Maintaining privacy and security while using your phone is essential. Temporary phone number services offer a convenient solution for those who wish to remain anonymous or temporary communication channels. Below, find our picks for the top five temporary phone number services, highlighting their unique features, pros, and cons.

Hushed

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Hushed is another prominent temporary phone number service that offers users anonymous calling and texting capabilities. The service provides temporary phone numbers for voice calls and text messages, with options for local and international numbers. Hushed users can choose from a wide selection of area codes, adding a personalized touch to their temporary communication.

This feature allows users to establish a local presence in different regions or create a sense of familiarity for the recipients of their calls or texts. Moreover, Hushed supports Wi-Fi calling, enabling users to make calls without using their cellular minutes. This feature is especially beneficial for cost-effective communication, particularly when users are in areas with limited cellular coverage.

The user-friendly interface and additional features like customizable voicemail contribute to Hushed’s appeal. However, it’s worth noting that some advanced features may require in-app purchases.

Get a lifetime second phone number for only $25!

Get Hushed Now

Anonymsms.com

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Anonymsms.com stands out as a reliable platform that provides users with temporary phone numbers for sending anonymous text messages. This service offers disposable phone numbers, allowing users to send SMS messages without revealing their personal information.

Anonymsms.com supports international numbers, enabling users to communicate globally while maintaining their privacy. The platform provides an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use for both novice and experienced users. One of the advantages of Anonymsms.com is its user-friendly interface, ensuring seamless navigation and hassle-free communication.

The service also allows users to send anonymous text messages internationally, providing a global reach. Anonymsms.com has also gained a reputation for its reliability, ensuring quick response times for efficient communication. However, it is important to note that Anonymsms.com is limited to text messaging and does not support voice calls.

Use Anonymsms.com Now

Temporarynumber.com

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Temporarynumber.com is a versatile temporary phone number service that offers users various communication options. This platform specializes in providing temporary phone numbers for voice calls, SMS, and even fax services. Users can choose from a wide range of available numbers in different countries, providing them with flexibility in their communication needs.

The service is quick and easy to set up and also allows call forwarding to a user’s personal number, ensuring that important calls are never missed. The fact that it has a wide selection of temporary phone numbers across multiple countries is a significant advantage, enabling users to establish communication channels in different regions.

Temporarynumber.com supports voice calls and fax services, catering to diverse communication requirements. The call forwarding feature adds convenience and ensures important calls can be received.

Temporarynumber.com DOES offer some free options, which is always nice, but there are also premium plans that provide access to more features.

Use TemporaryNumber.com Now

Burner App

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The Burner App is a popular temporary phone number service that provides users with disposable phone numbers for voice calls, text messages, and more. This service offers temporary phone numbers with customizable voicemail greetings, call history, and texting capabilities.

Users can easily “burn” (delete) their temporary numbers and create new ones whenever needed, adding an extra layer of privacy. The app also integrates with popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Slack, ensuring seamless communication across different channels.

Customizable voicemail greetings and call history allow users to personalize their temporary phone numbers further. The integration with popular messaging apps enhances convenience and connectivity.

While some advanced features may require a premium subscription, the Burner App remains a reliable choice for temporary phone numbers.

Get the Burner App Here

Five Reasons Why You Might Want a Temporary Phone Number

Protecting Your Privacy

The most common reason to use a temporary phone number is to protect personal privacy. Whether you’re engaging in online dating, selling items on classified websites, or signing up for online services, providing your real phone number can leave you vulnerable to unwanted calls, spam, and potential identity theft. But if you use a temporary phone number, you can maintain your privacy and keep your personal information secure, as these numbers are not directly tied to your identity.

Enhanced Security

Temporary phone numbers offer an added layer of security. When conducting business or exchanging sensitive information, using a temporary number helps safeguard against potential threats. By keeping your real phone number separate, you can reduce the risk of cyber attacks, hacking attempts, and phishing scams. If your temporary number becomes compromised or inundated with unwanted communication, you can easily dispose of it and acquire a new one, ensuring your security remains intact.

Anonymous Communication

Temporary phone numbers provide a means for anonymous communication. From making discreet calls to sending anonymous text messages, you can engage in conversations without revealing your true identity, maintaining a sense of privacy and control over your communications.

Temporary Use Cases

The very nature of temporary phone numbers makes them ideal for specific use cases. If you’re traveling abroad and need a local number to make calls or access local services, a temporary number can provide a cost-effective solution without requiring a long-term commitment. If you’re involved in short-term projects or events that require phone communication, a temporary number eliminates the need for a dedicated line and associated costs. Whether it’s for business, travel, or temporary engagements, temporary phone numbers offer flexibility and convenience.

Easy Disposable and Renewal

Yeah, obviously! You can just throw them away. If you no longer need a particular number or want to change it for any reason, you can simply dispose of it and obtain a new one. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain control over your communications. Many temporary number services offer the option to renew numbers for extended use if required, striking a balance between temporary and long-term communication needs.

We’ve pitted the company’s top recommended brands head to head to find out which modems best meet the needs of the average user.

Grab The Edifier Stax S3 Here

Can the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 best the more affordable Edifier WH950NB while delivering a compelling reason its near $400 price tag? Find out as I go hands-on with the exceptional Edifer Stax Spirit S3 headphones.

Audio Quality

Wesley Copeland

If there’s one thing Edifier understands it’s nuance. I saw it in the Edifier WH950NB and it’s at the forefront of the Edifier STAX Spirit S3.

Sound doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. It begins, it amplifies, then it fades out. With the Edifier STAX Spirit S3, these three incorporations can be felt with surgical precision. The slow rattle of a snare before it crescendoes into a blare, or the low hum of bass before it fills the ear cup with warmth. Every detail can be picked out.

Listening to Kendrick Lemar’s Mr. Morale with Dolby Atmos (the Edifier STAX Spirit S3 doesn’t feature head-tracking) shows just what these headphones are capable of. The steady build-up of a track like Auntie Diaries fills the space effortlessly, with background hums and minor tweaks coming into focus where other headphones would falter.

It’s the same for slower pop songs as well. The low growl of Blur’s Coffee & TV rings through while leaving enough space for the bass and guitar work to punctuate when needed, all without distorting or drowning vocals.

If you want a set of cans that reproduce audio without needing to funnel everything into a thin pipeline, the Edifier STAX Spirit S3 can handle all types of music without breaking a sweat.

Look and Feel

Wesley Copeland

Edifier doesn’t do flashy. If you’re after something bold and unique or that stands out, look elsewhere. What the Edifier STAX Spirit S3 does do, though, is provide a sleek look that is both stylish and comfortable.

Whereas the Edifier WH950NB took a while to get used to, the Edifier STAX Spirit S3 feel great from the moment they’re free of their cardboard prison. The ear pads have a solid amount of bounce and don’t suffocate the ear, and the headband feels sturdy while still managing to offer enough bounce that they won’t crush your cranium.

Button placement is very Edifier: You’ll either love it or hate it. Personally, I genuinely think all headphones should mimic how Edifier does it.

On the upper-bottom side of the right ear cup is a strip of three buttons. Plus sits above the power button with a minus below that. It’s all interconnected rather than three individual buttons and it works flawlessly once you’ve adapted to it.

The advantage of this setup is that you don’t need to scramble for three separate buttons, and instead can slide your thumb slightly when needing to adjust the volume or pause or power off. It’s intuitive, and that’s the most important thing.

Features

Wesley Copeland

The three modes of the Edifier STAX Spirit S3 are classic, hi-fi mode, and Stax mode and I can’t help but feel these modes don’t offer much all in all.

Classic is your default listening experience, hi-fi mode feels almost muted and drains the life out of the audio, while Stax sounds like it fine-tunes the experience so you can hear every level and pop clearly. Classic is fine, hi-fi is dire, and Stax is magical. There really isn’t much competition here as to which listening mode is best.

Though I should note, you can hook up the Edifier STAX Spirit S3  to the Edifier app, which lets users tweak audio to their liking thanks to the built-in equalizer.

Grab The Edifier Stax S3 Here

Specs Worth Knowing

• EqualMass wiring diaphragm
• Uniforce magnetic circuit
• Fluxor magnetic array
• Fazor acoustic module
• Snapdragon audio technology
• Hi-Res lossless certified
• Replaceable ear muffs
• Carbon fiber material
• Qualcomm aptX Voice call NC
• Low-latency game mode
• Bluetooth V5.2 with support for up to two devices at once
• Edifier Connect App with multiple equalizer options
• 80 hours of playback

Price

The Edifier STAX Spirit S3 comes in at $399.99. To be honest, the quality here more than justifies that price.

At this price point, Edifier is going up against industry-leading names like Sony and Sennheiser, and has to compete with cheaper offerings from Soul, JBL, and Skull Candy.

For the price, the Edifier STAX Spirit S3 offers up something compelling. It’ll take the Sony offerings to the limit, and they don’t suffer from Sennheiser’s ‘just cram it all together’ model of design.

As for comparisons with the cheaper cans out there, it’s not a fair fight. The Edifier WH950NB are great budget headphones but even they can’t hold a candle to the sheer quality Edifier STAX Spirit S3 has to play with.

The Bottom Line

If you care about catering to your ears and want the cleanest, most precise music experience possible, the Edifier STAX Spirit S3 understands nuance and how to replicate sound that excites and warms in equal measure.

Buy the Edifier WH950NB Here

How well does the Edifier WH950NB stack up in a price bracket filled with such a wide array of choice? Does the active noise cancellation hold up? Is the sound profile what you’d expect for a sub-$200 set of cans? Find out everything you need to know as we go hands-on with the Edifier WH950NB headphones.

Audio Quality

Wesley Copeland/Heavy

The Edifier WH950NB isn’t trying to be a King at one thing. Rather than focusing on pounding bass or hi-pitch treble, the Edifier WH950NB aims to showcase a sense of balance, with no single audio entity overriding its surrounding.

Pick an element – be it vocals, drums, or coursing guitar riffs – and you’ll be able to identify each without needing to search. There’s enough room in these cans to let each element bloom without any overpowering.

Rap, in general, performs exceptionally well on the Edifier WH950NB headphones. The growly bass of an Ashnikko track manages to hit like a truck without vocals becoming lost in the shuffle, and the subtle nuances of a Kendrick Lemar track have room to breathe and be felt.

It’s the same for rock music. The high pang of an AC/DC song reverberates in the compelling way it should.

The only genre that doesn’t quite have the same oomph is electronic, but that’s to be expected when the main audio quality focuses on balance. And even then, it’s still perfectly enjoyable without feeling like you need a second pair of headphones.

Look and Feel

Wesley Copeland/Heavy

Design-wise, Edifier has played it safe: A metal headband sits atop two sliding matte sides before reaching into the cup swivels. The gold-on-black embellishes look classy, but again, it’s a fairly expected design.

Along the lower back side of the right earcup is where the volume up and down, power, and ANC buttons reside. What’s interesting here is Edifier has decided the power button should actually go in between the plus and minus of the volume button.

This won’t be for everyone and does take some getting used to. Once you have, though, you’ll never go back to a separate power button. It feels intuitive, and the ridged stripe can be felt independently of the other buttons.

As for the feel of the Edifier WH950NB, expect a tight fit at first. When I first plonked them on, they felt like a clamp. But over time, the headband has relaxed and now feels as natural as my personal fave the Soul Emotion Max.

The ear cushions could be a little more padded, but at no point did they feel overly uncomfortable. They’re just there.

Features

Wesley Copeland for Heavy

The Edifier WH950NB comes with three different listening modes: Music mode, game mode, and theatre mode. Though it’s worth mentioning, the Edifier app lets owners customize the headphones even further.

Music mode is your standard default equalizer, while game mode puts more emphasis on the highs. Theatre mode, as you can probably guess, adds a grand hall effect to sound.

It’s nice to be able to switch between the three at the press of a button, but the audiophiles among us will no doubt head straight to the app.

Moving on to the active noise-cancellation (ANC) tech, I was surprised by how well this works. Two modes lead the charge – high noise-cancellation and ambient – but it’s the high noise-cancellation that’s the most impressive.

Buy the Edifier WH950NB Here

The Edifier WH950NB didn’t have an easy task either. During the review period I was having my kitchen renovated. That meant the Edifier WH950NB had to go up against drilling, plastering, and workmen being insufferably loud.

At multiple points throughout this, the workmen had to actually enter my living room to get my attention. I honestly couldn’t offer a better example of how well the ANC tech works.

The ANC does use more battery, but the Edifier WH950NB has that covered, too.

With ANC on, the Edifier WH950NB offers 34 hours (33 in my testing) of uptime. With the ANC turned off, the battery life reaches a monstrous 55 hours before needing to charge. If you’re in a hurry, a 10-minute charge provides another seven hours of listening time. It also only takes 90 minutes to charge the thing fully.

To put it bluntly, these are some mind-melting numbers. The Edifier WH950NB is a hi-res set of headphones as well, so how Edifier has managed to cram all of the above into a single set of cans is quite extraordinary. For commuters especially, the Edifier WH950NB comes easy to recommend.

Specifications Worth Knowing

• LDAC codec with Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification
• Active noise cancellation/ambient sound modes
• Advanced four-mic ENC
• Supports for Google Fast Pair
• 40mm dynamic driver
• Safe Hearing: Volume is lower than 85dB and features a cutoff timer
• Foldable
• Fully charged in 90 minutes
• Active Noise Cancellation + Ambient Sound

Price

The Edifier WH950NB comes in at $179.99. That puts it in a similar price bracket to the Soul Emotion Max and Skullcandy’s range of headphones and is a much more affordable alternative to the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones that come in at double the price at $398.

The Bottom Line

The Edifier WH950NB is a no-nonsense set of cans that offers up a level of balance that would make Yoda happy. Audio is clear and concise, and while they may lack any sense of personality visually, they make up for it in clever button placement, killer noise cancellation, and a battery that literally lasts for days.

The pricing structure puts the Edifier WH950NB series in the mid-range, which is becoming more and more saturated by the day. For the price, though, the Edifier WH950NB stands head and shoulders above the competition, and could easily be considered one of the best high-end headphones.

Sure, it’ll take you a few days to get used to the feel, but after that, all that’s left is hi-res bliss.

Many have grown dissatisfied with the antics and limited streaming options of subscription services like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Amazon Prime. And while there isn’t one perfect networked media solution for everyone, physical media enthusiasts and file sharers alike will find a happy medium in a dedicated media server and the right home media server software.

These services are basically HTTP servers with a dedicated user interface and feature set that is meant to manage media libraries. Just add a wireless media keyboard and you can turn any PC into a home theater.

And though some incorporate streaming services, these options are best suited for those who already have a strong media collection and want to enjoy it in a curated manner. So whether you want to streamline your home theater, reorganize your business media, or house a semi-legal collection of DVD-ripped movies, check out the best home media servers below.

What Are the Best Home Media Server Softwares of 2023?

1. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Plex

(Plex)

Pros:

• Fast and intuitive user interface
• Easy setup
• Provide cover art, music videos, trailers, and more

Cons:

• Many features require a subscription or lifetime pass
• Menus don’t handle large media collections well (depends on connection quality)
• Limited customization options

Plex is possibly the most popular media server software out there, as it offers an easy setup and a highly flexible system for managing different types of media libraries. Plex can be set up on any hard drive, ideally, a NAS (network-attached storage device), but since I already use a web server to store my media collection I can install Plex on the server. Or, if you leave your PC on 24/7 you can use that too.

Setting up your Plex server is a largely automated process, and getting a stream set up on the other end is usually as simple as downloading the free app for your chosen platform, be it a smart TV, web browser, Xbox One, PlayStation, or Apple TV. Remote access is ready out of the box and does not require any port forwarding or additional setup.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Plex is that its menus are beautiful on every platform. The menus are fast and easy to navigate, though I do run into some hiccups trying to browse my stupidly large music collection. If you have multiple terabytes of media content with metadata, cover art, etc., it will only populate this information as fast as your connection permits.

Aside from this folder-specific issue, the menus are beautiful, fast, and easy to navigate from every platform I have tested. Plex transforms your library into a visual menu, adding metadata like cover art and IMDB results to enhance your viewing experience.

Like other options, Plex also transcodes on the fly and automatically adjusts its performance and quality for available bandwidth. During my testing, I had no trouble with streaming wirelessly over my gigabit router and mid-tier Internet service, nor did I encounter any codec errors from playing an incompatible file.

While the bulk of Plex’s features can be enjoyed for free, you do have to upgrade to a Plex Pass if you want to enjoy some nicer features. These include access to some nice features of the otherwise free Plex mobile apps, the ability to sync a cloud storage system, and much more. The Plex Pass has a couple of payment options, the most economical for a serious user being the lifetime pass for $149.99. The remaining question will no doubt be: is a Plex Pass worth the price? And for many, the answer will be definitely.

Plex makes hosting your own media server incredibly easy, and the extra visual enhancements to your media collection piece together an experience that will surpass the quality of most streaming services, provided you’ve collected the content to populate it. An all-around solid choice, Plex is a top contender for your media storage solutions.

What Are the Best Streaming Devices to Play Plex Content?

• Amazon Fire TV Cube
• Apple TV
• Google Chromecast
• Nvidia Android TV
• Roku Premiere
• Smartphones (Android, iOS)
• Smart TVs (LG, Roku TV, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Vizio)
• Sonos
• PlayStation 5/Sony PlayStation 4 Pro/PlayStation 3
• TiVo Edge
• Xbox Series X/Xbox One S
• Full list here
  

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  Sign up for Plex or find more information here.

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  2. Kodi

  

  (Kodi)

  Pros:

  • Massive add-on library
  • Open source and free
  • Can provide cover art, music videos, trailers, and more

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  Cons:

  • Users must beware of malicious add-ons
  • Tricky setup setup for streaming boxes
  • Awkward mouse and keyboard controls

  ---

  Kodi is an open-source media center that has been around almost as long as HTPCs (home theater PCs) have been a thing. It is not the most user-friendly home media software out there but it supports an absolutely insane amount of add-ons, making it one of the best options for those who want to host downloaded content alongside their favorite paid streaming services.

  You will find (unofficial) add-ons to support streaming services like YouTube, Spotify, Disney Plus, Netflix, and more. Kodi can even be used to side-load any of the other media streaming services we recommended. Plex’s channel count pales in comparison so when it comes to variety of sources, Kodi really takes the cake.

  Kodi is easy to install on any Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, or iOS device. You can also install Kodi on pretty much any other playback device but this typically requires the use of unofficial methods. This may sound intimidating but you can find step-by-step instructions for pretty much any device on the Kodi Wiki. It is somewhat ironic that you have to take these extra steps, though, as the Kodi UI is definitely optimized for a streaming box

  Don’t get me wrong. The keyboard and mouse interface for Kodi isn’t terrible but its menu layout is definitely designed to be controller-friendly. (It was, after all, originally called Xbox Media Player). Regardless of how you navigate Kodi, it will automatically organize your content to give it a more polished look. You can set it to scrape metadata from your choice of sources to deliver synopses, reviews, movie posters, titles, and genre classification for your downloaded media. You can also install custom skins to give your media library its own unique feel.

  The software is lightweight and snappy and loads fairly quickly. It can handle almost all popular audio and video formats around. Unfortunately, two of the software’s strongest features, its open-source license and its massive add-on library, can count against it if you aren’t careful about how you use them. The unofficial nature of this service means that it is far easier to accidentally download a malicious version of an add-on if you don’t know what you are doing. New users are advised to read the Wiki carefully before getting started. If you are up for this task, however, Kodi can deliver some of the best media server functions you’ll find at the free tier.

  What Are the Best Streaming Devices to Play Kodi Content?

• x86 desktop computers
• Amazon Fire TV Cube (via side loader software)
• Xbox Series X/Xbox One S/Xbox 360
• Raspberry Pi
• Apple TV (via side loader software)
• NVIDIA SHIELD TV (via side loader software)
• Full list here
  

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  Download Kodi or find more information here.

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  3. Emby

  

  (Emby)

  Pros:

  • Hardware accelerated transcoding
  • Provide cover art, music videos, trailers, and more
  • Easy setup

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  Cons:

  • Most features require a subscription or lifetime pass
  • Limited plugins (for now)
  • Free version is basically useless

  ---

  Emby is a newer media server software that combines the polished interface of Plex with the open-source foundation of Kodi to deliver a highly customizable media experience that has a premium feel. But how exactly does this software combine an open-source platform with commercially licensed features? It evolved with the times.

  Emby started out as an open-source project but in 2018 it moved towards Plex’s business model by developing some highly desired plugins and putting them behind a paywall. That said, Emby still offers a considerable set of features even if you just stick with the free version of the software. Let’s dig in.

  Like Plex, Emby uses a client/server setup, where you install the server onto a host device and then install a playback client onto a Roku, Apple TV, or Samsung/LG Smart TV. Alternatively, you can use the web app on another PC. If you are using the free version, these must be on the same local network as your server. Emby automatically scrapes metadata from your choice of sources so that you can organize your library by genre, date, cast, etc. It also allows you to create user profiles and apply parental controls to specific users.

  While this basic feature set may be enough for beginners, advanced users will certainly want to invest in Emby Premiere, which adds a laundry list of extra features. Emby Premier costs either $5 a month or $119 for a lifetime pass. The most important feature of Emby Premiere is the ability to remotely access your media library, and from a larger selection of devices as well. The paid version of Emby also includes access to Emby apps for Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Xbox One, and PS4. To add to that, you get live TV support (subscription required), DVR support, hardware-accelerated transcoding, cloud syncing, offline viewing, and a cinema mode that enhances your viewing experience with trailers and custom intros.

  The premiere features are well worth the cost, but, unfortunately, the free version falls short of this app’s former glory. Before you consider using the free version of Emby, you may want to look into Jellyfin, which forked off from the final open-source release of Emby. It doesn’t have the same feature set and app support as Emby Premiere but it allows remote playback for free on a larger selection of devices. Additionally, I review a number of other open-source options below that are equally well-suited for budget users.

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  What Are the Best Streaming Devices to Play Emby Content?

• LG and Samsung Smart TVs
• Roku Premiere
• Apple TV
• x86 desktop computers
• Google Chromecast
• Amazon Fire TV Cube (requires Emby Premiere)
• Smartphones (requires Emby Premiere)
• Xbox Series X/Xbox One S/Xbox 360 (requires Emby Premiere)
• PlayStation 5/PlayStation 4 Pro/PlayStation 3 (requires Emby Premiere)
• Full list here
  

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  Download Emby or find more information here.

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  4. Universal Media Server

  

  (ADSLZone)

  Pros:

  • Open source and free
  • Fast browsing
  • Highly customizable

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  Cons:

  • Tricky setup
  • Limited plugins
  • Lacks remote access options

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  Universal Media Server is an open-source and fully free media solution, that though quite a bit more complicated than Plex, is just as stable and reliable. This software can be set up on a PC or NAS open-source software, with about the same setup burden, but if any steps of the process get you hung up, a fairly robust support community will be able to help you out.

  Installing UMS is a fairly hands-on process. The software walks you through configuring each setting before you can get your server up and running. To make things trickier, some of your devices might not find your stream if you set it up incorrectly. On the other hand, if set it up correctly, UMS will work with just about any streaming device.

  UMS automatically scans defined locations for new media content, but if you don’t personally manage your files, UMS will look like a mess. Odds are that if you’ve got a serious collection going, you’ve taken enough care to tag everything properly, and even if you don’t the app is still plenty usable.

  Once it’s set up, UMS offers fast browsing and built-in transcoding to play media on devices that may not support a particular format. You do have some access to plugins like SoundCloud, last.fm, and XBMC but the selection is ultimately limited. You might find some nice new streaming services from it, but odds are they won’t be the ones you already use.

  And this will be a deal-breaker for some, but UMS is unable to offer remote access, restricting your server to your local wireless network. For some, this is the whole appeal of a home media server, but for others, they will be happy enough casting to multiple rooms in the house.

  Though it can prove challenging, tweaking UMS is crucial to making this software your own. If you can handle the challenge of doing so, the reward is well worth it.

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  What Are the Best Streaming Devices to Play UMS Content?

• Amazon Fire TV Cube (via side loader software)
• Apple TV
• Google Chromecast
• Roku Premiere
• PlayStation 5/PlayStation 4 Pro/PlayStation 3
• Smartphones (Android, Blackberry, iOS, Sony)
• Smart TVs (LG, Roku TV, Panasonic, Philips, Sharp, Sony, Vizio)
• WDTV
• Xbox Series X/Xbox One S/Xbox 360
• Full list here
  

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  Download Universal Media Server or find more information here.

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  5. Subsonic

  

  (Wikipedia)

  Pros:

  • Fantastic support for large music libraries
  • Supports podcasts and lossless audio
  • Moderately easy setup

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  Cons:

  • Small monthly fee for video support
  • Lacks subtitle support and stream quality settings
  • Limited streaming device support

  ---

  Subsonic is a longstanding contender in the media library game, albeit one that was originally designed for networking a large music library from a network. As such, video streaming, as well as mobile and browser app streaming, are among certain premium features that require a simple $1/month subscription. That means you won’t get full media server capabilities without a small fee.

  Despite being a secondary feature, video streaming works fairly well on Subsonic, and thanks to the huge quantity of transcoding plugins available, you can play just about every codec. Subsonic Premium also allows you to watch videos from devices like a Chromecast, Sonos system, or an Android/iOS/Windows smartphone like the Pixel 4 (which you can find some great cases for in our best Pixel 4 case roundup).

  Unfortunately, this is quite limited compared to the other options you have available. Kodi has a Subsonic plugin and you can find additional side loader software like SubFire Player for using Subsonic with an Amazon Fire TV.

  Most of the other stock features that SubSonic offers also revolve around music, and for that use, they are actually quite handy. For instance, you have one-click album art and album metadata lookup, lossless audio support, and a solid podcast management system. On top of that, Subsonic is also skinnable and highly configurable, in addition to having a pretty straightforward setup.
  if you are committed to using the free version, you are still able to remotely access your full music library with a unique yourname.subsonic.org address. This privilege can also be extended to any number of users and simultaneous players with an optional password.

  Users like myself who are sitting on multiple terabytes of music will greatly appreciate the addition of MusicCabinet, an add-on that incorporates tag-based browsing, personal last.fm suggestions, and missing album recommendations for your favorite artists.

  At the end of the day, Subsonic will not be the best choice for everybody, especially since it is only compatible with a limited number of streaming devices. Avid show and movie watchers will have to deal with a lack of subtitle support, plus an inability to stream quality settings. For myself, music makes up over half the media I own, and Subsonic adequately meets my needs. As an older software, SubSonic doesn’t have the same regular updates as PlayOn, and will be a little harder to work with. But music lovers will have enough to keep them busy, even if they occasionally have to pull a foreign film up on VLC instead.

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  What Are the Best Streaming Devices to Play Subsonic Content?

• Amazon Fire TV Cube (via side loader software)
• Google Chromecast
• Smartphones (Android, iOS)
• Smart TVs (DLNA only)
• Sonos
• UPnP
• Full list here
  

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  Download Subsonic or find more information here.

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  6. Serviio

  

  (Serviio)

  Pros:

  • Has a solid free/open source version
  • Remote access
  • Strong plugin support

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  Cons:

  • Top features restricted to Pro version
  • Tricky setup
  • No iOS app

  ---

  Serviio is similar to UMS, as it is a fast and powerful open-source media server rich in advanced controls and functions. But unlike UMS, Serviio has a paid version that offers a convenient remote browser player, an Android app, and some other functionalities. This software runs on either a computer or NAS, and also streams content from online sources, like RSS feeds, live audio/video streams, web page content.

  Serviio requires you to already have your content organized and titled correctly, otherwise, it will look like a total mess. In the free version, you can stream to newer Playstation and XBox devices, as well as other computers, but other devices like Sonos, Roku, and Chromecast have been known to have issues working with Serviio. Because of its detailed configuration options, almost anything is possible with this software, but it won’t be easy.

  If you make a one-time payment of $25 for Serviio Pro, you get access to the convenient MediaBrowser feature, which offers an intuitive browser-based UI that makes mobile, tablet, and PC viewing look equally good. MediaBrowser also offers easier access to subtitles and stream quality controls. Beyond MediaBrowser, you also get other features like the ServiiGo Android app (there is no app for iOS) for streaming content, and the ability to control what content you share, plus to whom you share it with.

  Even on the free version, remote server access is available, but you need to have a compatible router, and it is a difficult feature to set up. Also available to free users is Serviio’s plugin ecosystem, which offers a pretty robust selection, mostly support for websites. These include sites like YouTube, Hulu, Twitch, and even some more adult-oriented community choices.

  Serviio Pro is definitely a cheaper option than a Plex Pass, but the software offers a competitive suite of features even for free users. If you are up the challenge of a more complex media server software, Serviio can be a highly rewarding choice.

  ---

  What Are the Best Streaming Devices to Play Serviio Content?

• Roku Premiere
• Smartphones (Android, iOS)
• Smart TVs (LG, Roku TV, Panasonic, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba)
• PlayStation 5/PlayStation 4 Pro/PlayStation 3
• WDTV
• Xbox Series X/Xbox One S/Xbox 360
• Full list here
  

  ---

  Download Serviio or find more information here.

  ---

  7. PlayOn

  

  (Wikipedia)

  Pros:

  • Integrates many streaming services alongside local content
  • Strong plugin and scripting community
  • PlayLater service can record streaming content for you

  ---

  Cons:

  • Windows Only
  • Frequent updates will occasionally cause problems
  • Less control over local playback

  ---

  Though it has its quirks, PlayOn is a highly functional option for streaming media, provided you are running it from a Windows PC. PlayOn is only compatible with Windows, which unfortunately means that Linux and iOS users as well as those who own a NAS device are left out in the cold. Additionally, PlayOn’s specialty is not expert management of your own files, but rather the streams you usually use to discover new content. To put it another way, it works sort of like a network-wide Roku.

  Don’t worry, you can still add local content like movies, music, and photos to our PlayOn library as you can with any media server. However, PlayOn focuses more on providing a diversity of free and paid streaming services. This accounts for over 100 channels to start, including Hulu, YouTube, Netflix, Comedy Central, and all the major TV networks. Browsing this large selection is fairly easy with PlayOn’s UI, which is quite well polished. I found the bookmark feature particularly handy to keep track of daily streams, and I also enjoyed using the PlayMark extension to stream videos from my favorite web feeds.

  One caveat is that you will need to go with a subscription plan to stream to non-PC devices like a smart TV, Roku, gaming console, or a mobile phone like iPhone 13 Pro Max. If, however, you only want to stream between a host PC and a home theater PC, then you can do that with the free version. That said, PlayOn runs a number of specials on their pricing, meaning you will rarely have to pay the full $69.99 for your lifetime pass.

  This is quite reasonable considering that PlayOn Plus also includes the PlayLater service, a software for your computer or mobile device that records streaming media, and saves it to your device for future viewing. It is not as convenient as simply having a download option but it is still a perfectly legal way to save content and skip commercials. And what’s more, PlayOn has a massive community following that writes scripts specifically for capturing your favorite kind of content.

  Ultimately, PlayOn might leave some enthusiasts wishing for more features, but it has an easier UI than Roku, and offers PlayLater, which gives you the ability to record any streaming media and play it back later commercial-free. Being able to download previously streamed content works great alongside remote access, and though this isn’t the most consistent media server software out there, it will certainly meet the needs of most.

  ---

  What Are the Best Streaming Devices to Play PlayOn Content?

• Chromecast (stream/cast/adskip)
• Amazon Fire TV Cube (stream/cast/adskip)
• Google Chromecast (stream)
• Smartphones (Android, iOS, Blackberry, Kindle Fire, Windows Phone 8)
• Smart TVs (DLNA only)
• PlayStation 5/PlayStation 4 Pro/PlayStation 3 (stream)
• Roku</a (stream/cast/adskip)
• WDTV (stream/cast)
• Wii U/Wii (stream)
• Xbox Series X/Xbox One S/Xbox 360 (stream/cast/adskip)
• Full list here
  

  ---

  Download PlayOn or find more information here.

  ---

  Heavy, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon. Our product recommendations are guided solely by our editors. We have no relationship with manufacturers.

Rather than dazzle you with specs, Google’s Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro phones draw a crowd with genuinely useful features like free VPN support, spam protection, and Direct My Call. But all that convenience isn’t worth much if you break your phone. Be smart and get yourself one of the best Pixel 7 cases to keep your Google phone intact until your next upgrade.

If you’re tired of checking the weather and manually adjusting your in-ground irrigation system, it’s time to get a smart sprinkler controller. These gadgets come with an impressive array of benefits, like automatically adapting to the season so that you never over or under water your lawn. 

There are a variety of sprinkler controllers to choose from, so picking one can be confusing. This article will take a deep dive into the Imolaza, covering both the benefits and drawbacks.

Imolaza Smart Sprinkler Controller At a Glance

‌

Pros

• Get real-time weather forecast data
• Customize water schedules for up to eight zones
• Tailor schedules based on plant and soil type, sun exposure, and more
• Use the Imolaza app to control the sprinkler from anywhere
• Install in 30 minutes or less
• Pay zero subscription fees

Cons

• Must purchase outdoor protective box separately
• No voice control, though that’s currently being developed 

About the Imolaza Smart Sprinkler Controller

‌

The Imolaza Smart Sprinkler Controller allows you to easily control your sprinkler, whether from the device itself or on the mobile app. The app is available for iPhone via the App Store, or Android via the Google Play Store. You can choose between four and eight-zone systems, depending on your lawn. You don’t have to use all the zones – for example, you can set up just five zones on your eight-zone system – whatever works for your unique landscape.

With this sprinkler controller, you can set up watering schedules for each zone, opt into smart scheduling, adjust the schedules based on weather, and more. The app and sprinkler controller connect to wifi, allowing you to easily adjust your settings from anywhere. Once you choose your settings, they’re automatically stored on the sprinkler controller device. So, even if your phone or the device loses connection to wifi, it will still run as intended.

The sprinkler controller is made for indoor use, such as inside your home or garden shed. You may also opt to purchase a protective, waterproof enclosure in which you can keep the controller if you want to use it outside. While that is an extra cost, it’s standard across most brands that you purchase the protective box separately.

App

The most exciting aspect of the Imolaza sprinkler controller is the app. It’s super user-friendly – quickly add and edit zones, start or stop a sprinkler, and more. You can get as detailed as you want within the zones. You can update the:

• Name
• Photo
• Type of area (planter, trees, etc)
• Plant type
• Sprinkler type
• Soil type
• Sunlight
• Slope
• Size of the area
• Allowed depletion

While that is a standard level of detail, you can go even deeper with the advanced settings. Here, you can include root depth, crop coefficient percentages, sprinkler application rate, efficiency percentage, and available water in the soil. These settings allow you to take complete control over your lawn so that you can ensure the healthiest plants and grass.

The app also sends you notifications, as long as you opt into them. It will let you know when a zone has been watered and if any zones were adjusted manually. It also lets you know if anything goes wrong – for example, if a zone wasn’t watered because of a weather change.

Watering

Of course, the main reason you get a sprinkler controller is to control the watering of each zone. Imolaza makes this very easy – just open the app and click on “Schedule” at the bottom of the main screen. Here, you can set various yard schedules. For example, you might have zones one, two, and three set to water each day at 11:00 a.m. Meanwhile, you can set zones four and five to start watering at 10:00 p.m. daily. This is a key feature since some sprinkler controllers don’t allow you to run multiple zones at the same time.

On the yard schedule page, you can also set a variety of details, including:

• Name
• Interval
• Zone(s)
• Irrigation time
• Duration
• Start/end dates
• Soak settings
• Weather intelligence
• Smart schedule

One of the best features is weather intelligence – the app automatically searches your local weather forecast. In the weather intelligence setting, you can tell the sprinkler controller to skip watering when there’s rain, a freeze, or wind in the forecast. Plus, with smart schedule, you can allow the controller to decide whether or not it needs to change the watering schedule based on a variety of factors. 

Another great feature is the soak setting. You can set the system to smart soak, creating a slight delay between waterings to allow the water to sink down before the next watering. Ultimately, all of these features ensure that you never under or overwater your lawn and plants.

Installation

Just about anyone can install the Imolaza Smart Sprinkler Controller – even without prior experience. When you first open the box, you’ll find a mounting template that shows you exactly where to drill holes into your wall to mount the controller. 

Then, you simply open the controller and connect the wires from your existing system to the controller. You’ll find directions on how to install the wires based on your existing system in the guidebook. You can level the wires using the included label stickers. Plug the controller into a power source, and you’re ready to go.

The Final Verdict

The Imolaza Smart Sprinkler Controller is effective, intuitive, and budget-friendly. The Imolaza delivers all the tools you could need in the app. Adjust your watering zones, stop or start a watering session, opt into smart scheduling, and more – all in one easy-to-use interface. Plus, you can get a waterproof enclosure to use the device outside.

The team behind Imolaza is always working on improving and upgrading the product, as well. For example, they’re currently working on developing voice control for the sprinkler controller.

Ultimately, the Imolaza delivers in every area – it makes managing your lawn and plant care easy. Work smarter, not harder by using the Imolaza Smart Sprinkler Controller.

Buy it Here

The popularity of smartwatches continues to become more apparent, and every version of the Apple Watch, along with its accessories, tends to get plenty of attention. Considering the accessibility and efficiency they bring, that’s no surprise.

With an Apple Watch, sometimes it seems like nothing can halt progress on your to-do list  — until the battery runs low, that is. But don’t let that slow down your busy day. You can get a quick boost from this Apple Watch-compatible keychain charger, which is currently on sale for only $19.99 (reg. $49).

This Keychain Is an On-The-Go Asset

Forget the frustrations of bulky, tangled cords. This keychain supplies the power you need in a small pocket-sized package that keeps pace with your active lifestyle. You’ll essentially replace the standard charging cables with a one-step process: Stick your Apple Watch to the magnetic charger, and the device will utilize a microcomputer electronic system to deliver juice to your wearable.

Featuring a built-in 950mAh lithium-ion battery, this keychain is built to charge all Apple Watches, regardless of their series. As a result, it’s an ideal travel accessory, taking up so little space and sparing you from packing additional charging accessories. It carries a rating of 4.5 out of five stars on our store based on nearly 100 reviews. Verified buyer Kathleen P. shared, “This is a great charger for my Apple Watch. I bought it for when I travel[.] I just went to Florida, it fits in my purse and it has held five charges so far.”

Meanwhile, that strong magnetism provides the freedom to move and adjust without interrupting the process. However, you’ll also need to keep that charger powered up itself, which is why this package comes complete with a cable for doing just that.

Save Big on This Convenient Apple Watch Charger

Maximize your Apple Watch each day, no matter where the journey takes you, by picking up this Apple Watch Wireless Charger Keychain for only $19.99 (reg. $49). Or pick up a two-pack for only $38.99 (reg. $99).

 

Apple Watch Wireless Charger Keychain (2-Pack) – $38.99

Power Up On-The-Go

Prices subject to change.

Heavy may receive a commission if you purchase a product through a link on this page.

Apple products and their accessories remain at the cutting edge of personal technology, empowering device owners across the world. However, things can become pretty pricey fast when sorting through new options. 

For a limited time, during our Refurbished Event, you’ll find a variety of popular Apple creations at discounted prices. No coupons are necessary to seize these deals, but this promotion only runs from September 17 through 30, so pick them up while they’re still available!

Apple iPad mini 2 With 32GB (WiFi Only) + Accessories Bundle

• Provides 32GB of storage.
• Delivers up to 10 hours of battery life.
•  7.9″ Retina display features more than 3.1 million pixels

Find more Apple iPad mini 2 information here.

 

Apple iPad Mini 2 32GB (Refurbished: Wi-Fi Only) + Accessories Bundle – $156.99

Shop Refurbished

Apple iPad 5 With 32GB in Space Gray (WiFi Only) + Accessories Bundle

• Great visual detail via iSight and FaceTime HD Cameras.
• Equipped with an Apple A7X processor.
• Offers 1GB of RAM for swift operation and reliable performance.

Find more Apple iPad 5 information here.

 

Apple iPad 5 32GB – Space Gray (Refurbished: Wi-Fi) + Accessories Bundle – $211.99

Shop Refurbished

Apple MacBook Air 11″ With 128GB in Silver

• Bluetooth connectivity allows you to sync to other devices.
• Intel Turbo Boost technology offers extra power.
• Edit photos and videos without crushing your power consumption.

Find more Apple MacBook Air 11″ information here.

 

Apple MacBook Air 11″ Core i5, 4GB RAM 128GB SSD – Silver (Refurbished) – $265.99

Shop Refurbished

Apple iPad 9.7″ 5th Gen With 32GB in Silver (WiFi Only) + Bundle

• Surf the web with speed thanks to an A9 third-generation chip. 
• iSight camera lets users take and share stunning images.
• Dual cameras make video communication less complicated.

Find more Apple iPad 9.7″ 5th Gen information here.

 

Apple iPad 9.7″ 5th Gen 32GB – Silver (Refurbished: Wi-Fi Only) + Bundle – $205.99

Shop Refurbished

Apple iPad Air With 16GB in Space Gray (Wi-Fi Only) + Bundle

• 8MP camera features a five-element lens and a Hybrid IR filter.
• Video stabilization tools.
• Siri functionality gives users voice command functionality.

Find more Apple iPad Air information here.

 

Apple iPad Air 16GB – Space Gray (Grade B Refurbished: Wi-Fi Only) Bundle – $105.99

Shop Refurbished

Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ With 128GB in Silver + Accessories Bundle

• 5th Gen Intel Core i5 enhances a powerful performance.
• Up to 12 hours of battery life.
• Supplies SDXC card slot.

Find more Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ information here.

 

Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ Core i5, 1.4GHz 4GB RAM 128GB – Silver (Refurbished) + Accessories Bundle – $295.99

Shop Refurbished

Apple MacBook Air 11.6″ With 128GB in Silver

• Features a 1.6GHz Intel Core i5 and 128GB of storage space.
• Upgrade your processing power with Intel Turbo Boost technology.
• Bluetooth connectivity makes for easy syncing and sharing.

Find more Apple MacBook Air 11.6″ information here.

 

Apple MacBook Air 11.6″ Core i5, 1.6GHz 4GB RAM 128GB – Silver (Refurbished) – $282.99

Shop Refurbished

Apple iPad Air 3rd Gen 10.5″ With 64GB in Space Gray (WiFi Only) + Accessories Bundle

• iOS 15 provides the latest tools and features from Apple.
• The battery can last up to 10 hours on a single charge.
• Get online anytime, anywhere via a wireless network or hotspot.

Find more Apple iPad Air 3rd Gen 10.5″ information here.

 

Apple iPad Air 3rd Gen 10.5″ 64GB – Space Gray (Refurbished: WiFi Only) + Accessories Bundle – $349.99

Shop Refurbished

Apple iPad mini 4 With 128GB (WiFi + 4G Unlocked) + Accessories Bundle

• Look your best with a 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera.
• Bluetooth 4.2 allows for the easy transfer of data to and from compatible devices.
• Comes in an original Apple box.

Find more Apple iPad mini 4 information here.

 

Apple iPad mini 4, 128GB (Refurbished: WiFi + 4G Unlocked) & Accessories Bundle – $289.99

Shop Refurbished

Apple iPad Pro 9.7″ With 128GB in Space Gray (Wi-Fi Only)

• Designed with dual microphones and two sets of stereo speakers.
• Browse the web, work, or game without a charge for up to 10 hours.
• Weighs less than one pound.

Find more Apple iPad Pro 9.7″ information here.

 

Apple iPad Pro 9.7″ 128GB – Space Gray (Refurbished: Wi-Fi Only) – $310.99

Shop Refurbished

Prices subject to change.

Heavy may receive a commission if you purchase a product through a link on this page.

Microsoft Office is a formidable force across workplaces and schools globally. Its collection of apps has proven to become mainstays for accomplishing tasks, sparking creativity, and sharpening presentations.

With Office, you’re given a wide range of services, from data analysis to communication methods and presenting several proven paths toward content creation. And for a limited time, you can save on Office for your Mac or Windows computer. Home & Business for Mac is just $39.99, while Windows users can purchase Professional 2021 for just $5 more.

Load Microsoft’s Most Popular Apps on Your Computer

Windows users get Office Professional 2021, which provides instant access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. Prepare to experience the full potential of this powerful software that earned 4.5 out of five stars on PCMag.

This bundle requires Windows 10 or later. And with unlimited access, you can take your time familiarizing yourself with Office’s programs. Tools you might not use every day might soon become your favorite features as you grow in your career and personal life.

And with Home & Business 2022 for Mac, you don’t have to juggle different devices or strange apps to convert your project docs into the appropriate file extension. A valuable tool for families or small businesses that share documents across different operating systems, immediately enhancing your Mac’s functionality. It carries a rating of 4.5 stars out of five on our store.

These bundles are delivered instantly for download. Plus, free customer service supplies support as needed. 

Save on Microsoft Office 2021 for Windows and Mac

Jump on a limited-time offer and pick up a lifetime subscription to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 for only $39.99 (reg. $349) or one for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for only $39.99 (reg. $349).

 

Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License – $39.99

See Deal

Prices subject to change.

Heavy may receive a commission if you purchase a product through a link on this page.

Once considered something fairly exclusive to pro photographers and military operations, drones have become increasingly popular among everyday people. Aside from looking awesome as they soar through the air, you can also equip them with cameras for a unique aerial view.

When exploring the market for a drone that fits your needs, you might get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options, not to mention their prices. But for a limited time, you can take advantage of a deal on the Black GPS 4K Drone 106 Pro at a price that’s hard to beat: just $68.96. 

Powerful, Low-Fuss Technology

This innovative device packs plenty of functions for users of various ages without putting a dent in your bank account. So whether you’re exploring new ways to collect multimedia or simply desire a bird’s-eye view that alters the perspective of your surroundings, the Black GPS 4K drone delivers an impressive blend of affordability and efficiency.

Navigate your drone from a distance with efficiency while fully monitoring flights from the ground. Users can also take control of their drone through an app, so there are different ways to approach flying.

The Black GPS 4K drone is equipped with an altitude hold mode that ensures stable flight with foldable arms. Plus, a one-key automatic return lets the drone work back to its starting point without any user frustrations. The remote requires only three AA batteries, so there’s no need to work on a complicated charging process. 

This drone’s three-axis mechanical gimbal, 4K camera, and image stabilization combine to produce a high-quality experience at a surprisingly low price. Take high-definition photos and video anytime with a control distance reaching 1,200 meters. For reference, that’s as long as a dozen football fields.

Hit the Sky at a Great Value

Soar high with this special deal on the Black GPS 4K Drone 106 Pro for only $68.95.

 

Black GPS 4K Drone 106 Pro with Gimbal & Electronic Image Stabilization – $68.95

Take to the Skies

Prices subject to change.

Heavy may receive a commission if you purchase a product through a link on this page.

Considering that Samsung’s Z Flip 3 was the most popular foldable smartphone ever at its release, it should come as no surprise that the Z Flip 4 is anticipated to have an even larger release. Now that the next generation of foldable phones has been announced, you can already snag protective cases from all the top phone accessory manufacturers.