gadgetIRL
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Yale's Assure smart lock set me free from key anxiety
Yale's Assure Lock helped me stop worrying about keys.
My to-read list exploded thanks to free books through the Libby app
Kris Naudus describes how the Libby library app helped restore her sanity during lockdown.
Living with TCL's 8-series 4K TV: Quality without paying for OLED
TCL's 8-series 4K TV is a great value for a premium set.
Fully’s Jarvis standing desk is good, but its customer service is even better
It's a great standing desk, but the customer service was above and beyond what I expected.
Hatch Rest is the perfect all-in-one night light for my kids
The Hatch Rest is a night light, white noise machine and backup alarm all in one.
What we're buying: Concept2 Model D with PM5 rowing machine
This month, Senior Editor Dan Cooper tells us about his new (if gently used) rowing machine and what he likes, and dislikes, about it.
What we're buying: Shonen Jump's cheap manga subscription
This week, we're taking a break from hardware to dive deep into Shonen Jump's recently released manga app and subscription plan. As Senior Editor Kris Naudus explains, it may have a few problems, but its $2-a-month plan is hard to beat.
What we're buying: Philips OneBlade shaver
Men don't get much when it comes to the bathroom-gadget oeuvre, and Engadget usually deals in two kinds of them: established devices given a new twist, and extreme futuristic-use cases for the future of our bathroom -- typically aimed at women. Not so in this week's IRL. Bureau Chief Mat Smith's recommendation is for our more... hirsute readers. It's an electric shaver/beard trimmer from Philips. Don't roll your eyes so quickly because things are a little different this time, and for the scruff-loving, sensitive (skinned) Mat, it's game-changing. Calm down with the hyperbole, Mathew.
What we're buying: Dyson's Supersonic hair dryer
This month, Associate Editor Swapna Krishna is singing the praises of Dyson's advanced but pricey hair dryer. Compared with her old model, it's like night and day.
What we're buying: Lightroom on a new iPhone, Google's Pixel 2 cases
This month, we're making the most of our devices, whether that's by testing mobile photo-editing apps, trying out an iPad keyboard that matches its surroundings, or simply just laying down a little too much cash for a pretty-looking Pixel 2 phone case.
What we're buying: Instant Pot Ultra, Huel and Sleep Cycle
This month is a (mostly) foodie edition of IRL. Nicole Lee sings the praises of the Instant Pot, while Daniel Cooper doesn't last long on the meal-replacement system, Huel. Tim Seppala, however, is just trying to get a good night's rest.
What we're buying: BeatsX wireless buds, Roland JP-08, Paprika app
As summer turns to fall, Engadget editors are looking to indoor pursuits, whether that involves paying for smarter recipe apps, a new synth toy or some wireless headphones for that indoor treadmill.
What we're using: Qapital, Mighty and the Switch Pro controller
This month's In Real Life focuses on self-improvement: taking your Spotify playlists to the gym minus your phone, getting some app-powered help on your savings and, er, being a better gamer on the Nintendo Switch.
What we're using: The Razer Blade and switching back to Windows
Welcome to IRL, our series dedicated to the things that Engadget writers play, use, watch and listen to. This week, Features Editor Aaron Souppouris explains his switch to Windows and a new laptop, after an extended stint dedicated to MacBooks and Mac OS. How did that work out?
What we're using in July
There's a difference between what we test and write about for the site, and what Engadget editors actually decide to lay down their own cash for. Outside work hours, and when the review samples go back to the companies, what are our writers using? Which apps and services do we actually use? We've already talked about games, audio and the things we're watching, but this is Engadget: It's time to talk hardware. This week, Daniel Cooper decided to take the plunge with Google WiFi's mesh network after an accident destroyed his old wireless network. It's a story of pros and cons.
