Reviews

The Dreame H16 Pro Steam knows how to drop it low

Robot Vacuum manufacturers are trying to make things jump (and mop without slushing dirt around). Phone manufacturers are constantly tweaking their cameras and trying to make life (even) easier for content creators. The ones building wet and dry vacuums? What keeps them up at night is profile. How can they produce a vacuum cleaner that…

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The Laser Movie and Gaming Projector is a passable entry-level alternative

Laser does a great job of providing solid, value-packed options for a range of devices, including projectors. The Movie and Gaming Projector is a relatively straightforward option that feels like it’s aimed not only towards the cheaper end of the market, but also for those looking for an additional option besides their TV. This could…

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The D-Link DPP-201 20000mAh Power Bank is a fantastic all-around option

With an ever-expanding range of portable devices we take on the go, both for everyday use and even holidays, the concept of a power bank has never felt more important. With phones, tablets, laptops, handheld gaming consoles and portable speakers in tow, finding the right power bank can be tough for several reasons. Be it…

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The Kensington KB535 EQ Rechargeable Multi-Device Keyboard provided some decent value for money

Keyboards might feel like a dime a dozen these days, and it can even be quite overwhelming if you’re trying to choose the right one for your needs. While we primarily review gaming keyboards here at The AU Review, we jumped at the chance to review a more everyday, productivity-focused alternative geared towards those who…

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The Laser 14″ Portable Monitor will up your productivity tenfold

There was once a time in my life when I only operated on my laptop. That’s right, one tiny screen to help me see everything I was doing. Nowadays, I feel like most people, including myself, need a minimum of two screens. So when I’m at home, I have my laptop and a monitor, which…

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The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II is an incredibly versatile gaming headset

I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing various Turtle Beach headsets over the years, and specifically, the predecessor to this very headset we’re reviewing today. The original Turtle Beach Stealth Pro headset might have featured a bulky design and a hefty, premium price tag, but it was undoubtedly one of the best headsets at that price…

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The HyperX Origins 2 65 is an affordable and durable mechanical keyboard

I’d like to think that I’m getting pretty well-versed in the world of keyboards at this point. I’ve tried enough to know which ones I like and what works best for me, and also understand the type of keyboards that I don’t like. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to test the HyperX…

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The Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded Wireless Modular Controller is the real deal

Pro controllers feel like a dime a dozen these days, with each platform now having its own first-party option, like the DualSense Edge for the PlayStation 5 or the Elite Controller for the Xbox Series X/S. In many ways, these controllers do give players the edge, thanks to customisable triggers, swappable controls and even additional…

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The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni sets a new gold standard for gaming headsets

Gaming headsets are a dime a dozen these days, and while many promise to be the true “all-in-one” solution for your setup, very few actually deliver. Enter the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni, a premium piece of hardware that doesn’t just promise the world; it actually delivers on its promise. After spending extensive time putting…

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The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 gaming headset is a solid new addition to the range

We’ve reviewed plenty of SteelSeries accessories and peripherals in the past, and it’s generally my go-to choice for headsets these days. I was lucky enough to have reviewed both the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and the newer Arctis Nova Elite Wireless, both of which I still use today. While I never got the chance to…

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Narwal’s Freo Z10 solves the “mopping issue” most robot vacuum cleaners have

Robot vacuums are getting smarter at avoiding obstacles and mapping homes. However, a surprising number still struggle with the part most people actually notice day-to-day: cleaning hard floors properly. Too many mop pads simply drag moisture around until the floor smells vaguely cleaner, while corners collect grime and kitchen tiles slowly lose their shine over…

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The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro gimbal provides solid value for money

Don’t get me wrong, there are some really good cameras out there, and a purpose for every type of camera. But for most of us, you might not be so surprised to find there’s a decent option in your pocket. That’s the one, your phone. If you have a smartphone that’s generally receiving new apps…

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The TP-Link Archer GE550 BE9300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router is a worthy premium option for gamers

The list of available routers seems to be growing daily, and there’s no doubt that most everyday users, or those in smaller homes or with entry-level internet speeds, don’t always need the most expensive options out there. That being said, there is a certain number of users who are on much faster speeds, or want…

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Brick is a wonderful device for limiting screen time and breaking bad habits

  We’ve all been there. Late-night doom scrolling, wondering where that TikTok feed will end so you’ll finally get some sleep. Or at work, taking a quick break and refreshing your Instagram feed for the latest updates. Smartphones get plenty of use throughout the day, and if you’re like me, probably more use than you…

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The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller makes retro gaming a breeze

If you have memories of gaming on the original Nintendo 64 like me, then you might feel a certain way about that controller. And I must be honest; while there’s no denying its unique design, I never really fell in love with that original controller. Sure, there were aspects that I liked, including that sweet…

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The Tineco FLOOR ONE S7 Stretch Steam is the ultimate hard floor hero

I’ve just moved into a new apartment, and with a mix of hardwood floors, rugs, and tiles, finding a single machine that could handle all of these surfaces felt like an impossible task. Thankfully, thanks to the Tineco FLOOR ONE S7 Stretch Steam, I no longer need an arsenal of different devices to keep my…

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The Sonos Play is an incredible all-around speaker

If you’re building a home theatre setup or want crisp, clear audio while listening to some tunes, Sonos is usually the way to go. Between their range of soundbars, subwoofers, wired and portable speakers, the ability to build an ecosystem across and beyond your household is an experience that allows virtually limitless options. The Sonos…

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The Epomaker TH80 V2 Pro is the perfect powerhouse compact keyboard

Over the last couple of months, I’ve been fortunate enough to try keyboards from a range of different companies. While I still consider myself a novice in this world of tech, I’ve begun to get my head around some of the functionality and stylistic choices that give mechanical keyboards an upper hand to any regular…

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The Epomaker LUMA100 shines as a near-perfect keyboard

In the last few months, I’ve been fortunate enough to trial a few keyboards, particularly Epomaker keyboards. The ones I’ve been able to test out have had the higher keys, which is something I had to get used to after only using my laptop keyboard or really flat keyboards for years. So when the opportunity…

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The Shokz OpenFit Pro Open-Ear Earbuds deliver an impressive next step for open-ear audio

Open-ear earbuds have always been about a trade-off for me. You sacrifice some sound quality and noise isolation in exchange for comfort and situational awareness. It’s a deal that plenty of listeners are more than happy to make, especially those who spend long hours at desks, on runs, or simply prefer not to feel like…

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The Twelve South ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 Charger is a portable wonder

Twelve South are no stranger to some really nice accessories, that I’ve personally had the pleasure of reviewing. I still use the PlugBug Travel 120 wall charger for all my stuff at home, and I even had the chance to review the AirFly Pro 2 on my way to Europe last year. I still use…

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The Reolink Solar Floodlight Camera is an affordable replacement for your regular floodlight cameras

With an abundance of security cameras and devices in the market, it can be hard to pick what works best for you. I know that I still have a hard time figuring out which brand I’m more inclined towards, because there are inevitable pros and cons to everything. The Reolink Solar Floodlight Camera positions itself…

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Deebot T80S review

Deebot T80S Omni makes easy work of hard floors with new mopping system

I’ve tested around ten robot vacuums over the past few years, trying to make sense of just how many brands have hit a market that’s reaching the kind of hyper-competitiveness we used to see with noise-cancelling earbuds. Ecovacs is a clear market leader in this category, and in Australia, it’s one of the most dependable…

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The LucidSound LS10P Gen 2 Wired Gaming Headset shines as a solid entry-level option

We’ve had the pleasure of reviewing multiple gaming headsets over the years, but I will admit, it’s nice to be reviewing a LucidSound headset again for all the nostalgia this brand brings me personally. We’re checking out the LS10P wired gaming headset here, which serves as an entry-level headset geared towards younger or more casual…

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Insta 360 X5 unlocks a whole new level of content creation

It’s been years since TikTok and Instagram made curated visual storytelling part of everyday life. Stories and reels have become the two most common methods of self-expression, and this has required people to think differently about content. Can you even remember what travel was like before we had new and creative ways to tell a…

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Dreame z1

The Dreame Z1 pool cleaner refines a growing niche of underwater robots

Robotic pool cleaners are having a moment. And it’s about time; why should your carpet have all the fun? These cute little techies are like benevolent submarines, diving into your pool and promising to keep it spick, span and hygenic forever. That’s the idea, anyway. What used to feel like a luxury add-on has quietly…

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iGarden M1 pool cleaner

The iGarden M1 pool cleaner looks like a toy tank and destroys debris like a pro

Robot Vacuum cleaners have evolved rapidly over the years, and while that category is constantly trying to improve navigation, there are two other types of cleaning robots fast emerging with rapid iteration.  The first is robotic lawn mowers. I haven’t tested a single one yet. The second is a bit more accessible in terms of…

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The XPPen Artist Pro 27 is a big upgrade for your work and workflow

If you’re anything like me, adding a new device to your drawing set-up is a big decision: any new tech has to not just look and act right, but feel right. It needs to be easy to use. Efficient. Ergonomic. Maybe even fun. If I want my work to be great, what I do that…

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The Tapo C660 Kit serves as a high quality camera that lasts

I walk around my neighbourhood to see that almost every single house has some sort of security camera. It feels almost necessary at this point, given the abundance of security concerns that only seem to grow with every news piece that hits our social media feeds. But it also does feel like the only way…

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The Epomaker TH108 Pro is a smooth and creamy keyboard that nails the basics

I’d say for the better part of the last 15 years or so, I’ve either operated on a laptop keyboard, or a 65% keyboard, in both my personal and work life. It was probably due to a few factors: convenience, space, and lack of knowledge around mechanical keyboards in general. So when I was allowed…

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