and even on quick trips to the barber.

I was ready to write off in-ears completely.

Good thing I didn’t.

A surprise I didn’t expect

I went into the Galaxy Buds4 Pro a little skeptical. I already liked the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, but comfort was never its strongest suit for me.

Then I wore the Buds4 Pro.

Right away, it felt different. More comfortable. More natural. I thought it was just new gadget novelty. But even after a week, that feeling didn’t fade.

That’s when it clicked. These are different. They don’t just sound good. They fit into your day better.

Finally looks like its own thing

The first thing I loved? It doesn’t look like AirPods anymore.

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro looked a little too familiar. I didn’t hate it, but it didn’t feel like me. I like using tech that reflects a bit of individuality, and that design always felt a little tacky.

The blade design on the Galaxy Buds4 Pro fixes that.

It looks cool. Straight up.

More importantly, it feels more like Samsung finally finding its design language again instead of borrowing from someone else. It’s not just aesthetic either. The shape makes controls easier to find and use.

It’s a small thing on paper. In practice, it changes how you feel about using it every day.

Controls feel easier too. Pinch to pause/play, slide up/down in the same pinching position if you want to adjust volume. It just works.

Comfort changes everything

This is the biggest upgrade for me.

With the Buds3 Pro, I loved the features but didn’t always enjoy having them in my ears. With the Buds4 Pro, that problem is gone.

It’s not that you don’t feel them at all. You do. But not in a way that makes you want to take them out.

I’ve worn them for four straight hours while working in a café. Writing, replying to emails, just sitting there with music on. No urge to remove them. No fatigue that breaks your flow.

They stay in place, too. Even during brisk walks.

For someone who almost gave up on in-ears entirely, that alone is a massive win.

Rich, full, and now more layered

If you’ve used the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, you already know the sound is good. The Buds4 Pro takes that and pushes it one step higher. Rich, warm, full, and surprisingly layered. The difference hit me immediately.

I was listening to Spotify on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and started hearing details I don’t usually notice. It reminded me of the first time I heard lossless tracks on Apple Music with a really good pair of headphones.

And this is just on Spotify. Hell yeah, it makes Spotify feel good enough.

Hearing the little things

I listen to a mix of K-pop, KRNB, OPM, pop rock, and alternative rock. Across all of it, one thing stood out: separation. It’s easier to isolate sounds if you’re into that.

With TWICE tracks, I started picking up vocal riffs and runs from Jihyo and Nayeon that don’t always stand out on other setups. They’re not overpowering. Not distracting. They just sit there, completing the track.

It feels… intentional. Like everything has its place. It doesn’t just sound better. It makes music you already love feel new again.

A quick reality check

At one point, I forgot to charge the Buds4 Pro and switched to the HONOR Earbuds 4. Same track. Same app. Night and day difference.

I was listening to “Rock the Boat” by XG when I made this switch.

The Galaxy Buds4 Pro sounded rich, warm, and full. The HONOR Earbuds 4 felt a few steps behind across the board. To be fair, they’re in different price brackets. But that moment still validated everything I was feeling about the Buds4 Pro.

ANC that gets the job done

Let’s set expectations.

The ANC is not Sony WH-1000XM6 level. But nothing is.

If Sony is an 11/10, this sits comfortably at around an 8.5.

And honestly? That’s more than enough.

On a 12-hour flight from San Francisco back to the Philippines, I had these on almost the entire time. Engine noise was significantly reduced. There’s still a faint hum if you really listen for it, but it never got distracting.

In cafés, even when seated right next to the speaker, it blocks out enough noise for you to stay locked in.

It locks you in. You feel like the music is inside your head while still giving you elite sound, some spatial awareness, and surprising comfort.

That balance matters more than chasing perfection.

Adaptive ANC still needs patience

I default to turning ANC on manually. Adaptive ANC and EQ are there, but in my experience, they take a bit of time to kick in. Sometimes a minute or two.

Because of that, I’ve built the habit of switching modes myself depending on where I am.

It works. It’s reliable. But I’d like to see this feel faster and more seamless over time.

Just fits into your day

This is the kind of device you don’t think about. I reach for it every time I step out. Walks, errands, quick food runs.

It’s perfect when you’re waiting in line and scrolling through reels. No accidental loud audio. No awkward moments. It just fits. That’s probably the best compliment I can give it.

Galaxy ecosystem still wins

Pairing is seamless. Controls are responsive. Everything works the way you expect it to. If you’re using a Galaxy device, this is a no-brainer.

Even outside the ecosystem, it still holds up. But you definitely get the best experience when you stay within it.

What still doesn’t matter (yet)

Features like AI Translate are still in that “nice to have” category for me. They’re promising. They’ll probably get better. But they’re not why you buy this.

You buy this for the sound, the comfort, and the everyday usability. And those are already excellent.

Is the Galaxy Buds4 Pro your GadgetMatch?

If the Galaxy Buds3 Pro was Samsung’s best so far, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro is that — made better. A meaningful refinement.

This is my default recommendation now.

The Galaxy Buds4 Pro is for people who want to get the best sound in a compact, easy-to-carry audio buddy to their smartphones.

If you’re coming from older earbuds, this is an easy upgrade.

If you’re coming from the Buds3 Pro, you can probably hold off — unless comfort and design matter a lot to you.

And if you’re deep in the Galaxy ecosystem?

This Buds4 you. Swipe up. No questions asked.

The old SmackDown vs. RAW games were some of the most fun I’ve had as a teenager. Though I didn’t own a PlayStation 2 or 3 then, I had a PlayStation Portable and the series’ corresponding version. Sure, it didn’t have the then-advanced graphics, but the games kept me company for many a day and night. And it all revolved around a simple premise: letting wrestling fans live out their fantasy matches.

Now, with over 400 playable characters on launch, WWE 2K26 hopes to rekindle that magic. Previously, 2K’s take on the wrestling simulator never really captivated me as much as the SvR series did. Though players still had a similarly large roster throughout the years, the series felt too homogenized, too riddled with microtransactions. This year, the series got me thinking again: Can sheer numbers singlehandedly usher a new renaissance for WWE gamers?

The good: Four hundred superstars under one banner

WWE 2K26 touts over four hundred playable characters on launch. With unannounced DLCs still on the horizon, this number will surely balloon further. Even for a dedicated WWE fan, having over four hundred playable characters is insane. Where else can I pit Joe Hendy against Andre the Giant and create my own WrestleMania III moment?

The only catch, however, is that the game did some stat padding to get to this enormous number. Besides having multiple personas for a single wrestler (and CM Punk alone has ten of these), the roster includes a platoon of fictional MyRISE characters, which comes off as distracting if you don’t particularly engage with the MyRISE mode.

Ironically, the game didn’t even need to pad its stats this way. For the first time in the series, the launch roster includes Superstars from the current WWE roster, TNA, AAA, and the Hall of Fame. I could spend hours just feeding a litany of Superstars to TNA legend Abyss. That’s something I could never have done in the old SvR days.

The good: A more fluid fighting system

It also helps that WWE 2K26’s fighting system is the most fluid that the series has been. Wrestlers no longer feel like wooden animatronics skipping from one animation to the next. Each punch flows smoothly into a clothesline, a grapple, a carry, or a finisher.

It is, of course, at the expense of a more complex control scheme where each input combination corresponds to its own move. A stray waggle of the right joystick, for example, can have your wrestler careening towards their opponent in ways you never intended.

It takes some time to get used to. Every time I get a WWE 2K game, I always need a refresher course for the controls. Plus, each entry introduces something different. This year introduces rushing opponents to the corner and carrying opponents in different ways.

Another new addition is the new third-person camera which follows your character, rather than being locked to the ring. To me, this was a welcome feature. The original camera can often betray you by having various elements (other wrestlers, the ring itself) block your view of the action, thus preventing you from reacting correctly to your opponent. The dynamic third-person camera solves this and makes the fight more immersive.

That said, the camera necessarily changes the controls a bit because you need the right joystick to look around. Because of that, I had to revert back to the original camera after a while. Regardless, this is a step in the right direction.

The improved fight scheme is also a step in the right direction. WWE 2K26 is the franchise’s most immersive entry to date because of how fluid the action plays out.

The meh: Iterative game modes

Every yearly sports simulator falls prey to the curse of iteration. Because it’s an annual release, every game needs to add something new for players. At the same time, the same game can’t iterate too much, or it might end up alienating fans of the previous title. Each WWE 2K title has to be the same but also a bit different.

WWE 2K26 goes through the same rigamarole. Most of the game’s different modes don’t offer a lot of improvements from last year. So, if you loved last year’s MyRISE, MyGM, and Universe Mode, you’ll likely find this year’s iteration inoffensive.

“Inoffensive,” however, isn’t the best way to sell a new game. At the very least, MyFACTION gets interesting improvements. For a mode I historically dislike every year, WWE 2K26’s MyFACTION ended up being the one I loved the most this year.

This year, the layout feels more intentional. Though it still lacks the exciting animations of NBA 2K, opening a pack no longer looks like a PowerPoint presentation. There’s also more ways to fight offline with the addition of a challenging World Tour mode. Plus, with intergender support and team chemistry, this feels like the update that MyFACTION needed.

In another twist of fate, Showcase Mode ended up being the loser this year. WWE 2K26 rehashes last year’s schtick of having the star rewrite their history. Last year, this worked with Paul Heyman, a notorious bad guy. It doesn’t really stick with this year’s star, CM Punk, the so-called voice of the voiceless.

Punk could have shined with the traditional style of laying their commentaries over their past matches, especially with his shoot style. Instead, we got a series of what-ifs with practically no commentary. It’s just not what I expected from a firebrand like CM Punk.

The bad: The Ringside Pass

For the first time in the series, WWE 2K26 has a battle pass called the Ringside Pass. Like battle passes in other games, the Ringside Pass unlocks more content as you play through the game. However, unlike today’s standard which revolves mostly on cosmetics, this version locks a treasure trove of playable wrestlers behind an experience gate.

Even if you already paid for the game, WWE 2K26 asks you to play an inordinate number of hours just to unlock the best wrestlers in the game.

To be fair, it’s not all bad. Right out the gate, the game already gives you access to heavy hitters like CM Punk, Shawn Michaels, and John Cena. However, a lot of favorites are still unplayable including Bret Hart and Kurt Angle. This even includes the strongest version of Bray Wyatt, who’s locked under the last tier of the current pass.

Gaining experience isn’t an easy feat, either. After playing for hours and hours, I still haven’t unlocked more than half of the tiers. At the very least, there is no time limit, so I can play the game at my own pace.

Props to WWE 2K26 for making its battle pass have fulfilling rewards, but it’s still unfortunate that significant elements of the game are locked behind hours and hours of playtime.

The gameplay loop is real and repetitive. And it all circles back to how iterative the game modes are. If only the game modes ended up being as exciting as they were last year, then it would have been exciting to play over and over again. Instead, WWE 2K26 prevents you from engaging in greatest strengths: an exciting roster and a fluid fighting system.

Is WWE 2K26 your PlayMatch?

Last year’s WWE 2K25 was an exciting period for the series. Though this year’s version keeps most of what made the previous game so exciting, WWE 2K26 also adds features, especially the Ringside Pass, that ultimately detract from the entire experience. It’s a small step back, which can hopefully be rectified next year, if not in future updates.

WWE 2K26 is a Swipe Left if you didn’t love last year’s game anyway. The game doesn’t add anything that might change your mind.

However, it’s a Swipe Right if you missed the pure joy of creating dream matches. The game’s massive roster allows for so many impossible matchups to happen, even if only in the digital realm. Just get ready to grind for a long time.