It’s been a few months since my last Gadget Haul video but I finally accumulated enough useful stuff to do another one! My 18th haul video covers a wide gamut of useful tech, most of it relatively affordable.
Check out the video here! And find the complete set of covered items here on Amazon (compensated affiliate link).
One of the more distinctive items is the Monokaro display pin (compensated affiliate link). This is a wearable device featuring a 360×360 resolution touchscreen that can be pinned to clothing. It supports a variety of media formats, including static images, animated GIFs, and short videos. While the memory is somewhat limited—holding roughly 50 images or five GIFs—it functions well for identification or event organization. Using the accompanying app, users can upload content via Bluetooth, though transfer speeds for larger files can be slow. Battery life varies significantly depending on brightness levels, ranging from four hours at maximum intensity to 18 hours on the lowest setting. It charges via a standard USB-C port and even allows for image transfers between two pins without using the app as an intermediary.
For those interested in the technical health of their USB connections, the FNB-C2 cable tester (compensated affilate link) will give you a very detailed read-out of charging performance. When placed between a charger and a device, such as a smartphone, it measures real-time power draw and voltage. It includes an orientation sensor to keep the display readable and provides data on cable health through an e-marker reading utility. While the device is useful for monitoring power delivery, the physical design can be somewhat cumbersome when performing more extensive loop tests. It is most effective as a real-time monitor for ensuring a device is receiving the intended wattage from a power source.
Efficiency is also the focus of the Anker two-in-one charging cable (compensated affiliate link). This cable splits a single USB-C input into two outputs, using internal hardware to negotiate power distribution between devices. It is capable of supporting up to 140 watts, though the actual output depends on the connected power supply and the needs of the devices. For example, when two devices are connected to a 140 watt power supply, the first device can draw up to 112 watts while the second receives only 18 watts. This is a practical solution for travelers who want to charge a laptop and a phone simultaneously from a single power brick.
In the budget-friendly category, the Elefas H211 projector (compensated affiliate link) offers a 720p experience powered by the Roku operating system. The inclusion of a familiar, secure interface like Roku is a benefit, as it ensures compatibility with major streaming apps. However, this is a minimally viable product in terms of hardware. It lacks autofocus and keystone correction, and its low brightness level requires a completely dark room for a clear image. Furthermore, significant input latency makes it unsuitable for fast-paced gaming, though it remains a functional option for casual media consumption in dark environments. But given its low price point it works as expected.
Nostalgia drives gadget trends these days, and Hallmark has been cashing in with their retro gaming Keepsake Ornaments. The latest additions to my collection are these two replicas of the original PlayStation and the Xbox consoles (compensated affiliate links) include light-up features and the original boot sounds of each console. The PlayStation ornament plays the console’s iconic startup sound, while the Xbox version plays its original opener followed by the title music from Halo. These are detailed collectibles that serve a very specific niche of holiday decor.
Sticking with retro devices, Retro Fighters has expanded its line of game controllers with the Defender Pro and the Brawler 64 Pro (compensated affiliate link). These wireless controllers are designed to work with both modern hardware, like PCs and the Nintendo Switch, and the original consoles that inspired their design via included wireless dongles. The Brawler 64 Pro is particularly notable for its integration of a memory card slot and internal rumble emulation, which mimics the original Nintendo 64 hardware experience. Both controllers feature low-latency performance and include macro buttons and adjustable triggers. The build quality is consistent with high-quality third-party peripherals, offering modern ergonomics for vintage gaming systems.
Flashlight tech continues to diversify, and Wuben has introduced several new models. The Wuben X5 is a tactical-style flashlight capable of 1,300 lumens, featuring a built-in green laser and an ultraviolet light for inspection tasks. For everyday carry, the E2 is a compact keychain light that reaches 150 lumens, while the X3 features a rotatable head and wireless charging capabilities. These lights are constructed from metal or super high impact plastic and feel durable, though the X3 requires a specific charging base if wireless charging is not available (all links are compensated affiliate links).
For nature enthusiasts, Birdfy offers bird feeders (compensated affiliate link) equipped with integrated cameras and solar panels. These devices capture video of visiting wildlife and can store footage locally or in the cloud. While the AI identification features and extended video retention require a subscription, the basic functionality allows for 30 days of storage and live monitoring via a smartphone app. One advanced feature is the ability to stream the camera feed via RTMP, allowing users to broadcast their backyard bird activity to platforms like YouTube. Continuous streaming, however, requires a dedicated power source, as the battery and solar panel are designed for intermittent, motion-triggered recording.
The final item is a standalone 4k 60 UHD capture device from Cloner Alliance (compensated affiliate link). Unlike typical capture cards that require a computer, this unit records 4K 60fps video directly to an SD card or USB storage. It features an on-screen display and a remote control for configuration, allowing users to adjust bitrates and audio settings without a PC. While there is a slight latency of approximately 50 milliseconds on the HDMI passthrough, it is an effective tool for recording high-resolution game footage or camera feeds in a portable, standalone format.
See more of these gadget haul videos here!
Disclosure: I paid for the Anker cable with my own funds, the other items came in free of charge from their respective manufacturers. No other compensation was received and no one reviewed or approved this content prior to publication.