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What is a gaming phone? Since most smartphones can actually handle mobile games, especially the more expensive models, this breed of smartphones differentiates itself from the rest of the crowd with over-the-top performance and, more often than not, over-the-top aesthetics as well. Whether it’s in the form of flashy RGB lighting or an abundance of geometric shapes, the stereotypical gaming phone leaves no room for doubt that these gadgets are miniature versions of gaming desktops and laptops that grab people’s attention one way or another. Great for hardcore gamers who have embraced that aesthetic, not so much for others who want a gaming-worthy phone they can use everywhere as well. That’s the kind of redesign that the new ROG Phone 8 is now carrying, bringing its unparalleled performance for a wider audience to enjoy.

Designer: ASUS Republic of Gamers

There isn’t going to be any debate on the merits of the ROG Phone 8’s gaming prowess. Powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and paired with the fastest memory and storage technologies in the market, it can handle any mobile game currently in existence and then some. The large 6.78-inch AMOLED display promises bright images even under sunlight, and an equally large 5,500mAh battery guarantees hours of enjoyment of games and streaming videos. Those specs are on par with most gaming phones of this caliber, but, for the first time, ROG is adjusting its specs and design to match what not just gamers but also the masses want.

For example, it has a more powerful camera system now, with a 50MP main Sony sensor joined by a surprising 32MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. This is a huge step up from the macro shooter that the brand usually puts on its gaming phones, though the 13MP ultra-wide camera is still minimally decent. ROG has also ensured the durability of the ROG Phone 8 by giving it IP68 dust and water resistance, the first gaming phone to receive this certification. That’s thanks to a cooling system and thermal design that doesn’t require a tiny fan inside, though ASUS ROG will try to convince owners to buy and use the AeroActive Cooler X attachment as well.

The biggest change, however, is also the most obvious. Gone are the sci-fi-like design of the previous ROG phones, replaced by an aesthetic that still looks sleek and stylish but also cleaner. The pentagon-shaped camera island is off to the side, similar to many camera designs these days, and the back sports a dual-tone tone color theme, depending on the colorway. That’s not to say that the ROG Phone 8 completely ditches the hallmarks of gamer aesthetics, as the base model still has a customizable Aura RGB Lighting on the ROG logo. The ROG Phone 8 Pro, on the other hand, gets an “AniMe Vision” Mini LED display composed of 341 lighting elements that can display preset or custom animations.

It remains to be seen whether the ROG Phone 8’s sudden change of direction will help it appeal to more customers beyond the gamer crowd, or if it will actually turn gamers away toward competing brands. Suffice it to say, it’s a bold new design for a gaming phone, one that still packs the power that gamers require, now wrapped in a stylish design that could appeal to everyone as well. The ASUS ROG Phone 8 will be available in Q1 2024 with an SRP of $1,099 for the base model, $1,199 for the ROG Phone 8 Pro, and $1,499.99 for the ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition that includes the AeroActive Cooler X in the box.

The year is almost over, but there’s plenty of time left to unveil new products, including new smartphones that could become gift ideas for people in some markets. We’ve seen quite a few make their way to the market a few days ago, but most of them revolve around “normal” phones for everyday use. Gaming phones, however, still make up a slice of that large pie, and one of the top brands in this market is taking out its big guns early. Former ZTE sub-brand nubia is reaching out to gamers with the latest RedMagic model, bearing a slightly new design that manages to keep key features that fans of the brand have grown fond of, whether they make sense or not.

Designer: nubia

What sets a gaming smartphone apart from regular smartphones, including those expensive ones, isn’t just their over-the-top performance. Most gaming-centric phones carry a certain aesthetic that really marks them for a certain crowd, one that appreciates a lot of RGB lighting, lines and geometric shapes, and other details that make the design look futuristic if not highly technical. The nubia RedMagic 9 Pro continues that tradition this year but makes a few tweaks that streamline the gamer design a little bit better.

Most notable is the relocation of the cameras from the middle of the phone to the side, something that’s almost a standard across all smartphone designs. The camera bump is also gone, with the lenses sitting flush against the entire back. That does mean that the phone is a little bit thicker than most of its kind, but a hefty and beefy handset is already expected for a device that’s designed to be a heavy-duty gaming machine. The rather odd design change is that only two of the three big circles are actually cameras, with the third deceptively hiding the cooling fan. The third camera is off to the side, though having a 2MP depth sensor makes it almost negligible.

The rest of the RedMagic 9 Pro has a similar vibe to its predecessor, with lines and shapes on the back that give the semblance of panels that cover futuristic machines like ships, robots, and similar. For those who prefer a more subtle appearance, the Sleek model has an aesthetic closer to the typical black smartphones, masking its identity for more discreet uses. The front still has an under-display camera, which means there’s nothing visually breaking the large screen.

There’s also still that miniature cooling fan, one of the brand’s gimmicks to help keep things cool and prevent the phone from throttling its performance. It may be effective to some degree, but the price that is paid is having no dust or water resistance guarantee. With a more efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and a newer “ICE 13 Multi-Dimensional” cooling system, such a fan might no longer be needed and is becoming more of a liability than a selling point in the long run.

In midsized truck camping, the market has been dominated by soft-top pop-up models, blending mobility with living space. However, Colorado-based High Altitude Trailer Co is rewriting the rules with a game-changing truck camping solution called the Ultralite TB50.

Diverging from the familiar pop-top designs, Ultralite TB50 has embraced a single-piece composite truck bed camper shell that challenges convention and takes truck camping to a new comfortable and camper-like style. With the TB50 you get a fixed roof, four hard walls, and a floor resting above the truck bed that is generally used as the flooring by other pop-up models.

Designer: High Altitude Trailer Co

Campers are the preferable option for their security through the elements, which pop-up soft tops for trucks fail to deliver. Bettering the flimsy tent fabrics, the Ultralite TB50 arrives with foam-insulated hard-walls, to shield you from the elements without sacrificing the thrill of being on the back of your truck overnight.

TB50 comes with a fixed high roof but it guarantees enough headroom inside. With 54 inches over the bed rails of midsize pickup trucks, it ensures a comforting camping experience. Its base configuration comprising a fold-down full-size queen mattress for a restful sleep, LED lighting to set the mood, and a generously sized entry door keeps it refreshingly simple, but the company offers you a canvas to craft your dream camping setup with the Ultralite TB50.

High Altitude Trailer Co provides a range of add-ons, so you can tailor your Ultralite TB50 to your requirement. Whether it’s a window to perfect the view, awing to extend the living space outdoor, or a plush mattress that rivals your bed at home, the options are out there for your choosing. With a starting price of $14,500, this pioneering slide-in camping topper, that weight 448 lbs, provides unparalleled value for the features it brings to the table.

According to Airstream president and CEO Bob Wheeler, in a time of unprecedented growth in outdoor recreation, there is an urgent need to conserve and safeguard the beautiful outdoor spaces we cherish. Recognizing this, two iconic outdoor brands, REI and Airstream, have joined forces yet again to cater to the needs of environmentally-conscious adventurers seeking longer and more sustainable outdoor stays.

Last year, these two brands made headlines with their first-ever special-edition, off-road camper trailer based on Airstream’s 16-foot platform. Taking ahead from the success of their initial venture, the two are now launching the REI x Airstream Special Edition Basecamp 20X, a larger and more robust travel trailer with upgraded features apt for adventures beyond civilization.

Designer: REI and Airstream

Beyond the size, the Basecamp 20X has a great commitment to sustainability. The trailer incorporates post-consumer recycled materials into its fabrics and laminates, while the cabinetry is constructed using sustainable wood. By prioritizing eco-friendly materials and design, REI and Airstream demonstrate their dedication to preserving the natural beauty that inspires greener adventures and mindful travel.

The Basecamp 20X trailer maintains a manageable 3,500-pound base weight, making it easy to tow and maneuver, while its spacious interior opens up a world of possibilities. For instance, its convertible front dinette can transform into a lounge section post-dining after a long day of exploration. A separate sleeping area provides comfortable and efficient use of space.

The three-in-one wet bath complete with a composting toilet and an outdoor shower is located across the galley boasting green slate countertops with birch plywood, adding a touch of elegance to the wide interior. For camping in the terrains unthreaded, enthusiasts get a 360W solar system paired with dual 100Ah lithium batteries to take care of the power needs in off-grid locations.

Additionally, onboard you have a water purification system with a recirculating water heater, larger tanks for fresh and gray water. And for those seeking adventure with their gear, the Basecamp 20X offers an L-rack storage system, which allows you to securely transport bikes, snowboards, skis, and any other outdoor equipment essential to your excursions. It also includes a three-inch lift kit for additional clearance on rough roads and stainless-steel front stone guards for additional safety.

With its impressive features, commitment to sustainability, and unrivaled versatility, the REI x Airstream Basecamp 20X is now available to adventurers at $62,400. So, gear up, hitch your trailer, and embark on an unforgettable journey!